Steerable Introducer Device for Biopsy Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biopsy devices lack maneuverability and precision, especially in accessing soft tissue lesions within complex anatomical locations, due to their rigid design, which complicates accurate insertion and sampling during biopsy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A steerable introducer device with a handle, first and second conduits, and an actuating mechanism that allows for articulation and precision control, enabling the device to navigate through the body and accurately target lesions by translating and rotating components to achieve a semi-rigid distal end for precise insertion and biopsy sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid design is used for biopsy devices, then structural stability is maintained, but maneuverability and precision in accessing complex anatomical locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal segment, a distal segment, and a translating portion that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the device to maintain structural stability in each segment while enabling maneuverability through relative movement between segments, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a translating portion that can dynamically change its position and orientation relative to the conduits through actuation. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its configuration during insertion to access complex anatomical locations while maintaining overall structural integrity, thus improving maneuverability without sacrificing structural stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid design is used for biopsy devices, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but precision in targeting lesions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into separate manageable segments (proximal conduit, distal conduit, translating portion), each component can be manufactured using standard techniques with controlled precision. The modular nature simplifies manufacturing while the precise assembly and actuation mechanisms enable accurate lesion targeting, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and targeting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces complex rigid mechanical positioning systems with a more manufacturable actuation system that uses controlled translation and rotation of the distal segment. This substitution maintains manufacturing feasibility while achieving superior targeting precision through controlled articulation and positioning mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If articulation mechanisms are added to improve maneuverability, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation mechanism is segmented into discrete controllable portions, with the distal segment able to translate and rotate relative to the proximal segment. This segmentation allows for controlled maneuverability improvements while keeping each component relatively simple, thus improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic articulation capabilities that allow the distal segment to move relative to the proximal segment during insertion. This dynamic feature improves maneuverability and ease of operation in accessing complex anatomical locations while the movement is controlled through relatively simple actuation mechanisms, thus not excessively increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of a steerable device, and methods for using said device, for introducing medical devices into a patient's body is disclosed. The device may be inserted into a patient's body in a linear configuration, transitioned into an articulated configuration and then used to traverse to a precise location. The device may be articulated into a variety of configurations via an actuation portion of the handle.