Handheld Biopsy Device Self-Contained Vacuum Generator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum-assisted biopsy systems require numerous manual actions for tissue acquisition and are not self-contained, necessitating external power sources and control panels.

Innovation Solution

A compact biopsy device with a self-contained pressure and vacuum generator, housed within a rotary and axial translation assembly, allowing for minimal user intervention through a combination of rotary and axial movement of the inner cannula within the outer cannula, utilizing a pressure and vacuum generator integrated within the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If external control panel and power source are used, then device functionality is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to numerous manual actions required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of manual actionsVSAvoidself-contained integration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the pressure generator, vacuum generator, control circuitry, and power source into a single handheld device housing. This merging of previously separate external components into one unified self-contained unit reduces the number of manual actions required while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be self-contained with an integrated power source and control system that automatically manages the biopsy procedure. The microprocessor controls the pressure and vacuum generators without requiring external control panels, enabling the device to serve itself and reduce manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual preparation steps are repeated for each tissue core, then tissue acquisition is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to repeated manual actions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue acquisition efficiencyVSAvoidmanual preparation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary setup of pressure and vacuum systems before tissue acquisition begins. The integrated control system pre-configures the generators and maintains readiness, eliminating the need to repeat preparation steps for each additional tissue core.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure and vacuum generators maintain continuous operation throughout the biopsy procedure, allowing multiple tissue cores to be acquired without interrupting the useful action. The system remains in a ready state, enabling seamless acquisition of additional cores without repeated manual preparation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If spring-loaded mechanisms are used, then tissue retrieval is achieved, but device complexity increases due to multiple mechanical components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical componentsVSAvoidautomatic tissue retrieval

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional spring-loaded mechanical retrieval mechanisms with an automated system using a vacuum generator and control circuitry. This substitution reduces complex mechanical components while achieving automatic tissue retrieval through controlled vacuum pressure applied to the inner cannula.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses pneumatic principles with a vacuum generator to create negative pressure for automatic tissue retrieval. This pneumatic system replaces mechanical spring-loaded components, reducing device complexity while maintaining automated functionality through controlled pressure differentials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 efficient and streamlined tissue sampling with reduced manual steps, eliminating the need for external equipment and minimizing user effort, while maintaining consistent pressure and vacuum flow for effective tissue acquisition.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum generator (218) positioned within the housing (22) and in fluid communication with the inner cannula (26) for aspirating tissue samples therein

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

a pressure generator (40) positioned within the housing (22) and in fluid communication with the inner cannula (26) for applying pressure to advance the inner cannula (26) through the outer cannula (24)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure force: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS8287465B2Disposable automated tissue excision and collection device

Publication Date: 2012.10.16 SUROS SURGICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

An biopsy apparatus includes a pressure and vacuum generator including a first cylinder and a first piston movably disposed within the cylinder. The cylinder has a pressure generating region and a vacuum generating region. The biopsy apparatus also includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula having a lumen. The inner cannula is movably disposed within the outer cannula, and the vacuum generating region is in one-way fluid communication with the inner cannula lumen.