Abstract:
A specimen retrieval device includes an outer shaft defining a bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft, a pouch detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft, and a pouch retention mechanism configured to selectively retain the pouch at the distal end of the inner shaft.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present disclosure relates to specimen retrieval devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to specimen retrieval devices including a selectively detachable pouch. 
         [0003]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0004]    Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures are minimally invasive procedures in which operations are carried out within the body by means of elongated instruments inserted through small entrance or access openings in the body, e.g., an opening defined by a natural passageway of the body, an opening created by a tissue piercing instrument (e.g., a trocar), etc. 
         [0005]    Minimally invasive procedures are often used to partially or totally remove body tissue or organs from the interior of the body, e.g. nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, duodenectomy, ileectomy, jejunectomy and other such procedures. During such procedures, it is common that affected tissue or organs are removed from the patient&#39;s body. Various types of entrapment devices are known in the art to facilitate this procedure. 
         [0006]    Conventional entrapment devices typically include an elongated applicator including a handle at a proximal end that is operable to deploy a pouch or other suitable device from a distal end of the applicator. The pouch may be perforated and releasably coupled to a spring member along the perforations. As a result of the perforations on the pouch, the pouch may be detached from the spring member by tearing along the perforations. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    Specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include a pouch that is selectively detachable from the device. 
         [0008]    In embodiments specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include a housing and an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distally therefrom. The outer shaft defines a bore therethrough and has an inner shaft slidingly disposed within the bore. The inner shaft has a pouch retention mechanism for connecting a pouch to the inner shaft. A first stop mechanism associated with the housing and is configured to prevent the inner shaft from sliding distally relative to the outer shaft past a first longitudinal position. A first stop mechanism actuator can be actuated to disengage the first stop mechanism so as to enable the inner shaft to slide distally relative to the outer shaft past the first longitudinal position and to cause the pouch retention mechanism to engage a second stop mechanism associated with the housing that allows continued distal movement of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft past the first longitudinal position, but to prevent distal movement of the pouch retention mechanism past the first longitudinal position. Continued distal sliding of the inner shaft past the first longitudinal position causes the pouch retention mechanism to move proximally relative to the inner shaft to a position at which the pouch is disconnectable from the inner shaft. 
         [0009]    In various embodiments, the pouch retention mechanism may include a pin that extends distally within a groove that extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the inner shaft. The pin may include at its proximal end a radially-extending tip that is configured to engage the second stop mechanism of the housing. The first stop mechanism may include a leaf spring that is seated within a groove extends longitudinally along the outer surface of the inner shaft. The actuator may be a spring loaded push-button configured to move the leaf spring out of engagement with the housing. The pouch may include an aperture through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. The inner shaft may include a notch near its distal end, the pouch retention mechanism extending fully across the notch such that the pouch remains attached to the pouch retention mechanism when the inner shaft is proximal of the first longitudinal position relative to the outer shaft. When the pouch retention mechanism is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft, a distal end of the pouch retention mechanism may be retracted such that the pouch retention mechanism no longer extends fully across the notch, thereby allowing the pouch retention mechanism to slide out of engagement with the aperture of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0010]    In various embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism that is connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch, and the pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0011]    Also, the specimen retrieval device may further include a cinch which also resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to a cinch puller, the cinch puller being configured, when pulled by a user, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0012]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore therethrough and an inner shaft slidingly disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. The inner shaft has a handle portion at its proximal end. A pouch selectively connected to the inner shaft includes a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch; a cinch that resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. A cinch puller connected to a proximal end of the cinch is configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. Together, the cinch puller and the handle portion of the inner shaft form a complete handle that is grippable by a user. 
         [0013]    In embodiments, the cinch puller and the handle portion of the inner shaft may be initially attached to each other, and may be selectively detachable from each other by a user. The cinch may be a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. The cinch may extend within a groove that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. The cinch puller may be configured to releasably couple to the handle portion of the inner shaft by detents on a first one of the cinch puller and the handle portion, the detents engaging corresponding indents on a second one of the cinch puller and the handle portion. Also, the handle portion may include at least one cutting mechanism that is configured to cut the cinch. 
         [0014]    In various embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0015]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore therethrough and an inner shaft is slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch is supported by a pouch support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft. The inner shaft also includes at least one indication mechanism thereon that is configured to indicate to a user when the pouch support mechanism is retracted to a position at which the pouch support mechanism is fully within the outer shaft. 
         [0016]    In embodiments, when the at least one indication mechanism indicates that the pouch support mechanism is retracted to a position at which the pouch support mechanism is fully within the outer shaft, a portion of the pouch may remain outside of the outer shaft. With such an arrangement, a user may repeatedly pull the pouch support mechanism into and out of the outer shaft—the pouch support mechanism being outside of the outer shaft when filling the pouch with tissue and the pouch support mechanism being inside the outer shaft in between such filling steps in a way that ensures that the contents of the pouch will not spill out of the mouth of the pouch. 
         [0017]    In embodiments, the at least one indication mechanism may be indicia that are visible to user when the pouch support mechanism is retracted to a position at which the pouch support mechanism is fully within the outer shaft, e.g., the indicia may be at least one marking on the inner shaft. The at least one indication mechanism may also be structure that provides an audible sound to a user when the pouch support mechanism is retracted to a position at which the pouch support mechanism is fully within the outer shaft. Also, the at least one indication mechanism may be a structure that provides tactile feedback to a user when the pouch support mechanism is retracted to a position at which the pouch support mechanism is fully within the outer shaft. The pouch may be releasably supported by the pouch support mechanism. 
         [0018]    In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, specimen retrieval devices include an outer shaft defining a longitudinal axis and defining a bore therethrough. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft and pouch is supported at the distal end of the inner shaft. The pouch has a proximal edge that forms an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft such that the proximal force required to be exerted by a user on the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in order to pull the pouch into the outer shaft is reduced. 
         [0019]    In embodiments, the inner shaft may have a pouch support mechanism at its distal end, the pouch being supported by the pouch support mechanism. The pouch may be releasably supported by the pouch support mechanism. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. 
         [0020]    Also, the specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch that resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch puller connected to a proximal end of the cinch and being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. The cinch may reside within a groove that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. 
         [0021]    In embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks, and the pair of forks may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0022]    In embodiments, the proximal edge may have a curved profile. The proximal edge of the pouch gradually may become closer to being orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis near to the bottom of the pouch. The proximal edge of the pouch may define a concave curvature at or near a mouth of the pouch and defines a convex curvature at or near a bottom portion of the pouch. In addition, the mouth of the pouch may form a compound angle so as to provide an increased area during use for a specimen to be received, as well as to provide the mouth to a user at an angle that is most conducive to receiving the specimen. 
         [0023]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a longitudinal axis and defining a bore therethrough. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch supported at the distal end of the inner shaft has a mouth including a compound angle which, during use, is open for receiving a tissue specimen. The pouch may include a proximal edge that forms an obtuse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the outer shaft such that the proximal force required to be exerted by a user on the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in order to pull the pouch into the outer shaft is reduced. The inner shaft may have a pouch support mechanism at its distal end to support the pouch. The pouch may be releasably supported by the pouch support mechanism. 
         [0024]    In embodiments, the pouch may include a slot around the circumference of a mouth of the pouch. The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch that resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch puller connected to a proximal end of the cinch and being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. The cinch may reside within a groove that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within slots around the mouth of the pouch when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. The proximal edge of the pouch may have a curved profile. 
         [0025]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a longitudinal axis and defining a bore therethrough and an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch supported at the distal end of the inner shaft has an open mouth and a closed end opposite the mouth. The pouch further has a waist at a position between the mouth and the closed end. The inner shaft may have a pouch support mechanism at its distal end to support the pouch. The pouch may be releasably supported by the pouch support mechanism. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. 
         [0026]    In various embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch that resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. In addition, the specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch puller connected to a proximal end of the cinch and being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. The cinch may reside within a groove that extends longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. 
         [0027]    In various embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0028]    Also, the proximal edge of the pouch may have a curved profile. The proximal edge of the pouch may gradually become closer to being orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis near to the bottom of the pouch. The proximal edge of the pouch may define a concave curvature at or near a mouth of the pouch and may define a convex curvature at or near a bottom portion of the pouch. 
         [0029]    During a surgical procedure, the mouth of the pouch may be configured to be positioned outside of a surgical site, the waist of the pouch may be configured to reside within an incision, and the closed end of the pouch may be configured to be positioned inside of the surgical site. The waist may have a dimension in a radial direction that is less than the radial dimension of the mouth of the pouch. 
         [0030]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore therethrough and an inner shaft slidingly disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch is connected to the inner shaft by a pouch retention mechanism on the inner shaft. The pouch retention mechanism permits selective detachment of the pouch from the inner shaft while the pouch retention mechanism is within the outer shaft. 
         [0031]    The pouch retention mechanism may include at least one member that moves longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. The at least one member may move by sliding relative to the inner shaft. The at least one member may have a finger structure. The at least one member and the inner shaft may also include corresponding features that prevent the at least one member and the inner shaft from inadvertently moving relative to each other. The pouch may include one or more openings through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. 
         [0032]    In embodiments, the inner shaft may include one or more protrusions near its distal end. The at least one member may abut the one or more protrusions such that the pouch remains attached to the one or more protrusions when the at least one member is in a proximal position relative to the inner shaft. When the at least one member is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft, a distal end of the at least one member is retracted such that the at least one member no longer abuts the one or more protrusions. This may allow the one or more protrusions to slide out of engagement with the opening of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0033]    In addition, the specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0034]    In embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch. The cinch may also reside in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to an actuator. The actuator may be configured, when actuated, to pull the cinch a first distance so as to move the at least one member proximally relative to the inner shaft. The cinch may also be configured, when pulled proximally a second distance, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0035]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore therethrough and an inner shaft slidingly disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. The inner shaft has a handle and a pouch retention mechanism connecting a pouch to the inner shaft. An actuator movably connected to the handle actuates the pouch retention mechanism to permit a user to selectively detach the pouch from the inner shaft. The actuator may be a ring and may be pivotably connected to the handle. The handle may define a void, the ring having a portion that extends radially into the void so as to provide a surface for a user&#39;s finger to pivot the ring relative to the handle. 
         [0036]    In embodiments, the specimen retrieval device also includes a cinch connected at its proximal end to the actuator The actuator may be configured, when actuated, to pull the cinch a first distance so as to move the pouch retention mechanism proximally relative to the inner shaft. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0037]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. The cinch may also reside in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may also be configured such that, when pulled proximally a second distance, it causes the mouth of the pouch to close. 
         [0038]    In various embodiments, the pouch retention mechanism may include at least one member that moves longitudinally along an outer surface of the inner shaft. The at least one member may move by sliding relative to the inner shaft. The pouch may include one or more openings through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. The inner shaft may include one or more protrusions near its distal end. The at least one member may abut the one or more protrusions such that the pouch remains attached to the one or more protrusions when the at least one member is in a proximal position relative to the inner shaft. In such an arrangement, when the at least one member is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft by actuation of the actuator, a distal end of the at least one member may be retracted such that the at least one member no longer abuts the one or more protrusions, thereby allowing the one or more protrusions to slide out of engagement with the opening of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0039]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore and an inner shaft slidably disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch is detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft. A pouch retention mechanism is configured to selectively retain the pouch at the distal end of the inner shaft. Retraction of the pouch retention mechanism allows the pouch to be detached from the inner shaft. 
         [0040]    The pouch retention mechanism may be retracted by engagement of the pouch retention mechanism with at least one stop disposed on the outer shaft. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin including a proximal end that is configured to engage the at least one stop. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin that is retracted by a user pulling the retention pin in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. The retention pin may be attached to a cinch that is configured to be retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. 
         [0041]    In embodiments, the pouch may include an aperture through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. The inner shaft may include a notch near its distal end, the pouch retention mechanism extending fully across the notch when the pouch retention mechanism is in a distal position relative to the inner shaft whereby the pouch remains attached to the pouch retention mechanism. When the pouch retention mechanism is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft, a distal end of the pouch retention mechanism may be retracted such that the pouch retention mechanism no longer extends fully across the notch, thereby allowing the pouch retention mechanism to slide out of engagement with the aperture of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0042]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch, and the pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0043]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch which also resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to a cinch handle, the cinch handle being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0044]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include a housing and an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distally therefrom. The outer shaft defines a bore therethrough and an inner shaft is slidingly disposed within the bore of the outer shaft. A pouch is connected to the inner shaft. A cinch handle is detachably mounted on the inner shaft. The cinch handle prevents the inner shaft from sliding distally relative to the outer shaft past a first longitudinal position. When the cinch handle is detached from the inner shaft, the inner shaft is allowed to slide distally relative to the outer shaft past the first longitudinal position. 
         [0045]    In embodiments, the inner shaft may have a pouch retention mechanism. The pouch may be connected to the inner shaft by the pouch retention mechanism. The pouch retention mechanism may be configured to retain the pouch to the inner shaft when the inner shaft is in a position relative to the outer shaft that is proximal to the first longitudinal position, and the pouch retention mechanism may be configured to allow the pouch to be detached from the inner shaft when the inner shaft is in a position relative to the outer shaft that is distal to the first longitudinal position. The pouch retention mechanism may be retracted by engagement of the pouch retention mechanism with at least one stop disposed on the outer shaft. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin including a proximal end that is configured to engage the at least one stop. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin that is retracted by a user pulling the retention pin in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. The retention pin may be attached to a cinch that is configured to be retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to the cinch handle, such that, when the cinch handle is retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft, the retention pin is also retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. 
         [0046]    The pouch may include an aperture through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. The inner shaft may include a notch near its distal end, the pouch retention mechanism extending fully across the notch when the pouch retention mechanism is in a distal position relative to the inner shaft whereby the pouch remains attached to the pouch retention mechanism by the aperture. When the pouch retention mechanism is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft, a distal end of the pouch retention mechanism may be retracted such that the pouch retention mechanism no longer extends fully across the notch, thereby allowing the pouch retention mechanism to slide out of engagement with the aperture of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0047]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch, and the pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0048]    In embodiments, the specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch which also resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to the cinch handle, the cinch handle being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0049]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include a housing and an outer shaft coupled to and extending distally from the housing. A inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and movable relative thereto. The inner shaft includes a pair of resilient members at a distal end thereof and a handle assembly at a proximal end thereof. A pouch is releasably coupled to the pair of resilient members. A retention pin is configured to selectively engage the pouch. A cinch includes a proximal end removably coupled to the handle of the inner shaft and a distal end coupled to the pouch and is configured to releasably couple to the retention pin. Engagement between a proximal end of the housing and the handle assembly uncouples the pouch from the retention pin and allows the pouch to uncouple from the pair of resilient members when the inner shaft is moved proximally into the outer shaft. 
         [0050]    The retention pin may include an elongated configuration including proximal and distal ends and at least partially extends within the outer shaft. The proximal end of the retention pin may include a generally arcuate configuration that is configured to engage the proximal end of the housing to limit distal translation of the retention pin. The proximal end of the retention pin may include at least one mechanical interface thereon that is configured to engage a corresponding at least one mechanical interface that is disposed within the outer shaft to limit distal translation of the retention pin. The distal end of the cinch my include a distal loop that secures to the distal end of the retention pin for securing the pouch to the retention pin and may include a proximal loop that is configured to be grasped by a user for cinching the pouch. A distal end of the proximal loop may be configured to releasably couple to the handle assembly of the inner shaft. 
         [0051]    The handle assembly may include at least one cutting mechanism that is configured to cut the cinch. The proximal end may be configured to engage one of the proximal ends of the outer shaft and at least one mechanical interface disposed within the outer shaft. 
         [0052]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include a housing, an outer shaft connected to the housing and extending distally therefrom, and an inner shaft slidingly disposed within a bore defined through the outer shaft. A pouch is connected to the inner shaft. A cinch handle is movably coupled to the inner shaft. When the inner shaft is in a first longitudinal position relative to the outer shaft, the cinch handle is positioned within the outer shaft and is inaccessible to a user, and when the inner shaft is in a second longitudinal position relative to the outer shaft, the cinch handle is positioned outside of the outer shaft and is accessible to a user. 
         [0053]    The inner shaft may have a pouch retention mechanism. The pouch may be connected to the inner shaft by the pouch retention mechanism. The pouch retention mechanism may be configured to retain the pouch to the inner shaft when the inner shaft is in the first longitudinal position relative to the outer shaft, and the pouch retention mechanism may be configured to allow the pouch to be detached from the inner shaft when the inner shaft is in the second longitudinal position relative to the outer shaft. The pouch retention mechanism may be retracted by engagement of the pouch retention mechanism with at least one stop disposed on the outer shaft. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin including a proximal end that is configured to engage the at least one stop. The pouch retention mechanism may be a retention pin that is retracted by a user pulling the retention pin in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. 
         [0054]    The retention pin may be attached to a cinch that is configured to be retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to the cinch handle, such that, when the cinch handle is retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft, the retention pin is also retracted by a user in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft. The pouch may include an aperture through which the pouch retention mechanism extends. 
         [0055]    The inner shaft may include a notch near its distal end, the pouch retention mechanism extending fully across the notch when the pouch retention mechanism is in a distal position relative to the inner shaft whereby the pouch remains attached to the pouch retention mechanism by the aperture. When the pouch retention mechanism is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft, a distal end of the pouch retention mechanism may be retracted such that the pouch retention mechanism no longer extends fully across the notch, thereby allowing the pouch retention mechanism to slide out of engagement with the aperture of the pouch and the pouch to be disconnected from the pouch retention mechanism. 
         [0056]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch support mechanism connected to the inner shaft and configured to support the pouch. The pouch support mechanism may include a pair of resilient forks. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch, and the pair of forks of the pouch support mechanism may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0057]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch which also resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to the cinch handle, the cinch handle being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
         [0058]    The cinch handle may include a generally elongated configuration including proximal and distal ends having respective tab members. The inner shaft may include at least one pocket having a configuration that complements the elongated configuration of the cinch handle for releasably receiving the cinch handle. The at least one pocket may include corresponding undercuts that are configured to engage the tab members on the cinch handle to secure the cinch handle to the inner shaft. The cinch handle may include at least one detent on an underside thereof, such that the at least one detent seats within a corresponding indent provided within the at least one pocket on the inner shaft, and the at least one detent is pivotable about the at least one indent and configured to facilitate uncoupling the cinch handle from the at least one pocket. The cinch handle may include at least one detent on an underside thereof, the at least one detent press fit into a corresponding indent provided within the at least one pocket on the inner shaft, the at least one detent rotatable about the at least one indent and removable therefrom to facilitate uncoupling the cinch handle from the at least one pocket. The cinch handle may include at least one detent on an underside thereof and a pair of flexible lateral extensions, such that the at least one detent seats within a corresponding indent provided within the at least one pocket on the inner shaft and the lateral extensions are configured to releasably couple to the inner shaft along the at least one pocket to facilitate uncoupling the cinch handle from the at least one pocket. 
         [0059]    In embodiments, specimen retrieval devices in accordance with the present disclosure include an outer shaft defining a bore, a pouch, and an inner shaft slidably disposed within the outer shaft. The inner shaft includes a pair of resilient members at a distal end thereof for supporting the pouch. The resilient members include respective distal ends that are configured to nest with one another when pressed against each other. The distal ends may have corresponding curvatures when viewed proximally. The inner shaft may be movable within the outer shaft from an extended configuration at which the resilient members position the pouch to receive tissue to a retracted configuration at which the resilient members are at least partially within the outer shaft. The distal ends may each include an arcuate proximal portion that is configured to facilitate maintaining the distal ends in the nested configuration while the pouch is being deployed from the shaft. 
         [0060]    The pouch may be detachably coupled to a distal end of the inner shaft. The specimen retrieval device may also include a pouch retention mechanism configured to detachably connect the pouch to the distal end of the inner shaft. The pouch may include a slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch, and the pair of resilient members may be configured to reside within the slots when the pouch is connected to the inner shaft and to be withdrawn out of the slots when the pouch is disconnected from the inner shaft. 
         [0061]    The specimen retrieval device may also include a cinch which also resides in the slot around the circumference of the mouth of the pouch. The cinch may be connected at its proximal end to a cinch handle, the cinch handle being configured, when pulled, to cause the mouth of the pouch to close. The cinch may be one of a suture, a thread, a wire or a cable. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0062]    Embodiments of the presently disclosed specimen retrieval device are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein: 
           [0063]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0064]      FIG. 2  is a partial, cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of the specimen retrieval device depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 3  is a partial, side view of the proximal portion of the specimen retrieval device illustrating a handle assembly and cinch puller coupled to one another; 
           [0066]      FIG. 4  is a partial, side view of the proximal portion of the specimen retrieval device illustrating the handle assembly and cinch puller uncoupled from one another; 
           [0067]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view of a retention pin associated with the specimen retrieval device; 
           [0068]      FIGS. 6A-6B  are perspective views of a distal portion of the specimen retrieval device illustrating a “normal use” configuration and a “release” configuration, respectively; 
           [0069]      FIGS. 7A-7B  are perspective views illustrating the specimen retrieval device depicted in  FIG. 1  with respective short and long pouches coupled thereto; 
           [0070]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the short pouch depicted in  FIG. 7A  in a “normal use” configuration; 
           [0071]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the specimen retrieval device depicted in  FIG. 1 . illustrating the specimen retrieval device being loaded into an outer shaft of the specimen retrieval device for insertion through an access port, or natural orifice of a patient; 
           [0072]      FIG. 10  is of a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure with a pouch in a deployed configuration; 
           [0073]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the specimen retrieval device depicted in  FIG. 10  with the pouch in a retracted configuration; 
           [0074]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure with a pouch in a deployed configuration; 
           [0075]      FIGS. 13A-C  are top views of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the pouch in a pre-fabricated state; 
           [0076]      FIG. 13D  is a side view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A-C , with the pouch in a fabricated state; 
           [0077]      FIG. 14A  is a top view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the pouch in a pre-fabricated state; 
           [0078]      FIG. 14B  is a side view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14A , with the pouch in a fabricated state; 
           [0079]      FIGS. 15A-D  are top and bottom perspective views of a distal end of an inner shaft of a specimen retrieval device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0080]      FIGS. 16A-B  are perspective views of a proximal portion of a specimen retrieval device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0081]      FIG. 16C  is a perspective view of a proximal portion of a specimen retrieval device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0082]      FIGS. 17A-17B  are perspective views of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating the pouch of the specimen retrieval device in a “normal use” configuration and a “release” configuration, respectively; 
           [0083]      FIG. 18  is a top, elevational view of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; 
           [0084]      FIG. 19  is a partial, perspective view of a distal end of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0085]      FIG. 20  is a top view of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18  with a handle assembly and pouch of the specimen retrieval device shown in a shipped position; 
           [0086]      FIG. 21  is a top view of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18  with the handle assembly and pouch of the specimen retrieval device shown in a retracted position; 
           [0087]      FIG. 22  is a top view of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18  with the handle assembly and pouch of the specimen retrieval device shown in an extended position; 
           [0088]      FIG. 23  is a side view of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18  with the handle assembly shown in the retracted position and with a cinch uncoupled from the handle assembly for cinching the pouch; 
           [0089]      FIG. 24  is a side view of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18  with the handle assembly shown in the retracted position and with the pouch in a cinched configuration and the cinch disposed in a cutting mechanism of the handle assembly; 
           [0090]      FIG. 25  is a top, elevational view of an alternate embodiment of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0091]      FIG. 26  is a top, elevational view of a distal end of an alternate embodiment of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 18 ; 
           [0092]      FIG. 27  is a side view of the distal end of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0093]      FIG. 28  is a partial, perspective view of the distal end of the specimen retrieval device shown in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0094]      FIGS. 29A ,  29 B, and  29 C are partial, perspective views of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure with a cinch handle of the specimen retrieval device shown in various positions; 
           [0095]      FIG. 29B-1  is an enlarged area of detail shown in  FIG. 29B  inverted; 
           [0096]      FIGS. 30A-30C  are partial, perspective views of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present disclosure with a cinch handle of the specimen retrieval device shown in various positions; 
           [0097]      FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a cinch handle configured for use with the specimen retrieval devices shown in  FIGS. 29A-29C  and  30 A- 30 C; 
           [0098]      FIG. 32  is an end view taken along section line  32 - 32  in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0099]      FIG. 33  is a front view of a resilient member configured for use with any of the aforementioned specimen retrieval devices; and 
           [0100]      FIG. 34  is a front view of the resilient member shown in  FIG. 33  with a distal end thereof shown in a nested configuration. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0101]    Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein, the term distal refers to the portion of the instrument which is farthest from the user, while the term proximal refers to that portion of the instrument which is closest to the user. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. 
         [0102]    As used herein with reference to the present disclosure, the terms laparoscopic and endoscopic are interchangeable and refer to instruments having a relatively narrow operating portion for insertion into a cannula or a small incision in the skin. They also refer to minimally invasive surgical procedures. It is believed that the present disclosure may find use in any procedure where access to the interior of the body is limited to a relatively small incision, with or without the use of a cannula, as in minimally invasive procedures. 
         [0103]    With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , and initially with reference to  FIG. 1 , a specimen retrieval device  10  according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  10  includes a housing  12 , an outer shaft  14  and an inner shaft  16  (inner shaft  16  is shown in  FIG. 2 ). Specimen retrieval device  10  (and components associated therewith) may be formed from any suitable biocompatible material, e.g., plastic. In an embodiment, an injection molding manufacturing process may be utilized to form housing  12 , outer shaft  14  and inner shaft  16 . 
         [0104]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 1 , housing  12  includes a generally elongated configuration and may be formed as a unitary component or as two separate half components that are coupled to one another by one or more suitable coupling methods (e.g., one or more suitable adhesives). In the latter instance, an indent/detent configuration (not explicitly shown) may be utilized to facilitate coupling the two separate half components. In an assembled configuration, housing  12  may serve as a handle for a user to grasp to facilitate manipulation of specimen retrieval device  10 . 
         [0105]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , one or more stops are provided on housing  12  and are configured to engage one or more corresponding release mechanisms that are provided on inner shaft  16 . Specifically, a first stop (e.g., a stop pin  22 ) is provided at a proximal end of housing  12  and is configured to engage a corresponding first release mechanism (e.g., a leaf spring  24 ) provided at a proximal end of inner shaft  16 . In the illustrated embodiment, stop pin  22  is press fit into a recess (not explicitly shown) provided on housing  12  and extends within housing  12  to contact leaf spring  24 . Other devices and/or components (e.g., a detent) may be utilized in place of stop pin  22  to engage leaf spring  24 . Stop pin  22  is configured to contact leaf spring  24  so as to prevent inner shaft  16  from translating distally past the point at which the leaf spring  24  engages the stop pin  22 . Moreover, a second stop (e.g., an inner flange  26  formed along an inner wall  28  of housing  12 ) is located distally with respect to stop pin  22  and is configured to selectively engage a second release mechanism (e.g., a retention pin  30 ) that is operably coupled to inner shaft  16 . Engagement between retention pin  30  and flange  26  prevents distal translation of retention pin  30  relative to the outer shaft  16  past a predetermined longitudinal position while allowing the inner shaft  16  to continue to move distally relative to the outer shaft  14  so as to allow a pouch  18  to uncouple from inner shaft  16 . Accordingly, and unless otherwise noted, the operable components and/or features of specimen retrieval device  10  will be described in terms of use with pouch  18 . 
         [0106]    Continuing with reference to  FIG. 2  and with reference to  FIGS. 3-4 , an actuation mechanism  32  of suitable configuration is provided at a proximal end of housing  12  and is configured to selectively engage leaf spring  24  to move leaf spring  24  out of engagement with stop pin  22 . In the illustrated embodiment, for example, actuation mechanism  32  is in the form of a spring loaded push-button  34  including a contact pad  36  that is configured to contact leaf spring  24  when push-button  34  is depressed. A notch or groove  38   a  of suitable configuration is provided at a proximal end  41  of inner shaft  16  and is configured to allow leaf spring  24  to pivot therein when push-button  34  is depressed. The depth of groove  38   a  is adequate to allow leaf spring  24  to translate beneath stop pin  22  as inner shaft  16  is moved distally. 
         [0107]    Proximal and distal apertures of suitable configuration (not explicitly shown) are provided at respective proximal and distal ends  11 ,  13  of housing  12  ( FIG. 2 ). Specifically, the distal aperture of housing  12  is configured to receive a proximal end of outer shaft  14  and the proximal aperture of housing  12  is configured to receive inner shaft  16  therethrough. Since inner shaft  16  is positioned within outer shaft  14  and outer shaft  14  does not extend to the proximal end of housing  12 , the proximal aperture of housing  12  may be smaller than the distal aperture of housing  12 . The proximal aperture of housing  12  is large enough to allow proximal and distal translation of inner shaft  16  including leaf spring  24  therethrough. 
         [0108]    Outer shaft  14  extends distally from housing  12  and includes a generally tubular configuration having a longitudinal axis “A-A” defined therethrough. Longitudinal axis “A-A” is oriented in a different, e.g., a substantially perpendicular or orthogonal direction, with respect to a longitudinal axis “B-B” that is defined through one of the aforementioned pouches (e.g., pouch  18 ) when pouch  18  is in a deployed state (see  FIGS. 7A-7B  for example). Outer shaft  14  is dimensioned for insertion through a trocar cannula (or natural body orifice) for endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures. Moreover, an aperture  9  ( FIG. 1 ) of suitable configuration is provided at a distal end of outer shaft  14  and is configured to allow ingress and egress of inner shaft  16  including pouch  18  therethrough. Outer shaft  14  operably couples to housing  12  via one or more suitable coupling methods (e.g., one or more suitable adhesives). Outer shaft  14 , however, may be monolithically formed with housing  12 . 
         [0109]    Inner shaft  16  includes a generally elongated configuration and is positioned within outer shaft  14 . Inner shaft  16  is translatable within outer shaft  14  to move pouch  18  to a retracted configuration wherein pouch  18  is disposed within outer shaft  14  for positioning specimen retrieval device  10  through an access port ( FIG. 9  shows pouch  18  in a partially retracted configuration). Moreover, inner shaft  16  may be utilized to move pouch  18  to an extended or deployed configuration wherein pouch  18  is disposed outside of outer shaft  14  for positioning target tissue within pouch  18 , see  FIGS. 7A-7B  for example. Further, inner shaft  16  is translatable to move pouch  18  to a “release” configuration for uncoupling pouch  18  from inner shaft  16 . To these ends, a handle assembly  40  is provided at proximal end  41  of inner shaft  16  and is configured to move inner shaft  16  between the retracted, extended and release configurations. 
         [0110]    Handle assembly  40  may be coupled to inner shaft  16  via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g., one or more suitable adhesives. Alternatively, handle assembly  40  may be formed monolithically with inner shaft  16 . Handle assembly  40  includes a distal end  42  having an ergonomic configuration that facilitates grasping by a user. Specifically, distal end  42  includes two generally arcuate portions  44   a ,  44   b  that are configured for grasping by a user. Arcuate portions  44   a ,  44   b  are configured to accommodate fingers of the various contemplated users. 
         [0111]    A proximal end  46  of handle assembly  40  is configured to releasably couple to a cinch puller  48 . With this purpose in mind, proximal end  46  of handle assembly  40  includes a generally arcuate configuration that complements a generally arcuate configuration of cinch puller  48 . A pair of relatively flexible finger portions  50   a ,  50   b  are provided at proximal end  46  and are configured to releasably couple to a pair of corresponding indents  52   a ,  52   b  that are provided on cinch puller  48  (as best seen in  FIG. 2 ). Moreover, an indent/detent interface may be utilized to facilitate aligning cinch puller  46  with handle assembly  40 . Specifically, a pair of detents  56   a ,  56   b  may be provided at proximal end  46  and configured to engage a pair of corresponding indents  58   a ,  58   b  that may be provided at a distal end  60  of cinch puller  48  ( FIG. 4 ). 
         [0112]    Cinch puller  48  is configured to close pouch  18  after a tissue specimen is positioned therein. To this end, a cinch (e.g., a suture “S,” thread, wire, cable or the like) is threaded through an aperture  59  that extends through cinch puller  48 . A knot “K” ( FIG. 2 ) of suitable configuration (e.g., a knot sized not to fit through aperture  59 ) is provided at a distal end of suture “S” and is configured to connect suture “S” to cinch puller  48 . As can be appreciated, other devices (e.g., a tab) may be utilized in place of knot “K” to connect suture “S” to the cinch puller  48 . The distal end of suture “S” is feed through aperture  59  and is positioned within one or more grooves  55  defined through a side surface of handle assembly  40  and into a corresponding groove  38   b  on inner shaft  16  to couple to pouch  18  ( FIG. 4 ). An optional cutting mechanism  51  that may be provided on handle assembly  40 . 
         [0113]    Specifically, cutting mechanism  51  (as best seen in  FIG. 2 ) may be a part of handle assembly  40  and may be configured to sever suture “S” after tissue is positioned within pouch  18  and pouch  18  is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, cutting mechanism  51  is in the form of cutting blades  53  that are seated within a recess (not explicitly shown) defined in handle assembly  40 . Cutting blades  53  may include a “butterfly” configuration that allows cutting blades  53  to be installed in handle assembly  40  without the need for riveting or gluing. That is, cutting blades  53  may be press-fit within the recess. As can be appreciated, this may decrease the overall manufacturing cost of specimen retrieval device  10 . A central aperture  57  of suitable configuration (e.g., having a diameter slightly smaller than a diameter of suture “S”) is provided between cutting blades  53  and is configured to grasp a portion of suture “S” that is left coupled to pouch  18 ; this allows a clinician to maintain control of suture “S” including pouch  18  after pouch  18  is closed. 
         [0114]    Continuing with reference to  FIGS. 2-4 , groove  38   b  and a groove  38   c  may be provided on inner shaft  16  and may extend along a length of inner shaft  16  to receive respective suture “S” and retention pin  30  therein. Grooves  38   b ,  38   c  maintain respective suture “S” and retention pin  30  in a relatively fixed orientation therein such that suture “S” and retention pin  30  do not hinder translation of inner shaft  16  with respect to outer shaft  14  when inner shaft  16  is moved to deploy and/or retract pouch  18 . One or more bridges (not shown) may extend across grooves  38   a - 38   c  and may be utilized to maintain leaf spring  24 , suture “S” and retention pin  30  in respective grooves  38   a - 38   c . Moreover, one or more O-rings  39  (see  FIGS. 6A-6B  for example) are provided at a distal end  43  of inner shaft  16  are also configured to facilitate maintaining leaf spring  24 , suture “S” and retention pin  30  in their respective grooves  38   b ,  38   c . O-rings  39  seat within corresponding recesses (not explicitly shown) that are defined on an outer surface of inner shaft  16 . O-rings  39  are also configured to provide adequate clearance between outer shaft  14  and inner shaft  16  so as to allow unhindered translation of inner shaft  16  with respect to outer shaft  14  when inner shaft  16  is translated in the proximal and/or distal directions. Moreover, O-rings  39  also provide a fluid tight seal to maintain insufflation gases in a working space, e.g., within a peritoneal cavity of a patient. 
         [0115]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 A and  6 B, retention pin  30  is configured to releasably couple to pouch  18  and engage flange  26  when leaf spring  24  is moved distally past stop pin  22 . To these ends, retention pin  30  is configured to releasably couple to pouch  18  so as to allow a user to move pouch  18  and also so as to allow a user to selectively disconnect pouch  18  from the inner shaft  16 . Specifically, a proximal coupling portion  35  of pouch  18  has an opening or aperture  35   a  through which the retention pin  30  is initially passed. The inner shaft  16  has near its distal end  43  a notch  433  which defines a proximal notch face  431  and a distal notch face  432 . In its initial position, the retention pin  30  extends fully between the notch faces such that the pouch  18  is attached to the distal end  43  of the inner shaft  16  and will not inadvertently become disengaged therefrom. 
         [0116]    Retention pin  30  has at its proximal end a radially-extending tip  36  ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) that is configured to engage flange  26 . Specifically, tip  36  engages flange  26  when leaf spring  24  disengages from stop pin  22  and inner shaft  16  is moved a predetermined distance “D” distally, as best seen in  FIG. 2 . In accordance with the instant disclosure, with tip  36  engaged with flange  26  and inner shaft  16  moved distally a distance “D,” the retention pin  30  is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft  16  such that the distal most end of the retention pin  30  becomes spaced apart from the distal notch face  432 . As a result of this retraction of the retention pin  30 , the pouch  18  can be uncoupled from retention pin  30 , e.g., proximal movement of inner shaft  16  causes pouch  18  to uncouple from a pair of resilient fork members  64 ,  66  of pouch support mechanism, e.g., a spring  62 . 
         [0117]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A-6B , spring  62  operably couples to a distal end  43  of inner shaft  16  via one or more suitable coupling methods and includes two flexible or resilient members  64  and  66  that form an open fork configuration (FIGS.  1  and  6 A- 6 B). In the illustrated embodiment, inner shaft  16  at distal end  43  thereof is overmolded to a proximal end  68  of spring  62 . Other coupling methods may also be utilized to couple spring  62  to distal end  43 . For example, one or more pins, rivets or the like may be utilized to couple proximal end  68  to distal end  43 . 
         [0118]    Resilient members  64 ,  66  are configured to move from a stressed or non-expanded state (e.g., when pouch  18  is in a retracted configuration, see  FIG. 9  for example) to an unstressed or expanded state (e.g., when pouch  18  is deployed from outer shaft  14  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1 ,  6 A- 6 B and  8 ). In the unstressed or expanded condition, resilient members  64 ,  66  collectively form a generally U-shaped configuration for supporting a periphery of an opening  15  of pouch  18 , see  FIG. 7A  for example. 
         [0119]    In accordance with the instant disclosure, resilient members  64 ,  66  are configured to releasably couple to pouch  18 . Specifically, resilient members  64 ,  66  are feed through a tubular portion or sleeve  17  of suitable configuration that is provided on pouch  18  ( FIG. 8 ). Accordingly, subsequent to pouch  18  being uncoupled from retention pin  30 , proximal movement of inner shaft  16  within outer shaft  14  causes a portion of pouch  18 , e.g., sleeve  17 , to contact a distal end of outer shaft  14 , which, in turn, results in resilient members  64 ,  66  sliding out from sleeve  17  and pouch  18  uncoupling from resilient members  64 ,  66 . 
         [0120]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A-8 , pouch  18  may be made from any suitable biocompatible materials (e.g., nylon) capable of forming an impermeable flexible membrane. Pouch  18  includes a generally tubular or elongated configuration that is defined by an openable and closable upper portion or mouth  19  and closed lower portion  21 . Upper portion  19  includes circumferential sleeve  17  that is configured to receive resilient members  64 ,  66  therein and a distal end of suture “S.” Sleeve  17  may be formed on pouch  18  via any suitable forming methods. In embodiments, for example, a top portion of pouch  18  may be folded into an interior thereof and, subsequently, glued thereto. As noted above, suture “S” is configured to close pouch  18  when cinch puller  48  is pulled proximally. Thus, unlike resilient members  64 ,  66  which are releasably coupled to pouch  18 , suture “S” is intended to remain connected to pouch  18  by virtue of the fact that the suture is looped through the slot/sleeve  17  of the pouch. 
         [0121]    Unlike conventional pouches that typically include a proximal edge having a profile that is generally straight and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A, pouch  18  may, in various embodiments, include a proximal edge  23  that has a curved profile  29 . For example, in an embodiment, the proximal edge of the pouch  18  is initially at a very obtuse angle, nearly 180 degrees, relative to the longitudinal axis at or near the mouth of the pouch  18 . The proximal edge of the pouch  18  gradually becomes closer to being orthogonal relative to the longitudinal axis near to the bottom of the pouch  18 . This curvature profile at the proximal edge of the pouch  18  may have any such curvature, but in an embodiment, may define a concave curvature at or near the mouth of the pouch  18  and may further define a convex curvature at or near the bottom portion  21  of the pouch  18 . The above-described features may facilitate retraction of pouch  18  within outer shaft  14  by reducing the force required to be exerted by a user in order to move inner shaft  16  proximally relative to the outer shaft  14 . Moreover, unlike conventional specimen retrieval devices that are typically shipped for use with a pouch that is folded or rolled and stored within the outer shaft, specimen retrieval device  10  may be shipped for use with pouch  18  in an unfolded and deployed configuration. As can be appreciated, a pouch that is folded or rolled and stored within the outer shaft during shipping may result in undesirable memory wrinkles being formed thereon, which, in turn, may make it difficult for a clinician to open the pouch when it is deployed from the applicator. Such a disadvantage may be avoided by an arrangement as described herein. 
         [0122]    The pouch  18  may have any of a variety of different configurations.  FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a specimen retrieval device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure with a pouch in a deployed configuration. In this configuration, the pouch  18  has an hourglass shape. Specifically, the pouch  18 , in this embodiment, has a region having a waist “W”. The waist may have a dimension in the radial direction, e.g., a direction that is in a plane generally parallel to the plane defined by the patient&#39;s tissue wall being traversed, that is less than the dimension of the mouth of the pouch  18 . In this way, when the pouch is deployed into an incision, the waist of the pouch  18  may be arranged within the laparotomy site, while the portions of the pouch  18  that are above the waist may remain outside of the incision. Likewise, when the pouch is deployed into an incision and the waist of the pouch  18  is arranged within the laparotomy site, the portions of the pouch  18  that are below the waist may remain fully inside of the surgical space, e.g., below the incision. Such an arrangement may allow for easier morcellation. Furthermore, such an arrangement may allow for easier access to the contents of the pouch  18  after the inner shaft and the pouch support mechanism has been removed. For example, when the pouch support mechanism has been removed from a conventional specimen retrieval product, the mouth of the pouch  18  is positioned within the surgical space, making it difficult for a user to access the mouth, e.g., for the purposes of inserting a morcellation instrument or the like. In contrast, the arrangement shown in  FIG. 12  permits a user to readily access the mouth of the pouch  18  even when the pouch support mechanism has been detached from the pouch  18  and removed therefrom, because the mouth of the pouch  18  is positioned outside of the surgical space. 
         [0123]    The pouch  18  may be fabricated in various different manners. Advantageously, the pouch  18  is made from a single piece of material, e.g., rip-stop nylon, polyurethane, etc., that, prior to fabrication, is in the form of a flat sheet.  FIGS. 13A-C  are top views of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the pouch in a pre-fabricated state. The pouch  18  is shown as being symmetrical about a vertical (in this view) midline. This vertical midline will be the location of a fold. The upper portion of the pouch  18  (in this view) provides the mouth of the pouch  18 , and is advantageously folded over and welded in place so as to form a slot around the mouth of the pouch  18 . Of course, joining methods other than welding may also be employed, e.g., gluing, mechanically fastening, etc. In this embodiment, this upper portion tapers towards the vertical midline at a single angle. The right and left sides of the pouch (in this view) form a complex curve that, as described in further detail hereinabove, provides a curved proximal edge that is more easily pulled by the inner shaft into the outer shaft during use. In an embodiment, the right and left sides of the pouch  18  are brought together during fabrication by the pouch  18  being folded about the vertical midline, with the right and left sides of the pouch being welded or otherwise joined together in a sealing manner. This folding method of fabrication reduces the linear length of welding that needs to occur in order to provide a pouch that is fully sealed around its edges (except for the mouth).  FIGS. 13A , B, and C are similar to each other and differ from each other only in the angles  13  formed by the edges.  FIG. 13D  is a side view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A  and C, with the pouch in a fabricated state, illustrating the bag fold line and the complex curve provided by the weld on the proximal sides. 
         [0124]    As mentioned previously,  FIG. 14A  is a top view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the pouch in a pre-fabricated state. Similar to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13A-D , the pouch  18  of  FIGS. 14A  and B are shown as being symmetrical about a vertical (in this view) midline. This vertical midline provides the location of a fold. The right and left sides of the pouch (in this view) form a complex curve that, as described in further detail hereinabove, provides a curved proximal edge that is more easily pulled by the inner shaft into the outer shaft during use. Like the embodiment of  FIGS. 13A-D , the right and left sides of the pouch  18  are brought together during fabrication by the pouch  18  being folded about the vertical midline, with the right and left sides of the pouch  18  being welded or otherwise joined together in a sealing manner. Again, this folding method of fabrication reduces the linear length of welding that needs to occur in order to provide a pouch that is fully sealed around its edges (except for the mouth), thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and lowering the cost of manufacturing the pouch. The pouch  18  of  FIGS. 14A  and B differs from the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 13A-D  in that each side of the upper portion of the pouch  18  (in this view) that provides the mouth of the pouch  18  forms a compound angle α. Each side of the mouth is advantageously folded over and welded in place so as to form a slot around the mouth of the pouch  18 . The significance of this compound angle along the upper portion is illustrated in  FIG. 14B , which is a side view of a pouch for a specimen retrieval device in accordance with the embodiment shown in  FIG. 14A , with the pouch in a fabricated state. As shown in  FIG. 14B , the increased angle provides for an opening in the pouch that more easily accepts a specimen. More specifically, during a surgical procedure in which the pouch  18  is positioned by a user to receive a specimen, the mouth of the pouch  18  is presented to a user at an angle that is more conducive to receiving the specimen. 
         [0125]    In use, handle assembly  40  may be moved proximally to move inner shaft  16  including pouch  18  to a retracted configuration. Thereafter, outer shaft  14  may be inserted through a natural or man made orifice on a patient and positioned adjacent target tissue. Subsequently, handle assembly  40  may be moved distally to move inner shaft  16  including pouch  18  to a “normal use” configuration, e.g., leaf spring  24  is in contact with stop pin  22 . 
         [0126]    In the “normal use” configuration, target tissue may be dissected and positioned within pouch  18 . A user may selectively and repeatedly move between the normal use and retracted configurations so as to collect various different tissue portions at different times during a surgical procedure, while temporarily pulling the entire mouth of the pouch  18  (along with the pouch support mechanism) into the distal end of the outer shaft  14  between such different times so as to ensure that the contents of the pouch are not spilled between such fillings. When a user is satisfied that all of the tissue to be collected has been placed within pouch  18 , a user may depress push-button  34  to disengage leaf spring  24  from stop pin  22  and move handle assembly  40  distally, e.g., a distance “D.” As a result thereof, tip  36  engages flange  26 , which, in turn, causes retention pin  30  to move proximally relative to the inner shaft  16 , thereby enabling the de-coupling of pouch  18  from the inner shaft  16 . 
         [0127]    Once the pouch  18  has been de-coupled from the inner shaft  16 , a user may detach the cinch puller  48  from the handle portion of the inner shaft and use the cinch cutter  53  to cut the suture “S.” The entire inner shaft  16  may then be withdrawn out of the outer shaft  14 , taking with it the pouch retention mechanism  30 , the leaf spring  24 , the pouch support mechanism of the resilient forks (which retract out of the slot  17  at the mouth of the pouch, etc. With the inner shaft  16  completely removed, the remaining portion of the cinch extends longitudinally through the outer shaft  14 . By pulling the suture “S,” the mouth of the pouch  18  is caused to close. The outer shaft  14  may then also be withdrawn from out of the surgical site, leaving just the closed pouch  18  within the surgical site and a portion of the suture “S” extending through the incision. 
         [0128]    As set forth above, in an embodiments, one or more stop mechanisms may be employed to facilitate detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft  16 . In other embodiments, the stop mechanisms may be eliminated and a different type of mechanism may be employed to facilitate detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft  16 .  FIGS. 15A-C  illustrate several views of an embodiment which replace the retention pin  30  with a pair of sliding retention fingers  153 .  FIGS. 16A-C , on the other hand, illustrate several views of embodiments which replace the stop mechanisms with a movable member, e.g., a pivotable ring, which functions as an actuator for selectively moving the pair of sliding retention fingers  153 . 
         [0129]    Turning first to  FIGS. 15A-D , there is provided an arrangement for a pouch retention mechanism that facilitates selective detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft  16 . An advantage of the pouch retention mechanism described herein below may be the ease with which the pouch retention mechanism facilitates selective detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism. Conventional pouch retention mechanisms that enable detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism typically do so only when the pouch retention mechanism has been moved distally to a location that is distal relative to the distal end of the outer shaft. In order to prevent inadvertent detachment of the pouch from the pouch support mechanism, conventional pouch retention mechanisms may rely on various stop mechanisms to prevent the pouch retention mechanism from being moved distally to a location that is distal relative to the distal end of the outer shaft. 
         [0130]    In various embodiments, the arrangement described hereinbelow may eliminate the need for such stop mechanisms. For example, as described in further detail below, the arrangement of the presently described devices may include a pouch retention mechanism that permits selective detachment of the pouch from the pouch support mechanism while the pouch retention mechanism is still within the outer shaft  16 . By eliminating the conventional stop mechanisms, the device may be simplified and require fewer steps to be performed by a user during a surgical procedure. In addition, the cost of the device may be reduced as a result of there being fewer components, thereby decreasing component costs and simplifying manufacture. 
         [0131]    As in the previously described embodiments, the pouch  18  has holes  152  defined by the pouch material and being adjacent to the proximal end of the mouth. Instead of these holes  152  having a single retention pin  30  positioned through them, each one of the holes  152  in this embodiment has positioned therethrough a protrusion  151  of the inner shaft  16 . Each one of these protrusions  151  protrudes laterally from an outer surface of the inner shaft  16 . Each one of the protrusions  151  is engaged by a respective one of a pair of sliding retention fingers  153  that slide longitudinally relative to the inner shaft  16 , e.g., along an outside surface of the inner shaft  16 . It should be recognized that, in other embodiments, the retention fingers  153  may move in various different ways, not merely by sliding, e.g., by pivoting, rotating, etc. It should also be recognized that, while these members are described herein as being elongated finger-type structures, other structures may also be employed. 
         [0132]    When each one of the pair of sliding retention fingers  153  is in a distal most position relative to the inner shaft  16 , the distal end of the sliding retention finger  153  abuts the protrusion  151  such that the hole  152  of the pouch that is positioned through the protrusion  151  is prevented from being disengaged from, e.g., slipping off of, the protrusion  151 . When the sliding retention finger  153  is actuated in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft  16  by a user, the sliding retention fingers  153  no longer abut the protrusions  151 . A separating force that is exerted on the inner shaft  16  relative to the pouch  18  at this point enables the hole  152  to be disengaged from the protrusion  151  and thus enables the pouch  18  to be detached from the pouch support mechanism at the distal end of the inner shaft  16 . 
         [0133]    Such a separating force may be generated by a user pulling proximally on the handle at the proximal end of the inner shaft  16 . For example, once the hole  152  of the pouch  18  is no longer locked onto the protrusion  151  by the sliding retention finger  153 , pulling the inner shaft  16  proximally does not pull the pouch  18  and pouch support mechanism back into the outer shaft  14  (as it did when the hole  152  of the pouch  18  was locked onto the protrusion  151  by the sliding retention finger  153 ), but rather the pouch support mechanism is caused to slide out of the slots around the mouth of the pouch  18 , until the pouch support mechanism is no longer supporting the pouch  18 . This disengagement of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism occurs because the friction experienced between the pouch  18  and the outer shaft  14  by the unfolded pouch  18  attempting to be pulled into the small cross-sectional area of the outer shaft  14  is greater than the frictional force that holds the pouch support mechanism in the slots around the mouth of the pouch  18 . 
         [0134]    In the embodiment shown, the sliding retention fingers  153  are attached to a cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154 . The sliding retention fingers  153  may be separate components from the cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154  and may be attached thereto by any suitable method, e.g., overmolding, friction fit, snap-lock fitting, welding, etc. Alternatively, the sliding retention fingers  153  may be integrally formed with the cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154 . As shown, the cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154  defines an opening  155  through with the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  may be positioned and secured. A force exerted on the cinch, e.g., suture,  156 , e.g., by a user actuating an actuator (described in further detail below), exerts a force on the cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154  which, in turn, exerts a force on the sliding retention fingers  153  to move the sliding retention fingers  153  proximally relative to the inner shaft  16 . 
         [0135]    In an embodiment, the inner shaft  16  and the sliding retention fingers  153  may have corresponding features that prevent the sliding retention fingers  153  from inadvertently moving proximally relative to the inner shaft  16 . As shown, the sliding retention fingers have an indent  157  and the inner shaft  16  has corresponding detents  158  that are frictionally engaged thereby. The force required to be exerted on the sliding retention fingers  153  to move the sliding retention fingers  153  proximally relative to the inner shaft  16  should be higher than the frictional force between the indent  157  of the sliding retention fingers  153  and the corresponding detents  158  of the inner shaft  16 . 
         [0136]    Of course, it should be recognized that, while the embodiment shown and described hereinabove employs an arrangement in which the pouch  18  has two holes  152 , two protrusions  151  and two sliding retention fingers  153 , other embodiments may employ a different number of these components, e.g., either one or more than two. For example, in accordance with an embodiment, an arrangement may be provided whereby the pouch  18  has only one hole  152 , the inner shaft  16  having only a single protrusion  151  which is positioned through the hole  152 , the protrusion  151  being engaged by a single sliding retention finger  153 . In such an embodiment, the pouch  18  is maintained on the distal end of the inner shaft  16  by protrusion  151  protruding through the hole  152  and by the sliding retention finger  153  engaging the protrusion such that the hole  152  is prevented from being disengaged by the protrusion  151 . 
         [0137]    The pouch  18  is selectively detached from the distal end of the inner shaft  16  by the actuation of the sliding retention finger  153  in a proximal direction relative to the inner shaft  16 , thereby permitting the hole  152  to be disengaged from the protrusion  151 . Still further, it should be recognized that these components need not be equal in number, e.g., a single protrusion  151  may be positioned through a plurality of holes  152 , a single sliding retention finger  153  may engage a plurality of protrusions  151  and/or holes  152 , a plurality of sliding retention fingers  153  may engage a single protrusion  151  and/or hole  152 , etc. 
         [0138]      FIG. 15D  illustrates a bottom perspective view of the distal end of the inner shaft  16 . An underside of the inner shaft  16  shows a track  160  for the cinch, e.g., suture,  156 . The cinch, e.g., suture,  156  resides within the track  160  and extends from the pouch  18 , along the underside of the inner shaft  16 , then up and through the middle of the inner shaft  16 , then through the opening  155  in the cinch, e.g., suture, attachment mechanism  154  and then it continues proximally along the top of the inner shaft  16 . 
         [0139]    As set forth above,  FIGS. 16A-C  illustrate several views of embodiments which replace the stop mechanisms with a movable member, e.g., a pivotable ring, which functions as an actuator for selectively moving the pair of sliding retention fingers  153 . For example,  FIGS. 16A-B  illustrate several views of an embodiment which employ a movable member, e.g., a pivotable ring, which is connected to a proximal end of the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  and that functions as an actuator for selectively moving the pair of sliding retention fingers  153 .  FIG. 16C , on the other hand, illustrates an embodiment which employs a pivotable ring that is connected to a proximal end of the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  and that functions for the same purpose. 
         [0140]    Referring to  FIGS. 16A  and B, there is provided an actuator for selectively moving the pair of sliding retention fingers  153 . In this embodiment, the actuator is a pivotable ring  170 . The pivotable ring  170  is pivotably attached at its proximal end to a handle  171 . In an embodiment, the proximal end of the pivotable ring  170  is snap-fit into a groove  172  on the handle  171 . The handle  171  is attached to the proximal end of the inner shaft  16  and is configured to be gripped by a user for moving the inner shaft  16  longitudinally relative to the outer shaft  14 . The distal end of the pivotable ring  170  is connected to the cinch, e.g., suture,  156 . 
         [0141]    When a user determines that he or she has placed all of the tissue that is desired to be placed in the pouch  18 , the user may pivot the distal end of the ring  170  by lifting it up and pivoting it relative to the handle  171 . This pivoting movement pulls on the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  so as to actuate the sliding retention fingers  153  and thereby permit the detachment of the pouch  18  from the pouch support mechanism, as described previously. With the pouch  18  detached from the pouch support mechanism, e.g., with the resilient forks  64  and  66  withdrawn from out of the slots around the mouth of the pouch  18 , the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  may be cut, which allows the inner shaft  16  to be retracted from out of the outer shaft  14 . With the inner shaft  16  retracted from out of the outer shaft  14 , a user may pull on the proximal end of the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  in order to cinch the mouth of the pouch  18  closed. The outer shaft  14  may then be withdrawn from out of the incision, leaving just the cinch, e.g., suture,  156  passing through the incision with the pouch  18  inside of the incision. The contents of the pouch  18  may be morcellated, if desired (either through the outer shaft  14  prior to the outer shaft  14  being withdrawn, or through the incision if the outer shaft  14  has already been withdrawn), and the pouch  18  may then be withdrawn through the incision. 
         [0142]    In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16A  and B, the ring  170  overlaps with the handle  171  except for a region of the ring  170  that is radially within a void  173  of the handle  171 . Thus, in order to cause the ring  170  to pivot relative to the handle  171 , a user reaches through the void  173  and presses upwardly against the ring  170  so as to pivot it relative to the handle  171 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16C , the ring  170  overlaps with the handle  171  except for a region of the ring  170  that is proximal to the handle  171 . Thus, in order to cause the ring  170  to pivot relative to the handle  171 , a user places his or her fingers on the proximal end of the handle and presses upwardly against the ring  170  so as to pivot it relative to the handle  171 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16A  and B may be advantageous in that there may be less likelihood that a user will inadvertently pivot the ring  170  relative to the handle  171  since the user needs to place his or her fingers in a region of the handle  171 , e.g., through the void  173  defined by the handle  171 , which is different from the region of the handle  171  that his or her fingers are already in to move the handle  171  and the inner shaft  16  proximally and distally relative to the outer shaft  14 . 
         [0143]    The ability of the specimen retrieval device  10  to be repeatedly moved into and out of the distal end of the outer shaft  14  enables the device to be shipped with pouch  18  in an unfolded and deployed configuration, e.g., outside of the outer shaft  14 . Such an arrangement may overcome an aforementioned drawback typically associated with conventional specimen retrieval devices, e.g., the likelihood of memory wrinkles being formed on pouch  18  is reduced, if not eliminated. 
         [0144]    From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. For example, one or more devices or components may be utilized to indicate to a user when forks  64  and  66  are completely within the outer shaft  14 . Such an indication may be useful so that a user will know that the mouth of the pouch  18 , which is being supported by the forks  64  and  66 , is also captured within the outer shaft  14 , ensuring that the contents of the pouch  18  will not inadvertently spill out of the mouth of the pouch  18 . 
         [0145]    Specifically, with reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11  a specimen retrieval device  110  according to an alternate embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  110  is similar to specimen retrieval device  10 . Accordingly, only those features unique to specimen retrieval device  110  are described herein. 
         [0146]    An inner shaft  116  includes one or more indication mechanisms  180  thereon that are configured to indicate to a user when forks  64  and  66  are positioned within an outer shaft  114 . In an embodiment, indication mechanism(s)  180  may be in the form of indicia that are visible to a user when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14 . In one particular embodiment, for example, indicia may include one or more markings “M” on inner shaft  116  that are visible to a user when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14 . When the forks  64  and  66  are not fully within the outer shaft  14 , the indicia may be hidden by the housing. 
         [0147]    Alternatively, indication mechanism(s)  180  may be a structure that provides an audible sound perceivable to a user when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14  ( FIG. 11 ). In this particular embodiment, one or more components may be provided on inner shaft  116  and/or outer shaft  114  and may be configured to provide an audible “click” that is perceivable to a user to indicate when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14 . 
         [0148]    Alternatively, indication mechanism(s)  180  may be a tactile feature “T” that is perceivable to user when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14  ( FIG. 11 ). In this particular embodiment, one or more components, e.g., an indent/detent configuration, may be provided on inner shaft  116  and/or outer shaft  114  and may be configured to provide an tactile “feel” that is perceivable to a user when forks  64  and  66  are fully within the outer shaft  14 . 
         [0149]    With reference to  FIGS. 17A-17B , a specimen retrieval device  110  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  110  is configured for use with the pouch  18  and is substantially similar to specimen retrieval device  10 . Accordingly, only those features that are unique to specimen retrieval device  110  are described in detail herein. 
         [0150]    A housing  112  including a pair of optional finger loops  112   a ,  112   b  that are configured to receive the fingers of a clinician is provided at a proximal end of the outer shaft  114 . Finger loops  112   a ,  112   b  are configured to allow the clinician to grasp the housing  112  and move an inner shaft  116  from the extended or “normal use” position ( FIG. 17A ) to the retracted position. 
         [0151]    A cinch handle or puller  148  couples to the inner shaft  116  via a press or friction fit and is positioned between a handle  140  of the inner shaft  116  and finger loops  112   a ,  112   b  of housing  112 . Cinch puller  148  is configured to contact a proximal end of the housing  112  to limit distal translation of the inner shaft  116  with respect to outer shaft  114  to maintain the distal most end of the retention pin  130  between notch faces  133   a ,  133   b  ( FIG. 17B ). As noted above, with the distal most end of the retention pin  130  positioned between notch faces  133   a ,  133   b , the pouch  18  is attached to the distal end of the inner shaft  116  and is prevented from inadvertently becoming disengaged therefrom. In accordance with the instant disclosure, when a tip  136  of the retention pin  130  engages a flange (not explicitly shown) provided in the outer shaft  114  (see description of distal tip  36  above for example) and inner shaft  116  is moved distally a distance “D,” the retention pin  130  is moved proximally relative to the inner shaft  116  such that the distal most end of the retention pin  130  becomes spaced apart from the notch faces  133   a ,  133   b . As a result of this retraction of the retention pin  130 , the pouch  18  can be uncoupled from the retention pin  130  in a manner as described above. 
         [0152]    The cinch handle  148  may have a suture (not shown) coupled thereto which extends therefrom to couple to the pouch  18  for cinching the pouch  18 . The suture may couple to the cinch handle  148  via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g., adhesive, knot, etc. Moreover, the housing  112  and/or handle  140  may include a cutting mechanism (e.g., the cutting mechanism  51 ) thereon to cut the suture. 
         [0153]    In use, handle assembly  140  may be moved proximally to move inner shaft  116  including pouch  18  to a retracted configuration. Thereafter, outer shaft  114  may be inserted through a natural or man made orifice on a patient and positioned adjacent target tissue. Subsequently, handle assembly  140  may be moved distally to move inner shaft  116  including pouch  18  to a “normal use” configuration, e.g., cinch handle  148  contacts the proximal end of the housing  112 . 
         [0154]    In the “normal use” configuration, target tissue may be dissected and positioned within pouch  18 . A user may selectively and repeatedly move between the normal use and retracted positions so as to collect various different tissue portions at different times during a surgical procedure, while temporarily pulling the entire mouth  15  of the pouch  18  (along with the resilient members  64 ,  64 ) into the distal end of the outer shaft  114  between such different times so as to ensure that the contents of the pouch  18  are not spilled between such fillings. When a user is satisfied that all of the tissue to be collected has been placed within pouch  18 , a user may remove cinch handle  148  from the inner shaft  116  and move handle assembly  140  distally, e.g., a distance “D.” As a result thereof, the tip of the retention pin  130  engages the flange in the housing  112 , which, in turn, causes retention pin  130  to move proximally relative to the inner shaft  116 , thereby enabling the de-coupling of pouch  18  from the inner shaft  116  in a manner as described above. 
         [0155]    The pouch  18  may then be de-coupled from the inner shaft  116 , cinched and removed from the patient in a manner as described above. As can be appreciated, the specimen retrieval device  110  overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks typically associated with conventional specimen retrieval devices, e.g., the likelihood of memory wrinkles being formed on pouch  18  is reduced, if not eliminated. 
         [0156]    With reference to  FIGS. 18-28 , a specimen retrieval device  210  according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  210  is configured for use with the pouch  18  and is substantially similar to the previously described specimen retrieval devices. Accordingly, only those features that are unique to specimen retrieval device  210  are described in detail herein. 
         [0157]    Specimen retrieval device  210  includes an outer shaft  214  that is configured to house an inner shaft  216  and a retention pin  230  therein. Unlike the previously described outer shafts, however, outer shaft  214  does not include one of the aforementioned housings. One of the aforementioned housings may, however, be utilized. Moreover, the proximal coupling portion  35  that is configured to mechanically interface with the distal most end of the retention pin  30  may be omitted. 
         [0158]    The retention pin  230  is coupled to the inner shaft  216  and is moveable within the outer shaft  214  as the inner shaft  216  is moved between the retracted position (FIGS.  21  and  23 - 24 ) and extended position ( FIGS. 18 ,  20  and  22 ). A proximal end  231  of the retention pin  230  is configured to contact a proximal end of the outer shaft  214  ( FIGS. 18 ,  20  and  22 ). Proximal end  231  includes a generally arcuate configuration and is configured to be received within a corresponding recess  241  ( FIG. 21 ) provided on handle assembly  240  of the inner shaft  216  when the handle assembly  240  is moved to the extended configuration ( FIGS. 22-24 ). A distal most end of the retention pin  230  is configured to releasably couple the retention pin  230  to a proximal portion  235  of a pouch  218 , as will be described in greater detail below. 
         [0159]    A cinch  248  releasably couples to the handle assembly  240  of the inner shaft and extends through the outer shaft  214  for coupling to the pouch  218 . Specifically, a distal end of the cinch  248  fixedly couples to one end of the pouch  218  via an anchor nut  7  (or other suitable device) and extends through the sleeve  17  (see  FIG. 19 ) around a periphery of the pouch  218  and out the other end of the pouch  218 . Prior to extending the cinch  248  through the outer shaft  214 , the cinch  248  is wrapped around the distal most end of the retention pin  230  to form a first loop  242   a  ( FIG. 19 ) that is tightened around the distal most end of the retention pin  230  and the proximal end of the pouch  218  to releasably secure the retention pin  230  to the pouch  218 . Various loop configurations may be utilized to releasably secure the retention pin  230  to the pouch  218 . A proximal end of the cinch  248  includes a second loop  242   b  ( FIG. 18 ) that is configured to facilitate pulling the cinch  248  for cinching the pouch  218 . A knot “K” may be provided adjacent the second loop  242   b  and may be configured to releasably couple to a corresponding slit  243  disposed at a proximal end of the handle assembly  240 . The knot “K” may be utilized to releasably secure the second loop  242   b  of the cinch to the proximal end of the handle assembly  240 . 
         [0160]    In use, handle assembly  240  may be moved proximally to move inner shaft  216  including pouch  218  to a retracted configuration ( FIG. 21 ). Thereafter, outer shaft  214  may be inserted through a natural or man made orifice on a patient and positioned adjacent target tissue. Subsequently, handle assembly  240  may be moved distally to move inner shaft  216  including pouch  218  to a “normal use” configuration, e.g., the proximal end  231  of the retention pin  230  contacts proximal end of the outer shaft  214  ( FIG. 20 ). 
         [0161]    In the “normal use” configuration, target tissue may be dissected and positioned within pouch  218 . A user may selectively and repeatedly move between the normal use and retracted positions in a manner as described above. To uncouple the pouch  218  from the distal end of the retention pin  230 , handle assembly  240  is moved distally into contact with the proximal end  231  of the retention pin  230 , which, in turn, causes the first loop  242   a  to move out of engagement with (or uncouple from) the distal most end of the retention pin  230 , thereby enabling the de-coupling of pouch  218  from the inner shaft  216  in a manner as described above ( FIG. 22 ). 
         [0162]    When a user is satisfied that all of the tissue to be collected has been placed within pouch  218 , a user may remove the cinch  248  from the handle assembly  240  of the inner shaft  216  ( FIG. 23 ). The pouch  218  may then be cinched and removed from the patient in a manner as described above ( FIG. 24 ). As can be appreciated, the specimen retrieval device  210  overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks typically associated with conventional specimen retrieval devices, e.g., the likelihood of memory wrinkles being formed on pouch  218  is reduced, if not eliminated. 
         [0163]      FIG. 25  illustrates an alternate retention pin and outer shaft configuration that may be utilized with the specimen retrieval device  210 . Specifically, a retention pin  270  may be provided within the outer shaft  214  and a proximal end  271  of the retention pin  270  may be configured to engage an internal stop, e.g., an internal flange  226 , that is defined along an interior wall of the outer shaft  214 . In use, a user may selectively and repeatedly move between the normal use and retracted positions in a manner as described above. To uncouple the pouch  218  from the distal most end of the retention pin  270 , handle assembly  240  is moved proximally until the proximal end  271  of the retention pin  270  engages the flange  226 , which, in turn, causes the first loop  242   a  to move out of engagement with the distal most end of the retention pin  270 , thereby enabling the de-coupling of pouch  218  from the inner shaft  216  in a manner as described above. One or more indicators (not shown) may be provided on the inner shaft  216  and utilized to indicate to a clinician how far the inner shaft  216  has been moved before the inner shaft  216  releases the pouch  218 . 
         [0164]      FIGS. 26-28  illustrate an alternate retention pin and outer shaft configuration that may be utilized with the specimen retrieval device  210 . Specifically, a retention pin  280  may include a bifurcated configuration having right and left leg members  280   a ,  280   b  that are configured to releasably couple to the proximal portion  235  of pouch  218 . Specifically, right and left leg members  280   a ,  280   b  are configured to squeeze or compress the proximal portion  235  of pouch  218  with a compressive force that, along with the first loop  242   a , is capable of maintaining pouch  218  between leg members  280   a ,  280   b  as pouch  218  is moved between the retracted and extended configurations. 
         [0165]    Leg members  280   a ,  280   b  are joined at a proximal end to form a proximal end (not explicitly shown), such as, for example, a proximal end similar to proximal end  231  and/or proximal end  271  that is configured to engage flange  226  and/or proximal end of outer shaft  214 . To uncouple the pouch  218  from the distal end of the retention pin  280 , handle assembly  240  is moved proximally until the proximal end of the retention pin  280  engages the flange  226  and/or the proximal end of the outer shaft  214 , which, in turn, causes the first loop  242   a  to move out of engagement with the distal most end of the retention pin  280 , thereby enabling the de-coupling of pouch  218  from the inner shaft  216  in a manner as described above. 
         [0166]    With reference to  FIGS. 29A-29C , a specimen retrieval device  310  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  310  is configured for use with either of the pouches  18  or  218  and is substantially similar to aforementioned specimen retrieval bags. Accordingly, only those features that are unique to specimen retrieval device  310  are described in detail herein. 
         [0167]    In accordance with the instant disclosure, specimen retrieval device  310  includes a cinch handle  348  that is in accessible to a clinician when an inner shaft  316  is in the extended position ( FIG. 29A ). As can be appreciated, this may prevent the clinician from mistakenly cinching the pouch  18  prior to retracting the spring  62 , which may lead to the specimen retrieval device not functioning in a manner as intended. To this end, cinch handle  348  includes a generally elongated configuration having a pair of proximal and distal tabs  349   a ,  349   b . A protuberance  346  is provided on an underside of the cinch handle  348  and is configured to facilitate uncoupling the cinch handle  348  from the inner shaft, as will be described below. A suture “S” may be coupled to the cinch handle  348 , e.g., a knot “K and aperture configuration, adhesive, etc. Suture “S” may extend along a top surface  345  of the cinch handle  348  and through the housing  312  and outer shaft  314  to couple to the pouch  18 . 
         [0168]    Housing  312  includes a pair of arm portions  313   a ,  313   b  that serve as a handle for a user to grasp. An outer shaft  314  couples to the housing  312  and extends distally therefrom. Housing  312  and outer shaft  314  are configured to allow a user to move the inner shaft  316  from the retracted configuration ( FIGS. 29A and 29B ) to the extended configuration. 
         [0169]    The inner shaft  316  of the specimen retrieval device  310  includes a pocket  317  that is disposed at a proximal end of the inner shaft  316  adjacent a handle assembly in the form of a finger loop  318  that is configured to receive a finger of a clinician. As can be appreciated, finger loop  318  can be replaced with one of the aforementioned a handle assemblies. 
         [0170]    Pocket  317  includes a pair of proximal and distal cut-outs  319   a ,  319   b  that are configured to releasably engage the pair of proximal and distal tabs  349   a ,  349   b  that are provided on the cinch handle  348 . A recess or detent  320  ( FIG. 29C ) is defined within the pocket  317  and is configured to receive the protuberance  346  ( FIG. 29B-1 ) that is provided on an underside of the cinch handle  348 . 
         [0171]    Depending on which pouch is utilized, the specimen retrieval device  310  may include one more of the aforementioned retention pin configurations (not explicitly shown in  FIGS. 29A-29C ) to uncouple the pouches  18 ,  218  from resilient members  64 ,  66 . 
         [0172]    In the normal use configuration, the cinch handle  348  will be seated within the pocket  317  and the tabs  349   a ,  349   b  of the cinch handle  34  engaged with the cut-outs  319   a ,  319   b  ( FIG. 29A ). In this configuration, the top surface  345  of the cinch handle  348  will be flush with an exterior of the inner shaft  316  to allow a user to repeatedly move the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ) in and out of the outer shaft  314 . 
         [0173]    A user can uncouple the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ) from the resilient members  64 ,  66  in accordance with one of the aforementioned embodiments described above. Thereafter the user can cinch the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ). Specifically, a user can move the tab  349   a  out of engagement with the cut-out  319   a , which, in turn, simultaneously causes the protuberance  346  to rotate within the recess  320  and the tab  349   b  of the cinch handle  348  to pivot about the cut-out  319   b  of the inner shaft  316  ( FIG. 29B ). A user can then remove the cinch handle  348  from the pocket  317  of the inner shaft  316  and pull the cinch handle  348  proximally to cinch the pouch  18  ( FIG. 29C ). 
         [0174]    With reference to  FIGS. 30A-30C , a specimen retrieval device  410  according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Specimen retrieval device  410  is configured for use with either the pouch  18  or pouch  218  and is substantially similar to aforementioned specimen retrieval bags, e.g., specimen retrieval device  310 . Accordingly, only those features that are unique to specimen retrieval device  410  are described in detail herein. 
         [0175]    A pocket  417  is provided on an inner shaft  416  and includes a protrusion  421  that releasably couples via a press or friction fit to an aperture or indent  444  ( FIG. 30C ) provided on a cinch handle  448 . The suture “S” may be coupled to the cinch handle  448  via one of the aforementioned coupling methods. Moreover, one or more optional cut outs and/or tab members (see discussion above for example) may be utilized to facilitate coupling the cinch handle  448  within the pocket  417 . 
         [0176]    In the normal use configuration, the cinch handle  448  will be seated within the pocket  417  ( FIG. 30A ). In this configuration, a top surface  445  of the cinch handle  448  will be flush with an exterior of the inner shaft  416  to allow a user to repeatedly move the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ) in and out of the outer shaft  414 . 
         [0177]    A user can uncouple the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ) from the resilient members  64 ,  66  in a manner as described above. Thereafter the user can cinch the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ). Specifically, a user can rotate the cinch handle  448  about the protuberance  346  to place the cinch handle  448  in a position for allowing a clinician to uncouple the cinch handle  448  from the pocket  417  of the inner shaft  416  ( FIG. 30B ). A user can then remove the cinch handle  448  from the pocket  417  of the inner shaft  416  and pull the cinch handle  448  proximally to cinch the pouch  18  (or pouch  218 ),  FIG. 30C . 
         [0178]    In accordance with the instant disclosure, other cinch handles may utilized with the specimen retrieval devices  310 ,  410 . For example,  FIGS. 31-32  illustrate a cinch handle  548  that includes two generally arcuate lateral portions  549   a ,  549   b  and an elongated medial portion  547  that extend at least partially along a length of the cinch handle  548 . The medial portion  547  is configured to seat within a corresponding indent or groove (not explicitly shown) that may be defined within the pockets  317 ,  417 . The lateral portions  549   a ,  549   b  are relatively flexible and configured to snap into place along an exterior of the inner shafts  316 ,  416 . Accordingly, the lateral portions  549   a ,  549   b  should extend beyond a center of the inner shafts  316 ,  416  (see  FIG. 32  for example). A user can uncouple the cinch handle  548  from the pockets  317 ,  417  of the inner shafts  316 ,  416 , respectively, via grasping (or squeezing) the lateral portions  549   a ,  549   b  of the cinch handle  548  while simultaneously rotating (or pulling) the cinch handle  548  until the cinch handle  548  uncouples from the pockets  317 ,  417  of the respective inner shafts  316 ,  416 . 
         [0179]    With reference to  FIGS. 33-34 , an alternate embodiment of the spring  62  is illustrated and is designated spring  662 . Spring  662  is similar to spring  62  and configured for use with any of the aforementioned specimen retrieval devices and pouches. Accordingly, only those features that are unique to spring  662  are described in detail herein. 
         [0180]    Spring  662  includes two resilient fork members  664 ,  666  having respective distal tips  667   a ,  667   b  with generally arcuate medial portions  669   a ,  669   b  that form a nested configuration when the resilient fork members  664 ,  666  are in a compressed configuration, see  FIG. 34  for example. 
         [0181]    In embodiments, such as the illustrated embodiment, the distal tips  667   a ,  667   b  are monolithically formed with resilient fork members  664 ,  666 . Alternatively, distal tips  667   a ,  667   b  may be formed as separate components and, subsequently, coupled to resilient fork members  664 ,  666  via one or more suitable coupling methods, e.g., adhesive, mechanical interface, or the like. 
         [0182]    The complementary geometry distal tips  667   a ,  667   b  allows the resilient fork members  664 ,  666  to nest on each other, as opposed to overlapping or moving over one another (commonly referred to in the art as “fork scissoring”) as with conventional springs. This fork scissoring may damage the sleeve  17  of the pouches  18 ,  218  and/or may increase the likelihood of uncontrolled bunching of the pouch  18 ,  218  as the pouch  18 ,  218  is moved between the extended and retracted positions. In accordance with the instant disclosure, the nesting of the resilient fork members  664 ,  666  may help to reduce withdrawal force associated with the pouch  18 ,  218  and may help to promote better withdrawal into the previously described outer shafts of specimen retrieval devices. 
         [0183]    In use, when the pouch  18  is positioned within one of the aforementioned shafts, e.g., outer shaft  114 , and being moved therein, resilient fork members  664 ,  666  are guided to the nested configuration as a result of the complementary geometry distal tips  667   a ,  667   b.    
         [0184]    While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto.