Biopsy Punch Depth Control via Segmented Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy punch devices are limited in size, lack precise depth adjustment, and are expensive, making them impractical for large tissue samples and repetitive medical research, especially since they often require replacement due to dullness or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy punch device comprising interconnecting inner housing and blocking cover pieces with multiple locking positions for precise depth adjustment and easy replacement of cutting blades, allowing for scalable and cost-effective production of consistent tissue samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cutting blade diameter is increased to accommodate larger tissue samples, then the applicability to medical research improves, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a reusable housing and replaceable cutting blades. This segmentation allows the expensive housing to be used multiple times while only the cheaper blades need replacement, reducing the effective cost per biopsy procedure and making larger blade sizes more economically viable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the parameters of the cutting blade (diameter, shape, size) by replacing blades rather than redesigning the entire device. This enables adaptation to different medical research requirements without proportionally increasing device cost, as the housing remains constant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If threaded depth adjustment mechanisms are used to adjust cutting depth, then depth adjustability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking cover can be positioned at multiple discrete locations along the housing to provide different fixed cutting depths. This dynamic positioning system allows depth adjustment while maintaining precise, reproducible settings at each position, avoiding the imprecision of threaded mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking cover acts as a disposable or easily replaceable component that defines cutting depth. By using a simple mechanical stop rather than a precision threaded mechanism, the invention achieves sufficient depth control without complex, expensive, or imprecise adjustment systems.
3Reliability
If disposable biopsy punch devices are used to ensure sterility and avoid contamination, then reliability improves, but productivity deteriorates due to the need for replacement devices
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a reusable sterilizable housing and disposable or replaceable cutting blades. This allows the main body to be sterilized and reused across multiple procedures, while only the blades need replacement, significantly improving productivity for repetitive biopsies while maintaining sterility requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the entire device after one use, the invention allows recovery and reuse of the housing component. Only the cutting blade is discarded or replaced, reducing waste and improving efficiency in repetitive biopsy procedures while maintaining the sterility benefits of single-use components where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy punch device and method for making punch cuts at consistent predetermined depths. In an exemplary embodiment of the biopsy punch device includes two interconnecting pieces: an inner housing piece and an outer blocking cover piece. The inner housing piece releasably mounts cutting blades arranged in a desired geometric shape for biopsy punch cuts. The blocking cover piece overlays the inner housing piece in an assembled configuration and includes two openings: a larger distal end opening and a narrower proximal end cutting blade opening. The blocking cover distal end opening fits around and adjacent to the housing piece distal end. The blocking cover proximal end opening fits around and adjacent to the cutting blades. With the biopsy punch device in assembled position, the proximal side of the blocking cover piece provides a mechanical stop in the cutting process at the desired depth of penetration of the cutting blades.