Tissue Containment Bag with Conductive Auto-Shutoff for Morcellation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive tissue removal techniques, such as power morcellation, risk the spread of occult malignancies during hysterectomies due to undetected cancers within the uterus, and lack effective containment systems to prevent the dissemination of malignant cells and protect internal organs.
Innovation Solution
A tissue containment and removal system featuring a multi-layered tissue container with conductive and non-conductive materials, coupled with a conductive connector and cable, that includes an auto-shutoff mechanism to prevent blade contact with the container wall, ensuring safe and breach-resistant tissue extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power morcellation is used to remove tissue specimens, then the tissue can be cut into smaller pieces for easier removal through small incisions, but there is a risk of spreading occult malignancies and lacking effective containment
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue specimen is divided into smaller fragments through morcellation within the containment bag, enabling removal through small incisions while maintaining containment. The bag itself is segmented into multiple layers with different functions (conductive, non-conductive, breathable) to address different requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment bag acts as an intermediary between the tissue specimen and the external environment. It allows the tissue to be processed and removed while preventing direct contact between malignant cells and surrounding tissues, thus mediating the harmful effects of potential cancer spread.
2Reliability
If a containment system is added to prevent spread of malignant cells, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The containment bag is constructed from composite materials with different properties: conductive layers for electrical interaction with the morcellator, non-conductive layers for insulation and structural integrity, and breathable layers for tissue viability. This composite structure provides multiple safety functions within a single integrated component rather than requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment bag performs multiple functions simultaneously: containing tissue fragments, providing electrical conductivity for auto-shutoff safety, maintaining tissue viability through breathability, and preventing spread of malignant cells. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate containment devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If auto-shutoff mechanism is implemented to stop blade upon contact, then protection of internal organs is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The auto-shutoff mechanism uses electrical feedback: when the morcellator blade contacts the conductive containment bag, an electrical circuit is completed, triggering an automatic shutoff signal to the power source. This feedback loop provides real-time protection without requiring complex sensors or control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The auto-shutoff mechanism replaces complex mechanical safety systems with an electrical detection and control system. Instead of using mechanical switches or pressure sensors, the system uses electrical conductivity of the bag material to detect contact and trigger shutoff, simplifying the overall system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
Components, systems and kits for capturing and/or removing tissue from mammalian bodies may include a tissue container that may be introduced into a body cavity within which a tissue specimen may be placed, cut and removed from the body cavity. Methods of using these components, systems and kits are also described.