Breast Biopsy Lateral Arm with Cam-Actuated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical imaging technologies face challenges in precisely locating biopsy needles for deep-seated abnormalities, particularly in breast biopsies, and existing equipment is often costly and requires extensive training to operate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy needle guidance system comprising a lateral arm with a carriage assembly and cam-actuated locking mechanisms, which includes self-adjusting rollers and a gun mount to support the biopsy gun, allowing precise positioning and secure alignment of the needle along a predefined axis with optional offset capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a percutaneous biopsy procedure is performed to remove a small amount of tissue, then tissue loss is reduced, but measurement precision of needle positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning system consisting of a lateral arm, carriage assembly, and guide rollers that mediates between the imaging system and the biopsy needle. This mechanical guidance system provides precise positioning references (lateral and longitudinal axes) that enable accurate needle placement while maintaining the minimally invasive percutaneous approach, thus resolving the contradiction between small tissue removal and precise positioning.
2Measurement precision
If complex medical equipment is used to achieve precise needle positioning, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a lateral arm for lateral positioning, a carriage assembly for longitudinal positioning, guide rollers for stability, and a locking mechanism for securing the position. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function simply, while the combination achieves precise three-dimensional needle positioning, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage assembly incorporates self-adjusting guide rollers that automatically adapt to the lateral arm surface, and a spring-loaded locking mechanism that self-secures the carriage position without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. These self-service features reduce device complexity while maintaining positioning precision.
3Measurement precision
If highly specialized equipment is used for deep abnormality biopsy, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral arm and carriage assembly constitute a universal positioning platform that can accommodate various biopsy needle types and configurations. The system provides standardized lateral and longitudinal positioning references that work with different needle designs and imaging modalities, making the equipment easy to operate across multiple procedures while maintaining precise positioning for deep abnormalities.
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 precise and cost-effective positioning of biopsy needles for deep-seated abnormalities, reducing the need for extensive training and enhancing the efficiency of breast biopsy procedures by providing a user-friendly and adaptable system for various biopsy guns and breast sizes.
Implementation Method 1
The spring member may include a resilient beam
Implementation Method 2
the lock assembly may include a clamp which applies frictional force to the lead screw in response to actuation of a camshaft
Data Source
AI summary
A breast biopsy lateral arm system includes a removable gun mount which attaches to a carriage that traverses along an X-axis defined by a lateral arm in order to position a biopsy needle relative to a patient. The carriage rides along the lateral arm on self-adjusting rollers which are loaded against the lateral arm by spring members. A cam-actuated carriage slide lock can be used to secure the carriage in a desired position relative to the lateral arm. A cam-actuated removable gun mount lock allows the gun mount to be quickly changed and offset orthogonally with respect to the X-axis. An X-axis stop can be used to establish a position to which the carriage can be returned with accuracy.