Articulating Needle Structure for Flexible Endoscope Biopsy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices with rigid puncturing stylets are limited by small working channels in flexible endoscopes, restricting the size and quality of biopsy specimens, and are not suitable for navigating tortuous anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a needle comprising a plurality of links that can transition between a loose and rigid configuration, allowing it to navigate through flexible endoscopes and extend rigidly for biopsy procedures, featuring a conduit for fluid flow and a spring mechanism for configuration change.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid needle is used for biopsy, then the needle can maintain structural integrity and perform puncturing, but it cannot be positioned in flexible small diameter positioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with articulating segments that allow it to dynamically change its configuration between rigid and flexible states. The segments can articulate relative to each other to provide flexibility during navigation through tortuous anatomy, while locking mechanisms enable the needle to become rigid when positioned for biopsy sampling, thus resolving the contradiction between structural integrity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle is divided into multiple articulating segments that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the proximal portion to remain relatively stable while distal portions can articulate to navigate complex pathways, enabling the needle to fit through flexible positioning devices while maintaining the ability to perform rigid puncturing when needed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If smaller diameter endoscopes are used to reduce trauma and access diverse body lumens, then patient trauma is reduced and access is improved, but the working channel size is reduced limiting biopsy specimen quality
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating needle allows for a longer effective needle length to be delivered through the small working channel by articulating at segments along its length. This enables the distal tip to reach deeper into tissue targets while the proximal portion remains within the constraints of the small endoscope working channel, thus maintaining specimen quality without increasing endoscope diameter or patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle utilizes articulation in multiple dimensions to navigate the limited space within small endoscope working channels. By articulating in different planes and directions, the needle can achieve the necessary depth and angle for high-quality biopsy sampling without requiring a larger working channel diameter.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient navigation through tortuous anatomy while maintaining rigidity for biopsy and fluid delivery, optimizing specimen collection and reducing tissue trauma.
Implementation Method 1
The articulating sections can be actuated to articulate relative to one another, thereby allowing the needle to assume a rigid configuration when positioned for biopsy sampling
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a medical device, comprising a needle (109). The needle includes a plurality of links (108) and a distal tip (110). Further the needle is reciprocally movable between a first, loose configuration and a second, rigid configuration. The medical device further comprises a conduit (122) including a lumen (124) extending through the needle. The conduit is coupled to the distal tip, wherein longitudinal movement of the conduit is configured to transition the needle between the first, loose configuration and the second, rigid configuration. In the first, loose configuration, various links of the plurality of links are configured to be spaced apart from adjacent links and to loosely ride along the conduit.