Oscillating Biopsy Needle for Minimizing Tissue Trauma
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy devices face challenges in precisely targeting small lesions due to the sharp, solid tip of biopsy needles, which causes unnecessary trauma and dissemination of tumor cells, and struggle with filling the needle with tissue equivalent to the insertion length and reliably severing the sample from surrounding tissue, especially in dense tissues like mammary tissue.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy arrangement featuring an elongated hollow needle with a distal cutting edge and an oscillating longitudinal movement generating unit, combined with a trocar for insertion and suction for tissue collection, and a rotational mechanism with a cutting slit to facilitate efficient tissue sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a sharp, solid needle tip is used for tissue penetration, then penetration capability is improved, but unnecessary trauma and tumor cell dissemination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The needle tip is segmented into multiple cutting edges arranged circumferentially, transforming a single penetrating point into multiple controlled cutting points that slice through tissue rather than piercing it, thereby reducing trauma while maintaining penetration capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a solid sharp tip that pierces tissue, the invention inverts the approach by using a hollow needle with a cutting edge that slices tissue as it penetrates, fundamentally changing the interaction mechanism from piercing to cutting
2Volume of moving object
If the needle insertion length is increased to sample larger lesions, then sampling coverage is improved, but the needle cannot fill the hollow space with equivalent tissue volume
Solution Approach 1:
The needle implements periodic oscillating movements during insertion, creating rhythmic expansion and contraction of the cutting edge that facilitates continuous tissue ingestion into the hollow space, ensuring the needle fills with tissue equivalent to its insertion length
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating movement generates mechanical vibration at the cutting edge that enhances tissue fragmentation and facilitates easier ingestion of tissue into the needle's hollow space, improving filling efficiency during the sampling process
3Force
If manual or spring-loaded thrust mechanisms are used for needle insertion, then insertion capability is improved, but precise targeting of small lesions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion mechanism transitions from static manual or spring-loaded thrust to dynamic oscillating movement, allowing real-time adjustment of insertion depth and speed, thereby enabling precise targeting of small lesions while maintaining adequate insertion force
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillating movement parameters (amplitude, frequency, velocity) can be adjusted to optimize the balance between insertion force and positioning precision, allowing the system to adapt to different lesion sizes and tissue densities
4Extent of automation
If a fixed thrust length mechanism is used, then insertion automation is improved, but adaptability to different tumor sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated mechanism incorporates dynamic control of oscillation parameters that can be adjusted during the procedure, allowing the same automated system to adapt to different tumor sizes by modifying movement characteristics rather than requiring fixed thrust lengths
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
This arrangement allows for precise insertion and efficient tissue collection within the needle's length, minimizing trauma and effectively severing the sample from surrounding tissue, improving the accuracy and minimally invasive nature of the biopsy procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a longitudinal movement generating unit configured to apply an oscillating longitudinal movement to the elongated hollow member, or of an assembly of the elongated hollow member and the elongated rod
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for taking a biopsy in a human or animal tissue, comprising an elongated hollow member, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the elongated hollow member has a circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said hollow member, and said distal end is provided with a cutting edge. The arrangement further comprising an elongated rod configured to fit inside said elongated hollow member, a longitudinal movement generating unit configured to generate an oscillating longitudinal movement of said elongated hollow member, or of an assembly of said elongated hollow member and said elongated rod via a connection assembly. The connection assembly is provided configured to assemble the elongated hollow member and the elongated rod by detachably fixating said elongated rod inside said elongated hollow member in a longitudinal position relative to said elongated hollow member.