MRI Biopsy Targeting Cube Depth Stop Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current MRI targeting systems for breast biopsies face challenges with poor visibility during procedures, alignment issues, and instability of biopsy needles due to lack of optimal positioning and locking mechanisms, which can lead to suboptimal tissue sampling.

Innovation Solution

The development of a depth stop assembly with a locking mechanism that secures the biopsy targeting cannula, providing enhanced stability and alignment through direct connection to the Z-stop and grid, featuring multiple access holes and locking mechanisms to prevent movement during the procedure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a biopsy device is used without a locking mechanism, then the device is simpler and easier to operate, but the positioning stability and alignment accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A depth stop assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the biopsy device and the target tissue. This depth stop assembly includes a depth stop member that can be positioned at predetermined depths and locked into place, providing stable positioning without requiring complex locking mechanisms in the biopsy device itself. The depth stop assembly acts as a mediator that ensures accurate and stable positioning while maintaining device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning function is segmented into separate components: the biopsy device handles tissue sampling while the depth stop assembly handles positioning and depth control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the biopsy device remains simple and easy to operate while the depth stop assembly provides the necessary stability and alignment through its dedicated positioning mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the biopsy needle is not securely locked, then the device is more flexible and easier to adjust, but the alignment accuracy and visibility during procedure deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracyVSAvoidadjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The depth stop member is pre-configured with predetermined depth positions and locking features before the procedure begins. During the procedure, the operator can quickly engage the locking mechanism at the desired depth without complex adjustments. This preliminary configuration of positioning options enables both high alignment accuracy and ease of operation, as the correct position is ready in advance but can still be selected flexibly based on the specific procedure requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access holes are added to the targeting system, then the adaptability and versatility improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess hole configurationVSAvoidtargeting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The depth stop assembly is designed with multiple access holes that can be used for different purposes: some holes may be used for needle insertion, others for guide wire placement, and others for fluid injection or suction. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single universal depth stop assembly structure, allowing one component to serve multiple roles in the biopsy procedure. The universality of this design provides high adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same basic structure handles all access needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3307178B1MRI biopsy system
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 DEVICOR MEDICAL PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3307178B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3307178B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3307178B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Targeting cubes for MRI breast biopsy procedures and a proximal telescopic needle rotation device are described and claimed. All embodiments of the targeting cubes have four access holes. Individual embodiments also include: a friction lock to grid and a lock to Z-stop; a rotating bezel to lock to grid and Z-stop; a lock to grid through a telescoping-latching mechanism and a lock to Z-stop; a built-in Z-stop carriage assembly and a rotating lock to grid; and a built-in Z-stop that locks in place via hinge.