Tissue Retrieval Bag Retention Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laparoscopic tissue retrieval systems face challenges in efficiently capturing and removing tissue specimens through small incisions due to their bulkiness and complexity, which can lead to contamination and difficulty in maintaining the position of the retrieval bag during manipulation, especially in single incision procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retrieval system comprising a tubular introducer, actuator, support arms, and a retrieval bag with retention features such as domes, curls, or a cord loop to maintain the bag's position and prevent inadvertent movement, allowing for easy deployment and closure of the bag through a small incision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a tissue retrieval system uses a compact design to fit through small incisions, then the device can be introduced through small trocars, but the device may become bulky and complicated when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval system is divided into separate functional components: an introducer assembly for insertion, a retrieval bag for tissue containment, and a support arm assembly for positioning. These segments can be independently optimized and assembled, allowing the introducer to remain compact while the bag provides necessary functionality without increasing overall device complexity at the insertion site.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval bag is designed to nest within or alongside the support arms and introducer during insertion, then deploy to an expanded configuration at the surgical site. The bag can be collapsed into a compact form factor for passage through small trocars, then inflated or expanded to provide adequate tissue containment volume, effectively hiding the bulk until needed.
2Volume of moving object
If the retrieval bag is made deployable and expandable to contain tissue, then the bag can be introduced compactly, but the bag may move or shift position during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The support arms are designed with asymmetric retention features such as domes or curls positioned at specific locations to engage with corresponding features on the retrieval bag. This asymmetric engagement creates a stable, non-slip connection that prevents the bag from shifting position during manipulation while maintaining the bag's expandable volume for tissue containment.
Solution Approach 2:
Retention features such as domes, curls, or cord loops act as intermediary elements between the support arms and retrieval bag. These intermediaries provide a reliable mechanical connection that maintains bag position stability during surgical manipulation while allowing the bag to remain deployable and expandable for effective tissue containment.
3Ease of operation
If the device is designed for single incision laparoscopic surgery, then patient invasiveness is reduced, but the limited space in operating rooms and access ports creates challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the introduction function (introducer assembly) from the tissue retrieval function (bag and support arms), allowing each component to be optimized for its specific purpose. The introducer can be designed for minimal invasive passage through small ports, while the deployed bag provides adequate functionality without requiring excessive device complexity at the surgical site.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval bag transitions from a compact one-dimensional form for insertion through small ports to a three-dimensional expanded configuration for tissue containment. This dimensional transformation allows the system to accommodate limited space during insertion while providing adequate volume and functionality at the surgical site without increasing the complexity of the insertion pathway.
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue retrieval system including a tissue retrieval bag deployable from an introducer and suspended in an open configuration by support arms can include retention features to prevent inadvertent movement of the tissue retrieval bag relative to the support arms. The support arms can include protruding domes, folds, or curls to restrict sliding of the tissue retrieval bag relative to the support arms. Alternately, tension can be maintained in a cord loop coupled to an opening of the tissue retrieval bag to prevent the tissue retrieval bag from inadvertently sliding relative to the support arms.