Specialized Systems for Large Tissue Specimen Removal in Niche Environments
Legal Citation
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
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,216 |
|---|---|
| Title | Systems and methods for large tissue specimen removal |
| Assignee(s) | Covidien LP |