Biopsy Needle Marker Deployment for Single-Step Tissue Sampling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy procedures require separate devices for tissue removal and marking, increasing parts and time, which is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy device incorporating a needle with a movable needle tip and cutting apparatus that deploys markers by interacting with a marker pellet through an open lumen, allowing simultaneous tissue removal and marking without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for tissue removal and marking, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of parts increases and procedural time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue removal function (cutting apparatus) and marker deployment function (marker with lumen) into a single integrated biopsy device. The cutting apparatus and marker are positioned within the same needle assembly, allowing both functions to be performed with one device insertion, thereby reducing the number of parts and procedural steps while maintaining the reliability of each individual function
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for tissue removal and marking, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but procedural time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cutting apparatus and marker deployment mechanism into a single device, the procedure eliminates the time required to insert and position a separate marking device after tissue removal. The marker is deployed through the same needle lumen in a single procedural step, significantly reducing overall procedural time while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is pre-positioned within the needle lumen before the biopsy procedure. This preliminary placement ensures that the marker is ready for immediate deployment at the target site without requiring additional time during the procedure to position and insert a separate marking device
3Ease of operation
If a single device is used for both tissue removal and marking, then procedural complexity is reduced, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules: the needle shaft, the cutting apparatus (with blade or cutter), the marker assembly, and the lumen structure. Each module is independently designed and positioned within the overall assembly, allowing for simplified operation while managing structural complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The needle lumen serves multiple functions: it guides the needle during insertion, houses the marker for deployment, and provides a pathway for the cutting apparatus to access the target site. This multi-functionality reduces procedural complexity by eliminating the need for separate devices while the internal structure remains organized to manage the inherent complexity
4Manufacturing precision
If the needle tip is movable to deploy the marker, then marker deployment precision is improved, but the device requires additional movement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip is designed to be movable relative to the needle shaft, transitioning from a fixed position during insertion to a deployed position during marker release. This dynamic capability allows precise marker deployment at the target site. The movement is achieved through a simple mechanical linkage or actuation mechanism that adds minimal complexity while enabling the required precision for accurate marker placement
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy device for marking a location of a tissue biopsy, the biopsy device including: a needle having a needle body and a needle tip movably coupled to the needle body, a cutting apparatus disposed within the needle body, and a marker. The needle tip defines an open lumen. The marker is positioned within the open lumen. The marker includes a marker pellet. The needle tip is movable between a undeployed position and a deployed position in which the needle tip is positioned closer to the cutting apparatus than in the undeployed position such that the cutting apparatus interacts with the marker to push the marker pellet through the open lumen.