US 9,789,268 B2 · Transvaginal specimen extraction device

Abstract

In laparoscopic surgery, small (5-12 mm diameter) incisions are made in an abdominal wall through which instruments dissect and remove specimens that may be several centimeters in diameter. Removal of a sample typically requires either enlarging these incisions or morcellating the sample to pass through sub-centimeter ports. A laparoscopic device permits extraction of the sample to be removed in a female using a vagina, which has sufficient elasticity to accommodate removal of large specimens. A posterior portion of the vagina communicates to an abdomen through a few tissue layers, and is distant from vital anatomic structures. Utilizing the vagina is optimal due to its ease of access to the abdomen and repair, minimal scarring and post-operative pain, and faster recovery following surgery. A deployable collection bag is housed in a sheath, which is deployed into the vagina or an abdominal cavity to extract a large (multiple-centimeter) specimen(s) through the vagina. An optional insufflation system and an inflatable balloon to maintain a pneumoperiotoneum may be used to reduce a number of laparoscopic ports required.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A laparoscopic instrument, comprising:

a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
at least one interstitial space disposed in the tubular shaft;
an opening disposed on a wall of the tubular shaft on the distal end of the shaft, extending from the at least one interstitial space to an exterior of the tubular shaft;
a plurality of raised features disposed on an exterior of the wall of the tubular shaft, wherein each of the plurality of raised features has a common endpoint or border with the opening;
wherein the plurality of raised features comprises a first raised feature disposed proximal to the opening and a second raised feature disposed distal to the opening, where the first raised feature and the second raised feature are not directed directly connected to one another;
and
an insufflation port disposed on the proximal end of the tubular shaft.

4 more elements

A method of performing laparoscopic removal of a specimen from a patient, comprising the steps:

providing a laparoscopic instrument, wherein the laparoscopic instrument comprises:
a tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end;
at least one interstitial space disposed in the tubular shaft;
a specimen bag opening disposed on a wall of the tubular shaft on the distal end of the shaft, extending from the at least one interstitial space to an exterior of the tubular shaft;
a plurality of raised features disposed on an exterior of the wall of the tubular shaft, wherein each of the plurality of raised features has a common endpoint or border with the specimen bag opening
wherein the plurality of raised features comprises a first raised feature disposed proximal to the specimen bag opening and a second raised feature disposed distal to the specimen bag opening, where the first raised feature and the second raised feature are not directly connected to one another;
an insufflation port disposed on the proximal end of the tubular shaft;
a deployable specimen collector disposed within the tubular shaft, further comprising:
a specimen bag having an open end and a closed end;
a deployable ring disposed on the open end of the specimen bag;
a specimen bag support in communication with the deployable ring,
wherein the specimen bag support is connected to an actuator mechanism;
wherein the deployable ring is disposed adjacent to the specimen bag opening;
the actuator mechanism disposed along a length of the shaft or a portion thereof;
introducing the laparoscopic instrument into a patient's vagina;
positioning the laparoscopic instrument adjacent to a structure in the patient's vagina;
extending the specimen bag through the specimen bag opening;
placing the specimen in the specimen bag;
retracting the specimen bag;
and
withdrawing the laparoscopic instrument from the patient's vagina.

18 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Transvaginal specimen extraction device

Life of this patent

Transvaginal specimen extraction device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17