Endoscopic drop off bag

[0001] Access to the abdominal cavity may, from time to time, be required for diagnostic and therapeutic endeavors for a variety of medical and surgical diseases. Historically, abdominal access has required a formal laparotomy to provide adequate exposure. Such procedures, which require incisions to be made in the abdomen, are not particularly well-suited for patients that may have extensive abdominal scarring from previous procedures, those persons who are morbidly obese, those individuals with abdominal wall infection, and those patients with diminished abdominal wall integrity, such as patients with burns and skin grafting. Other patients simply do not want to have a scar if it can be avoided.

[0002] Minimally invasive procedures are desirable because such procedures can reduce pain and provide relatively quick recovery times as compared with conventional open medical procedures. Many minimally invasive procedures are performed with an endoscope (including without limitation laparoscopes). Such procedures permit a physician to position, manipulate, and view medical instruments and accessories inside the patient through a small access opening in the patient's body. Laparoscopy is a term used to describe such an “endosurgical” approach using an endoscope (often a rigid laparoscope). In this type of procedure, accessory devices are often inserted into a patient through trocars placed through the body wall. The trocar must pass through several layers of overlapping tissue/muscle before reaching the abdominal cavity.

[0003] Still less invasive treatments include those that are performed through insertion of an endoscope through a natural body orifice to a treatment region. Examples of this approach include, but are not limited to, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, cystoscopy, hysteroscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy, and colonoscopy. Many of these procedures employ the use of a flexible endoscope during the procedure. Flexible endoscopes often have a flexible, steerable articulating section near the distal end that can be controlled by the user by utilizing controls at the proximal end. Minimally invasive therapeutic procedures to treat diseased tissue by introducing medical instruments to a tissue treatment region through a natural opening of the patient are known as Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)™.

[0004] These minimally invasive surgical procedures have changed some of the major open surgical procedures such as gall bladder removal, or a cholecystectomy, to simple outpatient surgery. Consequently, the patient's recovery time has changed from weeks to days. These types of surgeries are often used for repairing defects or for the removal of diseased tissue or organs from areas of the body such as the abdominal cavity.

[0005] One of the most significant problems associated with such minimally invasive surgical procedures is the removal of excised tissue through an opening in the body of a patient. When an infected specimen, such as an infected gall bladder or appendix, is removed, the surgeon must be extremely careful not to spill the infected contents of the specimen into the peritoneal cavity of the patient. A time-honored solution is the manual cutting of the large tissue mass into small pieces that can fit through the incision. However, with this process, fragments of tissue can be dropped and fluids can be spilled into the peritoneal cavity. This can be serious if the excised tissue is cancerous or infected as this can lead to the seeding and re-spreading of cancer or the spreading of the infection to healthy tissue.

[0006] Consequently a need exists for devices and methods that can be employed through a patient's natural orifice for removing biological matter in a sterile manner from a body cavity.

[0007] The foregoing discussion is intended only to illustrate some of the shortcomings present in the field of the invention at the time, and should not be taken as a disavowal of claim scope.

[0033] Before explaining the various embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments are not limited in their application or use to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description. The illustrative embodiments may be implemented or incorporated in other embodiments, variations and modifications, and may be practiced or carried out in various ways. For example, the specimen retrieval device and the specimen retrieval bag configurations disclosed below are illustrative only and not meant to limit the scope or application thereof. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the terms and expressions employed herein have been chosen for the purpose of describing the illustrative embodiments for the convenience of the reader and are not to limit the scope thereof.

[0034] The various embodiments relate, in general, to specimen retrieval devices and, more particularly, to specimen retrieval devices employing specimen retrieval bags. The various embodiments relate, in general, to specimen retrieval devices employing specimen retrieval bags to remove biological materials from a patient in a substantially sterile manner. Biological materials may be able to be removed in a more sterile manner through the use of a specimen retrieval bag which has sufficient volume to receive the biological material (i.e., a gall bladder, ovary, fallopian tube, appendix, etc.). A variety of different specimen retrieval devices and specimen retrieval bags are disclosed which may be useful for both endoscopic and laparoscopic applications.

[0035] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments and that the scope of the various embodiments is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0036] In one general aspect, the various embodiments are directed to a specimen retrieval device and a specimen retrieval bag, or an endoscopic drop off bag. The specimen retrieval device may comprise the specimen retrieval bag, a hybrid shaft, a first collapsible arm, and a second collapsible arm. The distal end of the hybrid shaft may be flexible, and the proximal end of the hybrid shaft may be rigid. The first collapsible arm may be located at the distal end of the hybrid shaft, and may include a first portion. The second collapsible arm may be located at the distal end of the hybrid shaft, may include a first portion and a second portion. The second portion of the second collapsible arm may extend distally beyond the first portion of the second collapsible arm. The specimen retrieval bag may have an open end and a closed end, and may be configured to be retained upon the first collapsible arm and/or the second collapsible arm.

[0037] The specimen retrieval device may further comprise a knot pusher, an articulating joint, an outer sheath, a distal handle, and a proximal handle. The knot pusher may be located at the distal end of the hybrid shaft. The articulating joint may connect the first collapsible arm to the hybrid shaft and the second collapsible arm to the hybrid shaft. The outer sheath may extend from the distal handle to the distal end of the surgical instrument.

[0038] In another general aspect, the various embodiments are directed to a method for using the specimen retrieval device and the specimen retrieval bag. The method may comprise inserting the specimen retrieval device within a patient through an opening within the patient. Once the specimen retrieval device has been inserted, the distal handle may be translated proximally to deploy the specimen retrieval bag and the at least one collapsible arm from the outer sheath. Biological materials may then be received in the specimen retrieval bag. The distal handle may then be translated distally to return the at least one collapsible arm to the outer sheath. The specimen retrieval bag may then be cinched with the assistance of the knot pusher by pulling a suture at a proximal handle. Finally, the specimen retrieval bag may then be removed from the patient.

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical view illustrating the use of one embodiment of a surgical instrument inserted through a patient's mouth and esophagus to perform a surgical activity such as to remove the patient's gall bladder, or perform a cholecystectomy, through the stomach wall. As illustrated in FIG. 1, in general form, a surgical instrument 20 is inserted through a natural orifice to form an opening through the stomach wall 16. The insertion may occur trans-orally (as depicted in FIG. 1), trans-anally, and/or trans-vaginally. In the example depicted in FIG. 1, the instrument 20 is inserted through the mouth 10 and esophagus 12 and into the stomach 14 to form an opening 13 through the stomach wall 16. In various embodiments, the instrument 20 may comprise a tubular member sized to receive a specimen retrieval device and or any other suitable surgical device.

[0040] In various embodiments, for example, the tubular member may comprise a flexible endoscope 30 that may be inserted through a substantially hollow overtube 40 that is inserted into the stomach 14 through the patient's mouth 10. FIG. 2 is partial perspective view of a portion of the flexible endoscope 30. A variety of different types of endoscopes are known and, therefore, their specific construction and operation will not be discussed in great detail herein. In various embodiments, the flexible endoscope 30 has a distal end 32 and a proximal end 34 and may operably support a video camera 36 that communicates with a video display unit 41 that can be viewed by the surgeon during the operation. The flexible endoscope 30 may comprise one or more working channels 38 extending therethrough for receiving various types of surgical instruments.

[0041] In various embodiments, the flexible endoscope 30 along with a specimen retrieval device 100 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, for example) may be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures. The specimen retrieval device 100 may be used in the removal of biological materials such as a gall bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes, an appendix, or any other suitable material. For example, the specimen retrieval device 100 may be employed in a cholecystecomy to remove the patient's gall bladder. Cholecystecomies have traditionally been performed using laparoscopic techniques, or more invasive procedures such as an open cholecystecomy. A laparoscopic cholecystecomy requires several small incisions in the abdomen to allow the insertion of surgical instruments and a small video camera. After the incisions are made, the surgeon will inflate the peritoneal cavity with carbon dioxide or some other similar gas. The surgeon watches the video output (i.e., on a monitor) and performs the gall bladder removal by manipulating the surgical instruments through the small incisions. An open cholecystecomy is a major abdominal surgery in which the surgeon removes the gall bladder through an incision which can range from 10 to 20 centimeters. The patients recovery time after an open cholecystecomy is quite long given the large incision in the abdominal cavity.

[0042] Newer procedures have developed which may be even less invasive than the laparoscopic procedures used in earlier surgical procedures. Many of these procedures employ the use of a flexible endoscope, such as the flexible endoscope 30, during the procedure. Flexible endoscopes often have a flexible, steerable articulating section near the distal end that can be controlled by the user by utilizing controls at the proximal end. Minimally invasive therapeutic procedures to treat diseased tissue by introducing medical instruments to a tissue treatment region through a natural opening of the patient are known as Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES)™. NOTES™ is a surgical technique whereby operations can be performed trans-orally (as depicted in FIG. 1), trans-anally, and/or trans-vaginally.

[0043] FIG. 3A illustrates one embodiment of a specimen retrieval device 100 shown in an unfired position. The specimen retrieval device 100 may comprise a proximal handle 102 and a distal handle 104. The specimen retrieval device 100 may further comprise a shaft assembly 106 and an outer sheath 108. In the unfired position, the specimen handling device 100 may be inserted into one of the working channels 38 (FIG. 2) of the flexible endoscope 30 (FIGS. 1-2). In the unfired position, the distal handle 104 is located distally from the proximal handle 102. To fire the specimen handling device 100, the distal handle may be translated proximally towards the proximal handle 102 in a direction A, shown by arrow 109A in FIG. 3A.

[0044] It will be appreciated that the terms “proximal” and “distal” are used herein with reference to a clinician gripping the specimen retrieval device 100. Thus, the specimen retrieval bag 110 (FIG. 9A) is distal with respect to the handle assemblies of the specimen retrieval device 100. It will be further appreciated that, for convenience and clarity, spatial terms such as “top” and “bottom” also are used herein with respect to the clinician gripping the proximal handle 102. However, surgical instruments are used in many orientations and positions, and these terms are not intended to be limiting and absolute.

[0045] FIG. 3B illustrates one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100 shown in a fired position. In the fired position, the specimen retrieval device 100 deploys a collapsible arm assembly 111 which may be configured to retain a specimen retrieval bag 110 (illustrated in FIG. 9A) for removing the biological material. In the fired position, the distal handle 104 is located proximally to the proximal handle 102. To return the specimen handling device 100 to the unfired position, the distal handle 104 may be translated distally away from the proximal handle in a direction B, shown by arrow 109B in FIG. 3B.

[0046] FIG. 4A illustrates one embodiment of a proximal handle 102 and a distal handle 104 of the specimen retrieval device 100 shown in the unfired position. FIG. 4B illustrates one embodiment of the distal end of the specimen retrieval device 100 shown in the unfired position. In the unfired position, the outer sheath 108 may contain at least the arm assembly 111 (FIG. 3B), a manually articulating joint 116, a knot pusher 118, and a specimen retrieval bag 110 (FIG. 9A). The outer sheath 108 may be connected to the distal handle 104 through any suitable fastening means which may include fusing, welding, gluing, bolting, riveting and/or screwing, for example. The assembly of the outer sheath 108 and the distal handle 104 may be configured to be received by the shaft assembly 106.

[0047] FIG. 5A illustrates the location of the proximal handle 102 relative to the distal handle 104 of the specimen retrieval device 100 in the fired position. FIG. 5B illustrates the distal end of the specimen retrieval device 100 in the fired position. The distal handle 104 may be translated proximally towards the proximal handle, as shown by arrow 109A in FIG. 5A, to expose the specimen retrieval bag 110 (FIG. 9A), the arm assembly 111, the knot pusher 118, and the manually articulating joint 116. A portion of the shaft assembly 106 may be exposed due to the translation of the distal handle 104. In various embodiments, the arm assembly 111 may comprise a first collapsible arm 112 and a second collapsible arm 114. The first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may be fabricated from a resilient material such as a resilient metal, or plastic, or any other suitable resilient material. This resilient material may cause the arms 112, 114 to “spring” to an open position once they are exposed and removed from forces created by an inner wall of the outer sheath 108. The resilient material may allow the arms 112, 114 to return to a substantially straight “collapsed” position once they are retracted into the outer sheath 108 (see FIG. 11B, for example). The exposure and retraction of the arms 112, 114 may be repeated on numerous occasions.

[0048] In various embodiments, the first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may extend distally along an axis L from the manually articulating joint 116. The first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may define an opening 113 therebetween. In at least one embodiment, the first collapsible arm 112 may be asymmetric to the second collapsible arm 114. In various embodiments, the first collapsible arm 112 may comprise an arcuate portion 180 and a substantially straight portion 182. In the open position, the arcuate portion 180 of the first collapsible arm 112 may be defined by a radius “r₁.” In the open position, the substantially straight portion 182 may be formed in a straight section, an elliptical section, a circular section, or any other suitable shaped section.

[0049] In various embodiments, the second collapsible arm 114 may comprise a first arcuate portion 181, a first substantially straight portion 183, a second arcuate portion 184, a third arcuate portion 186, and a second substantially straight portion 188. In the open position, the first arcuate portion 181 may be defined by a radius “r₂.” In the open position, the second arcuate portion 184 may be defined by a radius “r₃,” and the third arcuate portion 186 may be defined by a radius “r₄.” In the open position, the first substantially straight portion 183 may be formed in a straight section, an elliptical section, a circular section, or any other suitable shaped section. Additionally, in the open position, the second substantially straight portion 188 may be formed in a straight section, an elliptical section, a circular section, or any other suitable shaped section.

[0050] The arcuate portion 180 of the first collapsible arm 112 and the first arcuate portion 181 of the second collapsible arm 114 may be symmetrical, for example, r₁ may equal r₂. Additionally, the substantially straight portion 182 of the first collapsible arm 112 may be symmetrical to the first substantially straight portion 183 of the second collapsible arm 114. For example, the substantially straight portions 182, 183 may extend distally from the respective arcuate portions 180, 181 by a substantially identical distance. In various other embodiments, though not illustrated, the first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may be symmetrical.

[0051] FIG. 5C illustrates a close-up view of the distal end of one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100 in the fired position. The manually articulating joint 116 may connect a flexible portion 120 of the shaft assembly 106 to the first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114. The first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may be fastened to the manually articulating joint 116 using any suitable fastening means, such as, welding, fusing, gluing, screwing, bolting, riveting, or any other suitable method. The manually articulating joint 116 may be fastened to the flexible portion 120 of the shaft assembly 106 using any suitable fastening means, such as, welding, fusing, gluing, screwing, bolting, riveting, or any other suitable method.

[0052] In one embodiment, the first collapsible arm 112, the second collapsible arm 114 and the knot pusher 118 extend from a distal end 122 of the shaft assembly 106. The knot pusher 118 may be contained between the arm assembly 111 and the manually articulating joint 116. In at least one embodiment, the collapsible arms 112, 114 may be formed of material that has a rectangular cross-section (i.e., substantially flat). In other embodiments, the collapsible arms 112, 114 may be formed of a material which has a circular cross-section, a square cross-section, or any other suitable cross-section.

[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates the proximal end of one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100 with the outer sheath 108 and the distal handle 104 removed. A substantial amount of force may be transmitted through the shaft assembly 106 during the action of translating the distal handle 104 proximally in the direction 109A (FIG. 5A) towards the proximal handle 102 to expose the specimen retrieval bag 110. As shown in FIG. 6, the shaft assembly 106 may comprise the flexible portion 120 and a rigid portion 126. This combination of the flexible portion 120 and the rigid portion 126 may be required to overcome the substantial amount of force which may be transmitted through the shaft assembly 106 as the distal handle 104 is translated proximally.

[0054] In various embodiments, the rigid portion 126 may extend along a longitudinal axis “L” from the proximal handle to the flexible portion 120. The flexible portion 120 may extend along the longitudinal axis “L” from the rigid portion 126 to the distal end 122 of the shaft assembly 106. The flexible portion 120 may extend a distance which is greater than a distance extended by the rigid portion 126. For example, the rigid portion 126 may extend approximately 25 centimeters, whereas the flexible portion 120 may extend approximately 225 centimeters. In various embodiments, the flexible portion 120 and the rigid portion may be welded together or fastened using any suitable method for connecting the flexible portion 120 to the rigid portion 126. In at least one other embodiment, the flexible portion 120 and the rigid portion 126 may be formed of one piece of material. For example, the flexible portion 120 may be machined from the rigid portion 126. In various embodiments, the flexible portion 120 may be flexible coil pipe, and the rigid portion may be a rigid shaft. During an operation, a surgeon may be able to deform the flexible portion 120 in any direction relative to the longitudinal axis “L” in order to assist the surgeon in placing the instrument where it is needed. For example, referring again to FIG. 1, the surgeon may manipulate the flexible portion 120 of the shaft assembly 106 in order to remove a gall bladder using the flexible endoscope 30. In order for the flexible portion 120 to move in a variety of directions during an operation, the outer sheath 108 may be fabricated of a flexible material to allow the flexible portion 120 to move in accordance with the surgeon's direction.

[0055] In various embodiments, in addition to the flexible portion 120, the specimen retrieval device 100 may comprise numerous devices for controlling movement of the arm assembly 111, and in particular for articulating the specimen retrieval bag 110 relative to the shaft assembly 106. In certain embodiments, the arm assembly 111 can rotate relative to the shaft assembly 111, and/or the shaft assembly 106 can rotate relative to the proximal handle 102. Articulation and rotation of the arm assembly 111 will allow the specimen retrieval bag 110 to be positioned at various locations during a surgical procedure, thereby providing the user with precise control over the specimen retrieval bag 110. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the specimen retrieval device 100 has application in endoscopic procedures, laparoscopic procedures, and in conventional open surgical procedures, including robotic-assisted surgery.

[0056] FIG. 7A illustrates one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100 shown in an articulated position. The articulation may be possible through the use of the manually articulating joint 116. FIG. 7B illustrates one embodiment of the manually articulating joint 116. FIG. 7C illustrates one embodiment of the manually articulating joint 116 in an articulated position. Referring to FIG. 5C, the manually articulating joint 116 may comprise a three-bar linkage 160. The three-bar linkage 160 may allow the arm assembly 111 to be oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis L. The articulation of the arm assembly 111 may occur about articulation joint A. The three-bar linkage 160 may include three links 161, 162, 164 that are pivotally coupled to one another. In various embodiments, the three-bar linkage 160 can have a variety of alternate embodiments. Each link in the three-bar linkage 160 can have a variety of configurations.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the first and second links 161, 162 each have a generally hollow elongate shape and the third link 164 is in the form of an elongate rod or bar. The first link 161 can have a proximal end that is coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 106 via a rotation coupling assembly (not shown). The distal end of the first link 161 can be pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the second link 162, e.g., by a pivot joint. The distal end of the second link 162 can in turn be coupled to the arm assembly 111. The third link 164 can extend at least partially through the first and second links 161, 162, and it can have a distal end that is pivotally coupled to the second link 162, e.g., by a pivot pin, to form a three-bar linkage mechanism. The particular location at which the third link 164 mates to the second link 162 can vary. In at least one embodiment, the third link 164 mates to the second link 162 at a location that will allow the third link 164 to apply a force to the second link 162 to cause the second link 162 to articulate relative to the first link 161. The proximal end of the third link 164 can be coupled to an articulation actuator 170 extending through the shaft assembly 106 and at least partially through the first link 161. The articulation actuator 170 can have a variety of configurations. In at least one embodiment, the articulation actuator 170 may be in the form of a hollow elongate shaft or tube. Such a configuration may allow an actuation wire 172 to extend therethrough for actuating the arm assembly 111. The coupling 174 may be a tubular member that fixedly mates to the articulation actuator 170 and pivotally mates to the third link 164. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the articulation actuator 170 can be directly mated to the third link 164.

[0058] In various embodiments, proximal movement of the articulation actuator 170 relative to the longitudinal axis L of the shaft assembly 106 may apply a proximally-directed force to the third link 164. The third link 164 may thus apply a proximally-directed force to the second link 162, and may cause the second link 162 to pivot laterally relative to the longitudinal axis L of the shaft assembly 106. As a result, the second link 162, with the arm assembly 111, will move laterally in a single plane to allow the arm assembly 111 to extend at an angle relative the longitudinal axis L of the shaft assembly 106, as shown in FIG. 7C. The arm assembly 111 can be returned to the original, longitudinally-aligned position, shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, by moving the articulation actuator 170 distally relative to the shaft assembly 106.

[0059] In various embodiments, referring again to FIG. 7A, once the specimen retrieval bag 110 has been exposed, the operator of the specimen retrieval device 100 can manipulate a translation/rotation knob 128 to articulate the arm assembly 111 or the first and second collapsible arms 112, 114. This articulation may allow for easier placement of the specimen retrieval bag 110 under the biological material to be removed. In addition, the knot pusher 118 may be articulated in this manner. The articulation actuator 170 may be configured to be connected to the translation/rotation knob 128 to allow the articulation actuator 170 to move distally and proximally, and to rotate, in conjunction with the movement of the translation/rotation knob 128. The articulation may be achieved by translating the translation/rotation knob 128 proximally and/or distally within the proximal handle 102, as indicated by arrow 130. By translating the translation/rotation knob, the articulation actuator 170 may be translated proximally, and the arm assembly may be caused to articulate in a direction shown by the arrow 129.

[0060] FIG. 8A illustrates one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device in a rotated position. FIG. 8B illustrates an exploded view of the manually articulating joint 116. The rotation of the arm assembly 111 may be achieved through the use of the three-bar linkage 160. The arm assembly 111 may be configured to be rotated relative to and about the longitudinal axis L. Referring to FIGS. 7B and 7C, the three-bar linkage 160 may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 106, and thus the three-bar linkage 160, as well as the arm assembly 111, can be positioned in various axial orientations. The rotation of the arm assembly 111 may occur about a rotation joint R. The location of the rotation joint R proximal to the articulation joint A may be particularly advantageous in that rotation of the arm assembly 111 can change the location of the plane within which the arm assembly 111 articulates.

[0061] In various embodiments, the first link 161 can be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the shaft assembly 106 by one or more rotation couplings. The illustrated embodiment includes first and second rotation couplings 166, 168. The first rotation coupling 166 may have a generally elongate hollow shape with a proximal end that is fixedly mated to the shaft assembly 106 and a distal end having deflectable tabs 167 formed therearound. The tabs 167 can be formed by longitudinally-extending cut-outs formed in and spaced radially around the distal end of the first rotation coupling 166. Each tab 167 can include an annular flange or lip (not shown) formed on an inner surface thereof. The second rotation coupling 168 can have a generally elongate hollow shape, and it can include a groove or cut-out formed therein. The first and second rotation couplings 166, 168 can be mated by advancing the tabs 167 over the proximal end of the second rotation coupling 168. The tabs 167 will deflect until the annular flange or lip on the tabs 167 extends into and engages the groove 169 formed in the second rotation coupling 168. The two rotation couplings 166, 168 can thus rotate relative to one another, allowing the first link 161, which is fixedly mated to the distal end of the second rotation coupling 168, to rotate relative to the first rotation coupling 166 and the shaft assembly 106.

[0062] Rotation of the articulation actuator 170 can be achieved by rotating the articulation actuator 170. In particular, rotation of the articulation actuator 170 relative to and about the longitudinal axis L of the shaft assembly 106 will rotate the third link 164, which is coupled to the second link 162, which in turn is coupled to the arm assembly 111 and the first link 161. As a result, the entire three-bar linkage 160 will rotate with the arm assembly 111 relative to and about the longitudinal axis L of the shaft assembly 106. Additionally, rotation can be done while the arm assembly 111 is articulated, thereby changing the plane within which the arm assembly 111 articulates.

[0063] Referring again to FIG. 8A, the operator of the specimen retrieval device 100 may be able to manipulate the translation/rotation knob 128 to rotate the articulation actuator 170 and the arm assembly 111. This rotation may also allow for easier placement of the specimen retrieval bag 110 under the biological material to be removed. In addition, the knot pusher 118 may be rotated in this manner. The rotation may be achieved by rotating the translation/rotation knob 128 in the direction of rotation (either clockwise or counterclockwise) within the proximal handle, as indicated by arrow 132. In various embodiments, the articulation and rotation of the arm assembly 111 may occur at or near the same time to maneuver the specimen retrieval bag 110. The articulation and rotation of the arm assembly 114 may be achieved through the use of the articulation actuator 170. The articulation actuator 170 may be required to transmit the rotation and translation from the proximal handle 102 to the manually articulating joint 116. The articulation actuator 170 may house a suture which may run through the middle of the articulation actuator 170.

[0064] FIG. 9A illustrates one embodiment of a specimen retrieval bag 110 when the specimen retrieval device 100 is in the fired position. FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the specimen retrieval bag 110. The specimen retrieval bag 110 may be configured to be retained on the arm assembly 111. In various embodiments, the specimen retrieval bag 110 may be rolled-up on the arm assembly 111 when the specimen retrieval bag 110 and arm assembly 111 are retained within the outer sheath 108 prior to firing of the specimen retrieval device 100. The manner in which the specimen retrieval bag 110 is rolled may be critical due to the operational environment of the specimen retrieval device 100. Given that the outer sheath 108 of the specimen retrieval device 100 may be passed through the working channel of a flexible endoscope, the diameter of the outer sheath 108, and any item contained within the outer sheath 108, may be limited. For example, the outer sheath 108 may be required to fit in a working channel with a diameter of about 2-5 millimeters and typically about 3.7 millimeters.

[0065] Although the diameter of the arm assembly 111 and the rolled-up specimen retrieval bag 110 may be limited due to the dimensional limits of the diameter of the outer sheath 108, a similar limit may not exist for the length of the arm assembly 111 and the specimen retrieval bag 110. For example, the length of the arm assembly 111 and the specimen retrieval bag 110 may be able to extend up to about 300 millimeters within the outer sheath 108. The relatively limited constraints on the length of the arm assembly 111 and the specimen retrieval bag 110 may be important to deliver a bag of significant volume to a surgical site. In at least one embodiment, the bag 110 may be rolled upon itself.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9B, the specimen retrieval bag 110 may comprise a top end 135 and a bottom end 137. The top end 135 may comprise an open portion 136 and a fused portion 138. The open portion may be located near a proximal end 139, and the fused portion 138 may be located near a distal end 140. The fused portion 138 may be formed by fusing two portions of the specimen retrieval bag 110 together. The fused portion 138 may be formed by stitching, gluing, or using any other suitable method for forming a fused portion 138 of the specimen retrieval bag 110. The proximal end 139 may extend distally from the top end 135 to the bottom end 137, and the distal end 140 may extend distally from the top end 135 to the bottom end 137. The specimen retrieval bag 110 may be formed to allow the specimen retrieval bag 110 to be rolled up upon itself with a reduced diameter to meet the diameter requirements of the outer sheath 108 (FIG. 9A, for example).

[0067] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first collapsible arm 112 may fit into a folded portion 142 on one side of the specimen retrieval bag 110 and the second collapsible arm 114 may fit into the folded portion 142 on the other side of the specimen retrieval bag 110. A suture 144 may run through the entire folded portion 142 and may be tied in a slip knot to allow the open portion 136 to be cinched once the biological material is put into the specimen retrieval bag 110. The asymmetric design of the arm assembly 111 enables the specimen retrieval bag 110 to receive biological material having a higher volume compared to symmetric designs. The first collapsible arm 112 and the second collapsible arm 114 may minimize buckling of the specimen retrieval bag 110 when the bag 110 is in the rolled-up position.

[0068] FIG. 10 illustrates a close-up view of the proximal end of the proximal handle 102 of one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100. The suture 144 may extend through an opening 146 formed in the proximal end of the proximal handle 102. The suture 144 may terminate on the exterior of the proximal handle at an o-ring 148 or any other suitable assembly for retaining the suture 144. The specimen retrieval bag 110 may be removed from the arm assembly 111 once the biological specimen has been received in the specimen retrieval bag 110. First, the specimen retrieval bag 110 may be freed from the proximal handle 102 by pulling the suture 144 loose from the proximal handle 102. The suture 144 may extend from the folded portion 142 of the bag 110 at the distal end of the specimen retrieval device 100 through the center of the articulation actuator 170 and out of an opening 146 in the proximal end of the proximal handle 102.

[0069] FIG. 11A illustrates the proximal handle 102 of one embodiment of the specimen retrieval device 100 retracting the arm assembly 111 (FIG. 11B). Once the suture 144 has been freed from the proximal handle 102, the specimen retrieval bag 110 (FIGS. 9A, 9B) may be removed from the arm assembly 111. The specimen retrieval bag 110 may be removed from the arm assembly 111 by translating the distal handle 104 distally in the direction shown by arrow 109B. As the distal handle 104 is translated distally, the outer sheath 108 moves distally to collapse the arm assembly 111 and receives the collapsed arm assembly 111 within the hollow lumen of the outer sheath 108. FIG. 11B illustrates one embodiment of the distal end of the specimen retrieval device 100 retracting the first and second collapsible arms 112, 114 within the hollow lumen defined by the outer sheath 108. FIG. 11C illustrates a close-up view of one embodiment of the distal end of the specimen retrieval device 100 retracting the arm assembly 111. As the arm assembly 111 is retracted, the knot pusher 118 may be configured to be trapped at the distal end of the outer sheath 108 and remain trapped at the distal end of the outer sheath 108.

[0070] FIG. 12A illustrates one embodiment of a knot pusher 108. The knot pusher 118 may comprise a cylindrical portion 152 and a flared portion 154. In various other embodiments, the knot pusher 118 may not be limited to a cylindrical shape such as shown by the cylindrical portion 152 but may have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the knot pusher 118 may comprise an alternate distal portion, which may be formed in any suitable shape, such as a square or a rectangle, for example. Prior to firing the specimen retrieving device 100, the knot pusher 118 may be completely contained within the outer sheath 108 with the cylindrical portion 152 near the distal end of the outer sheath 108 and the flared portion 154 near the distal end of the manually articulating joint 116. The flared portion 154 may be held within the outer sheath 108 in a substantially non-flared position as shown in FIG. 4B. This non-flared position may be attainable due to slots 156 located around the periphery of the flared portion 152. These slots 156 may be cut into the flared portion 152 to allow the flared portion 152 to be in a non-flared position when sufficient force is applied to the flared portion 152 and in a flared position (as shown in FIG. 12A) when a lack of sufficient force is applied to the flared portion 152. The knot pusher 118 may be fabricated of a resilient material, such as a resilient metal, plastic, or any other suitable material, to allow the flared portion 152 of the knot pusher 118 to expand to a flared position once the force is removed.

[0071] FIG. 12B illustrates one embodiment of the knot pusher 118 in the flared position interacting with the outer sheath 108 of the specimen retrieval device 108. As the outer sheath 108 is being retracted, the knot pusher 118 may eject from the exterior of the distal end of the outer sheath 108 and expand into the flared position. In one embodiment, the suture 144 may pass through the knot pusher 118 such that there may exist a knot 158 in the suture 144 at a distal end of the knot pusher 118. The suture 144 may enter the knot pusher 118 through an opening 160, which may comprise a slot, a hole, or any other suitable opening. In other embodiments, the opening 160 may be located in the cylindrical portion 152 of the knot pusher 118. The suture 144 may pass internally through the flared portion 152 and then exit the knot pusher 118 at the opening 160. The opening 160 may be configured to allow the suture 144 to pass through but not allow a knot 158 in the suture 144 to pass through the opening 160. The knot 158 may be formed at or near the distal end of the knot pusher 118 such that the knot 158 cannot be pulled proximally through the knot pusher 118.

[0072] FIG. 12C further illustrates one embodiment of the knot pusher 118 interacting with the outer sheath 108 of the specimen retrieval device 100. Once the specimen retrieval bag 110 has been removed from the arm assembly 111, the suture 144 may be pulled proximally from the proximal handle 102 (as shown in FIG. 10) to cinch the specimen device bag 110 closed. As the loose end of the suture 144 is pulled, the knot pusher 118 may rotate about an axis until the knot pusher 118 is engaged with the outer sheath 108 to further prevent the knot pusher 118 from entering the distal end of the outer sheath 108. In addition, the knot 158 of the suture 144 is pulled tight against the knot pusher 118. Once the knot 158 is secured against the knot pusher 118, the suture 144 may be pulled tight which may cinch the specimen retrieval bag 110. Once the bag 110 is cinched, elements of the specimen retrieval device 100, which may include the outer sheath 108, the arm assembly 111, the shaft assembly 106, and the manually articulating joint 116, may be removed from the working channel. This removal may occur to allow the operator, or surgeon, to place another instrument down the working channel to complete the surgical procedure or perform another surgical procedure. Other elements of the specimen retrieval device 100, which may include the specimen retrieval bag 110, the suture 144, and the knot pusher 118, may be left in the patient until further procedures have taken place. The specimen retrieval bag 110 may remain at the distal end of the flexible endoscope 30 (FIGS. 1, 2) with the suture 144 tethering the bag 110 to the proximal end where the operator may have control of the bag 110. Upon completion of the additional procedures, the specimen retrieval bag 110 may be extubated.

[0073] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, the device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include any combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of techniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0074] Preferably, the various embodiments described herein will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or TYVEK® bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility.

[0075] It is preferred that the device is sterilized. This can be done by any number of ways known to those skilled in the art including beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, steam.

[0076] Although various embodiments have been described herein, many modifications and variations to those embodiments may be implemented. For example, different types of specimen retrieval bags may be employed. In addition, combinations of the described embodiments may be used. For example, the specimen retrieval bag may comprise a fused portion at the proximal end and an open portion at the distal end. Also, where materials are disclosed for certain components, other materials may be used. The foregoing description and following claims are intended to cover all such modification and variations.

[0077] Any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.