Biopsy Device Auxiliary Vacuum Source Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices often require tethering for power and fluid communication, limiting their portability and ease of use, especially in procedures requiring single-handed operation and multiple tissue sample collection without pre-formed tissue openings.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy system comprising a handheld device with a separable probe and holster, featuring a needle with a tissue piercing tip and a cutter that can be operated pneumatically, using a motor-activated vacuum pump and auxiliary vacuum source for fluid management, allowing for single-handed operation and multiple sample collection with optional tetherless functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biopsy devices are tethered to vacuum modules for fluid communication, then vacuum assistance for sample collection is achieved, but portability and ease of use are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a handheld biopsy probe and a separate vacuum module. The probe contains the needle, cutter, and sample collection chamber, while the vacuum module provides suction assistance. This segmentation allows the probe to be used independently for basic biopsy functions while enabling connection to vacuum assistance when needed, thus improving portability without sacrificing vacuum capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a standalone manual biopsy tool or connect to the vacuum module for assisted sample collection. The device accepts both tethered and untethered operation modes, making it universally applicable to different procedural requirements and enhancing ease of use across various clinical scenarios.
2Productivity
If multiple tissue samples are collected without pre-formed openings, then procedural efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the cutter is positioned within the needle, and the sample collection chamber is integrated into the needle hub. The cutter can advance and retract within the needle, and multiple tissue samples are collected sequentially in the nested chamber configuration. This nested design enables multiple sample collection functionality while maintaining a compact, relatively simple overall device structure.
3Ease of operation
If single-handed operation is enabled, then ease of use is improved, but control precision may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a self-retaining mechanism where the cutter automatically engages with the tissue upon advancement and self-locks during the cutting stroke. The trigger mechanism is designed to provide tactile feedback and automatic stroke termination, reducing the need for continuous manual adjustment. This self-service design maintains control precision while enabling single-handed operation.
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, single-handed collection and retrieval of multiple tissue samples with reduced need for external components, enhancing operational flexibility and ease of use in various medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump operable to induce a vacuum in the collection chamber
Implementation Method 2
communicating the vacuum to the cutter lumen to assist in drawing the tissue sample proximally
Implementation Method 3
an auxiliary vacuum source in fluid communication with the collection chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy system comprises a biopsy device, a fluid canister, and an auxiliary vacuum source. The biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a hollow cutter, and a primary vacuum pump. The primary vacuum pump is operable to induce a vacuum in the lumen of the cutter. The fluid canister is configured to receive liquids communicated proximally through the cutter lumen. The auxiliary vacuum source is operable to induce a vacuum in the cutter lumen, thus supplementing the primary vacuum pump. The auxiliary vacuum source may be coupled directly with the fluid canister, such that the fluid canister is positioned along the fluid path between the auxiliary vacuum source and the biopsy device. The biopsy device may further include an integral tissue sample holder. The cutter lumen, the primary vacuum pump, the fluid canister, and the auxiliary vacuum source are all in fluid communication with the tissue sample holder.