Core Needle Biopsy Sample Holder for Multi-Sample Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing core needle biopsy devices can only collect one tissue sample per insertion, lacking the ability to efficiently manage multiple samples due to the unique needle and cutter configuration, which poses challenges in collecting and storing severed tissue samples.

Innovation Solution

A core needle biopsy device is designed to allow multiple sample collection with a single insertion by incorporating a tissue sample holder featuring an extraction mechanism with wipers that rotate to collect and store tissue samples within a transparent outer housing, utilizing a drive assembly to coordinate the movement of the piercer and cutter for seamless sample acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a core needle biopsy device uses a sharp solid piercer with a lateral tissue receiving notch and an elongate hollow cutting sheath, then one tissue sample can be collected per insertion, but the device cannot collect multiple samples without removing the piercer and cutting sheath from the patient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tissue samples collected per insertionVSAvoidcomplexity of sample management mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue collection system is segmented into multiple discrete collection features (first, second, third collection features) distributed along the hollow needle. Each collection feature can independently receive and store a tissue sample, allowing multiple samples to be collected simultaneously during a single insertion without requiring removal of the piercer or cutting sheath.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tissue collection features are positioned within the hollow needle structure, nesting the sample collection capability inside the existing biopsy device architecture. The collection features are arranged concentrically or linearly within the needle lumen, allowing multiple samples to be stored within the confined space of a single needle insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If vacuum assisted breast biopsy devices use a hollow needle with lateral aperture and hollow cutter, then multiple samples can be removed without requiring probe removal, but the device structure becomes more complex requiring vacuum modules and control modules

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tissue samples collected per insertionVSAvoidcomplexity of vacuum and control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the tissue ejection function from complex vacuum systems and implements it through simple mechanical means. The stored energy in the compressed spring automatically ejects tissue samples from the collection features when triggered, eliminating the need for vacuum modules, control modules, and associated complex infrastructure while maintaining multiple sample collection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses self-contained mechanical components (compressed spring, cam mechanism) that automatically perform tissue ejection without requiring external vacuum systems or electronic control. The spring stores energy during the biopsy procedure and automatically ejects samples when the cam is actuated, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on complex external systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If core needle biopsy devices use a single tissue receiving notch, then the device structure remains simple, but only one tissue sample can be collected per insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tissue samples collected per insertionVSAvoidnumber of collection features and storage mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tissue collection system is segmented into multiple discrete collection features (first, second, third collection features) distributed along the hollow needle. Each collection feature can independently receive and store a tissue sample, allowing multiple samples to be collected simultaneously during a single insertion without requiring removal of the piercer or cutting sheath.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the hollow needle are assigned different local functions: the lateral aperture receives tissue, the cutting sheath severs the tissue, and multiple collection features at different positions along the needle store different samples. This local differentiation of functionality allows multiple samples to be collected and stored at different locations within the same device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 efficient collection and storage of multiple tissue samples during a single insertion, reducing procedure time and minimizing tissue sample handling, thereby enhancing patient comfort and procedural efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an extraction mechanism with wipers that rotate to collect and store tissue samples

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a drive assembly to coordinate the movement of the piercer and cutter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4027896B1Sample management for core needle biopsy device
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC
  • EP4027896B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4027896B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4027896B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A core needle biopsy device includes a needle assembly, a drive assembly, and a tissue sample holder. The needle assembly includes a piercer and a hollow cutter. The piercer includes a sharp distal tip and a notch proximal to the distal tip. The piercer is slidably disposed within the cutter to sever a tissue sample into the notch of the piercer. The drive assembly is configured to selectively move the piercer and the cutter. The tissue sample holder has a sample chamber and a wiper. The wiper is movable relative to the piercer and cutter to manipulate a severed tissue sample into the sample chamber.