Oscillating Biopsy Needle Motorized Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices face challenges in efficiently extracting tissue samples without wrapping the needle in connective fibrous tissues and require two-handed operation, which can be cumbersome, especially when using ultrasound imaging.
Innovation Solution
A motorized biopsy device with an oscillating needle that facilitates one-handed operation by automatically activating and deactivating the motor based on the plunger position, using a ramp and linkage mechanism to prevent fibrous tissue wrapping and allow single-handed use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the needle is used to extract tissue from the patient, then tissue sample is obtained, but the needle becomes wrapped in connective fibrous tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The needle assembly is oscillated during tissue extraction to prevent connective fibrous tissues from wrapping around the needle. The oscillation mechanism vibrates the needle back and forth, which prevents tissue entanglement and facilitates cleaner tissue sampling without requiring manual manipulation of the needle during the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If two-handed operation is used to control the plunger and activate the motor, then precise control is achieved, but the other hand is unavailable for positioning ultrasound probe
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically activates and deactivates the motor based on plunger position detection without requiring manual intervention. A sensor detects when the plunger reaches a predetermined position and automatically triggers the motor to oscillate the needle assembly, eliminating the need for two-handed operation while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sensor to detect plunger position and provides feedback to the control system, which then automatically activates the motor at the appropriate moment. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise motor activation timing while freeing the operator's hands for other tasks such as positioning the ultrasound probe.
3Device complexity
If manual motor activation is used, then operation control is simple, but coordination between plunger position and motor activation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a sensor to detect plunger position and automatically triggers motor activation when the predetermined position is reached. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual coordination between plunger movement and motor activation, reducing operational difficulty while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor acts as an intermediary between the plunger mechanism and the motor activation system. The sensor detects plunger position and translates it into automatic motor activation signals, serving as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between mechanical components while maintaining precise control coordination.
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
The device effectively reduces the risk of needle entanglement with fibrous tissues and allows for efficient tissue extraction with one hand, enabling simultaneous use of an ultrasound probe for imaging.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is coupled to the needle assembly to oscillate the needle back and forth while the tissue chamber is evacuated
Data Source
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AI summary
A syringe (8, 202, 300) is coupled to a biopsy needle (2) through a coupling structure that includes a motor-driven element such as a gear (30) to rotate the needle. The motor (32, 208, 330, 400, 500) can oscillate back and forth to cause the needle to oscillate. Structures (218, 224, 310) are described to permit one-handed operation of the device and automatic motor activation based on attaining a desired plunger position.