Cervical Sampling Brush Assembly for Comfortable Multi-Zone Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gynecological sampling instruments face challenges in obtaining accurate and sufficient samples from the cervix due to anatomical variations, discomfort during use, and limitations in laboratory compatibility, particularly for cytological and molecular examinations.
Innovation Solution
A gynecological sampling instrument with a high density of thin plastic bristles (600-900 µm diameter, 600-1800 threads/cm) arranged in a flexible wire structure, allowing for easy insertion and collection of samples from various anatomical conditions, minimizing discomfort, and facilitating multiple laboratory techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional sampling instruments are used, then sample collection can be performed, but the instruments cause discomfort and pain during use
Solution Approach 1:
The brush is divided into multiple bristle groups with different lengths and densities arranged in zones. The proximal zone has shorter bristles for comfortable insertion, while distal zones have longer bristles for effective sampling. This segmentation allows the instrument to be comfortable during insertion while maintaining sampling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the brush have different bristle characteristics. The proximal end has shorter, denser bristles for comfortable insertion, while distal regions have longer bristles for effective sampling. The wire arrangement also varies locally to provide appropriate flexibility and sampling capability in different zones.
2Measurement precision
If the cervix is sampled from the wrong location, then sampling can be performed, but incorrect laboratory results are obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument provides tactile feedback to the operator during insertion, allowing real-time adjustment to ensure correct positioning. The varying bristle lengths and wire flexibility provide sensory information about the cervix anatomy, enabling the operator to identify and sample the correct transformation zone location accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is designed with pre-configured bristle zones that correspond to different cervical regions. The proximal zone samples the ectocervix while distal zones sample the endocervix and transformation zone, ensuring that the correct locations are targeted based on predetermined anatomical knowledge encoded in the instrument design.
3Productivity
If insufficient material is collected, then sampling can be performed, but method sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brush collects samples from multiple distinct zones simultaneously - proximal zone for ectocervix, intermediate zones for transformation zone, and distal zones for endocervix. This segmented sampling approach ensures comprehensive material collection from all relevant areas, maximizing both quantity and quality of sample material for laboratory analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument transitions from single-point sampling to multi-dimensional sampling by collecting material from multiple radial and axial zones simultaneously. The bristle arrangement in different zones creates a three-dimensional sampling network that captures material from various cervical regions, significantly increasing the total sample quantity and improving method sensitivity.
4Reliability
If experienced physicians use the instrument, then accurate sampling can be performed, but less experienced personnel cannot obtain safe and valid samples
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is designed to be self-guiding through its tactile feedback mechanisms. The varying bristle lengths and wire flexibility automatically indicate the correct insertion depth and sampling zones, allowing less experienced personnel to obtain valid samples without extensive anatomical knowledge or practice.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument encodes anatomical knowledge in its design - the bristle zone configurations correspond to different cervical regions. This preliminary configuration guides less experienced users to the correct sampling locations automatically, reducing the learning curve and enabling reliable sampling by personnel with minimal training.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gynecological cervical or vaginal sample removal instrument that has, at the cranial end, a plurality of brushes which are fixed to a wire assembly extending in the axial direction. The brushes are made of at least 600 plastic filaments with a diameter between 350 µm and 900 µm and an axial line density of at least 600 filaments over a maximum axial extension of 3 cm.