Enhanced Systems and Methods for Efficient Large Tissue Specimen Removal
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The present disclosure relates to improved systems and methods for removing large tissue specimens from internal body cavities, featuring adjustable access cannula diameters, reinforced containment bags, and advanced insufflation control mechanisms to enhance safety, efficiency, and precision.
Background and Problem Solved
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures often require the removal of large tissue specimens from internal body cavities. Existing systems and methods, as described in the original patent, have limitations in terms of tissue size accommodation, containment bag durability, and internal body cavity pressure control. The present inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing novel features that improve the overall removal process.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced system comprises an access cannula with an adjustable diameter to accommodate varying tissue sizes, ensuring a secure and efficient removal process. The containment bag features reinforced seams for enhanced durability and a built-in tissue grasping mechanism to securely hold the tissue specimen. An insufflation port with a pressure sensor monitors internal body cavity pressure, allowing for controlled insufflation fluid application and maintaining optimal pressure during removal. Additionally, the system may include a modular access cannula with interchangeable components, a real-time visualization system, and a robotic-assisted access cannula with enhanced dexterity and precision. These features collectively improve the safety, efficiency, and precision of large tissue specimen removal.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The present inventive concept introduces several novel features that distinguish it from the original patent, including the adjustable access cannula diameter, reinforced containment bag seams, and advanced insufflation control mechanisms. These features, individually and collectively, provide a non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original patent, enhancing the overall removal process and providing a significant improvement over existing systems and methods.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in access cannula design, containment bag materials, and insufflation control mechanisms. For example, the access cannula could be designed with a telescoping feature or a detachable distal tip for easy cleaning and maintenance. The containment bag could be made of different materials or have varying degrees of reinforcement. The insufflation control mechanism could be integrated with a real-time visualization system or utilize machine learning algorithms to optimize pressure control.
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 minimally-invasive surgery and laparoscopic procedures. The target market includes hospitals, surgical centers, and medical research institutions, with potential for widespread adoption and significant revenue growth.
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, specifically medical devices for tissue specimen removal and surgical access systems, requiring advanced knowledge of medical device design, surgical instrumentation, and biomechanical engineering
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or surgical device designer with expertise in minimally invasive surgical technologies, familiar with medical device design principles, material science, and surgical access methodologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's variations represent incremental improvements to the source patent's core tissue removal system, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known surgical device modification strategies. The proposed enhancements like adjustable cannula diameter, reinforced containment bags, and pressure monitoring represent predictable engineering solutions to known limitations in existing tissue removal systems. These modifications would be considered routine design iterations within the standard problem-solving approach of surgical 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 |