Retrieval device

Abstract

An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net. system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a: net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

1 . A device for use within an instrument channel of an endoscope for retrieving objects from within a human body, the device comprising:
 a. a body;   b. a handle mounted to and movable relative to said body;   c. a tubular member having a first end fixed to said body and a second end, the tubular member defining a passage and opening at said second end;   d. a link having a first end fixed to said handle and a second end remote from said body, said link extending substantially through said tubular member passage; and   e. a net comprising a loop and a net element secured to said loop and having an object receiving pouch section, said net disposed adjacent said link second end for deployment and retrieval through said tubular passage opening;   f. said loop being expandable and collapsible by action of said handle relative to said body, wherein a distal end of said loop comprises collapse-resistant structure.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop is constructed from a flat wire. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop is constructed from a material having a tensile strength of at least 300,000 psi. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop is constructed from a flat wire comprising at least one collapse-resistant bend. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop forms a polygon shape when deployed. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop comprises a full looped portion disposed at said distal end of said loop. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop comprises a full looped portion disposed at said distal end of said loop, wherein said net is anchored to said curved portion. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop comprises a protruding spring tip, said tip disposed at said distal end of said loop. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said net comprises a plastic tip having a aperture therethrough, wherein said net element is secured through said aperture. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop comprises a tip member having a aperture therethrough, wherein said net element is secured through said aperture. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said loop retains an expanded configuration with an object retained within said pouch section. 
     
     
         12 . An endoscopic device for retrieving objects from within a human body, the device comprising:
 a. a support assembly comprising a base and an elongated hollow tube;   b. a transmitting assembly comprising a handle movable relative to said base and a link having a first end fixed to said handle and a second end remote from said base, said link extending substantially through a length of said tube; and   c. a net comprising a loop and a net element secured to said loop, said loop being movable between an expanded position and a collapsed position by action of said handle relative to said base;   d. wherein said loop is polygon shaped in said expanded position and comprises a torsion spring tip at a distal end thereof.