Multi-function Biopsy Instrument Sequential Chamber Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dermatological biopsy procedures require multiple instruments and personnel, leading to inefficiencies, complications such as specimen detachment and crushing, and the need for additional visits for suture removal.
Innovation Solution
A single, multi-function biopsy instrument that integrates anesthetic dispensing, skin sample taking, and wound closure capabilities, allowing for single-person operation with a hand-held device featuring an extension and retraction mechanism for sequential functions without removing the instrument from the skin site, optionally including suturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for anesthetic injection, skin sampling, and wound closure, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the procedure requires multiple personnel and multiple instrument positioning steps, increasing procedure time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate instruments (anesthetic injection device, skin sampling device, and wound closure device) into a single integrated handheld instrument. The housing contains multiple chambers that can be selectively positioned at the biopsy site, allowing one operator to perform all functions without coordinating multiple instruments or personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The single handheld instrument is designed to perform multiple functions: anesthetic injection through a needle chamber, skin sampling through a punch chamber, and wound closure through a suture chamber. This universal device eliminates the need for separate specialized instruments and reduces procedural complexity.
2Productivity
If separate instruments are used for each procedure step, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the need for multiple personnel and coordinated positioning increases procedure time and reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all procedure steps into one handheld instrument with multiple selectable chambers, the patent eliminates the time required to position and coordinate multiple separate instruments. The single instrument can be quickly switched between functions without requiring instrument changes or additional positioning steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is pre-configured with all necessary components (anesthetic needle, skin punch, and suture materials) in separate chambers before the procedure begins. This preliminary preparation allows the operator to immediately proceed with the biopsy sequence without delays for instrument setup or coordination.
3Reliability
If traditional punch biopsy is used with separate instruments, then skin sampling can be performed, but specimen detachment during incision or crushing during removal with forceps creates diagnostic difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling and specimen retrieval functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The punch chamber is designed so that the specimen is automatically retained within the chamber after cutting, eliminating the need for separate forceps manipulation and reducing the risk of specimen detachment or crushing.
Solution Approach 2:
The punch chamber acts as an intermediary structure that safely contains the specimen throughout the removal process. Instead of directly manipulating the specimen with forceps, the chamber provides a protected pathway for specimen extraction, maintaining integrity while simplifying the operator's actions.
4Adaptability or versatility
If non-absorbable sutures are used for wound closure, then effective wound closure can be achieved, but the patient must return for suture removal even if pathologic diagnosis is available sooner
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument provides the option to use absorbable sutures instead of non-absorbable sutures for wound closure. This parameter change in suture material properties allows the wound to close effectively without requiring a second visit for removal, saving patient time and improving workflow efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for effecting a dermatological biopsy procedure and a hand-held instrument for use in such procedure. The instrument has a pen-like housing with an aperture and a biopsy site marker. A syringe for dispensing an anesthetic to a selected marked biopsy site on a patient's skin and a biopsy-sampling blade such as a skin punch or scraper and a wound closure device for closing the biopsy wound with a suture, adhesive or cauterant are contained within the housing. The aperture of the instrument is placed directly against the marked biopsy site and the syringe, biopsy blade and wound closure device are controlled to alternately extend and retract through the aperture and operatively effect anesthetic dispensing, biopsy sampling and wound closure.