Needle-Handling Device with Segmented Control for FNA Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) techniques often require multiple samples for accurate diagnosis due to the limitations of single-sample representation, and existing devices lack independent control and suction application for multiple needles, which can lead to inefficiencies and contamination during tissue sampling.
Innovation Solution
A device with multiple extendible needles, where a first needle is surrounded by others at the distal end and spatially separated at the proximal end for independent movement and suction application, facilitated by separate handles and aspirator ports, allowing for linked or independent operation of the needles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple needles are used for tissue sampling, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but device complexity and risk of contamination increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the multiple needles into two distinct groups: a first needle controlled by a first handle and a plurality of second needles controlled by a second handle. This segmentation allows independent control of each needle group, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the ability to take multiple samples simultaneously for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A sheath is introduced as an intermediary component that receives and protects all needles during advancement through tissue. The sheath can be advanced over the needles to contain them and prevent contamination, while still allowing the needles to extend beyond the sheath for sampling when needed.
2Measurement precision
If multiple needles are used for tissue sampling, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath serves as a protective intermediary that covers the needles during advancement and sampling. This containment structure prevents external contaminants from reaching the needles and samples, while still allowing the needle tips to extend beyond the sheath for tissue contact.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the first needle and second needles into distinct controlled groups with separate handles, the device allows selective use of individual needles. This segmentation enables the operator to use only the necessary number of needles for each sampling task, reducing the overall risk of contamination compared to having all needles exposed simultaneously.
3Productivity
If independent control of multiple needles is implemented, then sampling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism is segmented into two independent handles: a first handle for controlling the first needle and a second handle for controlling the plurality of second needles. This segmentation provides independent control capability that improves sampling efficiency, allowing the operator to selectively advance or retract specific needles based on sampling needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The plurality of second needles are combined under a single common control mechanism (the second handle), which allows simultaneous control of multiple needles. This merging reduces the number of separate controls needed compared to having individual handles for each needle, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining sampling efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, comprising: a sheath (22), advanceable through an endoscope (10), and having distal openings comprising a first opening (30a) and a plurality of second openings (30b) surrounding the first opening; a housing (24), coupled to a proximal portion of the sheath; a first needle (28a), extending through the housing and sheath toward the first opening; a plurality of second needles (28b), extending through the housing and sheath toward a respective second opening; a first handle (26a), slidably coupled to the housing along an axis such that the first needle slides through the sheath and a distal tip of the first needle moves with respect to the first opening; and a second handle (26b), slidably coupled to the housing along a different axis such that the second needles slide through the sheath and a distal tip of each second needle moves with respect to its respective second opening.