Biopsy Marker Tapered Geometry Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biopsy markers with varying properties and dimensions pose challenges in predictable deployment, as they can become distorted due to dehydration or sterilization, leading to inconsistent deployment forces and potential unintentional loss or difficulty in deployment.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy marker with a multi-portion body design, where the first and second portions are sized and shaped to minimize dimensional stability issues, and a marker deployer with a retaining feature to restrict distal motion, ensuring controlled deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the marker is made loose in the cannula to facilitate deployment, then the deployment force is reduced, but the marker may fall out unintentionally before deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the marker with a tapered geometry where the diameter varies along its length. The marker has a larger diameter portion that engages with the cannula's retaining feature and a smaller diameter portion that facilitates deployment. This geometric parameter variation allows the marker to be retained securely during storage while enabling controlled deployment through the cannula without requiring excessive force.
2Reliability
If the marker fits tightly in the cannula to prevent unintentional loss, then marker retention is improved, but the deployment force becomes excessive and deployment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The marker employs parameter changes through its tapered design, where the diameter transitions from a larger engagement portion to a smaller deployment portion. The larger diameter section provides tight fit and secure retention in the cannula, while the smaller diameter section reduces friction and allows deployment with controlled force. This geometric progression resolves the contradiction between retention and deployment force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is segmented into functional zones: a retention zone with larger diameter that engages the cannula's retaining feature, and a deployment zone with smaller diameter that passes through the cannula during deployment. This segmentation allows different portions of the marker to serve different functions, achieving both secure retention and easy deployment.
3Ease of operation
If the marker material is dehydrated to change shape for deployment, then deployment control is improved, but the marker becomes distorted and dimensional stability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The marker's tapered geometry is predetermined during manufacturing to facilitate deployment. The larger diameter portion is designed to engage the retaining feature, while the smaller diameter portion is pre-configured to pass through the cannula during deployment. This preliminary geometric configuration eliminates the need for dehydration-induced shape changes, maintaining dimensional stability while enabling controlled deployment through the pre-designed geometric progression.
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 multi-portion marker body design and retaining feature in the deployer maintain a predictable deployment force, reducing the impact of distortion and ensuring reliable marker placement at the biopsy site.
Implementation Method 1
certain marker materials, such as some non-metallic bioabsorble marker materials, may be formed from a material and/or be formed in such a way that the marker shape or size may change over time. For example, some hydrogel markers can be formed in a mold, and then dehydrated.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy device for marking a biopsy site is disclosed. The biopsy device can include a marker deployer and at least one marker disposed within an internal lumen of the deployer. The marker can include a non-metallic marker body sized and shaped to reduce variability in marker deployment force. In one embodiment, the marker body can be shaped to cooperate with a feature in the internal lumen of the deployer.