Lateral Biopsy Needle Mount for X-Ray Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices for breast tissue extraction face challenges in maintaining clear x-ray image information due to occlusion by biopsy unit parts, leading to out-of-plane artifacts and difficulty in aligning the biopsy needle accurately without obstructing the examination region.
Innovation Solution
A device with a needle mount and connection unit that allows the biopsy needle to be aligned via an arc-shaped connection element, positioned arbitrarily around the subject, minimizing occlusion and enabling precise alignment without obstructing x-ray image acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the biopsy unit is positioned directly above the subject for tissue extraction, then the needle can be aligned vertically for simple operation, but the biopsy unit parts occlude x-ray image information and generate out-of-plane artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy needle mount is repositioned from a vertical arrangement above the subject to a lateral arrangement beside the subject, connected via an alignment arm. This dimensional change allows the needle to approach the subject from the side, eliminating occlusion of the x-ray path between the x-ray source and detector while maintaining alignment capability through the alignment arm mechanism.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the biopsy needle mount is positioned to avoid occluding x-ray images, then out-of-plane artifacts are avoided, but the device complexity increases due to the need for alignment arms and connection units
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment arm serves multiple functions: it connects the biopsy needle mount to the imaging system, enables lateral positioning of the needle beside the subject, provides alignment capability through its articulated structure, and maintains positional stability during imaging. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, managing device complexity while achieving artifact elimination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the needle mount is arranged along a circle segment around the subject, then flexible positioning is achieved, but the area occupied by the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy needle mount is designed with movable connections through the alignment arm, allowing dynamic repositioning along a circular arc around the subject. This dynamic capability enables flexible positioning for different biopsy locations without requiring a large stationary structure, as the mount can be relocated as needed rather than occupying fixed space for all possible positions.
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
This solution prevents out-of-plane artifacts, ensures clear presentation of breast tissue, and minimizes penetration depth during tissue extraction, allowing for accurate and unobstructed x-ray imaging and precise needle alignment.
Implementation Method 1
For x-ray image acquisition, an x-ray tube is moved (for example in an orbit) over a detector. An x-ray radiation in the x-ray source is then triggered at regular intervals
Implementation Method 2
The alignment unit is arranged in a boundary region of the detector unit. The needle mount for tissue extraction can be arranged along a circle segment around the subject to be biopsied
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for tissue extraction from a breast, a needle mount accommodating a biopsy needle can be placed by a connection element such that no regions of the breast that are to be examined by x-rays are occluded by parts of the device during an x-ray image acquisition.