Magnetizable Biopsy Tool Steering via Magnetic Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy tools and magnetic tools face challenges in efficiently and effectively removing tissue samples from the body for inspection, as they often require manual extraction and lack precise control for navigation and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A magnetizable biopsy tool with cutting and retaining edges, capable of being steered and propelled using magnetic fields, which can drill into tissue, retrieve samples, and be opened mechanically or magnetically for sample release, allowing for automated processing and inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic fields are used to propel and steer the biopsy tool, then navigation precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases due to magnetic field generation and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical navigation and tool manipulation with magnetic field-based actuation. The magnetizable biopsy tool is steered and propelled through the body using externally applied magnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical steering mechanisms within the tool itself and enabling more precise remote control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the operator and the biopsy tool. The magnetic field serves as a mediator that transmits control forces and torques to the magnetizable tool segments, enabling indirect but precise manipulation of the tool deep within the body without direct mechanical contact.
2Ease of operation
If the biopsy tool uses magnetizable segments for magnetic actuation, then ease of operation and automation are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to integration of magnetizable materials
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy tool is divided into multiple magnetizable segments that can be independently actuated by magnetic fields. This segmentation enables flexible control of different tool portions (such as the cutting section and retrieval section) using separate magnetic field applications, simplifying the operational control sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction combining magnetizable materials with biocompatible and structurally appropriate materials. The magnetizable segments are integrated into the tool structure using composite material techniques, allowing the tool to maintain mechanical integrity while responding to magnetic actuation.
3Device complexity
If manual extraction of tissue specimens is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and efficiency are worsened due to time-consuming manual processes
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy tool performs self-service functions through magnetic actuation. The same magnetizable segments that enable tool propulsion and steering also facilitate automated tissue capture and retrieval. The tool opens and closes, drills and retrieves, all through magnetic field control, eliminating the need for separate manual extraction operations.
4Reliability
If the tool remains closed during body traversal to protect tissue, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy tool transitions dynamically between closed and open states through magnetic actuation. The magnetizable segments can be magnetized to close the tool for safe traversal through the body, then demagnetized or re-magnetized to open the tool for tissue retrieval. This dynamic state change is controlled by timing and sequencing of magnetic field applications.
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 precise and efficient tissue removal and sample retrieval, facilitating automated inspection and processing, and can be used beyond biopsy for removing unwanted tissues, such as cancerous growths.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetizable biopsy tool with cutting and retaining edges, capable of being steered and propelled using magnetic fields
Implementation Method 2
capable of being steered and propelled using magnetic fields
Implementation Method 3
The tool has magnetizable segments which may be translated or rotated by an applied magnetic field, causing the tool to drill or push into tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments provide an apparatus and method of removing tissue from a body of a human or non-human animal. The disclosed embodiments includes a tool that may have a cutting edge to drill into tissue. The tool has magnetizable segments, which may be translated or rotated by an applied magnetic field