Segmented MRI Biopsy Compression Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional compression systems for breast biopsy procedures limit access points, requiring clinicians to reposition the system to access desired areas, which can decrease procedure accuracy and efficacy due to fixed openings that either restrict access or apply uneven pressure.

Innovation Solution

A compression assembly with removable and adjustable compression plates or bars that can be detached from a frame, allowing clinicians to create multiple access points without repositioning the entire system, thereby improving breast retention and access flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If fixed openings are provided in compression members to allow access to the breast, then access points are established for biopsy procedures, but the number of access points is limited and requires repositioning of the compression system

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess flexibilityVSAvoidcompression system repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression member is divided into multiple independent compression plates that can be individually removed or adjusted. Each compression plate can be detached to create an access point, allowing multiple access locations without repositioning the entire compression system. This segmentation enables flexible access while maintaining system stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression plates are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The plates can be repositioned along tracks or guides within the compression member, allowing dynamic adjustment of access points. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different biopsy locations without requiring complete system repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If multiple access points are provided in fixed compression members, then access flexibility is improved, but the compression effectiveness and breast retention are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of access pointsVSAvoidbreast retention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the compression member into multiple independent plates, the system can provide multiple access points while maintaining compression effectiveness. Only the necessary plates are removed for access, while other plates continue to provide compression and retention. This allows selective access without compromising overall breast retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the compression member have different properties - some areas have compression plates for retention, while other areas have removable plates for access. The compression force is concentrated where needed for retention, while access points are strategically placed where they are needed for the procedure. This local differentiation optimizes both retention and access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If fixed openings are used in compression members, then access is provided to specific locations, but access to blocked areas is restricted and may decrease procedure accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiopsy accuracyVSAvoidaccess to target area
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression plates can be dynamically repositioned or removed to create access points at any location within the compression member. This dynamic adjustment allows the clinician to access the exact target area needed for the biopsy, improving accuracy. The plates can be moved along tracks or guides to precisely position access points according to the lesion location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented plate design allows selective removal of individual plates to access specific blocked areas. Each plate can be independently removed to create an access point in its location, enabling precise access to any target area within the compression member without affecting other compression areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If compression members are designed with limited access points, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to access different breast areas is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to different breast areasVSAvoidcompression member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The compression member is segmented into multiple identical or standardized plates that can be independently removed. This segmentation provides versatility for accessing different breast areas while keeping each individual plate simple in structure. The modular design allows combination of simple components to achieve complex access patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The compression plates are designed as universal components that can be positioned at multiple locations and serve multiple functions - providing compression, creating access points, and maintaining structural integrity. The same plate design can be used throughout the compression member, providing multi-functionality without increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP1844712B1Compression assembly for MRI biopsy device
Publication Date: 2009.12.16 ETHICON ENDO SURGERY INC
  • EP1844712B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1844712B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1844712B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A compression assembly for retaining a patient's breast during a biopsy procedure that provides a wide variety of potential access points through which tissue may be accessed by a biopsy device. The compression assembly comprises a frame, a plurality of removable compression members and at least one disengageable member. In another embodiment, it comprises slidable compression members. In a further embodiment, it comprises flexible compression members.