Oocyte Collection Needle with Stepped Internal Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional oocyte collection needles are inadequate for collecting oocytes from both dominant and small follicles, as they either distort the oocyte or require multiple punctures, leading to inefficiency and potential harm.
Innovation Solution
An oocyte collection needle with a front-end small diameter part having an internal diameter of at least 0.35 mm and an inclined acicular end, along with an intermediate and large diameter part, designed to facilitate aspiration from both dominant and small follicles with minimal deformation and tissue disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the internal diameter of the needle is increased to collect oocytes from dominant follicles, then the oocyte can be aspirated without distortion, but the external diameter increases making precise insertion into small follicles difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is divided into multiple sections with different internal diameters: a first section with smaller internal diameter (0.15-0.35mm) for precise insertion into small follicles, and a second section with larger internal diameter (0.35-0.60mm) for effective aspiration of oocytes from dominant follicles. This segmentation allows the needle to perform both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the needle have different internal diameters tailored to specific functions. The first section has smaller diameter optimized for precision insertion, while the second section has larger diameter optimized for aspiration efficiency. This local quality variation resolves the contradiction between precision and effectiveness.
2Productivity
If a single needle is used for both dominant and small follicles, then procedural efficiency improves, but the needle cannot be easily used for collecting oocytes from small follicles
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is designed with multi-functionality to collect oocytes from both small follicles (5-10mm) and dominant follicles (15-20mm) using the same instrument. The graduated internal diameter structure enables the needle to adapt to different follicle sizes, achieving universality in oocyte collection procedures.
3Ease of operation
If conventional needles are used for small follicles, then insertion is possible, but the oocyte may be distorted or aspiration speed decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The needle is segmented into sections with progressively increasing internal diameters. The first section provides precise insertion capability, while the second section provides adequate aspiration capacity. This segmentation ensures both easy insertion and effective aspiration without oocyte distortion.
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 efficient collection of multiple oocytes from both dominant and small follicles with reduced tissue trauma and aspiration time, minimizing deformation and pain by allowing precise insertion and recovery of the oocyte complex.
Implementation Method 1
When an oocyte is retrieved, however, it is aspirated as a cumulus oocyte complex which is made up of an oocyte and the cumulus cells that surround the oocyte
Data Source
AI summary
A needle employs a three-stair-stepped structure including a front-end small diameter part, an intermediate part, and a large diameter part. The front-end small diameter part and the intermediate part are in fluid communication with each other by a first tapered part, and the intermediate part and the large diameter part are in fluid communication with each other by a second tapered part. The internal diameter of the front-end small diameter part is made so as to be equal to or greater than 0.35 mm based on the allowable deformation level of a cumulus oocyte complex, the outer diameter is made so as to be equal to or smaller than 0.7 mm based on the size of a small follicle, and the inclination angle of the inclined acicular end, and the length is made so as to be 10-25 mm based on the size of a dominant follicle.