End Cap Clip Mechanism for Stylet Handling in Biopsy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biopsy procedures, particularly endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA), face challenges in efficiently managing and reinserting stylets during multiple tissue sampling, requiring significant effort and complicating the procedure.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an end cap with a clip mechanism that securely grips the distal portion of the stylet, allowing it to be easily removed and reinserted into the needle multiple times, reducing the effort required for stylet manipulation and maintaining control throughout the biopsy process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the stylet is manually removed and reinserted during biopsy procedures, then tissue sampling can be performed, but significant effort and time are required for stylet manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue sampling efficiencyVSAvoidtime for stylet manipulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is pre-equipped with a clip mechanism that is ready to grip the stylet before removal from the needle. This preliminary preparation allows the stylet to be quickly captured and reinserted without requiring complex manual manipulation during the procedure, thus reducing time loss while maintaining sampling productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the stylet is frequently removed and reinserted for multiple tissue sampling, then comprehensive biopsy can be achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple tissue sampling capabilityVSAvoidstylet manipulation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap with the clip mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds the stylet during storage, facilitates easy removal from the needle, and enables quick reinsertion. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive biopsy sampling without increasing manipulation complexity, as the same simple clip mechanism handles all stylet management tasks throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 single-handed manipulation of the stylet with minimal deviation from standard hand motions, significantly reducing the effort needed to store and reinsert the stylet, thereby simplifying the biopsy procedure and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the end cap including a clip mechanism for gripping a distal portion of the stylet when the end cap is decoupled from the needle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2370017B1Clip for handling an endoscopic device
Publication Date: 2015.12.02 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP2370017B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2370017B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2370017B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A device for storing a stylet comprises a stylet sized and shaped for insertion into a lumen of a needle and an end cap selectively coupleable to a proximal end of a needle, the end cap being coupled to a proximal end of the stylet so that, when the end cap is coupled to the needle, the stylet extends from the end cap through the lumen of the needle, the end cap including a clip mechanism for gripping a distal end of the stylet when the end cap is decoupled from the needle, the clip mechanism including a space through which the distal end of the stylet may pass substantially parallel to the proximal end thereof.