Biopsy Marker With Spring-Loaded Anchoring Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopsy markers with metallic components are prone to migration within tissue, rendering them ineffective 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 the marker in place, preventing migration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If metallic biopsy markers are used, then the markers can be easily found using imaging equipment, but the markers are susceptible to migration within the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is divided into multiple components: a metallic body section for imaging detectability, and separate anchoring arms with barbs that segment into tissue for mechanical stability. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated marker structure: the imaging function (metallic body) and the anchoring function (barbed arms). This combination ensures both detectability and position stability are achieved simultaneously in one device.
2Ease of manufacture
If the marker is designed to be simple and easy to manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the anchoring capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring arms are designed as thin, flexible metallic structures that can be easily formed through conventional manufacturing processes like wire forming or laser cutting. Despite their thin profile, they provide effective anchoring when deployed with barbs that engage tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The barbs on the anchoring arms utilize curved geometries that are simple to manufacture using bending or forming processes. These curved barbs effectively engage tissue while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard metal forming techniques.
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 at the biopsy site, ensuring accurate identification through imaging and preventing migration, thus maintaining the marker's functionality over time.
Implementation Method 1
a spring component residing between an anchoring arm and the body section
Implementation Method 2
The anchoring orientation includes the anchoring arm being free of the external force and the spring component causes the anchoring arm to spring outward
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy marker having a spring-loaded anchor. The biopsy marker includes an insertion orientation and an anchored orientation. The lateral span/cross-sectional area of the marker is configured to change when transitioning between the insertion orientation and the anchored 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.