Vacuum Tissue Collection Tray With Sealed Multi-Pocket Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical procedures face challenges such as increased time and inconvenience during tissue sample collection, potential exposure to hazardous medical waste, and inability to collect multiple samples efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A tray designed for collecting tissue samples under vacuum influence, featuring a sealing member and a basket with porous features, which can be removably positioned within a sleeve to create multiple suction paths for efficient sample collection and retrieval.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single tissue sample collection method is used, then the procedure is simple, but multiple tissue samples cannot be collected efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to collect multiple tissue samplesVSAvoidcollection system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device is divided into multiple independent collection chambers (first chamber, second chamber, etc.), each capable of collecting tissue samples separately. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be collected simultaneously or sequentially without interfering with each other, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The collection device is designed with multiple chambers that can serve different functions - some chambers collect tissue samples under suction, while others can be used for different surgical purposes. This multi-functionality enables the single device to handle various surgical scenarios including polypectomy, biopsy, and other tissue collection procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If suction is continuously applied during tray removal, then tissue samples are drawn into the suction path, but samples may be lost during retrieval

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue sample collection efficiencyVSAvoidsample retention during retrieval
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member is designed to be dynamically adjustable between sealed and open states. During tray removal, the sealing member can be opened to allow suction and draw samples into the collection chamber, then closed to seal and retain the samples. This dynamic control ensures both efficient collection and reliable retention without sample loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member acts as an intermediary between the collection chamber and the suction path. It controls the flow of tissue samples by sealing to prevent loss and opening to allow suction, mediating between the conflicting requirements of sample retention and sample collection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the tray is tightly sealed within the sleeve, then suction efficiency is improved, but tray removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction efficiencyVSAvoidtray removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing member provides dynamic sealing that can be adjusted during operation. When the tray is in position, the sealing member creates a tight seal for efficient suction. During removal, the sealing member can be opened or relaxed, allowing easy extraction of the tray while maintaining suction efficiency during the collection phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If the collection chamber is large, then multiple samples can be stored, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tissue samples storedVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple collection chambers are arranged in a nested or compact configuration within the device housing. The chambers can be positioned one inside another or arranged in a space-efficient layout, allowing multiple samples to be stored without significantly increasing the overall device volume, making the device portable and easy to handle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 quick and safe collection of tissue samples with reduced exposure to hazardous waste, allowing for multiple samples to be collected without loss, and enabling seamless transition between suction paths during retrieval.

Implementation Method 1

A tray (176) configured to collect a tissue sample under influence of a vacuum by being removably positioned within a sleeve (113) having an opening (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The tray (176) includes a sealing member (154) configured to be positioned in sealing engagement with the opening (111) when the tray (176) is removably positioned within the sleeve (113)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentEP4061443B1Tray for collecting a tissue sample
Publication Date: 2026.04.08 STRYKER CORP
  • EP4061443B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4061443B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4061443B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tray and a manifold for collecting a tissue sample under influence of a vacuum. The manifold includes a sleeve, and the tray includes a sealing member configured to be removably positioned in sealing engagement with the opening. A basket defining a tissue collecting cavity, and a base portion includes at least one rib disposed within said tissue collecting cavity. The rib(s) define pockets arranged in series in the proximal-to-distal direction so as to provide low pressure regions when the tray is being removed from the sleeve. The rib(s) may be transverse to a longitudinal axis, and/or arcuate in a shape complimentary to the base portion. The base portion defines porous features that may be arranged in groupings A sealing edge in sealing engagement with an upper barrier of the sleeve may delay an onset of airflow entering the tissue collecting cavity.