Expandable Esophageal Sampler for Low-Contamination Tissue Collection

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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 the samples while minimizing contamination from other body luminal tissues during the collection process.

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 retention within the esophagus, using a hinge mechanism and controlled fluid pressure to manage the end portion's shape, ensuring minimal contact with non-targeted luminal tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the collection device is expanded to collect tissue samples, then the sample collection capability is improved, but the device size increases making it harder to insert through endoscopes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample collection capabilityVSAvoiddevice insertion size

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device employs a dynamic structure with expandable and collapsible portions that can change size. The distal portion can be collapsed to a small size for insertion through endoscopes, then expanded at the target site to collect adequate tissue samples. This dynamic transformation allows the device to adapt between two size states for different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collection device utilizes a nested configuration where the collapsible distal portion can be contained within or alongside the introducer sheath during insertion. The expandable collection portions are nested within the collapsed state, allowing the entire device to pass through narrow endoscope channels before deployment at the target site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Quantity of substance

If the collection device contacts more luminal tissues, then the sample quantity increases, but the contamination from non-targeted tissues increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiological sample quantityVSAvoidsample contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The collection device features localized collection portions at the distal end that are specifically positioned to contact only the targeted luminal tissue. The collection surface is confined to a specific region with controlled geometry, ensuring that sampling occurs at the intended site without widespread contact with surrounding tissues that could cause contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into distinct functional portions: an introducer sheath for delivery, a collapsible distal portion for targeted engagement, and collection surfaces positioned at specific locations. This segmentation allows the collection function to be isolated to specific zones, preventing contamination from non-targeted areas while maintaining adequate sample quantity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the distal end portion is kept collapsed during insertion, then the device complexity for navigation is improved, but the sample collection efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice navigation through body lumensVSAvoidsample collection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end portion dynamically transitions from a collapsed state during insertion to an expanded state during sampling. The collapsible structure allows smooth navigation through tortuous body lumens and endoscopes, then rapidly expands at the target site to maximize sample collection efficiency within seconds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is pre-configured in a collapsed state for easy insertion and navigation to the target site. Once positioned, the expansion mechanism is activated to rapidly deploy the collection surfaces, ensuring that the transition from navigation mode to collection mode is swift and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 effectively collects and preserves biological samples by minimizing contamination and ensuring complete retrieval, facilitating easy sample transfer to vials for further analysis.

Implementation Method 1

using a hinge mechanism and controlled fluid pressure to manage the end portion's shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

using a hinge mechanism and controlled fluid pressure to manage the end portion's shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS12558075B2Device for collecting a biological sample

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

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.