Fluidic Biopsy Removal Using Pulsatile Flow for Immediate Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The prolonged time required for analyzing needle biopsies due to manual specimen preparation and the reliance on specialized laboratories hinders immediate assessment of biopsy adequacy, leading to additional procedures and patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A fluidic device that rapidly removes needle biopsies using pulsatile fluid flows to maintain specimen integrity, allowing for immediate analysis and multiplexed operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If manual specimen preparation is used for needle biopsies, then the biopsy can be prepared and analyzed, but the time required for analysis is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime required for biopsy analysisVSAvoidbiopsy analysis speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical specimen preparation with an automated fluidic system that uses controlled fluid flows to transport and prepare biopsy specimens. The fluidic device automatically performs tasks such as removing the biopsy from the needle, positioning it on a stage, and preparing it for analysis, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual steps and significantly reducing the analysis time while maintaining preparation quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluidic device enables the biopsy specimen to be self-transported and self-positioned through the system. The specimen is automatically moved from the needle through fluidic channels to the analysis stage without requiring manual handling, allowing the system to serve itself in the preparation process and thereby reducing the time loss associated with manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If specialized laboratory facilities are used for biopsy preparation, then the biopsy can be processed, but the reliance on manual steps by trained personnel is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy preparation automationVSAvoidfluidic device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic device is divided into distinct functional modules: a first chamber for receiving the needle and initial biopsy removal, a second chamber for further processing and positioning, and a third chamber for final preparation and analysis. Each chamber performs a specific function and can be independently controlled, which simplifies the overall system design while maintaining high automation capability. This segmentation allows the complex biopsy preparation process to be broken down into manageable automated steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid as an intermediary medium to transfer the biopsy specimen through the system. The fluidic channels and controlled fluid flows serve as intermediaries to move the specimen from the needle through various processing stages without direct mechanical contact, thereby simplifying the device structure while achieving automated preparation. The fluid acts as a mediator that enables automatic transport and positioning functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple biopsies are taken to ensure sufficient tissue, then adequate sampling is achieved, but patient discomfort and procedural inefficiencies increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy tissue adequacyVSAvoidbiopsy procedure efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fluidic device incorporates real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms that allow immediate assessment of biopsy adequacy. The system can detect whether the retrieved tissue sample is sufficient for analysis and provide immediate feedback to the clinician. This feedback capability enables the determination of biopsy adequacy at the point of care, eliminating the need for multiple biopsies and improving both reliability of sampling and procedural efficiency by confirming tissue adequacy immediately after the first biopsy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 rapid and gentle removal of multiple biopsies for immediate analysis, reducing patient discomfort and procedural inefficiencies by ensuring adequate tissue sampling in a single device.

Implementation Method 1

the pump is configured to provide a first volume of pulsatile flow to the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulsatile flow:

Implementation Method 2

flowing a first volume of pulsatile flow into the channel via the second inlet to dislodge the biological specimen from the needle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow force:

Data Source

PatentUS12484885B2System, device, and method for biopsy removal from needles into a fluidic device

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 UNIV OF WASHINGTON

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a fluidic device including a first inlet, an outlet, and a channel positioned between the first inlet and the outlet. The channel is in fluid communication with the first inlet and the outlet. The fluidic device further includes a second inlet positioned between the first inlet and the outlet. The second inlet is in fluid communication with the channel. The fluidic device further includes a pump in fluid communication with the second inlet. The pump is configured to provide a first volume of pulsatile flow to the channel. The first volume of pulsatile flow is greater than about 50 μL per pulse.