Endometrial Sampling Forceps for Tissue Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for sampling endometrial cells are inadequate and may be harmful, failing to provide a complete and representative sample for diagnosis.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and devices that allow for scraping of the endometrial tissue, optionally combined with negative pressure, to obtain a broad and representative sample of the uterine cavity, minimizing contamination and patient discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If suction mechanism is used to obtain sample, then sample collection is simplified, but sample adequacy and representativeness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a scraping/cutting mechanical system. The biopsy forceps directly scrape and cut endometrial tissue through mechanical contact with the uterine wall, eliminating the need for suction mechanisms while achieving superior sample adequacy through direct tissue engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using suction to pull tissue into the device (inward force), the invention uses outward scraping and cutting forces. The forceps engage the tissue and apply mechanical scraping/cutting forces in the opposite direction of suction, pushing and cutting tissue rather than pulling it, thereby achieving better sample collection.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple insertions are performed to obtain adequate sample, then sample completeness improves, but patient discomfort and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured with scraping and cutting surfaces that are immediately effective upon single insertion. The biopsy forceps are designed to perform multiple scraping and cutting actions within the uterine cavity during a single insertion, eliminating the need for repeated insertions to achieve adequate sample completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy forceps serve multiple functions within a single device: scraping, cutting, and collecting tissue. This multi-functionality allows the single insertion to achieve comprehensive sampling that previously required multiple separate insertion procedures.
3Quantity of substance
If scraping method is used to obtain sample, then sample quality improves, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of tissue interaction from suction (pressure-based) to scraping/cutting (mechanical contact-based). This parameter change simplifies the device design by eliminating complex suction mechanisms while improving sample quality through direct mechanical engagement with the endometrial tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex suction mechanism from the biopsy device, retaining only the essential scraping and cutting functions. This extraction simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining or improving sample quality through the simpler mechanical scraping action.
4Device complexity
If suction mechanism is used, then device design is simplified, but sample contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the suction-based mechanical system with a direct scraping and cutting mechanical system. The biopsy forceps directly engage and remove tissue through mechanical contact, eliminating the intermediate suction step that could introduce contamination, thereby improving sample purity while maintaining design simplicity.
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
These methods and devices improve the quantity and quality of tissue and cell samples obtained, reducing the need for additional procedures, minimizing patient discomfort, and enhancing the detection of endometrial abnormalities.
Implementation Method 1
The sample collection area is placed in proximity to the target area and negative pressure is applied to facilitate extraction of tissue and cells into the sample collection area
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises methods and devices comprising a scraping element used to contact circumferentially and longitudinally the surface walls of the uterine cavity to provide for broad contact of the intended surface with the device, resulting in attainment of a sufficient volume and comprehensive tissue sample for analysis as an endometrial biopsy or screening uterine cancer. The device may provide for a reservoir for the obtained sample to be contained when removing from the uterine cavity, cervical canal, and vagina. The device may be comprised of a detachable means or be of a material that allows the user to cut the sampling head of the device for placement in collection means to maximize the amount of tissue or cells being sent to the laboratory for analysis.