Tissue Extraction Bag with Segmented Cutting Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tissue extraction devices, such as laparoscopic morcellators, are inefficient, often requiring prolonged operating times and can cause unintended injuries, with the potential to spread occult malignancy, worsening patient prognosis.

Innovation Solution

A tissue extraction device comprising a bag with a cutting element and a retractor ring that allows for the manipulation of the bag to apply tension and facilitate the extraction of tissue specimens through a minimally invasive approach, using a cutting member with a strand and edge for cutting tissue as it is drawn across the specimen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional sharp spinning blade is used for cutting tissue, then tissue extraction can be achieved, but operating time is prolonged and efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue extraction efficiencyVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional sharp spinning blade cutting mechanism with a mechanical compression and fragmentation system. The cutting element consists of multiple closely spaced cutting edges that compress and fracture tissue through mechanical force rather than traditional slicing, enabling faster tissue extraction and reducing operating time while improving productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting element is segmented into multiple discrete cutting edges arranged in a circular pattern. This segmentation allows simultaneous engagement of multiple cutting edges with the tissue, enabling parallel cutting action that significantly reduces the time required for tissue extraction compared to a single blade

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If conventional laparoscopic morcellators are used, then tissue extraction is possible, but unintended injuries and malignancy spread may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue extraction capabilityVSAvoidunintended injuries and malignancy spread
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the tissue specimen entirely within a contained bag before removal from the patient's body. The bag acts as a containment system that isolates the tissue extraction process, preventing any potential spread of occult malignancy or unintended injury to surrounding tissues during the morcellation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The bag serves as an intermediary containment structure between the cutting element and the patient's body. This intermediate barrier allows the cutting element to fragment tissue safely while preventing direct contact with surrounding tissues, thereby eliminating the risk of unintended injuries and malignancy dissemination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a retractor ring is coupled to the bag and manipulated to apply tension, then bag tensioning is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag tensioningVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractor ring is designed as a dynamic component that can be manipulated between different orientations. The ring can be rotated from a first orientation where it engages a first region of the bag to a second orientation where it engages a second region, allowing the operator to apply tension to the bag in a controlled manner. This dynamic manipulation simplifies the tensioning process despite the additional structural element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables efficient and safe extraction of tissue specimens, reducing operating time and minimizing the risk of injury and malignancy spread, while improving procedural efficiency and patient outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

a cutting member having an edge for cutting tissue as the cutting member is drawn across tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3984476B1Tissue extraction devices
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 FREYJA HEALTHCARE LLC
  • EP3984476B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3984476B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3984476B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A tissue extraction device, comprising: a bag having an interior; a cutting element extending through the interior of the bag, wherein the cutting element includes: a strand, and a cutting member on the strand, wherein the cutting member includes an edge for cutting tissue as the cutting member is drawn across tissue.