Segmented Hollow Needle Arrays for Low-Force Tissue Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for harvesting tissue, such as using hollow needles, often require high force for insertion, which can damage the tissue and cause pain, and the process of forming arrays of needles is labor-intensive and costly due to the need for handling and positioning individual needles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a two-dimensional array of hollow tubes with narrow heels and sharp tips, where the needles are manufactured using techniques like stamp and roll or pick and place accordion methods, allowing for simultaneous or sequential insertion with reduced force and trauma, and the use of vibratory actuation to further minimize insertion forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional hollow needles are used to harvest tissue, then tissue can be removed from the donor site, but high insertion force is required which damages the tissue and causes pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vibratory actuation to the needle array during insertion into the tissue. The vibration reduces the insertion force required by disrupting tissue friction and facilitating smoother penetration, thereby reducing tissue damage and pain while maintaining effective tissue harvesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the needle array into multiple segments that can be inserted sequentially or in groups rather than all at once. This segmentation reduces the total insertion force required at any single moment, allowing larger arrays to be used with less force per insertion event, thereby reducing tissue damage
2Ease of manufacture
If individual needles are handled and positioned to form arrays, then needle arrays can be created for tissue harvesting, but substantial labor is required which is costly in time and money
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple needle fabrication steps into integrated manufacturing processes. Needle arrays are formed by simultaneously creating multiple needles from a single substrate or by automated assembly techniques that position multiple needles in their final configuration in one operation, eliminating the need for separate handling and positioning of each individual needle
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-organizing or self-aligning mechanisms in needle array fabrication. The manufacturing process automatically positions needles into the correct array configuration through geometric constraints, magnetic alignment, or mechanical interlocking features, eliminating the need for manual positioning and reducing assembly time and cost
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 solution enables efficient harvesting of tissue with reduced trauma to the donor site, allowing for larger arrays of needles to be used with less force, minimizing tissue damage and pain, while also simplifying the manufacturing process for needle arrays.
Implementation Method 1
advancing a first segment of the two dimensional array of hollow tubes into the biological tissue to sever portions of the biological tissue from the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
the use of vibratory actuation to further minimize insertion forces
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for harvesting biological tissue. In some embodiments, the method includes providing a device having a plurality of segments of hollow tubes, each hollow tube having at least one point at the distal end of the hollow tube, the plurality of segments forming a two dimensional array of hollow tubes, wherein each segment can include a plurality of hollow tubes; positioning the two dimensional array of hollow tubes proximal to an upper surface of a biological tissue; advancing a first segment of the two dimensional array of hollow tubes into the biological tissue to sever portions of the biological tissue from the surrounding tissue; raising the first segment of the two dimensional array of hollow tubes such that the biological tissue remains in each of the hollow tubes of the first segment; advancing a second segment of the two dimensional array of hollow tubes into the biological tissue to sever portions of the biological tissue from the surrounding tissue; and raising the second segment of the two dimensional array of hollow tubes such that the biological tissue remains in each of the hollow tubes of the second segment.