MRI-Guided Biopsy Needle Depth Stop for Adjustable Stylet Protrusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional biopsy devices face challenges in accurately visualizing needle position, controlling depth of needle penetration, and adapting to different tissue depths and sizes, which can lead to damage to surrounding tissues and insufficient tissue sampling.

Innovation Solution

The biopsy device features a cannula and stylet with adjustable protrusion distances, MRI-visible markers, and a depth stop member that automatically adjusts to ensure precise needle placement and sample collection, enhancing visibility and adaptability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional biopsy devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to visualize needle position and control penetration depth is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle position visualization and depth controlVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates MRI-visible markers that appear as distinct signals on MRI scans, enabling visualization of the biopsy needle position and depth without adding complex imaging systems. These markers change their detectability by being specifically designed to resonate with MRI frequencies, providing clear visual feedback during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces depth stop members as intermediary components that physically limit needle penetration depth. These depth stops act as mediators between the operator's intent and the actual needle insertion, providing mechanical control over penetration depth without requiring complex electronic control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed needle protrusion distance is used, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different tissue depths and sizes is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different tissue depthsVSAvoidadjustable protrusion mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs adjustable depth stop members that can be repositioned along the needle shaft to accommodate different tissue depths. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same device to adapt to various biopsy requirements by simply changing the depth stop position, rather than requiring multiple fixed-depth devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The depth control system is segmented into modular depth stop components that can be independently adjusted. Each depth stop represents a discrete adjustable element that can be positioned at different locations along the needle, providing versatile depth control without complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If manual attachment of depth stop member is required, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation is reduced due to cumbersome adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth stop adjustmentVSAvoidautomatic adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates an automatic depth adjustment mechanism that self-regulates needle protrusion distance based on pre-set parameters. The system automatically extends or retracts the needle to the correct depth without requiring manual intervention, reducing the risk of human error and simplifying the operator's task.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent integrates feedback mechanisms that monitor needle insertion depth and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment of the needle position, ensuring accurate depth control while reducing the operational burden on the operator.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If MRI visibility is not enhanced, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to guide needle accurately under MRI is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveMRI-guided needle positioningVSAvoidMRI visible markers
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates MRI-visible markers that appear as distinct signals on MRI scans, enabling visualization of the biopsy needle position and depth without adding complex imaging systems. These markers change their detectability by being specifically designed to resonate with MRI frequencies, providing clear visual feedback during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 device enables accurate and safe tissue sampling by allowing selectable protrusion distances, real-time imaging guidance, and automatic depth control, reducing damage to surrounding tissues and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided biopsies, for example, require that the biopsy needle and its components be visible on the MRI scan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMRI visibility: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20260076655A1Biopsy devices and methods
Publication Date: 2026.03.19 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US20260076655A1 patent drawing
  • US20260076655A1 patent drawing
  • US20260076655A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides medical devices and methods for using said medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure provides biopsy devices wherein the protrusion distance of the inner stylet can be selected and an integrated depth stop member is configured to allow the device to align with a single length guide cannula in accordance with the selected protrusion distance.