Additively Manufactured Biopsy Forceps for Deep-Lumen Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic biopsy forceps face challenges in accessing deep body locations due to size limitations and complex assembly processes, which increase procedural duration, cost, and risk.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an end effector that transitions between open and closed configurations, manufactured via additive manufacturing, featuring a simplified design with fewer components, allowing for efficient assembly and maneuverability through small lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard forceps are used to access deep body locations, then the forceps can obtain tissue samples, but the forceps cannot reach difficult-to-access areas due to size limitations and tortuous paths
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is nested within the delivery device, allowing the forceps to be delivered through small lumens and then deployed at the target site. The arms are configured to be stored within the hub when in the closed configuration, enabling passage through tortuous biliary paths and small access points while maintaining the capability to open and grasp tissue at deep locations
2Adaptability or versatility
If forceps include multiple small discrete parts, then the forceps can be designed with specific functions, but the manufacturing and assembly process becomes costly and time-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components that would traditionally be separately manufactured and assembled are merged into a single monolithic structure through additive manufacturing. The hub, arms, and control portions are formed as one integrated component, eliminating the need for intricate assembly processes while maintaining all necessary functional features such as the pivotable joints, control surfaces, and tissue engagement surfaces
3Adaptability or versatility
If forceps are manually assembled from multiple parts, then the forceps can be customized for specific functions, but the procedural duration and risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is pre-assembled as a single integrated component through additive manufacturing before sterilization and delivery. This preliminary manufacturing action eliminates the need for time-consuming assembly procedures during the medical intervention, reducing procedural duration and risk while maintaining customization capability through digital design and manufacturing
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
The device reduces procedural duration, cost, and risk by enabling access to hard-to-reach body sites with a compact, easily assembled design.
Implementation Method 1
The additive manufacturing process may include depositing successive layers of material on a build platform and selectively sintering portions of the layers to form the medical device
Implementation Method 2
The selective sintering may be performed with a laser source
Implementation Method 3
separating the one or more support structures from the medical device using a wire electrical discharge machining process
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes an operating member, a hub, and an end effector. The operating member includes an actuation portion. The hub includes a channel receiving the actuation portion of the operating member. The actuation portion of the operating member moves within the channel. The end effector is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. Distal extension of the operating member transitions the end effector to the open configuration, and proximal retraction of the operating member transitions the end effector to the closed configuration. The medical device is formed through an additive manufacturing process.