Interchangeable Biopsy Probes with Suction and Spring-Loaded Needle Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices require multiple platforms for different types of lesions, are cumbersome to insert through dense tissue, and lack flexibility and ease of use, especially for inexperienced users.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy arrangement with a driver unit and interchangeable probes, including suction and spring-loaded mechanisms, allowing for various sampling techniques and movements to facilitate efficient tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate biopsy platforms are used for different types of lesions, then the ability to handle various sampling techniques is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The driver unit is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple probe types through a standardized connection interface. The driver unit includes a connection device with a recess that can receive different probe configurations (e.g., inner needle, outer needle, cutting elements) and provide consistent actuation mechanisms such as spring-loaded thrust, vacuum suction, or rotational movement. This allows a single driver unit to perform multiple biopsy techniques including core needle biopsy, vacuum-assisted biopsy, and excisional biopsy, eliminating the need for multiple separate platforms.
2Strength
If manual insertion of large diameter needles is used, then the ability to penetrate dense tissue is improved, but the ease of operation and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly incorporates a pre-loaded spring mechanism that stores elastic potential energy before insertion. When the trigger is activated, the spring rapidly releases this stored energy to thrust the needle forward with high force, enabling automatic penetration through dense or fibrotic tissue. This preliminary action eliminates the need for the operator to manually push the needle through resistant tissue, significantly reducing insertion time and physical effort while maintaining effective penetration capability.
3Speed
If spring-loaded mechanism is used for needle thrust, then the speed of insertion is improved, but the control and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamically controllable spring mechanism where the operator can adjust the compression level of the spring before insertion, thereby controlling the thrust force. During insertion, a movable stop or barrier allows the operator to halt the spring-driven needle at any point along its trajectory. This dynamic control enables the operator to balance between achieving high insertion speed through rapid spring release and maintaining precise control by being able to stop or modulate the motion as needed.
4Productivity
If relative movement of separate elements is used for tissue sampling, then the sampling capability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates multiple previously separate functional elements into a single unified probe assembly. Instead of requiring separate inner and outer needles that must be manually coordinated, the design combines the cutting element, sampling chamber, and actuation mechanism into one integrated probe that is automatically actuated by the driver unit. The connection device ensures proper alignment and coordination of all components, eliminating the need for the operator to manually coordinate the movement of multiple separate elements while maintaining effective tissue sampling capability.
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
Enables flexible and user-friendly tissue sampling with high-quality results, reducing the need for multiple devices and improving operational efficiency in healthcare facilities.
Implementation Method 1
a suction generating device and a needle moving device, and wherein probe modules of the first probe type comprise a suction transferring module
Implementation Method 2
a second probe type spring loaded needle manipulating module which is configured for providing a spring loaded longitudinal movement to at least a part of a needle of the second probe type
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy arrangement for taking a biopsy in a human or animal tissue, said biopsy arrangement comprising: a driver unit; and at least two different types of probes which can be releasably connected to the driver unit, said at least two different types of probes comprising at least a first probe type and a second probe type, wherein said driver unit comprises at least two different probe controlling devices which are controlling different probe modules in a connected probe, said at least two different probe controlling devices comprising a suction generating device and a needle moving device, and wherein probe modules of the first probe type comprise a suction transferring module and at least one needle manipulating module, wherein said suction transferring module is configured for transferring a suction from the suction generating device of the driver unit to a needle of the first probe type and wherein said at least one needle manipulating module is a first probe type needle manipulating module configured for providing longitudinal and/or rotational movement to at least a part of the needle of the first probe type, and wherein probe modules of the second probe type comprise at least one needle manipulating module, which is a second probe type spring loaded needle manipulating module which is configured for providing a spring loaded longitudinal movement to at least a part of a needle of the second probe type.