Biopsy Notch Tissue Anchor for Sample Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy techniques often damage tissue samples due to barb hooks and struggle with releasing samples effectively, leading to suboptimal sample size and quality.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy apparatus with a sample receiving notch and a tissue anchor featuring a cantilever portion and sharp tip, which secures and tensions the tissue sample for precise cutting and collection, utilizing a coaxial cutting cannula and pressure source for fluid communication and vacuum assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If barbs are used in the sample chamber to engage tissue, then tissue capture is improved, but tissue damage increases and tissue release becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue engagement mechanism is divided into two distinct functional components: the sample receiving notch for initial tissue capture and the tissue anchor for secure retention. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the notch for gentle capture and the anchor for secure holding without damage
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using barbs that penetrate and damage tissue, the invention uses a tissue anchor with a sharp tip that engages tissue from the opposite direction - from the sample floor upward. This inverted engagement method secures tissue without the damaging effects of traditional barbs
2Reliability
If barbs are used to engage tissue, then tissue retention is improved, but tissue release difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor is designed as a movable component that can dynamically change its engagement state. The anchor can be positioned to engage tissue securely during sampling, then moved or repositioned to facilitate easy release when needed, providing both strong retention and easy release capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue anchor acts as an intermediary between the tissue sample and the sample chamber wall. It provides the retention function without requiring direct barb-to-tissue contact, enabling controlled engagement and release through manipulation of the anchor itself rather than direct tissue-chamber interaction
3Productivity
If vacuum is used to pull tissue into the sample receiving notch, then tissue collection is improved, but tissue damage from cutting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue anchor is positioned and activated before the cutting action occurs. By securing the tissue in place with the anchor prior to cutting, the tissue is held stable and tensioned, which allows for cleaner cutting with less damage and better sample integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue anchor serves as an intermediary that mediates between the vacuum force and the cutting action. It secures the tissue in a controlled position, allowing the cut to be made cleanly without the tissue moving or folding, thereby reducing cutting damage while maintaining collection efficiency
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 apparatus collects tissue samples of increased size and quality by securely anchoring and tensioning the tissue, minimizing damage and facilitating easier release, thereby improving biopsy outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure source configured to create a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a coaxial cutting cannula and pressure source for fluid communication and vacuum assistance
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy device includes an elongate member and a tissue anchor. The elongate member has a lumen and a sample receiving notch. The sample receiving notch has a proximal end wall, a distal end wall, and a floor between the proximal end wall and the distal end wall. The proximal end wall has a vacuum hole in fluid communication with the lumen. The tissue anchor has a plurality of cantilever portions. Each cantilever portion of the plurality of cantilever portions has a curved end, with a tip of the curved end configured to extend toward the floor of the sample receiving notch.