Oscillating Biopsy Needle for One-Handed Tissue Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biopsy syringe systems face challenges in efficiently extracting tissue samples without wrapping the needle in connective fibrous tissues and require two-handed operation, which can be cumbersome when using ultrasound probes for guidance.

Innovation Solution

A motorized biopsy syringe system with an oscillating needle that allows one-handed operation, featuring a motor-driven needle that oscillates back and forth to prevent tissue wrapping, coupled with a plunger activation mechanism that automatically activates and deactivates the motor based on plunger position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional biopsy syringe system is used, then tissue extraction can be performed, but the needle becomes wrapped in connective fibrous tissues during the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle functionalityVSAvoidneedle entanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The needle is made to oscillate mechanically during tissue extraction. The oscillation mechanism causes the needle to vibrate back and forth, preventing connective fibrous tissues from wrapping around the needle surface. This mechanical vibration disrupts the entanglement process while maintaining effective tissue sampling capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The needle performs periodic oscillating motion during the biopsy procedure. This periodic action creates alternating forward and backward movement that prevents tissues from adhering and wrapping around the needle, thereby maintaining needle functionality throughout the extraction process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Ease of operation

If two-handed operation is required for syringe control, then precise manual control is achieved, but the other hand is unavailable for ultrasound probe positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesyringe controlVSAvoidsimultaneous ultrasound probe use

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The syringe system activates the motor automatically based on plunger position sensing. When the plunger reaches a predetermined position, the system self-activates the oscillating motor without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism frees the operator's hand for ultrasound probe positioning while maintaining precise syringe control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through plunger position sensing to control motor activation. The sensor detects plunger position and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically activates or deactivates the motor based on the detected position. This feedback loop enables automated operation while maintaining control precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-generated harmful factors

If manual needle oscillation is attempted, then tissue wrapping may be prevented, but the operator cannot simultaneously control the syringe and position the ultrasound probe

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue wrapping preventionVSAvoidoperation coordination

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical oscillation action is replaced with an automated motor-driven oscillation system. The motor automatically generates the required needle oscillation, eliminating the need for the operator to manually manipulate the syringe for oscillation purposes. This substitution reduces operational complexity while maintaining effective tissue wrapping prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Facilitates efficient tissue extraction with reduced needle entanglement and allows for simultaneous use of an ultrasound probe, enhancing operational convenience and sample collection efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A motor is coupled to the needle to oscillate the needle back and forth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOscillation: Harmonic Oscillator

Implementation Method 2

The syringe includes a barrel and a plunger slidably disposed in the barrel and movable to evacuate the tissue chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum evacuation: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentUS12496050B2Oscillating syringe system and needle

Publication Date: 2025.12.16 PRAXIS HOLDING LLC

AI summary

A syringe is coupled to a biopsy needle through a coupling structure that includes a motor-driven element such as a gear to rotate the needle. The motor can oscillate back and forth to cause the needle to oscillate. Structures are described to permit one-handed operation of the device and automatic motor activation based on attaining a desired plunger position. Non-electric motors are described along with a mechanism for axial oscillation of the needle.