Compact Double-Lumen Oocyte Aspiration Needle With Low-Friction Hose
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double lumen oocyte aspiration needles are too long, causing significant friction and damage to oocytes due to metal parts, leading to reduced quality and viability, and generate excessive waste due to their non-disposable nature.
Innovation Solution
A compact double lumen oocyte aspiration needle with a bifurcated chamber and a thermoplastic hose with low friction, sealed by a silicone rubber tube, eliminating metal contact and reducing needle length to 110 mm, ensuring a watertight seal and improved oocyte preservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a long needle is used to accommodate the Y-system outside the aspiration guide, then the stability of the system is improved, but the friction and damage to oocytes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the Y-system inside the aspiration guide by merging the irrigation hose connection and aspiration hose connection into a single integrated structure within the guide body, eliminating the need for external Y-system components and reducing overall needle length while maintaining system stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the Y-system from the external configuration and relocates it within the aspiration guide structure, separating the functional components (irrigation and aspiration connections) into dedicated ports on the guide body, thereby reducing the needle length required
2Strength
If a long needle with metal parts is used, then the structural strength is improved, but the friction and damage to oocytes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions: the aspiration canal is lined with thermoplastic material having low friction coefficient specifically at the regions contacting oocytes, while maintaining structural strength through the overall needle construction and support structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with metal or rigid material for the needle body providing structural strength, and thermoplastic material lining the aspiration canal providing low friction surface, combining the advantages of both materials
3Ease of manufacture
If a non-disposable needle is used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the waste generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the needle as a disposable single-use device with simplified construction that eliminates complex reusable components like external Y-systems and multiple seals, making the disposable version cost-effective while dramatically reducing waste through compact design
4Device complexity
If the Y-system is placed outside the aspiration guide, then the fluid routing is simplified, but the needle length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the fluid routing from an external linear arrangement to an internal three-dimensional configuration within the aspiration guide, with irrigation and aspiration connections established through separate ports on the guide body, reducing the linear needle length required
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 compact design reduces oocyte damage by 40% and eliminates the need for metal parts, enhancing oocyte quality and viability while being fully disposable, thus reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
a silicone rubber sealing tube (6), which surrounds said hose (4) externally, in order to create a watertight seal
Implementation Method 2
a thermoplastic hose (4) with low friction, sealed by a silicone rubber tube
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a double-lumen oocyte aspiration needle and use thereof in the collection of oocytes from the ovaries of animals undergoing assisted reproduction procedures.