Dual-Lumen Cryogenic Biopsy Probe for Conscious Tissue Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional endoscopic biopsy procedures require sedation due to discomfort from large endoscopes, are expensive, and are ill-suited for certain subjects like infants and children, limiting sample size and causing bleeding.

Innovation Solution

A cryogenic biopsy sampling device with a small diameter probe using a dual lumen tube and coolant system to adhere and extract tissue samples without sedation, reducing bleeding risk and enabling conscious sampling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional endoscopic biopsy is performed using large endoscope and forceps, then tissue sampling capability is achieved, but patient discomfort increases requiring sedation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sampling capabilityVSAvoidpatient discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical forceps-based cutting system with a cryogenic freezing system. The cryogenic probe uses extreme cold temperatures to freeze and adhere tissue samples, eliminating the need for mechanical forceps and large endoscope insertion, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining tissue sampling capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the temperature parameter dramatically by introducing cryogenic temperatures (extremely low temperatures) to the biopsy process. This parameter change enables tissue adhesion through freezing rather than mechanical cutting, allowing for a smaller, more comfortable probe design that doesn't require sedation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional endoscopic biopsy is performed, then tissue samples can be collected, but bleeding occurs in the gastrointestinal tract

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample collectionVSAvoidgastrointestinal bleeding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the phase transition of tissue from normal state to frozen state through cryogenic temperatures. This phase change causes tissue to adhere to the probe surface and blood vessels to freeze closed, simultaneously achieving sample collection and preventing gastrointestinal bleeding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Ease of operation

If small diameter probe is used for cryogenic biopsy, then patient comfort improves and sedation is not required, but device complexity increases with dual lumen tube and coolant system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the single cryogenic probe structure: the dual lumen tube simultaneously provides coolant delivery and structural support, while the probe tip integrates freezing, tissue adhesion, and sample collection capabilities. This consolidation achieves the desired patient comfort with a small diameter probe while managing complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device allows for conscious tissue sampling with reduced bleeding and lower costs, suitable for various subjects, including infants, by using a small diameter probe and cryogenic adhesion for sample collection.

Implementation Method 1

A first lumen of the dual lumen tube extends into a hollow portion of the elongated probe element, and a second lumen of the dual lumen tube is in fluid communication with the hollow portion. Coolant flows through the first lumen into the elongated probe element and out of the elongated probe element through the second lumen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

devices, systems, and methods for cryogenic biopsy sampling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS20260053477A1Devices, systems, and methods for cryogenic biopsy sampling

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORP

AI summary

In some embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for cryogenic biopsy sampling are provided. In some embodiments, a device for cryogenic biopsy sampling is provided, the device including: a dual lumen tube; an elongated probe tip coupled to the distal end of the dual lumen tube, with a first lumen extending into a hollow portion in the tip and a second lumen in fluid communication with the hollow portion; a first port in fluid communication with the first lumen; a second port in fluid communication with the second lumen, wherein the first lumen, the elongated probe element, and the second lumen provide a closed pathway through which a substance introduced through the first port can flow through the first lumen into the elongated probe element, and out of the elongated probe element through the second lumen to the second port.