Biopsy Probe Segmentation for Tetherless Vacuum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices lack an efficient and user-friendly mechanism for obtaining tissue samples, particularly in varying tissue characteristics, and often require complex tethering systems that can be cumbersome and difficult to manage during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy system comprising a separable probe and holster with a vacuum source and conduits for fluid communication, allowing for adjustable vacuum levels and easy sample collection, along with a user interface for controlling operational modes, such as cutter sequence and vacuum regulation, to enhance sample acquisition and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tethered vacuum module is used for biopsy sample collection, then sample collection capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to cumbersome tethering systems
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy device is divided into two separable components: a handheld probe for tissue sampling and a separate holster containing the vacuum module. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex tethering systems while maintaining reliable sample collection capability, as the probe can be简单地 attached to or removed from the holster.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum module is extracted from the handheld probe and placed in a separate holster. This extraction removes the burden of tethering systems while preserving the vacuum-based sample collection function, allowing the probe to be lightweight and easy to maneuver during the biopsy procedure.
2Manufacturing precision
If vacuum level is increased for better sample collection, then sample acquisition quality is improved, but tissue damage and procedural complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum level is made dynamically adjustable through a variable vacuum control mechanism in the holster. This allows the operator to optimize vacuum strength for different tissue types and procedural needs, achieving high-quality sample collection while minimizing tissue damage by using the lowest effective vacuum level.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum parameter is made variable rather than fixed. The variable vacuum control enables adjustment of vacuum pressure to match different tissue characteristics, improving sample acquisition quality while preventing excessive vacuum from causing tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control functions are integrated into the probe, then operational versatility is improved, but ease of operation and single-handed use deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Control functions are segmented and placed in the holster rather than the handheld probe. The probe maintains only essential minimal controls for single-handed operation, while the holster houses the vacuum control, sample collection management, and other auxiliary functions that can be accessed with the non-dominant hand or foot.
Solution Approach 2:
The holster serves as an intermediary that houses complex control functions while allowing the probe to remain simple for single-handed operation. The operator can manage versatile control functions through the holster without compromising the ease of probe manipulation.
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 system enables efficient and precise tissue sample collection with adjustable vacuum levels and intuitive operational controls, improving sample quality and reducing procedural complexity by allowing for single-handed operation and flexible sample handling.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source selectively supplyable with vacuum to the needle and/or the tissue sample holder
Implementation Method 2
selectively supplyable with pressurized fluid to the needle and/or the tissue sample holder
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary biopsy system includes a biopsy device having a probe. The probe includes a distally extending needle and a cutter movable relative to the needle. The probe also includes a tissue sample holder detachably coupled to the proximal end of the probe. The biopsy system has a cycle where the biopsy system provides vacuum to the biopsy device, retracts the cutter to a proximal position, advances the cutter to a distal position, and transports a sample to the tissue sample holder. The biopsy system is capable of adjusting the duration of its cycle during operation of the biopsy device.