Specialized Systems for Large Tissue Specimen Removal in Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857216_0004_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Systems for Large Tissue Specimen Removal in Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857216_0004_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857216_0004_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 relates to novel systems and methods for removing large tissue specimens from internal body cavities in specialized environments, such as high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, high-altitude, and sterile settings.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent described systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal in general surgical settings. However, these systems may not be suitable for specialized environments where additional security, durability, or sterility measures are required. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by providing novel solutions tailored to specific niche environments.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises four specialized systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal. The first system features a containment bag with enhanced security features, including a tamper-evident seal and biometric authentication mechanism, for use in high-security environments. The second system employs a containment bag with reinforced material and a specialized retrieval instrument for disaster relief operations. The third system incorporates a heated containment bag and insulated access cannula for extreme weather conditions. The fourth system utilizes a containment bag with an antimicrobial coating and a UV-C light source for sterile environments.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept provides novel solutions for large tissue specimen removal in specialized environments, which are not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step lies in the adaptation of the original systems and methods to meet the unique requirements of these niche environments, thereby providing improved safety, security, and effectiveness.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include additional security features, such as encryption or secure data transmission, for high-security environments. Other variations may incorporate advanced materials or coatings for improved durability or sterility in extreme weather or high-altitude settings.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including healthcare, biotechnology, and disaster relief. The specialized systems and methods can be marketed to hospitals, research institutions, and government agencies operating in niche environments, providing a competitive advantage in these markets.

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 techniques, medical device design for tissue specimen removal, specifically focusing on access cannulas, containment systems, and surgical instrumentation for internal body cavity procedures

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with expertise in medical device design, familiarity with minimally invasive surgical techniques, knowledge of material science, and understanding of environmental adaptation strategies for medical equipment

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize that the specialized tissue specimen removal systems represent predictable variations of the source patent's fundamental design by applying known environmental adaptation techniques to an existing surgical specimen removal methodology. The core mechanical principles of the original tissue removal system remain unchanged, with modifications primarily addressing contextual requirements such as security, sterility, and environmental challenges. These adaptations would be considered routine engineering design choices within the standard problem-solving approach of medical device development.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Access cannula with engagement fingers for tissue specimen removal
PTD Variation
Adding biometric authentication mechanism to access cannula deployment process
Obviousness Reasoning
Integrating authentication technologies is a predictable solution for enhancing medical device security, representing a known technique for controlling access to specialized medical equipment
Source Patent Element
Containment bag within an introducer lumen
PTD Variation
Incorporating antimicrobial coating and UV-C sterilization into containment bag system
Obviousness Reasoning
Applying known sterilization techniques to medical containment systems is a standard approach for reducing infection risks, representing a predictable modification within medical device design
Source Patent Element
Tubular medical device for tissue specimen removal
PTD Variation
Developing temperature-controlled and pressure-resistant variants for extreme environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Adapting medical devices for environmental challenges is a routine engineering design choice, utilizing known material science principles to extend functional capabilities
Source Patent Element
Surgical access system with modular components
PTD Variation
Creating specialized retrieval instruments for confined spaces in disaster relief scenarios
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying surgical instruments for specific operational contexts represents a predictable extension of existing device design principles, addressing known limitations through targeted engineering solutions
Source Patent Element
Basic tissue specimen removal methodology
PTD Variation
Implementing enhanced security features like tamper-evident seals
Obviousness Reasoning
Adding security mechanisms to medical devices is a known technique for improving device integrity and tracking, representing a standard approach to medical device design enhancement
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857216 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations obvious through routine engineering design choices. The disclosed systems represent predictable modifications to existing tissue specimen removal methodologies, applying known techniques for environmental adaptation, security enhancement, and operational optimization. Consequently, any patent claims covering similar technical variations would be rendered obvious by the combination of the source patent and the published technical disclosure.

Original Patent Information

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