Biopsy Device with Integrated Needle Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current fine needle aspiration devices for endoscopic ultrasound and endobronchial ultrasound procedures face challenges such as cumbersome attachment to echo-endoscopes, sub-optimal ergonomics, needle kinking, lack of safety features, and poor ultrasonic visibility due to specular surface finishes, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of needle stick injuries.

Innovation Solution

The development of a needle biopsy device with ergonomic design features, including a conical grip, needle protection mechanisms, and enhanced echogenicity through surface modifications such as depressions or protrusions to improve maneuverability, safety, and ultrasonic visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fine needle aspiration device is attached to an echo-endoscope using traditional push and pull handles, then the device can perform needle aspiration, but the attachment becomes cumbersome and the ergonomics become sub-optimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachmentVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the attachment mechanism and the handle mechanism into a single integrated unit. The self-aligning attachment mechanism automatically engages with the echo-endoscope without requiring separate attachment steps, while the integrated push-pull handles are built into the same structure, eliminating the need for separate attachment and handling operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The self-aligning attachment mechanism automatically positions and secures the device to the echo-endoscope without requiring manual alignment or adjustment by the operator. The mechanism includes self-aligning features that guide the attachment into proper position, making the attachment process effortless and eliminating the need for complex manual attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If traditional fine needle aspiration devices are used, then needle aspiration can be performed, but needle kinking occurs during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle integrityVSAvoidease of needle removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic needle housing mechanism that moves relative to the handle assembly during needle removal. The needle housing is designed to flex and deform in a controlled manner, allowing the needle to be extracted smoothly without kinking. This dynamic movement accommodates the stress and deformation that occurs during needle withdrawal from the tissue and device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional fine needle aspiration devices are used, then needle aspiration can be performed, but safety features are lacking leading to needle stick injuries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle stick injury riskVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a needle protection mechanism that automatically engages to cover and protect the needle tip before the needle is inserted into the patient. This preliminary protective action prevents accidental needle stick injuries that could occur during device handling, attachment, or preparation. The protection mechanism is integrated into the device structure and activates automatically, adding safety without requiring additional manual steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If a smooth cylindrical needle surface is used, then the needle can be manufactured easily, but ultrasonic visibility is poor due to specular surface finish

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveultrasonic visibilityVSAvoidease of needle manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local surface modifications to specific regions of the needle rather than modifying the entire needle surface. The echogenic features such as rings, ridges, or grooves are placed at specific locations along the needle shaft, particularly in regions where ultrasonic visualization is most critical. This localized approach improves visibility while minimizing the impact on manufacturing complexity, as only specific segments of the needle require specialized surface treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11298113B2Device for needle biopsy with integrated needle protection

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A device for needle biopsy is presented. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. A plurality of protrusions is disposed upon the needle. A needle protection member is partially disposed to the distal portion of the needle housing member. The needle protection member includes a needle protection hub and a needle protection shaft.