Biopsy Imaging Rod with Integrated Marker and Pushrod
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI breast biopsy procedures require separate devices for targeting, biopsy, and marker deployment, which can be cumbersome and require a long flexible tube for marker deployment, making the process inefficient and requiring multiple sterile devices.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy imaging rod with an onboard marker and a pushrod mechanism that allows the marker to be deployed through an egress port, eliminating the need for a separate marker deployment device and reducing the number of sterile devices required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for targeting, biopsy, and marker deployment, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the device complexity and number of sterile devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines targeting, biopsy, and marker deployment functions into a single integrated imaging rod assembly. The rod includes an imaging coil for targeting, a biopsy channel for tissue sampling, and a marker delivery system with pushrod mechanism all in one device, eliminating the need for multiple separate sterile devices
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging rod is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: it provides imaging guidance through the coil, enables biopsy through the cutting mechanism and sample chamber, and deploys markers using the pushrod system. This multi-functional design reduces the number of device changes required during the procedure
2Reliability
If a separate marker deployment device is used, then marker deployment can be performed, but the procedural complexity and time required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is pre-loaded into the marker delivery catheter within the imaging rod assembly before the procedure begins. The pushrod mechanism is pre-positioned to push the marker from the sample chamber through the needle. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate marker loading steps during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The marker deployment function is merged with the biopsy device itself. The same imaging rod that performs targeting and biopsy also contains the marker delivery system, allowing marker deployment to occur immediately after biopsy without requiring a separate deployment device or additional procedural steps
3Reliability
If multiple sterile devices are used, then each specific function can be performed, but the ease of operation and sterility maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By combining targeting, biopsy, and marker deployment into a single sterile imaging rod assembly, the number of device insertions and sterility breaches is reduced. The operator manages one integrated sterile device rather than multiple separate devices, simplifying sterility maintenance and reducing contamination risk
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
Simplifies the deployment of biopsy markers by integrating the marker and pushrod mechanism into the imaging rod, reducing procedural complexity and the number of devices needed, thereby enhancing efficiency and sterility during MRI breast biopsy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a pushrod biased to bend toward the biopsy marker
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy imaging rod (100) includes an elongated rod member (200) having a sharp distal end (210) and a channel extending from a proximal end to an egress port (220) near the distal end, and it also includes an onboard biopsy marker (400) positioned in the channel proximal to the egress port. The biopsy imaging rod also includes a pushrod (300) slideably positioned in the channel adjacent to the biopsy marker extending from the proximal end of the elongated rod member to the egress port, the pushrod biased to bend toward the biopsy marker. The biopsy imaging rod may additionally include an imageable portion between the distal end and the egress port. Methods for making and using the biopsy imaging rod are also disclosed.