Biopsy Needle Visual Indicator for Sample Size Confirmation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Biopsy needles often lack a mechanism to easily confirm the set sample size and armed state, leading to potential user errors during tissue sampling.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a handle with visually contrasting portions and openings that change visibility based on the device's operational state, allowing users to easily verify if the needle is armed and set for the correct sample size through observable visual cues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If biopsy needles are designed to obtain varying sample sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and users may forget the selected setting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by using visually contrasting portions (different colors) on the slide member and hub that become visible through openings in the handle. When the slide member is in different positions (corresponding to different sample size settings), different colored portions are visible, providing immediate visual confirmation of the selected setting without increasing mechanical complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by providing visual indicators that immediately show the user the current setting of the device. The visually contrasting portions act as feedback elements that confirm whether the device is armed or set to a particular sample size, eliminating the need for users to remember settings and reducing errors
2Measurement precision
If users can observe the distal end of the needle to confirm setting, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by placing visual indicators (visually contrasting portions) at the proximal end of the device in the handle. This allows users to verify settings by observing the handle rather than the distal end, maintaining measurement precision while preserving ease of operation and surgical workflow
Data Source
AI summary
Among other things, there is disclosed a biopsy needle system in which the needle is capable of obtaining more than one length of sample. Generally, the needle includes an inner stylet, an outer cannula, and a handle connected to the stylet and cannula. The stylet has a notch that is extendable from the cannula to accommodate a tissue sample. An insert member is provided for attachment to the handle to make the amount of exposed notch smaller. Consequently, when the insert member is not attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a larger sample of tissue, and when the insert member is attached to the handle, the needle can obtain a smaller sample of tissue.