Soft Tissue Biopsy Device with Integrated Vacuum and Beak Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for biopsies face challenges in efficiently retrieving multiple samples of varying tissue types and liquids during a single insertion, requiring complex mechanisms and manual dexterity for precise tissue penetration and sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A soft tissue biopsy device with a monolithic work assembly and vacuum source, utilizing a modified syringe for simultaneous distal open-end coring blade actuation, blade exposure, and internal vacuum to core, transport, and store tissue samples of any chosen length, with mechanisms for resetting to allow multiple site penetrations and separating liquids from samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If multiple tissue samples and liquids are collected during a single insertion using conventional devices, then the number of insertion procedures is reduced, but the device complexity and manual dexterity requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (coring, liquid aspiration, sample storage, and vacuum application) into a single integrated biopsy device. The coring element, liquid aspiration channel, and storage chamber are merged into one unified structure that can simultaneously perform solid and liquid tissue collection during a single insertion procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both solid tissue coring and liquid aspiration through the same insertion site. The device can collect different types of samples (solid and liquid) using the same coring element and storage chamber, eliminating the need for separate procedures or devices
2Measurement precision
If precise tissue penetration and sample collection are achieved using conventional devices, then sample collection accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation decreases due to required manual dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates an automatic vacuum mechanism that self-regulates the aspiration process. The vacuum source automatically draws liquid and semi-solid materials into the storage chamber without requiring manual manipulation or high operator skill, while still achieving precise sample collection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses vacuum pressure (pneumatic principle) to facilitate sample collection. The vacuum source creates negative pressure that automatically draws tissue samples and liquids into the storage chamber, reducing the need for manual dexterity while maintaining collection accuracy
3Adaptability or versatility
If tissue samples of any chosen length are collected using conventional devices, then sample length flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to required mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coring element is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to penetrate tissue to varying depths and collect samples of different lengths. The open-ended design enables flexible sample length adjustment without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms, as the sample length is determined by the penetration depth and vacuum aspiration duration
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, precise, and streamlined collection of multiple tissue samples and liquids during a single insertion, simplifying the biopsy process with automatic beak control and continuous vacuum, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
internal vacuum to core, transport and store tissue samples
Implementation Method 2
extract, transport, separate from solid samples and separately store any amount of liquid from the site of biopsy
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprises a syringe comprising a syringe body portion and a plunger portion configured to engage with and slide axially within the body portion; a tube set fitted to the syringe. The tube set may comprise a proximal tube attached to the plunger portion at a proximal end thereof and terminated, at a distal end thereof, by a beak assembly configured to assume a first configuration suitable for coring through tissue and a second configuration suitable for tissue penetration and parting off tissue; and a distal tube disposed over and coupled to the proximal tube to enable travel-limited axial displacement relative to the proximal tube. Axially moving the plunger portion of the plunger portion within the body portion of the syringe causes differential movement of the proximal tube relative to the distal tube to selectively cause the beak assembly to assume the first or the second configuration.