Serrated Biopsy Forceps Jaws for Larger, Less-Crushed Tissue Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy forceps struggle to obtain sufficient tissue samples from deep and hard-to-reach locations within the body, often resulting in inadequate quality or quantity for accurate diagnosis, and are difficult to maneuver for tangential tissue acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy forceps device with serrated cutting jaws featuring symmetrical teeth arrangements on opposing jaws, allowing for improved grip and increased tissue volume capture, and including windows between the jaws to enhance maneuverability and tissue retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If standard forceps jaws are used for deep tissue access, then the device can reach difficult locations, but the tissue sample quality and quantity are insufficient for accurate diagnosis
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw edges are segmented into multiple teeth rather than being continuous, creating discrete contact points that can individually engage tissue while maintaining overall jaw closure. This segmentation allows the jaws to conform to curved tissue surfaces and achieve tangential bites more effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The teeth are positioned at specific locations along the jaw edges with varying spacing patterns, creating local variations in grip characteristics. This allows different regions of the jaw to optimize for different tissue types and acquisition angles, improving both sample quantity and maneuverability.
2Strength
If standard smooth jaw edges are used, then the device structure is simple, but the grip on tissue is insufficient leading to tissue crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous jaw edge is divided into discrete teeth segments, which distribute the gripping force across multiple contact points. This prevents excessive pressure concentration that would cause tissue crushing while maintaining strong overall grip through the cumulative effect of all teeth.
Solution Approach 2:
Different spacing patterns between teeth create localized grip zones with varying characteristics. Some regions have tighter spacing for secure grip, while other regions have wider spacing to prevent crushing, optimizing the balance between grip strength and tissue preservation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If continuous jaw edges are used, then manufacturing is simple, but tissue sample retrieval through tortuous paths is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented tooth structure creates a more flexible jaw assembly that can better navigate tortuous anatomical paths. The discrete teeth can independently adjust to curved surfaces, allowing the forceps to access deep tissue locations that would be inaccessible to rigid continuous-jaw designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tooth spacing creates dynamic interaction between opposing jaws during closure, allowing the teeth to self-adjust and conform to the tissue geometry. This dynamic adaptation enables the device to navigate complex anatomical pathways while maintaining effective tissue engagement.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy forceps includes an end effector with opposing first and second jaws coupled together and configured to move from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Each of the first jaw and the second jaw includes a plurality of teeth having a base. The bases of two adjacent teeth of the first jaw are spaced apart to form a first gap, and the bases of two adjacent teeth on the second jaw are spaced apart to form a second gap. The end effector in the closed configuration may define one or more windows between edges of the first and the second jaws. And, at least one of these windows may include at least a portion of one or both of the first and second gaps.