Specimen Retrieval Device With Integrated Sliding Grasper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional specimen retrieval devices face difficulties in handling and retrieving large excised tissue specimens during minimally invasive procedures, as the pouches often fail to maintain an unfolded configuration, leading to tissue bunching and potential rupture, which complicates specimen retrieval through small incisions.
Innovation Solution
A specimen retrieval device with an integrated sliding grasper and a pouch that includes a spring mechanism and a tissue engaging device, such as jaw members or a needle, which can move along a rail to engage and pull tissue into the pouch, maintaining an unfolded configuration and preventing tissue migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate implement (grasper) is used to place tissue into the pouch, then tissue can be engaged, but the pouch cannot maintain an unfolded configuration and tissue bunches up
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue engaging device is integrated directly onto the inner shaft within the pouch, merging the tissue engagement function with the pouch structure. This eliminates the need for separate graspers and allows the tissue engaging device to directly pull tissue into the pouch while maintaining its unfolded configuration through the integrated mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shaft acts as an intermediary element that connects the tissue engaging device to the pouch structure. It provides a rigid support structure that allows the tissue engaging device to operate effectively while maintaining the pouch's unfolded shape, preventing tissue bunching during the retrieval process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pouch is made small for minimally invasive access, then incision size is reduced, but large tissue specimens cannot be retrieved without bunching and rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is designed with dynamic capabilities through the spring mechanism that allows it to transition between compressed and unfolded states. The pouch can be compressed for insertion through small incisions, then unfolded to accommodate large tissue specimens, and finally re-compressed for retrieval, maintaining integrity throughout the dynamic process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue engaging device is pre-positioned on the inner shaft within the pouch before insertion. This preliminary positioning allows the device to immediately engage and secure the tissue specimen as it is deposited into the pouch, preventing bunching and maintaining pouch integrity from the moment of tissue placement.
3Ease of operation
If the pouch is unsupported during tissue placement, then it can be easily inserted, but it cannot maintain an unfolded configuration for large specimens
Solution Approach 1:
The pouch is constructed as a flexible thin-film structure that can be easily compressed and inserted through small incisions. Once inside, the flexible material allows the pouch to be unfolded and expanded to accommodate large tissue specimens while maintaining structural integrity, combining ease of insertion with the ability to maintain an unfolded configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device allows for efficient retrieval of large tissue specimens by maintaining the pouch in an unfolded state and preventing tissue bunching, reducing the risk of rupture and facilitating easier removal through small incisions.
Implementation Method 1
The inner shaft including one or more channels and one or more springs. The pouch is movable via the at least one spring from a first configuration for deployment from the outer shaft to a second configuration for receiving tissue therein
Implementation Method 2
The tissue engaging device is repositionable within the pouch and movable along the inner shaft for engaging tissue and pulling the tissue into the pouch
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen retrieval device is provided. The specimen retrieval device includes a housing including an outer shaft extending distally therefrom. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes at least one tissue engaging device configured to engage tissue and at least one spring. A pouch is coupled to the inner shaft and the at least one spring. The pouch includes an open proximal end and a closed distal end and is movable from a first configuration for deployment from the outer shaft to a second configuration for receiving tissue therein. The at least one tissue engaging device is positionable within the pouch and movable along the inner shaft for engaging tissue and pulling the tissue within the pouch.