Biopsy Device with Integrated Tissue Sensor and Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices lack an efficient mechanism for obtaining and handling tissue samples, particularly in a way that allows for single-handed operation and effective sample collection without being tethered to other devices, while ensuring precise control and sample handling.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy device comprising a probe with a distally extending needle and a cutter actuation mechanism that allows for tissue sample collection and storage in a tissue sample holder, integrated with sensors and indicators for feedback on sample capture and handling, enabling single-handed operation and sample management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a biopsy device is designed to be fully operable by a single hand without being tethered to other devices, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to integrating multiple functions (needle, cutter, sample holder, sensors) into a single unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple biopsy device components (needle, cutter, tissue sample holder, and sensors) into a single integrated biopsy device that can be operated with one hand. The device merges the functions of tissue acquisition, cutting, sample collection, and sensing into one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate tethered devices while maintaining full operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy device is designed as a multi-functional instrument that performs multiple operations: needle insertion for tissue acquisition, cutter activation for sample separation, vacuum application for sample collection, and sensor monitoring for real-time feedback. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple specialized tools, enabling single-handed operation while providing comprehensive biopsy functionality.
2Measurement precision
If sensors and indicators are integrated into the biopsy device for real-time feedback on sample capture, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy device incorporates sensors that detect tissue samples in real-time during the biopsy procedure. These sensors provide immediate feedback to the operator through indicators, allowing precise determination of when sufficient tissue has been captured. The feedback mechanism enables accurate measurement of tissue acquisition without requiring complex external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing and indication components are integrated directly into the biopsy device structure, combining measurement functionality with the operational instrument. This merging eliminates the need for separate external sensing equipment while providing real-time tissue detection capability, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the cutter is made movable relative to the needle to sever tissue samples, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to the cutter actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The cutter is designed as a movable component relative to the needle, transitioning between retracted and extended positions to perform tissue severing. This dynamic configuration allows the cutter to engage the tissue only when needed for sample collection, then retract to minimize interference with needle insertion and sample retrieval. The movable design enables efficient tissue sampling while managing mechanical complexity through controlled motion rather than fixed complex structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A biopsy system includes a needle, a cutter moveable relative to the needle to sever a tissue sample, a processing module, a tissue sensor, and an indicator. The tissue sensor is operable to sense a tissue sample severed by the cutter. The processing module is operable to drive the indicator based on information from the tissue sensor. The indicator may include an audible indicator and/or a visual indicator. The indication provided by the indicator may vary based on sensed qualities of the tissue sample. The indicator may be integrated into a biopsy instrument or may be provided as part of a remote unit. The biopsy system may also include a multi chamber tissue sample holder. A graphical user interface may indicate which chambers of the tissue sample holder are occupied by tissue samples.