Biopsy Tissue Sample Holder with Flow Restriction Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices face challenges in efficiently collecting and managing tissue samples and associated fluids during procedures, particularly in ensuring effective fluid separation and sample retention without the need for complex tethering or multiple device connections.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy device with a tissue sample holder and flow restriction device that pneumatically deposits and separates tissue samples from fluids, using a valve mechanism and flow restriction device to manage fluid flow and prevent backflow, allowing for single-handed operation and efficient sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biopsy device uses tethering or multiple device connections for fluid management, then fluid separation and sample retention can be achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid management functions (fluid collection, separation, and retention) directly into the tissue sample holder assembly. The holder includes an upper chamber for tissue samples, a lower chamber for fluids, and a flow restriction device integrated within the same component structure, eliminating the need for separate tethered fluid management devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable fluid-tissue separation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restriction device acts as an intermediary element between the upper chamber and lower chamber, controlling fluid flow from the tissue sample chamber to the fluid collection chamber. This intermediary mechanism enables effective fluid separation and retention without requiring complex external connections or tethering systems
2Ease of operation
If a biopsy device is designed for single-handed operation, then ease of operation improves, but control over fluid management and sample collection may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions (tissue sample collection, fluid collection, fluid-tissue separation, and flow control) into a single holder assembly that can be operated with one hand. The flow restriction device and chamber structure are designed to work automatically based on pressure differentials created during the biopsy procedure, maintaining reliable fluid management control without requiring complex multi-handed operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restriction device and chamber design enable automatic fluid management based on pressure differentials created during tissue sampling. The system self-regulates fluid flow from the upper chamber to the lower chamber without requiring additional manual control inputs, allowing single-handed operation while maintaining reliable fluid management
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 collection and separation of tissue samples from fluids, facilitating single-handed operation and reducing the complexity of device connections, thereby improving procedural efficiency and sample management.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restriction device (49) positioned within the filter opening (147) and configured to selectively restrict flow of fluids from the upper chamber (43a) to the lower chamber (43b)
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum created in the tissue sample holder (40) may cause the flow restriction device (49) to close, thereby preventing fluids from passing from the lower chamber (43b) to the upper chamber (43a)
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue sample holder for a biopsy device comprises an outer cup, a collection tray, and a flow restriction device. The outer cup defines a hollow interior. The collection tray separates the hollow interior into an upper chamber and a lower chamber while allowing fluid to pass between the two chambers through an opening in the collection tray. The flow restriction device selectively seals the opening thereby preventing fluid from passing from the lower chamber into the upper chamber. The flow restriction device may be operable to selectively seal the opening in response to a vacuum being induced within the upper chamber. The collection tray may have a shape (e.g., tapered, funnel-shaped, convex, etc.) selected to facilitate the flow of fluid toward the opening. The lower chamber may be coupled with an external fluid collection device. The lower chamber may define a larger volume than the upper chamber.