Biopsy Marker Spring-Loaded Anchoring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional biopsy markers are prone to migration from their intended position due to lack of effective anchoring mechanisms, rendering them useless for identifying biopsy sites over time.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy marker comprising a bioabsorbable component and a non-bioabsorbable component with a spring-loaded anchoring mechanism, where the non-bioabsorbable component has a predefined non-linear shape and a spring component that expands to securely anchor within the tissue, preventing migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metallic biopsy markers are used, then the markers can be easily identified using imaging equipment, but the markers are susceptible to migration within the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy marker is divided into multiple components: a metallic body section for imaging identification, and separate anchoring arms with barbs that can independently engage tissue. This segmentation allows the identification function and anchoring function to be performed by different parts, resolving the contradiction between visibility and position stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring arms are pre-configured with barbs that automatically engage tissue upon deployment. This preliminary preparation of the anchoring mechanism ensures that the marker secures itself to the tissue immediately after insertion, preventing migration before it can occur.
2Reliability
If the biopsy marker has an active anchoring means, then the marker does not migrate from the biopsy site, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring mechanism is designed to be self-activating upon deployment. The spring-loaded arms automatically extend and the barbs engage tissue without requiring additional actuators, controls, or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach provides active anchoring while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring arms utilize elastic deformation of the spring material to provide the anchoring force. By changing the physical state of the material from a compressed spring to an extended spring, the system achieves active anchoring through a simple parameter change rather than a complex mechanical system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the biopsy marker is made simple and easy to manufacture, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the anchoring capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring arms are constructed from flexible spring material that can be formed into the desired shape with barbs. This flexible construction allows for simple manufacturing processes while maintaining the elastic properties needed for effective anchoring. The spring material can be easily shaped and manufactured without complex machining or assembly steps.
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
The biopsy marker effectively remains anchored at the biopsy site, ensuring accurate identification through imaging and reducing the risk of migration, thus maintaining the marker's functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
The non-absorbable component further includes a spring component residing between an anchoring arm and the body section
Implementation Method 2
the spring component causes the anchoring arm to spring outward to increase the cross-sectional area of the biopsy marker
Implementation Method 3
A biopsy marker having a bioabsorbable component and a non-bioabsorbable component
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy marker having a spring-loaded anchor. The biopsy marker includes an insertion orientation and an anchored orientation. In the insertion orientation, the biopsy marker is manipulated under force to reduce the lateral span/cross-sectional area of the marker. In the anchored orientation, the biopsy marker is released and free to actively spring into a configuration in which the lateral span/cross-sectional area is greater than the lateral span/cross-sectional area of the biopsy marker when in the insertion orientation. In an embodiment, the spring-loaded anchor is configured to spring about a predefined rotational axis. An embodiment of the biopsy marker may be comprised of a single wire construction.