Enhanced Systems and Methods for Large Tissue Specimen Removal

Publication ID: 24-11857216_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Systems and Methods for Large Tissue Specimen Removal,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857216_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857216_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,216.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses improved systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal from internal body cavities, addressing the limitations of existing containment bag systems by incorporating reinforced materials, adjustable volumes, integrated tissue morcellation devices, and built-in suction systems.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent for 'Systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal' has limitations in terms of containment bag strength, tissue size accommodation, and fluid removal efficiency. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that enhance the overall removal process, making it safer, faster, and more efficient.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises a containment bag with a reinforced material layer for enhanced strength and durability during tissue breakdown and removal. Additionally, the system features an adjustable containment bag volume to accommodate varying tissue sizes, ensuring efficient removal. Furthermore, an integrated tissue morcellation device is incorporated into the access cannula, facilitating efficient tissue breakdown. The containment bag also includes a built-in suction system for efficient fluid removal and reduced surgical site contamination. The system's real-time tissue fragmentation monitoring system optimizes tissue removal efficiency and safety.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the combination of reinforced containment bag materials, adjustable volumes, integrated tissue morcellation devices, built-in suction systems, and real-time tissue fragmentation monitoring. These features collectively provide a significant improvement over existing systems, making the inventive concept non-obvious and novel.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in containment bag materials, adjustable volume mechanisms, and tissue morcellation device designs. Additionally, the system could be adapted for use in different surgical procedures or body cavities, ensuring broad conceptual coverage.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal have significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical device manufacturers seeking to improve surgical efficiency, safety, and patient outcomes.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
A A61 A61B17/3421
A A61 A61B17/00234
A A61 A61B2017/00287
A A61 A61B2017/320024
A A61 A61B2017/320775
A A61 A61B2017/3484
A A61 A61B2017/3486

Field of Art

Minimally invasive surgical devices and methods, specifically tissue specimen retrieval systems, with expertise in medical device design, surgical instrumentation, and interventional medical technologies

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, 3-5 years experience in surgical instrument development, familiar with laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical techniques, knowledgeable about medical device materials, mechanical design, and surgical workflow optimization

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's tissue specimen removal system. The disclosed enhancements like reinforced materials, adjustable volumes, and integrated morcellation devices are logical extensions of existing surgical device design principles. These modifications address known limitations in tissue specimen retrieval by applying standard medical device engineering problem-solving techniques.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Access cannula with engagement fingers for tissue specimen removal
PTD Variation
Integrated tissue morcellation device within the access cannula
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would find it obvious to incorporate a tissue fragmentation mechanism directly into the existing cannula structure as a predictable solution for improving specimen removal efficiency, using known mechanical integration techniques
Source Patent Element
Containment bag within surgical access system
PTD Variation
Reinforced material layer for enhanced bag strength and durability
Obviousness Reasoning
Material selection and reinforcement are standard design optimization strategies a PHOSITA would employ to improve device performance, representing a routine engineering design choice with expected incremental improvements
Source Patent Element
Surgical specimen retrieval system with tubular members
PTD Variation
Adjustable containment bag volume to accommodate varying tissue sizes
Obviousness Reasoning
Designing adaptable volume mechanisms is a predictable solution to handle variable surgical specimen requirements, utilizing known mechanical expansion and contraction principles
Source Patent Element
Minimally invasive surgical access system
PTD Variation
Built-in suction system for fluid management
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating fluid management capabilities is a logical enhancement that a PHOSITA would recognize as solving known contamination and visibility challenges in minimally invasive procedures
Source Patent Element
Tissue specimen removal system
PTD Variation
Real-time tissue fragmentation monitoring system
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding sensor-based monitoring represents a standard technological improvement leveraging existing control and feedback system design principles to enhance surgical safety and efficiency
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857216 and the comprehensive technical variations disclosed herein, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed innovations obvious and lacking non-obvious inventive merit. The systematic improvements to tissue specimen removal systems represent predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring extraordinary innovation or unexpected results.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,216
TitleSystems and methods for large tissue specimen removal
Assignee(s)Covidien LP