Specimen Retrieval Device Variable-Diameter Endobag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional specimen retrieval devices with introducing handles are complex to manufacture, costly, and restricted by their working outer diameter, while devices without introducing handles are inconvenient to use and difficult to enter and exit the patient cavity.
Innovation Solution
A specimen retrieval device without an introducing handle, featuring a variable-diameter assembly, an elastic opening expansion mechanism, and an opening closure assembly, which allows for adjustable diameter to facilitate entry and exit through a trocar cannula, and includes an endobag with an elastic opening expansion mechanism and a drawstring for easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a specimen retrieval device with introducing handle is used, then the device provides convenient operation and safe use, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and high in cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the introducing handle from the specimen retrieval device, extracting only the essential endobag component. This simplifies the device structure and manufacturing process while maintaining the core function of specimen retrieval through the trocar cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by designing the endobag with specific functional zones: a collection portion for holding specimens and an opening portion for insertion and retrieval. The endobag material and structure are optimized locally to provide the necessary properties for each function without requiring a complex overall structure.
2Reliability
If a specimen retrieval device with introducing rod is used, then the device provides safe use, but the working diameter is restricted by the outer diameter of the introducing rod
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic endobag structure that can change its configuration. The endobag transitions from a compressed state during insertion to an expanded state during specimen retrieval, allowing it to adapt to different diameter requirements without being constrained by a fixed introducing rod outer diameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the endobag, specifically its diameter and shape, to optimize performance. The endobag can be manufactured with different dimensions and material properties to suit various surgical needs, providing versatility without requiring multiple introducing rods of different sizes.
3Device complexity
If a specimen retrieval device without introducing handle is used, then the device is simply designed and structured, but the device cannot be opened easily after entering the body cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the natural curvature and elasticity of the endobag material to enable easy opening. The endobag is designed with a curved, flexible structure that naturally opens when pushed against resistance after insertion, eliminating the need for complex opening mechanisms while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The endobag is designed to open automatically upon insertion into the body cavity, utilizing the natural forces and geometry of the device itself. The elastic recovery of the endobag material causes it to expand and open without requiring additional actuators or complex mechanisms, achieving self-service functionality.
4Ease of operation
If an insertion tube is added to facilitate endobag entry, then the ease of operation improves, but the device becomes restricted by the diameters of the cannula and trocar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible endobag made of thin, compliant material that can be easily inserted through the trocar cannula. The flexible nature of the endobag allows it to conform to the cannula and trocar dimensions during insertion, then expand to its functional size once inside the body cavity, overcoming diameter restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The endobag is designed to be nested within itself or folded into a compact configuration that fits through the trocar cannula. This nested structure allows the endobag to pass through small openings and then deploy its full size and function once inside the body cavity, providing adaptability across different cannula and trocar sizes.
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 simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs, while providing ease of use and ergonomic design, overcoming the limitations of traditional devices in terms of complexity and restricted diameters, and improving the convenience of specimen retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
when an outer wall of the cylindrical structure is squeezed by an external force, an area of an overlapped part of the two ends of the elastic sheet-shaped object gradually increases, and a diameter of the cylindrical structure gradually decreases; when an inner wall of the cylindrical structure is expanded by the external force, the area of the overlapped part of the two ends of the elastic sheet-shaped object gradually decreases, and the diameter of the cylindrical structure gradually increases
Implementation Method 2
The elastic opening expansion mechanism automatically expands the opening of the endobag when the external force is not applied
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a specimen retrieval device without introducing handle for minimally invasive surgery, which includes an endobag, a variable-diameter assembly for endobag collection and release, an elastic opening expansion mechanism and an opening closure assembly. The variable-diameter assembly for endobag collection and release is a cylindrical structure formed by curling an elastic sheet-shaped object, and in a natural state, two ends of the elastic sheet-shaped object are partially overlapped and separated from each other. The elastic opening expansion mechanism and the opening closure assembly are disposed in an opening of the endobag. The endobag is placed in the variable-diameter assembly for endobag collection and release; and the variable-diameter assembly for endobag collection and release is placed in a trocar cannula.