Biopsy apparatus

Abstract

The present invention may provide a biopsy apparatus comprising a probe portion and a driver portion. The probe portion may include: a housing; an outer tube rotatably disposed in the housing and including a hole; an inner tube rotatably disposed in the housing and disposed inside the outer tube so as to be rotated by the driver portion's motor, thereby moving linearly; an air tube connected to the inside of the inner tube and connected to a vacuum pump; and a first gear coupled to the outer tube. The inner tube has an end for cutting a biological tissue that has entered through the hole of the outer tube. A first space part between the outer circumferential surface of the inner tube and the inner circumferential surface of the outer tube and a second space part located inside the inner tube are disposed to communicate with each other. The housing has an air channel formed such that the first communication portion communicates therethrough, and further comprises a sensor portion for sensing the rotational position of the first gear. The driver unit rotates the outer tube through the first gear such that the hole is located at the origin in response to the rotational position of the first gear detected by the sensor unit.

Description

biometric examination device

[0001] The present invention relates to a biometric examination device.

[0002] A biopsy is a histological examination that involves extracting living cells, tissue, etc. from a patient's lesion and analyzing the sample for diagnosis. Biopsies are primarily performed when diseases such as cancer are suspected, and are categorized into excisional biopsies, incisional biopsies, and percutaneous biopsies.

[0003] A biopsy device includes a housing, a needle, a cutter, a cutter driver, and a vacuum chamber. The needle extends from the housing and has a passageway, a tissue receiving port, or an opening. The cutter is positioned to rotate and translate within the needle passageway for cutting tissue and has a passageway communicating with the needle passageway. The vacuum chamber is connected to the cutter passageway and transports the tissue sample from the tissue receiving port along the needle and cutter passageways to discharge the tissue sample out of the cutter for collection. The tissue sample discharged from the cutter is collected in a tray or cartridge. The vacuum chamber or vacuum source is equipped with a vacuum pump that generates an air suction force.

[0004] In order to smoothly collect tissue samples, such a biopsy device may be equipped with a flexible push rod that is arranged to be able to translate along the passages of the needle and cutter. The push rod assists in transporting the tissue sample by pushing the rear end of the tissue sample in the transport direction when transporting the tissue sample. However, the drive mechanism, which is composed of a worm gear, a drive block, etc. for the mechanical operation of the push rod, has a complex configuration, and the assembly process is complicated, resulting in high production costs. In addition, there is a problem that malfunctions can easily occur due to wear of the worm gear or push rod.

[0005] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a biopsy device that is simple in configuration and easy to transport a collected tissue sample.

[0006] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by workers from the description below.

[0007] An embodiment may provide a biopsy device including a probe unit and a driver unit, wherein the probe unit includes a housing, an outer tube rotatably disposed in the housing and including a hole, an inner tube rotatably disposed in the housing and disposed inside the outer tube and rotated by a motor of the driver unit to move in a straight line, an air tube connected to the inside of the inner tube and connected to a vacuum pump, and a first gear coupled to the outer tube, wherein an end of the inner tube cuts a biological tissue that has entered through the hole of the outer tube, a first space portion between an outer surface of the inner tube and an inner surface of the outer tube and a second space portion located inside the inner tube are arranged to be in communication, the housing forms an air path that communicates the first space portion, and further includes a sensor portion that detects a rotational position of the first gear, and the driver portion rotates the outer tube through the first gear so that the hole comes to an origin in response to the rotational position of the first gear detected by the sensor portion.

[0008] The housing may include a holder that supports the outer tube and the inner tube, the air tube may be connected to the holder, the holder may include a third space portion that communicates with the inlet of the first space portion, and a first flow path that communicates the air tube and the third space portion.

[0009] The above air tube may include a straight portion arranged parallel to the inner tube.

[0010] The sensor unit includes a reflector attached to the first gear and a light sensor positioned opposite the reflector, and when the reflector and the light sensor are aligned, the hole can be positioned at the origin.

[0011] The driver section includes a second gear connected to the motor, the first gear is positioned to be exposed to the outside of the housing, the exposed first gear meshes with the second gear, the first gear rotates by rotation of the second gear, and the first gear rotates the outer tube independently of the inner tube.

[0012] The holder includes a sealing member disposed on one side and the other side of the third space to close the third space, so that air flowing in from the air tube sequentially passes through the first passage, the third space, and the first space and then flows into the second space.

[0013] The first gear may include a shaft portion and a tooth connected to the shaft portion, and the shaft portion may include an overlapping area overlapping the holder.

[0014] The above shaft portion may include a groove that is concavely arranged in the overlapping area to accommodate the sealing member.

[0015] The probe part includes a magnet arranged in the housing, the driver part includes a hall sensor, the magnet is arranged to be exposed to the outside of the housing, and the hall sensor is arranged to face the magnet when the probe part and the driver part are assembled, so that the hall sensor can detect the assembly state of the probe part and the driver part.

[0016] The Hall sensor may include a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor may be disposed on one side of the inner tube, the second sensor may be disposed on the other side of the inner tube, and the magnet may include a first magnet and a second magnet, the first magnet may be disposed on one side of the inner tube, and the second magnet may be disposed on the other side of the inner tube.

[0017] According to an embodiment, by introducing air through an air tube and having the introduced air move through the space between the outer tube and the inner tube and the inner hollow passage of the inner tube to push the collected tissue sample, in addition to the force of sucking and moving the tissue sample by vacuum, there is an advantage of facilitating the transport of the collected tissue sample.

[0018] Since the collected biological sample is extracted using air flow rather than a mechanical mechanism such as a worm gear or push rod, it has the advantage of preventing malfunction due to wear of parts.

[0019] According to an embodiment, there is an advantage in that the position of the hole at the end of the outer tube can be easily identified through a reflector and an optical sensor that detects the position of the reflector in the first gear connected to the outer tube.

[0020] According to an embodiment, when the eutectic tube rotates to collect biological samples from various angles, the position of the hole can be easily identified, so there is an advantage in that it is easy to identify the location from which the collected biological sample was collected.

[0021] According to the embodiment, there is an advantage in that it is possible to clearly recognize whether the probe part and the driver part are securely connected.

[0022] Figure 1 is a drawing illustrating a biometric examination device according to an embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the biopsy device illustrated in Figure 1;

[0024] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of A in Figure 1.

[0025] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the inside of a biometric examination device;

[0026] Figure 5 is a drawing showing a probe part.

[0027] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the flow of air supplied through the air tube.

[0028] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing the first gear;

[0029] Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating a sensor unit.

[0030] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a magnet in the probe section.

[0031] Figure 10 is a drawing showing a Hall sensor placed in the driver section.

[0032] Figure 11 is a drawing showing the state before assembly of the probe part and the driver part.

[0033] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments described below may be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below. Rather, these embodiments are provided to more faithfully and completely explain the present disclosure and to fully convey the spirit of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0035] The terminology used herein is used to describe particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the words "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one of the listed items and any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0036] Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various elements, regions, and / or portions, it is to be understood that these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions are not limited by these terms. These terms do not imply a specific order, hierarchy, or order, and are only used to distinguish one element, region, or portion from another. Accordingly, a first element, region, or portion described below may also refer to a second element, region, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0037] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings schematically illustrating embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, variations in the shapes depicted may be expected, for example, depending on manufacturing techniques and / or tolerances. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific shapes of the regions depicted herein, but should include, for example, variations in shapes resulting from manufacturing processes.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a drawing illustrating a biopsy device according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the biopsy device illustrated in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is an enlarged drawing of A in Fig. 1. Hereinafter, in the drawings, the x-axis represents the longitudinal direction of the biopsy device, the y-axis represents the width direction of the biopsy device, and the z-axis represents the height direction of the biopsy device.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a biometric examination device according to an embodiment may include a probe unit (100) and a driver unit (200).

[0040] The probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200) can be combined as a pair. The probe unit (100) collects biological tissue. The probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200) can be arranged to be long so that the user can hold them with his or her hand and use them. After collecting biological tissue, the probe unit (100) is separated from the driver unit (200) and discarded, and a new probe unit (100) can be combined with the driver unit (200) and used. In addition, a biopsy device in which the probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200) are combined can be mounted on a control device (not shown) and used to collect biological tissue.

[0041] The probe unit (100) may include a housing (110), an outer tube (120), an inner tube (130), an air tube (112), a first gear (140), and a magnet (150).

[0042] The housing (110) is configured to be detachably connected to the driver unit (200). The housing (110) may include a holder (111). The holder (111) may support the inner tube (130) and the outer tube (120) and rotatably support the first gear (140).

[0043] The outer tube (120) forms a space inside which the inner tube (130) is positioned. The outer tube (120) has a needle shape with a pointed end. A hole (H) is formed immediately behind the end of the outer tube (120). Due to the hole (H), the inside of the outer tube (120) is opened. When the outer tube (120) penetrates into a living tissue, a portion of the living tissue is positioned inside the outer tube (120) through the hole (H).

[0044] The inner tube (130) is located on the inside of the outer tube (120). The inner tube (130) may be a hollow member. The inner tube (130) performs translational and rotational movements on the inside of the outer tube (120). The inner tube (130) is connected to the driver unit (200) and receives driving force from the driver unit (200). Specifically, the inner tube (130) can be rotated independently of the outer tube (120) by the third gear (160), which will be described later.

[0045] The inner tube (130) cuts and collects the biological tissue introduced into the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) while moving in translation and rotation inside the outer tube (120). The end of the inner tube (130) is shaped like a sharp blade, so that it moves forward toward the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) and cuts the biological tissue introduced into the hole (H). The inside of the inner tube (130) is connected to a vacuum pump. The biological tissue collected by the inner tube (130) can be moved through the inside of the inner tube (130) (the second space portion (SP2) described later) by the vacuum force of the vacuum pump (not shown) and collected in a separate collection unit.

[0046] The first gear (140) can be coupled to the outer surface of the outer tube (120). The first gear (140) and the outer tube (120) rotate together. When the first gear (140) rotates, the outer tube (120) also rotates axially in the longitudinal direction (x-axis).

[0047] A magnet (150) is placed in the housing (110). The magnet (150) may be placed to face the driver unit (200). This magnet (150) is used to confirm the assembly of the probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200). That is, when the probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200) are fastened, the hall sensor (230) of the driver unit (200) recognizes the magnet (150), thereby confirming whether the driver unit (200) and the probe unit (100) are properly fastened. This will be described later.

[0048] The air tube (112) is a device for blowing air between the outer tube (120) and the inner tube (130). The air tube (112) is connected to the outside. In addition, the air tube (112) is connected to the holder (111). This air tube (112) blows air into the inner tube (130), thereby allowing the collected biological tissue to easily move toward the collection section within the inner tube (130).

[0049] The driver unit (200) is a device that provides driving force for rotation or movement of the inner tube (130) and outer tube (120) of the probe unit (100).

[0050] The driver unit (200) includes a motor unit (210). The motor unit (210) may include a first motor (211) and a second motor (212). The first motor (211) and the second motor (212) may be arranged to be coaxial.

[0051] The first motor (211) is for transmitting power to the first gear (140). The first motor (211) is connected to the second gear (220). The second gear (220) is arranged to mesh with the first gear (140) when the probe unit (100) is assembled to the driver unit (200).

[0052] The second motor (212) is for transmitting power to the third gear (160). The second motor (212) is connected to the fourth gear (240). The fourth gear (240) is arranged to engage with the third gear (160) when the probe unit (100) is assembled to the driver unit (200).

[0053] The driver unit (200) includes a substrate (250) and a Hall sensor (230) mounted on the substrate (250). Electronic components that control the operation of the biometric inspection device are mounted on the substrate (250). The Hall sensor (230) is a device for detecting the assembly of the probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200) through the magnet (150) of the probe unit (100).

[0054] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the inside of a biopsy device, and Figure 5 is a drawing showing a probe unit (100).

[0055] Referring to Fig. 4, the first gear (140) is arranged on one side of the holder (111) based on the longitudinal direction. The third gear (160) is arranged on the other side of the holder (111) based on the longitudinal direction. The axial direction of the first gear (140) and the axial direction of the third gear (160) are the same. When the first gear (140) rotates, the outer tube (120) rotates. When the third gear (160) rotates, the inner tube (130) rotates. The outer tube (120) and the inner tube (130) can rotate independently of each other.

[0056] The inner tube (130) is positioned so as to penetrate the holder (111), and the outer tube (120) is positioned on one side of the holder (111). The inner tube (130) is inserted into one side of the outer tube (120) in the holder (111), so that the outer tube (120) and the inner tube (130) can overlap.

[0057] When the inner tube (130) rotates, the inner tube (130) moves in translation. The outer surface of the inner tube (130) has threads formed like a lead screw, so that it can move in a straight line along a guide member (not shown) arranged on the outer side of the inner tube (130).

[0058] One end of the air tube (112) is connected to the holder (111). The air tube (112) may include a straight portion (112a). The straight portion (112a) is arranged along the longitudinal direction (x). The straight portion (112a) may be arranged to overlap the inner tube (130) in the height direction (z).

[0059] In a state where the probe part (100) is assembled to the driver part (200), the hall sensor (230) can be placed on the lower side of the third gear (160).

[0060] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the third gear (160) of the probe unit (100) is positioned so that a portion thereof is exposed. In addition, the fourth gear (240) of the driver unit (200) is positioned so that a portion thereof is exposed and is engaged with the third gear (160).

[0061] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the flow of air supplied through an air tube (112).

[0062] Referring to Fig. 6, the space between the inner tube (130) and the outer tube (120) is defined as a first space (SP1). The inner space of the inner tube (130) is defined as a second space (SP2).

[0063] The holder (111) includes a third space portion (SP3) on the inside. The shaft portion (141) of the first gear (140) can be positioned on one side of the holder (111). The end of the outer tube (120) can be positioned by entering the third space portion (SP3). Therefore, the entrance of the first space portion (SP1) is positioned in the third space portion (SP3). The holder (111) can include a first flow path (U1). The first flow path (U1) is connected to the third space portion (SP3). The first flow path (U1) connects the third space portion (SP3) and the outside of the holder (111).

[0064] The first euro (U1) can be arranged obliquely in the longitudinal direction (x).

[0065] The air tube (112) is inserted into the first flow path (U1). The air supplied through the air tube (112) moves to the third space (SP3) through the first flow path (U1). The air in the third space (SP3) is supplied to the first space (SP1), that is, between the outer surface of the inner tube (130) and the inner surface of the outer tube (120). The air flowing along the first space (SP1) flows into the second space (SP2), which corresponds to the inner hollow portion of the inner tube (130), from the end of the inner tube (130). The air introduced into the second space (SP2) moves along the second space (SP2) by vacuum force and pushes the collected biological tissue toward the collection section (not shown).

[0066] The air moving along the second space (SP2) transports the collected biological tissue located in the inner tube (130) toward the collection section. In this way, the present invention has the advantage of facilitating the transport of the collected tissue sample in addition to the force of sucking the biological tissue by vacuum by introducing air through the air tube (112) and pushing the air into the inner tube (130). Meanwhile, sealing members are arranged on one side and the other side of the third space (SP3), respectively, to secure vacuum performance in the third space (SP3).

[0067] Figure 7 is a drawing illustrating the first gear (140).

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the first gear (140) includes a shaft portion (141) and teeth (142). The teeth (142) are connected to the shaft portion (141). A portion of the shaft portion (141) includes an overlap area (O) that overlaps the holder (111). The shaft portion (141) is a hollow member having a through hole (141a) formed on the inside. The outer tube (120) is inserted into the through hole (141a) of the shaft portion (141). The shaft portion (141) may include a groove (G) that is concavely formed on the outer circumferential surface. A sealing member (111a) is inserted into the groove (G) to seal the third space portion (SP3).

[0069] A reflector (310) can be placed on the tooth (142). The reflector (310) is a part of a sensor unit (300) that enables the position of the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) to be confirmed and a reference point to be set.

[0070] Figure 8 is a drawing illustrating a sensor unit (300).

[0071] Referring to Fig. 8, the sensor unit (300) is for confirming the position of the hole (H) of the outer tube (120). The sensor unit (300) confirms the origin for the circumferential position of the hole (H) and determines how much the hole (H) has rotated when rotating 360 degrees, thereby easily confirming the angle at which the biological tissue was collected in the circumferential direction.

[0072] The sensor unit (300) includes a reflector (310) and a light sensor (320). The reflector (310) is placed on the tooth (142) of the first gear (140). The light sensor (320) is placed facing the reflector (310). The light sensor (320) can be fixed to the housing (110). However, the position of the light sensor (320) is not limited to the housing (110). The reflector (310) can correspond to the origin position of the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) in the circumferential direction. When a signal sent from the light sensor (320) is reflected by the reflector (310) and returns to the light sensor (320), the position of the reflector (310) can be confirmed, and thereby the position of the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) can be confirmed.

[0073] Instead of a reflector (310), a hole is drilled in the tooth (142), and the position of the hole (H) of the outer tube (120) can be identified by shooting a light sensor (320) and making the light signal reflected on all sides of the tooth (142) but not reflected only in the hole.

[0074] When the first motor (211) operates, the second gear (220) rotates. When the second gear (220) rotates, the first gear (140) meshed with the second gear (220) rotates, causing the outer tube (120) to rotate. As the outer tube (120) rotates, the circumferential position of the outer tube (120) is adjusted.

[0075] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a magnet (150) in a probe part (100), Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a hall sensor (230) placed in a driver part (200), and Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a state before assembly of the probe part (100) and the driver part (200).

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the probe unit (100) may include a magnet (150). The driver unit (200) may include a hall sensor (230). The magnet (150) and the hall sensor (230) are used to check the assembly status of the probe unit (100) and the driver unit (200).

[0077] Below, the description is based on an example in which there are two magnets (150), but there may be one magnet (150) or two or more magnets (150).

[0078] A magnet (150) is placed in the housing (110). The magnet (150) may include a first magnet (150) and a second magnet (150). The first magnet (150) may be placed on one side of the inner tube (130) in the width direction (y), and the second magnet (150) may be placed on the other side of the inner tube (130) in the width direction (y).

[0079] The first magnet (150) and the second magnet (150) may be positioned to protrude from the inner tube (130). The Hall sensor (230) is mounted on the substrate (250). The Hall sensor (230) may include a first sensor (231) and a second sensor (232).

[0080] In a state where the probe part (100) is assembled to the driver part (200), the first sensor (231) is placed facing the first magnet (150). And the second sensor (232) is placed facing the second magnet (150).

[0081] When the probe unit (100) is assembled to the driver unit (200), a signal is generated as the distance between the Hall sensor (230) and the magnet (150) becomes closer. The biometric inspection device can notify the user through light or sound based on the signal detected by the Hall sensor (230).

[0082] Additionally, contrary to the above description, the Hall sensor (230) may be placed in the housing (110) and the magnet (150) may be placed in the driver unit (200).

[0083] Above, specific embodiments of the syringe inspection device of the present invention have been described, but it is obvious that various modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0084] Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be defined not only by the claims described below but also by equivalents of the claims.

[0085] That is, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and all changes or modified forms derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0086] The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing biometric examination devices.

Claims

1. Probe section; and Including the driver section, The probe section includes a housing, an outer tube that is rotatably arranged in the housing and includes a hole, an inner tube that is rotatably arranged in the housing and is arranged on the inside of the outer tube and rotates by a motor of the driver section to move in a straight line, an air tube that is connected to the inside of the inner tube and is connected to a vacuum pump, and a first gear coupled to the outer tube. The end of the inner tube cuts the biological tissue that has entered through the hole of the outer tube, The first space between the outer surface of the inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube and the second space located on the inner side of the upper inner tube are arranged to be in communication with each other. The commercial housing forms an air passage connecting the first space section, Further comprising a sensor section for detecting the rotational position of the first gear; A bio-inspection device in which the driver part rotates the outer tube through the first gear so that the hole comes to the origin in response to the rotational position of the first gear detected by the sensor part.

2. In paragraph 1, The above housing includes a holder supporting the outer tube and the inner tube, and the air tube is connected to the holder, A biopsy device, wherein the holder comprises a third space communicating with the entrance of the first space, and a first path connecting the air tube and the third space.

3. In the first paragraph, the air tube, A biopsy device comprising a straight section arranged parallel to the inner tube.

4. In the first paragraph, the sensor part, It comprises a reflector attached to the first gear and a light sensor positioned opposite the reflector, A biometric inspection device in which the hole is positioned at the origin when the reflector and the light sensor are aligned.

5. In paragraph 1, The above driver part includes a second gear connected to the motor, The above first gear is positioned so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing, The exposed first gear meshes with the second gear, A biopsy device in which the first gear rotates by the rotation of the second gear, and the first gear rotates the outer tube independently of the inner tube.

6. In the second paragraph, the holder includes a sealing member disposed on one side and the other side of the third space to close the third space, A biological examination device that allows air flowing in from the air tube to sequentially pass through the first passage, the third space, and the first space and then flow into the second space.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first gear includes a shaft and teeth connected to the shaft, A biopsy device comprising an overlapping area that overlaps the holder and the shaft.

8. In paragraph 7, A bio-inspection device comprising a groove that is concavely arranged in an overlapping area and receives the sealing member.

9. In paragraph 1, The above probe part includes a magnet arranged in the housing, The above driver unit includes a Hall sensor, The above magnet is positioned so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing, The above Hall sensor is positioned opposite the magnet when the probe part and the driver part are assembled. The above Hall sensor is a bio-inspection device that detects the assembly status of the probe part and the driver part.

10. In paragraph 9, The above Hall sensor includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor is arranged on one side of the inner tube, and the second sensor is arranged on the other side of the inner tube, The above magnet comprises a first magnet and a second magnet, A biopsy device wherein the first magnet is disposed on one side of the inner tube and the other side of the inner tube.

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