FNA Device with Segmented Tubular Depth Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fine needle aspiration procedures often result in inconsistent sample yields due to difficulties in controlling the depth and motion of instruments, leading to inadequate specimens and increased costs and frustration for patients and healthcare providers.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising an inner and outer tubular member with a biasing mechanism and slots allows precise control of needle penetration depth, enabling users to adjust the distance of instrument penetration during procedures like FNA, reducing contamination and improving sample quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual FNA procedures are performed without depth control devices, then the procedure is simple to perform, but the penetration depth and motion control are inconsistent leading to inadequate specimens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration depth controlVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the tubular member into segments with different degrees of freedom: the distal end allows free motion for needle insertion, while the proximal end is constrained by the housing to control retraction depth. This segmentation enables precise depth control without overly constraining the entire device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure between the user's hand and the tubular member. It provides a mechanical interface that limits the retraction distance of the tubular member through defined engagement features (shoulders, flanges, or interlocking elements), thereby controlling penetration depth without requiring direct user measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If rapid needle insertion is performed to increase tissue sample quantity, then more tissue can be obtained, but blood contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue sample quantityVSAvoidblood contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables periodic excursions of the tubular member through controlled insertion and retraction cycles. The housing constrains the retraction phase while allowing the insertion phase to proceed rapidly, creating a rhythmic motion pattern that optimizes tissue sampling while minimizing contamination during the controlled withdrawal phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from static depth control to dynamic control by allowing the tubular member to move freely during insertion while constraining it during retraction. This dynamic approach enables rapid insertion for maximum tissue acquisition, followed by controlled retraction that prevents blood contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple FNA attempts are performed to obtain adequate specimen, then sample quality may improve, but procedure time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample qualityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is pre-configured with engagement features (shoulders, flanges, or interlocking elements) that define specific retraction distances before the procedure begins. This preliminary setup ensures that each excursion maintains consistent, adequate depth control, increasing the likelihood of obtaining sufficient specimen material in a single attempt and reducing the need for repeated procedures.

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 enhances the precision and efficiency of FNA procedures by allowing controlled depth penetration, increasing tissue sample quantity and reducing blood contamination, thereby reducing the need for repeated attempts and invasive core biopsies.

Implementation Method 1

the biasing member is configured as a coil spring that extends around the outer tubular member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a biasing member disposed between the outer tubular member and the outer housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10524833B2Device and methods for precise control of medical procedures

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 FNAPEN LLC

AI summary

A device for fine needle aspiration comprising: an inner tubular member; an outer tubular member disposed around the inner tubular member, wherein the outer tubular member comprises a plurality of slots; an outer housing disposed around the outer tubular member; a biasing member disposed between the outer tubular member and the outer housing. The device also comprises a rod coupled to the inner tubular member, where the rod extends through the outer tubular member and the rod is configured to be moved from a first slot in the plurality of slots to a second slot in the plurality of slots.