Integrated Biopsy System with Vacuum Transport and Inline X-Ray Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy procedures are inefficient due to the manual handling and arrangement of tissue samples, which can lead to increased procedure time, the need for second pass biopsies, and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system comprising a specimen holder and an analysis unit that allows for inline tissue sample transport and imaging, enabling near real-time analysis and reducing the need for manual manipulation of samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and arrangement of tissue samples is used, then flexibility in sample processing is maintained, but procedure time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses automated vacuum-assisted mechanisms to transport and position tissue samples without manual intervention. The vacuum system automatically draws samples through the biopsy device and positions them on the specimen tray, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle and arrange each sample while maintaining processing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical handling of tissue samples is replaced with an automated vacuum-assisted transport system. The vacuum pressure differential automatically moves samples from the biopsy site through the device to the tray, substituting manual mechanical manipulation with a controlled pneumatic system that reduces handling time.
2Reliability
If manual manipulation of tissue samples is performed, then sample arrangement flexibility is maintained, but the risk of incorrect or insufficient tissue selection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time imaging capabilities that provide immediate feedback on tissue sample quality and calcification presence. Operators can view radiographic images of the tissue samples as they are being processed, allowing immediate verification of sample adequacy and guiding further biopsy actions without increasing manual manipulation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual visual inspection and selection of tissue samples is replaced with automated imaging systems that detect calcifications and assess sample quality. The imaging system automatically identifies samples with calcifications and provides guidance, reducing the cognitive load and potential errors associated with manual sample evaluation while maintaining operational ease.
3Productivity
If tissue samples are transported to separate x-ray machine in different room, then imaging capability is maintained, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy device and x-ray imaging system are merged into an integrated unit. The x-ray source and detector are incorporated within the same device housing that contains the biopsy mechanism, allowing immediate imaging of tissue samples at the point of acquisition without requiring transport to a separate imaging location.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging capability is made available immediately at the biopsy site before the biopsy procedure concludes. The integrated x-ray system allows samples to be imaged on-the-spot as they are extracted, eliminating the need for subsequent transport to a separate room and enabling rapid verification of calcification presence.
4Ease of operation
If multiple tissue samples are handled manually, then sorting capability is maintained, but the complexity of sample management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system automatically sorts and separates tissue samples based on their extraction characteristics and calcification presence. Samples are automatically directed to appropriate containers or trays without manual sorting, reducing the complexity of sample management while maintaining the ability to differentiate between samples with and without calcifications.
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
The system provides near real-time feedback during the biopsy procedure, reduces the duration of the biopsy, minimizes the need for second pass biopsies, and lowers overall healthcare costs by automating the sorting and analysis of tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source in communication with the inner cannula and the outer cannula; wherein the vacuum source is operative to move the tissue sample from the biopsy site through the inner cannula and through the outer cannula to a specimen holder
Implementation Method 2
a saline source in communication with the inner cannula and the outer cannula; wherein the saline source is operative to move the tissue sample from the biopsy site through the inner cannula and through the outer cannula to a specimen holder
Implementation Method 3
an x-ray source and an x-ray detector in the staging area for imaging the tissue sample in the specimen holder
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.