Biopsy Needle Using Non-Ferrous Composite to Reduce MRI Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy needles generate MRI artifacts and are prone to bending due to material limitations, increasing manufacturing and assembly costs with complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy needle assembly using a non-ferrous and non-conductive material, such as woven carbon composite, with a simple two-component design that includes a tissue-receiving aperture and a cutter lumen, reducing MRI artifacts and assembly complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional ferrous materials are used for biopsy needle construction, then strength and durability are achieved, but MRI artifacts are generated and projectile hazards occur
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy needle employs a composite construction with a ferrous core providing structural strength and durability, surrounded by a non-ferrous alloy shell that minimizes MRI artifacts. This multi-material approach allows each component to fulfill its specific function: the ferrous core ensures mechanical integrity while the non-ferrous outer layer reduces harmful MRI interference and eliminates projectile hazards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex multi-component biopsy needles are constructed, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy needle integrates multiple functions into a unified structure where the handle, shaft, and distal elements are constructed as integrated components. The non-ferrous alloy shell encapsulates internal mechanisms, combining protective, radiological, and structural functions in a single construct, thereby reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy needle design incorporates multi-functional capabilities within a single device, allowing it to perform cutting, suction, and tissue sampling functions through integrated mechanisms. The universal design reduces the need for multiple specialized components, streamlining both manufacturing processes and assembly operations while maintaining full functional versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy needle, where at least a portion thereof is configured from a non-ferrous and/or non-conductive material that reduces or eliminates MRI artifact while retaining desirable levels of strength and the ability to resist significant bending loads.