Why the product name alone is not enough
A request for a “closed specimen bag” does not yet identify the correct model. For Hang T Safe, the distributor should first understand the planned intrabag workflow and required independent working paths, then confirm the nominal bag-opening size and whether a ligature rope is required.
The intended specimen, extraction route, planned instruments and current instructions for use should be reviewed before the final model is selected. The A/C/E letter is only one part of that decision.
What do Shape A, C and E mean?
The letters describe how many independent working sleeves or finger channels are integrated into the contained bag. They do not define a specific operation, the number of trocar incisions, the number of instruments that must be used or a product grade. The clinically useful question is not “Which shape has more channels?” but “Which access architecture matches the planned technique?”
| Configuration | Independent working paths | Selection logic |
|---|---|---|
| Shape A | 1 | Evaluate when a streamlined contained workflow requires one independent finger-channel path. |
| Shape C | 2 | Evaluate when separate visualization and working-instrument access paths are planned according to the current IFU. |
| Shape E | 3 | Evaluate when the planned technique genuinely requires an additional independent instrument path. |
Why more channels are not automatically better
A contained bag has to work inside a limited abdominal workspace. Adding another channel may create another instrument path, but it can also add structure, externalization steps and handling complexity. The correct configuration is therefore the one that supports the planned technique with no unnecessary access path.
Before selecting A, C or E, ask four practical questions:
- How will the laparoscope or optic enter the contained workspace?
- How will the morcellator or other working instrument enter?
- Does the technique require an additional grasper, suction/irrigation or other independent instrument path?
- How much usable intrabag working space and intracorporeal handling room are needed for the planned specimen?
What does a two-channel configuration change?
Shape C means that the retrieval bag has two independent working sleeves. It does not define the number of abdominal incisions or trocars used in the operation. Incision planning remains procedure- and surgeon-dependent.
Under the current Hang T Safe IFU, finger-shaped channels can be externalized, the bag can be insufflated through a selected channel, and endoscopic visualization and a working instrument can be introduced into the contained workspace. This makes two-channel architecture useful when the planned technique benefits from separated visualization and instrument access.
This is a workflow explanation, not a fixed procedural instruction. Exact access routing, compatible instruments and handling remain IFU-led and surgeon-dependent.
How to select the nominal bag-opening size
After the working-path configuration is clear, select one of the five nominal bag-opening sizes. The table below shows the controlled dimensions used in the current Hang T Safe model matrix. Nominal size should be considered together with specimen geometry, deployment, intracorporeal positioning and usable working space.
| Nominal opening | Bag depth | Puncture device | Available shapes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 mm | 130 mm | 10 mm | A / C / E |
| 60 mm | 180 mm | 10 mm | A / C / E |
| 80 mm | 200 mm | 10 mm | A / C / E |
| 100 mm | 220 mm | 10 mm | A / C / E |
| 130 mm | 230 mm | 12 mm | A / C / E |
Current dimensional tolerances are ±10 mm for the bag opening and ±50 mm for bag depth. A larger nominal opening or a larger nominal bag is not automatically a better clinical fit; specimen geometry, extraction route, intrabag working space, abdominal handling and the current IFU remain relevant.
How the model code is built
The order code combines configuration, nominal size and rope state:
HK-QW-[40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 130] [-S when rope is supplied] ([A / C / E])
- HK-QW-80(C): 80 mm nominal opening, Shape C, without ligature rope.
- HK-QW-80-S(C): the corresponding 80 mm Shape C model supplied with a ligature rope.
Across three shapes, five nominal sizes and two rope states, the Hang T Safe family contains 30 orderable references.
A practical distributor selection sequence
- Confirm the intended specimen-retrieval route and evaluation context.
- Map the planned visualization path and working-instrument path inside the contained workspace.
- Confirm whether the technique genuinely requires one, two or three independent working paths: A, C or E.
- Confirm the approximate specimen dimensions, intracorporeal handling needs and required bag-opening range.
- Select the nominal bag-opening size: 40, 60, 80, 100 or 130 mm.
- Confirm whether a ligature rope is required.
- Verify the puncture-device size: 10 mm for 40–100 mm models or 12 mm for the 130 mm model.
- Confirm the complete model code, package, target market and controlled documentation.
Questions distributors commonly ask
What is the difference between Shape A, C and E?
Shape A has one independent working sleeve / finger channel, Shape C has two and Shape E has three. The letter identifies access architecture, not a product grade or a procedure name.
Does a higher channel count mean a better configuration?
No. Select only the number of independent working paths required by the planned technique. Additional channels can add access options, but they can also add handling complexity.
Does Shape C mean two trocar incisions?
No. Shape C describes two working sleeves on the bag. It does not define the number of abdominal incisions or trocars used in a procedure.
Which sizes are available?
Nominal bag openings are 40, 60, 80, 100 and 130 mm. The corresponding bag depths are 130, 180, 200, 220 and 230 mm.
Which puncture-device size is required?
The 40–100 mm models use a 10 mm puncture device. The 130 mm model uses a 12 mm puncture device.
What does -S mean?
The -S suffix identifies a model supplied with a ligature rope. The corresponding model without -S is supplied without the rope.
Is Hang T Safe reusable?
No. Hang T Safe is supplied EO sterile for single use according to the current labeling.
Sources and related product information
- AeroMed Hang T Safe A/C/E product page and current model matrix
- AeroMed Specimen Retrieval Bag family overview
- Open vs Closed Specimen Retrieval Bags