Specimen Retrieval Bag Nested Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen retrieval methods often fail to effectively isolate diseased tissue from surrounding tissue during minimally invasive surgical procedures, leading to potential damage and complications.
Innovation Solution
The development of specimen retrieval devices and systems featuring tubular bodies with inner shafts and specimen bags equipped with pull strings and support members, allowing for controlled deployment and contraction of the specimen bags to facilitate isolated removal of specimens from internal body cavities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If specimen bags are used for isolated removal of specimens, then contact between specimen and surrounding tissue is inhibited, but device complexity increases due to additional components like inner shafts, support members, and pull strings
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen bag is nested within the tubular body, and the inner shaft with support member is nested within the specimen bag structure. This nested configuration allows the specimen bag to be delivered through the tubular body in a compact state and then deployed outward, maintaining isolation while managing complexity through hierarchical integration of components
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen bag is pre-positioned within the tubular body before the surgical procedure begins. The inner shaft with support member is pre-assembled and ready for deployment. This preliminary preparation allows the isolation mechanism to be in place before specimen removal is needed, ensuring tissue protection is established in advance
2Ease of operation
If the specimen bag is deployed externally of the tubular body, then specimen removal is facilitated, but the risk of contact with surrounding tissue increases during deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The inner shaft with support member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the tubular body and the specimen bag. It provides controlled deployment by mechanically supporting the bag as it transitions from the confined tubular space to the external environment, ensuring the specimen remains isolated during the critical deployment phase
Solution Approach 2:
The specimen bag transitions from a static confined state within the tubular body to a dynamic deployed state external to it. The inner shaft enables this dynamic transition by providing mechanical support and controlled movement, allowing the bag to expand and position itself for specimen removal while maintaining isolation
3Reliability
If multiple ribs and pull strings are added to control specimen bag contraction, then specimen isolation is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen bag is segmented into multiple ribs that can independently flex and move. These ribs are distributed around the bag structure, allowing localized control of contraction and expansion. The pull strings are also segmented into multiple strands that can be individually routed through the ribs, enabling precise control of the bag's shape and volume while maintaining manufacturability through modular construction
Data Source
AI summary
Specimen retrieval bags, specimen retrieval devices, specimen retrieval systems, and specimen retrieval methods that are configured to facilitate the isolated removal of a tissue specimen from an internal body cavity such as, for example, during a minimally invasive surgical procedure.