Biopsy Needle Sample Retention via Segmented Cutting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy needle systems face challenges in efficiently severing and retaining tissue samples during the biopsy process, often resulting in incomplete or damaged samples.
Innovation Solution
The biopsy needle assembly incorporates an outer tubular member with a distal end configured to core and sever a first portion of the tissue sample, and a cutting member that slides within the tubular member to sever a second portion of the sample, with a mechanism to retain the sample within the needle assembly during withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single cutting edge is used to sever the tissue sample, then the device structure is simple, but the sample may be damaged or incomplete
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting function is divided into two separate cutting edges: a first cutting edge that cuts the proximal portion of the tissue sample and a second cutting edge that cuts the distal portion. This segmentation allows each cutting edge to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring complete sample separation without damage while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximal and distal cutting edges are positioned at different locations within the needle assembly, with the proximal cutting edge located closer to the needle hub and the distal cutting edge positioned further away. This local differentiation allows each cutting edge to address specific portions of the tissue sample, ensuring complete and intact sample retrieval.
2Reliability
If the needle assembly is designed to retain the sample during withdrawal, then sample loss is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sample is nested within the hollow needle assembly, with the needle hub providing an internal cavity that accommodates the sample. The proximal and distal cutting edges work together to seal the sample within this nested space, preventing loss during withdrawal without requiring additional complex retention mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex multi-component cutting mechanism is used, then sample completeness is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the hollow needle shaft serves as both the insertion tool and the sample retention container, while the proximal and distal cutting edges are incorporated as integral parts of the needle assembly. This merging allows the device to achieve complete sample retrieval through a single straightforward insertion and cutting action, maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A biopsy needle assembly configured for use with a tissue biopsy device is disclosed. The biopsy needle assembly may be configured to be advanced to a predetermined tissue sample, sever the tissue sample, and extract the tissue sample from a body tissue of a patient. The biopsy needle assembly may be further configured with two or more cooperating members configured to sever a sample.