Integrated Punch Biopsy Tool for Precise Sampling and Wound Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current punch biopsy methods require multiple surgical instruments, are time-consuming, and often result in inadequate tissue samples due to improper depth or mechanical damage, complicating accurate diagnosis and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

A single-device punch biopsy apparatus integrating rotational incision, excision, and closure mechanisms, featuring a cylindrical needle with a rotating blade for precise tissue sampling and a compartment for skin glue to facilitate rapid, sutureless wound closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple surgical instruments are used for punch biopsy, then the procedure can be performed with traditional methods, but the device complexity increases and the procedure becomes more time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample qualityVSAvoidnumber of instruments

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple surgical instruments (punch biopsy device, excision blade, and closure mechanism) into a single integrated apparatus. The cylindrical needle holder contains both the punch biopsy needle and the excision blade, while the closure mechanism is integrated into the same device, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing procedural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single-device punch biopsy apparatus performs multiple functions: creating the circular incision, excising the tissue sample at the base, and closing the wound. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace traditionally required multiple instruments, streamlining the procedure while maintaining sample quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional punch biopsy method is used, then the procedure can be performed with existing tools, but the procedure time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure simplicityVSAvoidprocedure speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The excision blade is pre-positioned within the cylindrical needle holder at a specific depth relative to the punch biopsy needle. This preliminary arrangement allows the excision depth to be predetermined and controlled, eliminating the need for separate depth measurement and adjustment steps during the procedure, thereby increasing procedural speed while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By combining the punch biopsy function and excision function into a single device with coordinated mechanisms, the procedure steps are merged into one continuous action. The rotating excision blade automatically engages after the punch creates the incision, eliminating the need to switch between instruments and reducing overall procedure time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If improper punch depth is used, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but the manufacturing precision of the tissue sample decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure speedVSAvoidsample depth accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual depth estimation and control with a mechanical system where the excision blade is fixed at a predetermined depth within the needle holder. This mechanical constraint ensures consistent sample depth without requiring operator skill or judgment, improving precision while maintaining procedural speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If traumatic excision is used, then the procedure can be completed faster, but the sample integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcision speedVSAvoidsample integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The excision blade rotates at high speed, creating a slicing or shaving action rather than a traumatic cut. This rotational motion allows the blade to smoothly sever the tissue base and separate the sample from surrounding tissue without crushing or damaging it, maintaining sample integrity while enabling rapid excision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the excision mechanism from a static cutting edge to a rotating blade, fundamentally altering the cutting parameters. The rotation speed and blade geometry are optimized to create a clean, controlled severing action that preserves tissue morphology, eliminating the need for traumatic force while maintaining excision speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12402866B2Punch biopsy apparatus and associated method(s)

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 NASIF LITH HAITHAM

AI summary

A punch biopsy apparatus to quickly and simply excise a sample of a chosen size and depth while preserving specimen morphology along with an independently operated mechanism to close the excision site. This design includes a body with a cylindrical needle to create a circular incision around the tissue, an independently rotated blade located within the cylindrical needle for excision at the base of the tissue, a plunger to allow release of the specimen, and a compartment for expulsion of skin glue, or another substance, configured to succinctly close the incision site to close the wound. This configuration allows punch biopsies to be performed efficiently with reduced technical skill, number of surgical instruments, and time required for the procedure.