Specimen reduction device
US5330483A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 19, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2210/0023
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A medical device and method of using the device such as during laparascopic procedures for reducing the size of specimens so that they can be removed from the body by a minimally invasive surgical technique. The device is thermally activated and is useable in conjunction with or as part of a tissue isolation bag. The device includes an inner wall defining an empty space for receiving surgically removed tissue. The member is in an expanded condition at body temperature but shrinks to a smaller specimen reducing configuration wherein the empty space becomes smaller when the member is heated to a temperature above body temperature. By careful selection of the material for the specimen reduction device, a range of specific shrink temperatures may be obtained which are suitable for use within the body. For example, the member can be of a shape memory metal or a shape memory polymer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.