Biopsy Needle Flexural Vibration Control for Low-Force Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy needles face challenges in efficiently obtaining high-quality samples with minimal tissue damage, as they often require excessive force and lack control over the energy deposition during the biopsy procedure.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy needle device that imparts flexural vibration to the needle, coupled with a transducer and sensor system to measure and control the power of vibration, limiting energy deposition to minimize tissue damage and enhance sample yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional biopsy needles are used to obtain tissue samples, then biopsy samples can be acquired, but excessive force is required and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the biopsy needle through a transducer that generates flexural vibrations. The vibrating needle reduces the force required for tissue penetration and sample acquisition while minimizing tissue damage. The vibration frequency and amplitude are controlled to optimize the biopsy process and reduce harmful effects on the tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the biopsy needle by introducing controlled vibrations at specific frequencies and amplitudes. This parameter change allows the needle to interact with tissue in a different mechanical regime, reducing the static force required for penetration and sample acquisition while minimizing tissue trauma.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If vibration is applied to the biopsy needle to reduce force, then tissue damage decreases, but control over energy deposition becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that monitors the power delivered to the biopsy needle and adjusts the vibration parameters accordingly. Sensors detect the actual energy deposition and tissue response, and this information is fed back to the control system to maintain optimal vibration levels, preventing excessive energy deposition while ensuring effective biopsy sample acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of the vibration parameters, allowing the frequency and amplitude to be adjusted in real-time based on tissue characteristics and biopsy progress. This dynamic adjustment enables precise control over energy deposition, adapting to varying tissue conditions during the biopsy procedure.
3Productivity
If high power vibration is used to enhance sample yield, then biopsy sample quality improves, but excessive vibration may damage the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial vibration action, using vibration only during specific phases of the biopsy procedure (such as during needle penetration and sample retrieval) rather than continuously. The vibration is applied at optimal levels to enhance sample yield during critical moments while avoiding excessive vibration that could damage the collected tissue sample.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic vibration cycles with controlled duration and intensity. The vibration is applied in pulses or cycles rather than continuously, allowing for enhancement of sample yield during vibration phases while providing rest periods that prevent sample damage from prolonged or excessive vibration exposure.
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 optimizes biopsy sample acquisition by reducing the force required and protecting the sample from excessive vibration, while ensuring controlled energy delivery to the tissue, thereby enhancing sample quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator mechanism comprising a transducer configured to interconnect electrical signals at one port to mechanical motion at another port
Implementation Method 2
a sensor device configured to measure a power of the flexural vibration transmitted to the biopsy needle via the transducer and a reflected power of flexural vibration received by the biopsy needle device from the biopsy needle
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a biopsy needle device comprising a biopsy needle attachment mechanism arranged to mechanically couple a biopsy needle to the biopsy needle device, an actuator mechanism comprising a transducer configured to interconnect electrical signals at one port to mechanical motion at another port, the actuator mechanism configured to transmit flexural vibration to the biopsy needle when the biopsy needle is coupled to the biopsy needle device, a sensor device configured to measure a power of the flexural vibration transmitted to the biopsy needle via the transducer and a reflected power of flexural vibration received by the biopsy needle device from the biopsy needle, and circuitry configured to determine a difference between the power of the flexural vibration transmitted to the biopsy needle and the reflected power of flexural vibration received by the biopsy needle device from the biopsy needle.