Hollow Probe Tissue Sampling via Vacuum Plunger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices using hollow probes lack efficient and minimally invasive designs for tissue sampling, often causing trauma and requiring complex designs and manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow probe featuring a cutter and plunger assembly that creates a vacuum to draw, cut, and collect tissue samples using internal springs and mechanisms for coordinated motion, allowing for efficient and minimally invasive tissue removal without external power sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow probe aspiration device is used for tissue removal, then tissue sampling capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a hollow probe for tissue aspiration, a separate cutter assembly with cutting edges, and a plunger mechanism for sample collection. Each component can be manufactured independently and assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining tissue sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow probe serves multiple functions: it acts as the insertion channel, the vacuum source, and the collection container for tissue samples. The cutter assembly also serves dual purposes by both cutting tissue and sealing the probe tip. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the device.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a hollow probe aspiration device is used for tissue removal, then tissue sampling capability is improved, but manufacturing simplicity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into modular components (probe, cutter, plunger), each part can be manufactured using standard techniques and then assembled. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing compared to creating a single complex integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutter assembly is positioned within the hollow probe, and the plunger mechanism is positioned within the cutter assembly. This nested configuration allows compact packaging of multiple functions within a small footprint, simplifying the overall device structure and manufacturing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional biopsy devices are used, then tissue sampling is achieved, but trauma to tissue and patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces aggressive mechanical cutting with a vacuum-driven aspiration system. The hollow probe creates negative pressure to draw tissue samples out through a small incision, eliminating the need for large mechanical cuts and reducing trauma to surrounding tissue and patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses pneumatic pressure differentials (vacuum) to achieve tissue removal. By creating negative pressure within the hollow probe, tissue samples are passively drawn out through the probe tip, minimizing mechanical force and trauma compared to conventional mechanical biopsy devices.
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 enables effective and efficient tissue sampling with minimal trauma, using internal mechanisms to create a vacuum and drive the cutter, facilitating easy deployment and retrieval of samples while maintaining simplicity in design and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a plunger assembly within the probe, for creating a vacuum within the probe to draw in tissue
Implementation Method 2
a cutter within the probe having a cutting edge, for severing the tissue drawn into the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for severing and removing small amounts of internal tissue for biopsy sampling or other purposes is disclosed. Versions of the device may include a hollow probe having a tissue receiving aperture; a cutter having a cutting edge that moves past the tissue receiving aperture, and a cutter driving mechanism. Versions of the device also may include a vacuum plunger within the probe, and coordinated actuation of the vacuum plunger and the cutter driving mechanism whereby an effective vacuum is developed and maintained within the probe to draw tissue into the tissue receiving aperture prior to and during a cutting stroke of the cutter. Versions described may be used for removing multiple samples of tissue during a single insertion of the probe proximate to a target tissue mass.