Tissue Retrieval Bag Deployment via Elastic Spring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue retrieval devices for endoscopic surgery lack an efficient mechanism for deploying and closing tissue retrieval bags through small openings, which complicates the removal of biological material during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A tissue retrieval device with a push/pull rod and spring arms that deploy and retract a tissue retrieval bag, utilizing a closure string and distal plug to ensure secure bag opening and closure, allowing for easy insertion and removal of tissue samples through small incisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a tissue retrieval bag is used to remove biological material through a small opening, then the incision size is reduced, but the mechanism for deploying and closing the bag becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue retrieval bag is nested within the support tube during insertion, and the spring arms are collapsed within the tube. Upon deployment, the bag expands from its nested state and the spring arms extend from their compressed configuration, enabling complex functionality through simple nested structures that minimize incision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms utilize elastic memory to automatically expand and deploy the retrieval bag without requiring complex external actuation mechanisms. The elastic elements self-generate the force needed for deployment, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining effective bag opening and closing capabilities
2Force
If spring arms with elastic memory are used to open the retrieval bag, then the bag opening force is increased, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are constructed from elastic memory material that changes its physical parameters (shape, length, force output) in response to temperature or mechanical activation. This allows the arms to store energy in a compact state and release it as expansion force, providing high bag-opening capability through material property changes rather than complex mechanical systems
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
Facilitates efficient deployment and closure of the tissue retrieval bag, enabling secure collection and removal of tissue samples during endoscopic procedures, reducing procedural complexity and improving recovery times.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of spring arms having elastic memory configured to open the tissue retrieval bag
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue retrieval device comprises a tissue retrieval bag and resilient arms. The bag is releasably engaged with the resilient arms. One or two resilient arms expand the bag along a first plane to open the mouth of the bag. Another resilient arm expands the bag along a second plane to unfurl the bag. The first plane is substantially perpendicular to the second plane. The device further comprises a support tube having a passageway and a push/pull rod slidingly positioned within the passageway. The resilient arms are engaged with the push/pull rod such that the resilient arms and the push/pull rod travel uniformly relative to the longitudinal axis of the support tube. The arms collapse within the support tube and are resiliently biased to extend outwardly when the push/pull rod is translated distally relative to the support tube to expose the bag and arms.