Expandable Biological Sample Collector for Targeted Esophageal Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection devices for biological samples, such as tissue, cells, protein, RNA, and DNA from the esophagus, face challenges in efficiently capturing and preserving samples while minimizing contamination from non-target areas.
Innovation Solution
A collection device with a flexible distal end portion that can transition between expanded and collapsed positions, allowing for targeted sample collection and preservation, using a proximal end portion to maintain structural integrity and a hinge mechanism for axial movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the collection device is expanded to capture biological samples, then the sample collection efficiency is improved, but the device size increases making insertion difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device employs a dynamic structure that transitions between collapsed and expanded states. The distal end portion can be expanded radially to capture biological samples efficiently, then collapsed for easy insertion and retrieval through the endoscope. This dynamic transformation allows the device to optimize its size for both insertion and sample collection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end portion of the collection device is designed to nest within the proximal end portion when in the collapsed state. This nesting configuration allows the expanded collection portion to be stored compactly within the delivery catheter, enabling easy insertion through the endoscope while maintaining the capability to expand for effective sample collection.
2Ease of operation
If the device is deflated to facilitate removal, then the ease of operation is improved, but the trapped tissue may be lost or contaminated
Solution Approach 1:
The collection device is segmented into distinct functional portions: a proximal end portion for structural support and a distal end portion for sample collection. The distal end portion can be deflated independently to facilitate removal, while the proximal end portion maintains its structure to preserve the collected samples. This segmentation allows the device to be deflated for easy removal while keeping samples secure and uncontaminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with a pre-configured sample retention mechanism in the proximal end portion that prepares for sample preservation before deflation occurs. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the distal end portion is deflated for removal, the samples are already secured in a protected state, preventing loss or contamination during the deflation and removal process.
3Volume of moving object
If the distal end portion extends axially into the proximal end portion when collapsed, then the device compactness is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The axial extension of the distal end portion into the proximal end portion when collapsed is achieved through a dynamic mechanism that allows controlled movement between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic configuration enables the device to achieve compact storage while maintaining structural integrity through controlled mechanical movement rather than complex fixed structures.
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 efficient collection and preservation of biological samples by minimizing contamination from non-target areas and ensuring complete retrieval of samples.
Implementation Method 1
The second axial end portion has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second axial end portion moves in an axial direction relative to the first axial end portion when the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed position and the expanded position.
Implementation Method 2
The second axial end portion moves in an axial direction relative to the first axial end portion when the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed position and the expanded position.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for collecting a biological sample in a patient includes a collection portion having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The second axial end portion has a collapsed position and an expanded position. The second axial end portion moves in an axial direction relative to the first axial end portion when the second axial end portion moves between the collapsed position and the expanded position. The second axial end portion extends axially into the first axial end portion and has a concave shape when in the collapsed position. The second axial end portion is convex when in the expanded position.