In-Situ Marker Element Formation Using Compression Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marker devices in the medical field are costly due to prefabricated markers requiring machining for tight tolerances, and they often slip out of delivery devices, necessitating additional materials like bone wax that may cause infections.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for forming a marker element within a delivery device using a tube, a base element, and a force applicator to compress a wire into a selected shape and size, ensuring the marker is uniquely suited for the device and securely delivered to a tissue site without foreign materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If markers are pre-fabricated outside the cannula with tight tolerances, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is formed within the cannula itself using pre-positioned wire and a forming die, rather than being pre-fabricated externally. The wire is preliminarily placed in the cannula and then shaped in-situ, eliminating the need for separate precision machining operations and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A forming die is used as an intermediary tool within the cannula to shape the wire into the marker. This die acts as a temporary mold that defines the marker geometry during formation, allowing precise shaping without complex external machining processes.
2Shape
If markers are pre-fabricated and inserted into the lumen, then marker shape is controlled, but the marker may slip out or become tangled with the stylet
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is formed within the cannula using a forming die that defines its final shape, ensuring it is uniquely suited for the particular cannula. The marker is preliminarily shaped to fit snugly into the end of the cannula, preventing slippage during delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker is customized for each specific cannula, with its shape and size optimized for that particular delivery device. This local customization ensures the marker fits snugly in the end of the cannula and cannot slip out, while also preventing tangling with the stylet.
3Reliability
If bone wax is used to prevent marker from slipping out, then marker retention is improved, but risk of infection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The marker is formed within the cannula to fit snugly at the end, creating a secure fit that prevents slippage without requiring foreign materials like bone wax. The preliminary shaping ensures the marker is retained through proper geometric fit rather than additional substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution removes (takes out) the bone wax from the system entirely. Instead of using foreign material to prevent slippage, the marker is designed to fit snugly through precise forming within the cannula, eliminating the source of potential infection.
4Shape
If a forming die is incorporated into each delivery device, then marker shape control is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The forming die is incorporated into the cannula structure itself, making the cannula multi-functional. The cannula serves both as the delivery device and as the forming tool, eliminating the need for separate forming die components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The forming die functionality is merged with the cannula structure. Rather than being separate components, the die and cannula are combined into a single integrated device, simplifying the overall system while maintaining precise marker shape control.
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 approach reduces costs by eliminating unnecessary machining and foreign substances, providing a seamless and reliable marker delivery that minimizes the risk of infections and ensures precise marker placement.
Implementation Method 1
a force applicator being configured to apply force to a received wire in the longitudinal direction of the tube to deformably compress the received wire to a selected length
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, kits and methods for forming a marker element including, in aspects, a tube having a longitudinal direction, a base element received in a first end of the tube, a wire receiving portion at a second end of the tube, a force applicator receivable within the second end of the tube, the force applicator being configured to apply force to a received wire in the longitudinal direction of the tube to deformably compress the received wire to a selected length relative to the longitudinal direction of the tube. Also disclosed is a marker delivery device having a tube, a marker element preformed within the tube, and an actuator element receivable in the tube to move the marker element from the tube into a tissue site.