Specimen Retrieval Device Suture Loop Closure Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive surgical procedures face challenges in retrieving large specimens from restricted thoracic cavities, particularly in preventing the seeding of cancer cells during specimen removal, due to limited access and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A specimen retrieval device featuring a suture loop assembly with a one-way ferrule and a continuous length of suture material, which engages a collection bag to securely close and contain the specimen, utilizing a handle with a take-up spool and trigger mechanism to remotely control the closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a collection bag is used to contain the specimen during minimally invasive surgery, then the risk of cancer cell seeding is reduced, but the force required to close and secure the bag becomes excessive and difficult to apply through a remote actuating mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The closure system is segmented into multiple functional components: a suture loop assembly with a one-way ferrule that divides the closing action into insertion (easy) and securing (mechanical advantage) phases. The ferrule acts as a separate mechanical advantage device that reduces the force needed to tighten the suture loop around the bag.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way ferrule serves as an intermediary mechanical device between the suture material and the bag closure. It provides a mechanical advantage mechanism that amplifies the pulling force on the suture loop, making it easier to secure the bag closure through the remote actuating mechanism without requiring excessive force.
2Reliability
If a remote actuating mechanism is used to close the collection bag, then specimen containment is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is segmented into modular components: a take-up spool for winding the suture, a trigger mechanism for actuation, and a one-way ferrule for mechanical advantage. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function reliably while keeping the overall system manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-way ferrule provides a self-service mechanical advantage function that automatically amplifies the closing force without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The take-up spool automatically winds the suture material as force is applied, providing a simple yet effective remote actuation system.
3Strength
If a continuous length of suture material is used in the suture loop assembly, then the assembly strength is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous suture material is prepared in advance with predetermined features (such as the distal loop configuration) before assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures the suture has the required strength and configuration, while the actual assembly process is simplified by using pre-prepared components rather than requiring complex in-situ formation of the continuous suture structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A suture loop assembly is provided for securing a specimen collection bag in a closed condition. The suture loop assembly generally includes a length of suture material forming a distal loop and a one-way ferrule for securing the distal loop in a closed condition about an upper end of the specimen collection bag. A specimen retrieval device is also provided for use with the suture loop assembly.