Single-Insertion Multiple-Sample Biopsy Assembly for Dense-Tissue Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices struggle with effective severing and transport of tissue samples to a collection container, particularly in dense tissue environments.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy apparatus with a driver assembly and biopsy probe assembly, featuring a vacuum cannula, stylet cannula, and cutter cannula, controlled by an electromechanical power source and controller circuit, allows for precise tissue severing and efficient transport using a nested tube arrangement and coordinated movements of the cannulas to facilitate sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a biopsy probe is inserted to capture tissue samples using vacuum, then tissue samples can be obtained for analysis, but the device struggles to effectively sever and transport tissue samples, especially in dense tissue environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested tube arrangement where the stylet cannula is positioned inside the vacuum cannula, and the cutter cannula is positioned inside the stylet cannula. This nested configuration allows multiple functions (tissue capture, severing, and transport) to be integrated within a single insertion point, improving both reliability of sample acquisition and efficiency of subsequent processing steps without requiring separate device insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic movement of the stylet cannula between extended and retracted positions relative to the vacuum cannula. When retracted, the stylet's protrusion member engages with the flared portion of the vacuum cannula to facilitate tissue sample transport. This dynamic positioning allows the device to adapt its configuration during different phases of the biopsy procedure, enhancing both severing effectiveness and sample transport efficiency.
2Reliability
If the stylet cannula is positioned to facilitate tissue capture, then sample collection is effective, but the protrusion member may cause damage or interference during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the protrusion member of the stylet cannula to engage with the flared portion of the vacuum cannula in advance of potential tissue transport issues. This preliminary engagement creates a mechanical interface that guides and protects the tissue sample during transport, preventing damage before it can occur. The flared portion acts as a receiving structure that anticipates and accommodates the protrusion member, eliminating harmful interference.
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 apparatus achieves effective severing and transport of tissue samples, even in dense tissue, with motor protection mechanisms to prevent damage and ensure reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum cannula is coupled in fluid communication with the vacuum source
Data Source
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AI summary
A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe assembly that is releasably attached to a driver assembly. The biopsy probe assembly has a vacuum cannula and a stylet cannula coaxially arranged. The vacuum cannula has a flared portion that extends distally from an elongate portion. The stylet cannula is movable between a first extended position and a first retracted position. The stylet cannula has a distal portion having a sample notch and a protrusion member that extends proximally in a lumen of stylet cannula along a portion of a longitudinal extent of the sample notch, wherein when the stylet cannula is in the first retracted position, the protrusion member is received within the flared portion of the vacuum cannula. The biopsy apparatus may further include a controller circuit that has a virtual energy reservoir, and the controller circuit executes program instructions to control current to motors when engaging dense tissue.