Endocyte Cannula Corkscrew Tip for Cervical Cell Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for Pap smears, such as spatulas and bristle brushes, are inadequate in collecting sufficient cell samples from the endocervical canal, leading to inconclusive test results and potential missed detection of cervical pre-cancerous and cancerous growths.
Innovation Solution
An endocyte cannula with a proximal portion for connecting to a user-actuated tool and a distal portion featuring a corkscrew design, suction element, and mechanical brushing or scraping elements, including customizable tip heads, to facilitate cell collection from the endocervical canal while minimizing trauma and perforation risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a wooden or plastic spatula is used to collect cells, then the device is inexpensive and easy to use, but it is ineffective at collecting adequate cell samples from the endocervical canal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cell collection mechanisms into a single device: a cannula for accessing the endocervical canal, a brush element for mechanical cell collection, and a suction element for aspirating cells and mucus. This merging of functions allows the device to overcome the limitations of simple spatulas while remaining cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can collect cells mechanically via the brush element, aspirate cells and mucus via the suction element, and access narrow endocervical canals via its slender design. This multi-functionality ensures adequate cell collection from various cervical regions.
2Quantity of substance
If a bristle brush is used to obtain endocervical cells, then the device is capable of collecting endocervical cells, but it cannot penetrate a narrow endocervical canal that may be completely closed
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element and suction element are nested within the cannula structure. The slender cannula acts as a guide and protective sheath, allowing the collection elements to reach into narrow endocervical canals that would be inaccessible to larger brush devices alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the cell collection function into two parts: a brush element for mechanical collection of adherent cells and a suction element for aspirating loose cells and mucus. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while fitting within a slender cannula.
3Ease of operation
If a cannula with corkscrew feature is used to facilitate movement through dense tissue, then the device can penetrate tissue effectively, but it may increase the risk of trauma or perforation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction element creates negative pressure to aspirate cells and mucus through the cannula. This pneumatic mechanism reduces the mechanical force needed for tissue penetration and cell collection, thereby reducing the risk of trauma and perforation while maintaining effective sample collection.
4Quantity of substance
If a mechanical brushing or scraping element is used to collect cells, then the device can effectively collect cells from the endocervical canal, but it may cause trauma to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges mechanical cell collection (brush/scraping element) with pneumatic aspiration (suction element). The suction component draws cells and mucus through the cannula with minimal mechanical force, reducing trauma while maintaining effective sample collection. The mechanical element is used gently in conjunction with suction rather than as a standalone aggressive scraping tool.
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 endocyte cannula enhances the quality and quantity of cervical mucous samples, improving the accuracy of Pap smear tests by effectively collecting cells from the endocervical canal, reducing trauma, and providing a more comfortable procedure for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The suction element may be provided by a bulb. The suction element may be able to retrieve cell samples from the endocervical canal and the cervix.
Implementation Method 2
The distal portion may include a corkscrew feature to facilitate movement of the cannula through dense tissue.
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical brushing or scraping element may be provided by one or more lateral wings. The mechanical brushing or scraping element may collect cells from the endocervical canal and the cervix.
Implementation Method 4
The mechanical brushing or scraping element may collect cells from the endocervical canal and the cervix.
Data Source
AI summary
An endocyte cannula is designed to provide improved and more productive Pap smear tests. The endocyte cannula includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion may include a fitting to connect to a user-actuated tool, such as a syringe. The distal portion may include a corkscrew feature or a lateral wing feature to facilitate movement of the cannula through dense tissue as well as provide scraping or brushing capabilities. The shaped scraping or brushing features may be provided on an attachment that is attachable to a shaft of the endocyte cannula. The attachments may allow customization of the endocyte cannula based on the physiology and anatomy of a patient. The distal portion may further include a plurality of apertures to aspirate mucus and reduce the risk of trauma or perforation. The apertures may extend outside of the attachment or shaped scraping or brushing features, and the distal portion may be narrower than the shaped scraping or brushing features to facilitate access into the endocervical canal and aspiration and collection of a cell sample.