Bronchoscope-Deployed Lung Biopsy Tool with Optical and Ultrasonic Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lung biopsy technologies, such as electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) and endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), are costly and inaccessible for smaller hospitals, and transthoracic needle biopsies pose risks of complications like collapsed lungs, limiting access to peripheral lung regions due to their size and operational constraints.
Innovation Solution
A lung biopsy system comprising a camera, light-emitting diode (LED), and ultrasonic sensor, deployable through a standard bronchoscope tool port, allowing optical guidance and ultrasonic detection for accessing and biopsying objects in smaller pulmonary passages without the need for ENB or transthoracic puncture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) is used to access peripheral lung regions, then biopsy accuracy is improved, but device cost becomes prohibitive for smaller hospitals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential biopsy capability from expensive ENB systems by using a simplified endobronchial approach with a small-diameter tool (2-3mm) that can be deployed through standard bronchoscope ports. This extracted function achieves peripheral lung access without requiring costly ENB infrastructure, making the technology accessible to smaller hospitals while maintaining biopsy accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs disposable or inexpensive components including a small-diameter tool, camera, light source, and ultrasonic sensor that can be easily replaced. This approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex ENB systems while maintaining sufficient performance for peripheral lung biopsies, significantly reducing the financial barrier for smaller medical centers.
2Ease of operation
If transthoracic needle biopsy is used to access peripheral lung regions, then biopsy accessibility is improved, but risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bronchoscope as an intermediary device to access peripheral lung regions. Instead of directly puncturing the lung through the chest wall (transthoracic approach), the bronchoscope serves as a safe intermediary that provides a controlled, visual pathway through the airway to reach peripheral lesions, thereby maintaining accessibility while eliminating the high complication risks associated with transthoracic needles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical transthoracic needle puncture system with an endobronchial approach using a small-diameter tool deployed through the bronchoscope. This substitution eliminates the need for chest wall penetration and reduces mechanical trauma to the lung, thereby maintaining biopsy accessibility while significantly lowering the risk of complications such as pneumothorax.
3Ease of operation
If standard bronchoscope is used to biopsy peripheral lung objects, then procedure simplicity is improved, but ability to reach peripheral regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the biopsy function from the bronchoscope by deploying a separate, small-diameter tool (2-3mm) through the bronchoscope's working channel. This segmentation allows the simple bronchoscope insertion to remain easy while the specialized small tool provides the extended reach to peripheral lung regions, combining procedure simplicity with enhanced accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a nested configuration where a small-diameter tool (2-3mm) is deployed through the bronchoscope's working channel. The tool is nested within the bronchoscope during insertion, then deployed at the distal end to reach peripheral regions. This nesting approach maintains the simplicity of standard bronchoscope insertion while enabling access to areas that would otherwise be unreachable.
4Ease of manufacture
If endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is used to biopsy objects on main bronchial tubes, then cost is reduced compared to ENB, but accessibility to peripheral regions with smaller passages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a small-diameter tool (2-3mm) specifically designed for deployment in narrow peripheral passages. This localized approach allows the tool to navigate through small bronchial passages where EBUS cannot reach, while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of an endobronchial approach. The small tool size enables access to peripheral regions that were previously inaccessible to even EBUS systems.
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 biopsies in previously inaccessible regions with reduced risk of complications, making the technology more affordable and accessible to smaller medical centers, while avoiding the costs and hazards associated with ENB and transthoracic needle procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The camera is arranged within the housing at the distal end to obtain optical data relating to the position of the system
Implementation Method 2
The light source is arranged within the housing opposite the camera from the distal end. The light source is then configured to produce illumination passing between the housing and the camera at the distal end
Implementation Method 3
The ultrasonic system is arranged within the housing opposite the light source from the distal end, and is configured to detect acoustical properties in a region opposite the housing from the ultrasonic system
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments, a substantially coaxial arrangement of a camera, a light source, and an ultrasonic sensor can be positioned in an housing of a system that can be deployed from the tool port of a standard bronchoscope. Illumination from the light source facilitates positioning of the system by an operator using information from the camera. The ultrasonic system can determine when an object to be biopsied is adjacent to a biopsy needle.