Biopsy Sample Retrieval Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy apparatuses rely on vacuum to transport tissue samples, which may not be efficient and can lead to issues with sample collection and handling.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held biopsy apparatus with an electromechanical power source and a biopsy probe featuring a sample basket that moves along a longitudinal axis to a retrieval region, where a sample tank receptacle allows for perpendicular movement of a sample collection tank to directly retrieve tissue samples from the sample notch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum is used to transport tissue samples, then tissue samples can be moved from biopsy cannula to collection tank, but the system becomes complex and less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the vacuum system from the biopsy apparatus by implementing a purely mechanical sample retrieval mechanism. The sample basket moves along the longitudinal axis to directly deposit samples into the collection tank, removing the need for vacuum pumps, tubing, and control systems while improving reliability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the pneumatic vacuum transport system with a mechanical direct-deposition system. The sample basket, driven by the electromechanical power source, mechanically transports samples along the longitudinal axis and deposits them directly into the collection tank, substituting complex pneumatic components with simpler mechanical motion.
2Productivity
If vacuum is used to transport tissue samples, then samples can be moved through the system, but energy is consumed and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces energy-intensive vacuum pumps with an electromechanical power source that directly drives the sample basket along the longitudinal axis. This mechanical system consumes less energy while improving sample retrieval efficiency through direct, controlled deposition of samples into the collection tank.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample basket system is self-propelled by the electromechanical power source, moving samples passively along with the basket without requiring additional vacuum energy. The mechanical motion of the basket itself provides the transport mechanism, eliminating the need for separate vacuum-powered transport systems.
3Ease of operation
If vacuum is used to transport tissue samples, then samples can be moved from harvesting position, but sample handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vacuum transport infrastructure (pumps, tubing, seals, and control systems) and replaces it with a simple mechanical sample basket that moves along the longitudinal axis. This direct mechanical transport simplifies sample handling by eliminating complex vacuum system operations and maintenance requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe having a biopsy cannula and a sample basket arranged coaxially about a longitudinal axis. The sample basket is movably disposed relative to the biopsy cannula along the longitudinal axis from a tissue harvesting position to a tissue sample retrieval region. The sample basket has a sample notch formed as an elongate recessed region for receiving a tissue sample. A tissue sample retrieval mechanism includes a sample collection tank configured for removable insertion into a sample tank receptacle. The sample tank receptacle permits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and prohibits movement of the sample collection tank in a direction along the longitudinal axis. The sample collection tank is configured to retrieve the tissue sample directly from the sample notch as the sample basket is moving along the longitudinal axis at the tissue sample retrieval region.