Cell Collection Device With Encapsulating Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for anal cancer screening using cotton or PET swabs are inefficient, leading to poor cell collection and transfer, high variability, and discomfort for patients, resulting in low sensitivity and reluctance to undergo exams.
Innovation Solution
A cell collection device featuring a sample brush with optimized bristles and a sleeve that allows for easy cell collection and transfer, where the brush is inserted, rotated, and then the sleeve encapsulates the bristles to facilitate cell release into a liquid medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a cotton or PET swab is used to collect cells, then cells can be collected from the anus, but the cells get trapped in the fibers making transfer to liquid or slide difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cells from the brush fibers by pushing the brush through a tapered opening in the device housing. The tapered geometry mechanically strips cells off the bristles and deposits them into the collection well, solving the problem of cells being trapped in fibers during transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The device introduces a mechanical intermediary system (the tapered opening and collection well) that facilitates cell transfer from the brush to the liquid medium. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for manual transfer operations that were difficult with traditional swabs
2Quantity of substance
If a traditional swab method is used, then cell collection can be performed, but the procedure is complicated and subject to great variability between physicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cell collection brush, the mechanical transfer mechanism, and the liquid collection well into a single integrated device. This combination eliminates multiple separate steps and reduces variability by providing a unified, standardized procedure that is easier to perform consistently
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions in one unit: cell collection via the brush, mechanical transfer through the tapered opening, and liquid collection in the well. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall procedure and reduces the need for multiple separate tools or steps
3Quantity of substance
If a traditional swab is used for cell collection, then sampling can be performed, but the sensitivity in detecting cancer is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device creates a more effective copy of the cell collection process by using a brush with optimized bristles that better capture cells from the transformation zone. The mechanical transfer system then ensures complete transfer of these cells to the liquid medium, improving the quality and quantity of cells available for detection and thereby enhancing cancer detection sensitivity
4Quantity of substance
If a traditional swab procedure is used, then cell collection can be performed, but it is uncomfortable for patients leading to avoidance of exams
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible brush assembly that can be inserted through the sleeve in a streamlined manner. The flexible bristles conform to the anatomical structure during insertion and rotation, reducing discomfort while maintaining effective cell collection from the transformation zone
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a cell collection device includes a sample brush including a proximal end, a distal end, and outwardly extending bristles provided at the distal end, and an outer sleeve adapted to receive the sample brush, the sleeve including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the sleeve can be linearly slid along the length of the brush to encapsulate the bristles after they have been used to collect cells from a patient.