Biopsy Marker Deployer With Automatic Push Rod Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy marker deployment devices require manual plunger retraction, which can lead to shearing of the push rod tip due to engagement with sharp edges, leaving foreign objects in the body.
Innovation Solution
A marker delivery device with an automatic plunger retraction mechanism, where the plunger is designed to automatically retract after marker deployment, preventing the push rod from being sheared.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual plunger retraction is used after marker deployment, then the operator can control the deployment process, but the push rod tip may be sheared by sharp edges leaving foreign objects in the body
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is designed to automatically retract after marker deployment through a self-service mechanism. The plunger engages with a cam surface that converts the deployment motion into automatic retraction, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention and preventing foreign object retention.
2Productivity
If the plunger is pressed to deploy the marker, then the marker is successfully delivered, but the push rod may protrude from the lateral aperture creating shearing risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by pre-configuring the plunger with an engagement feature that automatically disengages after marker deployment. This preliminary setup ensures that the push rod retracts before the device is removed, preventing foreign object retention while maintaining efficient marker delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement feature between the plunger and push rod creates a preliminary anti-action mechanism that prevents the push rod from remaining protruding. The cam surface and engagement feature work together to automatically reverse the deployment action, counteracting the potential harmful effect of push rod protrusion.
3Reliability
If the plunger engagement feature is permanently coupled to the push rod mating feature, then the push rod remains constrained, but the push rod cannot be properly deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement feature transitions from a coupled state to a disengaged state dynamically during the deployment process. The cam surface converts the static engagement into a dynamic interaction, allowing the push rod to be constrained during insertion but freely deployed during marker delivery, then automatically retracted afterward.
Data Source
AI summary
A marker delivery device includes a handle, an elongate cannula, a push rod assembly, and a plunger. The handle includes a first bore disposed within a portion of the handle. The elongate cannula extends distally from the handle along a longitudinal axis. The push rod assembly includes a mating feature. The push rod assembly is disposed within the first bore and extends distally through the cannula. The plunger is disposed within the first bore proximally of the push rod assembly and includes an engagement feature. The engagement feature is removably coupled to the mating feature. The engagement feature is configured to de-couple from the mating feature when the plunger translates the push rod assembly distally.