Biopsy Probe Impedance Measurement for Microcalcification Confirmation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy systems require post-procedure x-ray confirmation for microcalcifications, which prolongs the procedure and increases patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy system with integrated impedance measurement electrodes and circuits to confirm the presence or absence of microcalcifications during the procedure, using compression plates to compress the tissue sample and measure impedance for rapid detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If post-procedure x-ray confirmation is used to detect microcalcifications, then detection accuracy is improved, but procedure time and patient discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement capability is integrated into the biopsy probe itself, allowing microcalcification detection to be performed preliminarily during the biopsy procedure rather than after. The electrodes measure impedance of the tissue sample as it is being acquired, enabling real-time confirmation of microcalcification presence without requiring separate post-procedure x-ray imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the biopsy sampling function by integrating impedance measurement electrodes directly into the biopsy probe. This combination allows simultaneous tissue sampling and microcalcification detection through the same device, eliminating the need for separate detection procedures and reducing overall procedure time
2Measurement precision
If post-procedure x-ray confirmation is used to detect microcalcifications, then detection accuracy is improved, but patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement is performed preliminarily during the biopsy procedure itself, allowing confirmation of microcalcification presence before the procedure concludes. This eliminates the need for additional post-procedure x-ray imaging that would expose the patient to further radiation and require additional breast compression, thereby reducing overall patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The detection function is merged with the biopsy sampling function through integration of impedance measurement electrodes into the biopsy probe. This unified approach allows simultaneous tissue acquisition and microcalcification detection, eliminating separate detection procedures that would increase patient discomfort through additional radiation exposure and breast compression
3Reliability
If multiple tissue samples are taken to confirm microcalcifications, then detection reliability is improved, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement capability allows preliminary assessment of each tissue sample as it is acquired during the biopsy procedure. By measuring impedance immediately upon sample acquisition, the system can quickly determine whether microcalcifications are present, reducing the need to take multiple samples for confirmation and thereby shortening procedure time while maintaining detection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance measurement provides real-time feedback during the biopsy procedure about the presence of microcalcifications in the acquired tissue sample. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to make informed decisions about whether additional samples are needed, optimizing the number of samples taken and reducing unnecessary procedure time while ensuring reliable detection
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
Reduces the number of tissue samples needed and shortens the biopsy procedure time by enabling in-procedure confirmation of microcalcifications, thus minimizing breast compression and needle time.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is coupled to the lumen. The vacuum source is configured to generate a vacuum to transport the tissue sample through the lumen and expel the tissue sample from the lumen
Implementation Method 2
The arrangement of compression plates is configured to receive the tissue sample from the proximal end of the biopsy probe and is operable to compress the tissue sample
Implementation Method 3
The arrangement of compression plates has a plurality of impedance measurement electrodes. An impedance measurement circuit is connected to the plurality of impedance measurement electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy system includes a biopsy probe configured to sever tissue to acquire a tissue sample. The biopsy probe has biopsy needle portion having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen. A vacuum source is coupled to the lumen. The vacuum source is configured to generate a vacuum to transport the tissue sample through the lumen and expel the tissue sample from the lumen at the proximal end of the biopsy needle portion. An arrangement of compression plates is configured to receive the tissue sample from the proximal end of the biopsy probe and is operable to compress the tissue sample. The arrangement of compression plates has a plurality of impedance measurement electrodes. An impedance measurement circuit is connected to the plurality of impedance measurement electrodes.