Fenestrated Loop Fabric for Frictional Epithelial Tissue Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy methods for epithelial tissue sampling are invasive, painful, and inefficient, particularly in obtaining samples from lesions caused by viral, bacterial, or fungal infections, as they often fail to minimize tissue trauma and may not effectively induce an immune response against pathogens that evade the immune system.
Innovation Solution
A frictional trans-epithelial tissue disruption apparatus with fenestrated loops attached to a backing material, allowing for minimal invasive sampling by abrading epithelial surfaces to collect tissue samples and induce an immune response by introducing pathogens or antigens into the bloodstream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biopsy methods (scalpels, curettes, brushes) are used to sample epithelial tissue, then tissue samples can be obtained, but tissue trauma is increased and the procedure becomes more invasive and painful
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sampling interface by using a fabric surface with specific loop characteristics (length, density, material properties) rather than traditional rigid or sharp instruments. This parameter change allows effective tissue sampling through frictional disruption while minimizing traumatic injury to the epithelial layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cutting or scraping action of scalpels and curettes with a friction-based mechanical disruption using fabric loops. This substitution eliminates the need for sharp edges or forceful scraping, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining sampling effectiveness.
2Reliability
If frictional tissue disruption is used to induce immune response, then immune activation against pathogens is improved, but the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric loops are designed with specific parameters (length of 0.5-2.0 mm, density of 10-100 loops per cm², material friction coefficients) that enable controlled frictional disruption sufficient to induce immune response without excessive invasiveness. These parameter optimizations balance immune activation with patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial disruption action through the fabric loops - enough frictional force to disrupt epithelial cells and induce immune response, but not excessive force that would cause deep tissue trauma. The loop design allows controlled, moderate action that achieves the desired immune activation threshold.
3Measurement precision
If longer loop fibers are used for frictional abration, then tissue sampling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention specifies optimal loop length parameters (0.5-2.0 mm) that balance abrasion effectiveness with manufacturing feasibility. This parameter range provides sufficient length for effective frictional tissue disruption while remaining practical for fabric construction and attachment to the sampling device.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric is designed with local quality variations - loops of specific lengths and densities in specific regions of the fabric surface. This allows optimization of abrasion effectiveness in high-contact areas while maintaining manufacturability overall, rather than requiring uniform complex construction throughout the entire fabric.
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 apparatus enables efficient, minimally invasive biopsy sampling with reduced tissue trauma and the potential to elicit an immune response against pathogens that normally evade the immune system, improving diagnostic capabilities and immune activation.
Implementation Method 1
a fabric for functionally abrading epithelial surfaces including a backing material and a plurality of fenestrated loops attached to the backing material, the loops having sufficient flexibility and rigidity to frictionally abrade the epithelial surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment of the invention, a frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain tissue biopsy samples. A frictional tissue sampling device with a head designed to be rotated without rotating off the designated site can be used to obtain an epithelial tissue biopsy sample from lesions. The device can be otherwise used to sample specific locations. In various embodiments, the head of the device is narrow and pointed with a hybrid pear shaped diamond facet. Abrasive material can be adhered to the facet.