Radiopaque Tissue Marking Clips for Dual-Modality Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for marking tissue orientation during surgery are time-consuming and prone to errors, as sutures used for identification are not visible in radiographic images, making it difficult to determine the original orientation of tissue samples, especially in X-ray examinations.
Innovation Solution
A tissue marking system using clips with radiographic indicators that are opaque in the X-ray region, allowing for precise orientation marking on tissue samples, which can be attached at multiple points and remain engaged during X-ray processes, combined with ink marking for visual identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sutures are used to mark tissue orientation, then tissue orientation can be identified visually, but the sutures are not visible in radiographic images and can be accidentally removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines visual identification (through colored sutures or ink markings) and radiographic identification (through radiopaque markers or clips with radiopaque indicators) into a single integrated marking system. This allows the tissue sample to be identified in both visual and radiographic examinations using a unified approach, eliminating the need for separate marking methods and reducing the risk of misidentification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces radiopaque markers or clips with radiopaque indicators as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between visual and radiographic identification. These intermediaries are attached to the tissue sample along with visual markers, providing a reliable link that ensures the tissue orientation can be identified in both visual and radiographic images, preventing accidental removal confusion.
2Reliability
If multiple marking methods are used for radiographic and visual identification, then orientation can be identified in both types of examinations, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the application of visual and radiographic markers into a single integrated process. The radiopaque clips or markers are applied simultaneously with visual markers during the same surgical procedure, eliminating the need for separate marking steps and reducing the overall time required while maintaining dual identification capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs the marking of tissue orientation with both visual and radiopaque indicators as a preliminary action during the surgical procedure itself, before the tissue sample is sent for pathological examination. This preliminary marking ensures that orientation information is already established and documented, eliminating the need for additional time-consuming marking steps later.
3Ease of operation
If sutures are used to mark tissue orientation, then visual identification is possible, but the sutures can be accidentally removed making identification difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radiopaque clips or markers as intermediary elements that provide a more reliable and permanent marking solution compared to sutures. These intermediaries are designed to remain attached to the tissue sample throughout the examination process, providing a stable reference that cannot be accidentally removed like sutures, while still allowing for clear visual and radiographic identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the marking material from removable sutures to more permanent radiopaque clips or markers with different mechanical properties. This parameter change includes using materials with different strength, attachment mechanisms, and retention characteristics that prevent accidental removal while maintaining ease of application and identification.
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 and accurate identification of tissue orientation in both radiographic and visual examinations, reducing the risk of misidentification and ensuring proper removal of tissue margins, while being cost-effective and non-invasive.
Implementation Method 1
clips that are at least partially opaque in the X-ray region of the electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue marking system is configured to mark a tissue sample. The tissue marking system includes an actuator portion movable between an actuated position and a non-actuated position and a jaw portion coupled to the actuator portion and movable between an open position and a closed position in response to movement of the actuator portion from the actuated position to the non-actuated position. The jaw portion includes a first tooth and a second tooth configured to engage the tissue sample when the jaw portion moves from the open position to the closed position.