Flexible Brush Biopsy Device for Cyst Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing pancreatic cysts, such as EUS-FNA, face challenges due to the scarcity of cells in cystic fluid, leading to inconclusive diagnoses and risks of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive biopsy/cytology device with a flexible member that transitions from a constrained to an expanded configuration within a needle or catheter, allowing for gentle scraping of cells from the cystic lining without causing significant tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If EUS-FNA is used to sample cystic lesions, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but the cell content in the sample is scarce leading to inconclusive diagnoses
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element transitions from a compressed low-profile configuration during insertion to an expanded working configuration inside the cyst, allowing the same component to serve multiple functions at different stages of the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The brush element comprises a flexible structure with bristles that can conform to the cyst wall surface, maximizing contact area for cell collection while maintaining a compact form during insertion
2Quantity of substance
If a spiral shaped distal end is used to maximize contact area, then cell harvesting is improved, but the device may break during operation and retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The brush element dynamically changes its configuration from compressed to expanded, allowing it to achieve maximum contact area only when needed inside the cyst, while maintaining structural integrity during insertion and retraction
Solution Approach 2:
The brush element is nested within the elongated member during insertion, and the elongated member is nested within the catheter, creating a hierarchical nesting structure that protects vulnerable components
3Reliability
If the whole length of the flexible shaft is made from Nitinol, then flexibility and durability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the device have different material compositions - the brush element and elongated member use Nitinol for flexibility, while the catheter uses less expensive materials, optimizing both performance and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into separate functional segments (catheter, elongated member, brush element) that can be manufactured using different materials and processes, allowing cost optimization for each component
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 increases the number of harvested cells, improving diagnostic accuracy while minimizing tissue damage and the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible member has a first, constrained configuration within the lumen of the needle or catheter and, following advancement of the elongated member in the needle or catheter, the flexible member has a second, expanded configuration outside said lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A device and technique for detaching cells or tissue from a cavity in a subject including an elongated member arranged to be moved within a lumen of a needle or a catheter. The device further includes at least one flexible member arranged at a distal end of the elongated member. The flexible member is configured to be brought between a first, constrained configuration within the lumen of the needle or catheter, and a second, expanded configuration outside said lumen. The flexible member in the second, expanded configuration is configured to conform to an inner geometry of a cavity in which the device is inserted.