TISSUE RETRIVAL BAGS

Abstract

A specimen removal bag may include a receptacle formed by a biaxial braid, such that longitudinal tension on the receptacle causes it to lengthen and to constrict, and at least one filament, the filament having a portion around the receptacle and a portion extending from one end of the receptacle, such that applying tension to the filament causes the receptacle to constrict. A specimen removal bag may include a receptacle and at least one filament, the filament having a portion around the receptacle and a portion extending from one end of the receptacle, such that applying tension to the filament causes the receptacle to constrict.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/982,569, filed Oct. 25, 2007, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 show an endoscopic/laparoscopic tissue retrieval bag, having a single filament drawstring disposed in a helical pattern, in open and closed orientations, respectively.

FIGS. 3-4 show an endoscopic/laparoscopic tissue retrieval bag, having multiple filament drawstrings separately disposed as rings, in open and closed orientations, respectively.

FIGS. 5-6 show an endoscopic/laparoscopic tissue retrieval bag, having braided filaments that close when tensioned longitudinally by drawstrings, in open and closed orientations, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An endoscopic/laparoscopic tissue removal bag may include a wall defining the bag and a wire, string, or other filament coiled around the specimen bag (FIG. 1) and tightened like a boa constrictor snake after the bag is closed (FIG. 2). The bag may include a semi-rigid rib or ribs on the inside or outside surfaces of the bag, or within the material of the bag, or may incorporate a semi-rigid cupped shaped support along one side—again on the inside or outside surfaces of the bag, or within the material of the bag, to provide additional support. The bag wall may have more than one layer, with a channel for the drawstring defined between two layers. Alternatively, the drawstring may run through a tube or channel attached to or formed on the inner or outer wall of the bag. A rib or support may be hollow so that the filament can run therethrough.

In an alternate embodiment, the bag may have several filaments, each running in a ring in or on the bag wall (FIGS. 3 and 4).

In another alternate embodiment (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6), the bag may have filaments arranged in a cylindrical braid, such as a biaxial braid (similar to a Chinese finger puzzle), which will constrict in diameter when tension is applied along an axis approximately orthogonal to the diameter. Tension may be applied at one end while the opposing end is held anchored, or tension may be applied at both ends. Tension may be applied via a drawstring, wire, or other apparatus.

A filament may be made of a variety of materials, such as textile, metal, and/or polymer. Examples of filaments include suture, fishing line, wire, and rubber bands. In the case of rubber-band filaments, the specimen bag could initially be held open, with the bands under tension, and then allowed to snap closed for removal. A filament may have a variety of cross-sections, such as circular and polygonal. The filament can be band-shaped (i.e., wider than it is tall in cross-section, in some cases, two-, three-, four-, five-, or ten-times wider than it is tall). A filament made be formed from woven filaments or a strap made of a single material such as a polymer or metal.

Claims

1. A specimen removal bag comprising:

a receptacle formed by a biaxial braid, such that longitudinal tension on the receptacle causes it to lengthen and to constrict; and

at least one filament, the filament having a portion around the receptacle and a portion extending from one end of the receptacle, such that applying tension to the filament causes the receptacle to constrict.

2. A specimen removal bag comprising a receptacle and at least one filament, the filament having a portion around the receptacle and a portion extending from one end of the receptacle, such that applying tension to the filament causes the receptacle to constrict.

3. The specimen removal bag of claim 2, wherein the filament is coiled around the receptacle.

4. The specimen removal bag of claim 3, wherein the coil is fixed at one end.

5. The specimen removal bag of claim 2, wherein the receptacle is formed from two layers of material, and the filament passes through a channel between, and defined by, the layers.

6. The specimen removal bag of claim 2, further comprising a channel formed on an inner or outer surface of the receptacle, through which channel the filament passes.

7. The specimen removal bag of claim 2, further comprising additional filaments, each filament encircling the receptacle at a unique position along the receptacle.

8. The specimen removal bag of claim 2, wherein the receptacle is formed by a biaxial braid, such that longitudinal tension on the receptacle causes it to lengthen and to narrow.

9. A specimen removal bag comprising:

a receptacle formed by a biaxial braid, such that longitudinal tension on the receptacle causes it to lengthen and to constrict; and

means for constricting the receptacle when tension is applied to one or both ends of the receptacle.

10. A method of removing a specimen, comprising:

capturing a specimen in the specimen removal bag of any previous claim; and

applying tension to the filament, thereby causing the receptacle of the specimen removal bag to constrict.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein tension is applied to the filament by anchoring the receptacle and pulling on the filament.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein tension is applied to the filament by simultaneously pulling on the filament and another filament extending from an opposite end of the receptacle.