Biopsy Valve Spool Actuation for Vacuum Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices face challenges in efficiently obtaining and processing tissue samples with precise control over the needle and vacuum systems, leading to potential inefficiencies and complications in sample collection.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy device comprising a probe and holster with a needle assembly and valve system that uses a cutter actuation assembly and spool body to selectively vent and seal lumens, allowing for precise tissue sampling and transportation of samples through a vacuum system, enabling efficient tissue extraction and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional biopsy device is used, then tissue sampling can be performed, but control over vacuum and needle systems is imprecise leading to inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
A spool valve assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the user interface and the vacuum/needle systems. The spool body with movable spool selectively opens and closes lumens in response to cutter position, providing precise mediation of vacuum flow and needle control without requiring direct complex user management of multiple systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly automatically responds to cutter position changes through mechanical coupling. As the cutter moves distally or proximally, it directly actuates the spool to switch between venting and vacuum states, eliminating the need for separate control inputs and enabling self-regulating operation
2Productivity
If manual control methods are used, then device operation is simple, but tissue extraction and sample transportation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve control function with the existing cutter actuation mechanism. The spool valve assembly is mechanically coupled to the cutter, so that a single actuation event (cutter movement) simultaneously performs tissue cutting and controls vacuum/venting sequences, consolidating multiple functions into one integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The spool body serves multiple functions: it acts as a valve mechanism for selective lumen opening/closing, a mechanical coupling element between cutter and vacuum system, and a positioning device that responds to cutter distal/proximal movement. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while improving productivity
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 device achieves precise control over tissue sampling and sample transportation, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of biopsy procedures by ensuring accurate severing and collection of tissue samples.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system that uses a cutter actuation assembly and spool body to selectively vent and seal lumens, allowing for precise tissue sampling and transportation of samples through a vacuum system
Data Source
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AI summary
A biopsy device is provided. The biopsy device comprises a body and a needle extending distally relative to the body, wherein the needle defines a first lumen and a second lumen, wherein the first lumen extends along a first longitudinal axis, wherein the second lumen extends along a second longitudinal axis, wherein the needle includes an opening fluidly coupling the first lumen with the second lumen. The biopsy device further comprises a cutter, wherein the cutter is configured to translate relative to the needle to sever tissue, and a valve assembly, the valve assembly including a vent opening, and a spool body including a plurality of vent channels extending through at least a portion of the spool body such that the plurality of vent channels are configured to communicate fluid from a proximal end portion of the spool body to a distal end portion of the spool body, wherein the spool body is movable relative to the vent opening between a first position and a second position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to couple the second lumen of the needle to the vent opening via at least one vent channel of the plurality of vent channels when the spool body is in the first position, wherein the valve assembly is configured such that the second lumen is sealed relative to the vent opening when the spool body is in the second position.