Biopsy Needle Alignment via Projected Light Guide Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices lack an effective method for aligning with imaging devices like ultrasound probes without mechanical connection, making precise needle positioning challenging during biopsy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy device equipped with a light source, such as a laser line generator, that projects a guide path on the patient's skin to align the biopsy needle with the imaging probe, allowing for precise alignment without physical connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mechanical connection is used to align the biopsy device with the imaging probe, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with an optical system. A light source projects a visible guide path (light line) that indicates the correct orientation and position of the biopsy needle relative to the imaging probe. The operator visually aligns the needle with the projected light line, eliminating the need for mechanical connections while achieving precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (projected light line) that serves as a visual mediator between the biopsy device and the imaging probe. The light line acts as a reference guide that the operator uses to achieve proper alignment without direct mechanical coupling between the devices.
2Measurement precision
If a mechanical connection is used to align the biopsy device with the imaging probe, then alignment precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment systems with an optical system. A light source projects a visible guide path (light line) that indicates the correct orientation and position of the biopsy needle relative to the imaging probe. The operator visually aligns the needle with the projected light line, eliminating the need for mechanical connections while achieving precise alignment.
3Device complexity
If no alignment method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical projection system instead of mechanical connections. A light source attached to or near the imaging probe projects a guide path that the operator uses to visually align the biopsy needle. This maintains low device complexity while significantly improving alignment precision compared to no alignment method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a visible light projection that creates a distinct visual guide path. The projected light line provides a clear visual reference that stands out against the background, enabling the operator to easily perceive and follow the correct alignment path without complex mechanical indicators.
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 accurate alignment of the biopsy needle with the ultrasound probe, improving the precision and ease of obtaining biopsy samples by providing a visible guide path that indicates the needle's orientation relative to the probe, facilitating correct positioning and imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A biopsy device equipped with a light source, such as a laser line generator, that projects a guide path on the patient's skin
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for aligning medical devices is disclosed. A biopsy device having a handpiece, an elongated hollow needle with a lateral tissue receiving port, and an apparatus for providing a guide path, such as a light apparatus, is described. The light apparatus can provide visible light in a generally planar form, and the hollow needle can be aligned with the plane of light provided by the light apparatus. The light guide path provides a visible path along the skin of a patient, and the path can be used to align the needle of the biopsy device with a separate, hand held probe, such as an ultrasound probe used in ultrasound imaging.