Marker Retention Mechanism for Precise Controlled Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marker insertion devices are prone to premature and accidental actuation, leading to partial or complete deployment of markers, which compromises the precision and integrity of marker placement during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of inserter devices with cannula and stylet configurations that exert frictional forces through biased portions, indented bridges, angled channels, or biodegradable plugs to retain markers within the cannula until deployment is intentionally initiated by the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional marker insertion devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but premature or accidental actuation occurs leading to loss of precision
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a cannula for insertion, a stylet with biased portion for retention, and a marker assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the stylet's biased portion specifically designed to prevent premature actuation while maintaining placement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet includes a biased portion that is pre-configured to engage with the marker and maintain it in a retained position within the cannula. This preliminary retention mechanism is established before insertion, preventing accidental actuation during handling and ensuring the marker remains precisely positioned until intentional deployment.
2Manufacturing precision
If the marker is held securely in the device, then deployment accuracy is improved, but the device may experience premature actuation due to handling
Solution Approach 1:
The biased portion of the stylet applies a preliminary counteracting force to prevent premature release of the marker. This anti-action mechanism is built into the device structure, where the biased portion actively resists any forces that might cause accidental actuation during packaging, transportation, or preparation, while allowing intentional deployment when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The biased portion provides a dynamic retention mechanism that adapts to handling forces. The bias spring maintains engagement with the marker under normal handling conditions but allows controlled release when intentional actuation occurs, thereby preventing premature actuation while ensuring accurate deployment when required.
3Reliability
If a retention mechanism is added to prevent premature release, then marker security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is merged into the stylet component itself through the biased portion, rather than adding a separate retention mechanism. The stylet serves dual purposes: guiding the marker during insertion and retaining it through the biased portion, thereby improving retention security without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stylet with its biased portion performs multiple functions: it guides the marker into the cannula, retains the marker securely during handling, and enables controlled deployment. This multi-functionality improves marker retention security while avoiding the need for additional separate components that would increase device complexity.
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
Ensures accurate and secure placement of markers by preventing premature deployment, maintaining marker integrity and enhancing precision during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a biased portion of the stylet can be positioned against the marker to retain the marker within the cannula
Implementation Method 2
utilizing various geometries and configurations to prevent premature release
Data Source
AI summary
A device, and methods for using said device, for inserting a marker into a patient's body. The device may comprise a retention mechanism to hold the device in an first, undeployed, state. The device may be inserted into a patient's body in the first state, transitioned by the user into a second state wherein the retention mechanism is overcome, and then transition the device into a third state to deliver a marker to a precise location. The device may then be removed from the patient's body.