Biopsy Device Translating Shuttle Valve Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biopsy devices lack an efficient and portable mechanism for obtaining tissue samples with a compact and user-friendly design that integrates vacuum and motive force transmission without being tethered to other devices.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy device comprising a probe and a holster with a needle assembly that uses a vacuum pump and motor to induce vacuum for tissue sample collection, featuring a cutter actuation assembly and valve assembly for precise tissue extraction and sample transport, allowing for both reusable and disposable configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a biopsy device integrates vacuum pump and motor for portable operation, then the device achieves self-contained operation without tethering, but the device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportable operation capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The needle assembly is disposed within the probe, and the cutter is disposed within the needle assembly, creating a nested configuration where smaller components are housed within larger ones. This nesting approach allows integration of multiple functions (vacuum generation, cutting, tissue extraction) in a compact arrangement that reduces overall device footprint while maintaining portability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The biopsy device integrates multiple functions into a single self-contained unit: the vacuum pump generates negative pressure for tissue extraction, the motor drives the cutter for tissue sectioning, and the manifold distributes fluid pathways. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for external tethering while consolidating operations into one portable device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a translating valve assembly is used to seal apertures in the manifold, then vacuum and motive force transmission are precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum seal controlVSAvoidvalve assembly structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The translating valve assembly replaces complex multi-component sealing mechanisms with a simpler translating motion system. The valve translates linearly within the manifold to selectively seal or open apertures, using straightforward mechanical translation rather than complex rotational or multi-stage sealing systems, thereby reducing overall valve assembly complexity while maintaining reliable vacuum control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the cutter is actuated to translate and rotate for tissue sectioning, then precise tissue sample extraction is achieved, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue sample extraction precisionVSAvoidcutter control
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cutter is configured to automatically translate and rotate through its own motor-driven mechanism without requiring manual manipulation by the operator. The system self-regulates the cutting motion, translating the cutter along the needle assembly and rotating it for sectioning, thereby maintaining high precision while reducing the operational burden on the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If the device is designed as a complete integrated system with probe and holster, then functionality is enhanced, but the weight and size of the device increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated system functionalityVSAvoidbiopsy device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The biopsy device is divided into two main segments: a disposable probe containing the needle assembly and cutter, and a reusable holster containing the vacuum pump and motor. This segmentation allows the heavy components to be separated from the disposable portion, enabling the probe to remain lightweight for patient comfort while the holster provides the necessary power and vacuum generation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 and portable tissue sample collection with a compact design, facilitating easy handling and integration of vacuum and motive force transmission, enhancing the biopsy process with a versatile and user-friendly interface.

Implementation Method 1

A biopsy device is disclosed that uses a vacuum pump and motor to induce vacuum for drawing a tissue sample into a needle assembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

A biopsy device comprising a probe and a holster with a needle assembly that uses a vacuum pump and motor to induce vacuum for drawing a tissue sample into the needle assembly, and sectioning the tissue sample with a cutter actuated by a cutter actuation assembly.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotive force transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP3870073B1Biopsy device with translating shuttle valve assembly
Publication Date: 2023.11.15 DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3870073B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3870073B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3870073B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, and a valve assembly. The needle extends distally relative to the body and defines a first lumen, a second lumen and an opening fluidly coupling the first lumen with the second lumen. The cutter is configured to translate relative to the needle. The valve assembly includes a manifold and a spool body. The manifold includes a proximal vent opening. The spool body is movable relative to the proximal vent opening between a first position and a second position. The second lumen is coupled to the proximal vent opening when the spool body is in the first position. The second lumen is sealed relative to the proximal vent opening when the spool body is in the second position. The spool body is configured to transition between the first and second position by moving in proportion to translation of the cutter.