Tetherless Microtools for Statistical Tissue Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sampling methods for diagnostic and prognostic evaluations in difficult-to-access regions, such as the gastrointestinal tract, are limited by the need for large biopsy forceps that cause tissue damage and fail to perform true statistical sampling due to space and time constraints.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of tetherless microtools that are magnetically detachable and responsive to environmental stimuli, allowing for numerous samples to be taken with minimal tissue damage and retrieved using a magnetic device, enabling statistically significant sampling and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional biopsy forceps are used, then tissue can be obtained for analysis, but tissue damage occurs and statistical sampling is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy system is divided into multiple independent microtools (each less than 1mm in size) that can be deployed simultaneously across different tissue locations. Each microtool independently grasps and retrieves tissue samples, enabling statistical sampling through multiple discrete biopsy sites without requiring large forceps that cause extensive tissue damage at any single location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical biopsy forceps with magnetically-actuated microtools. The microtools are manipulated and retrieved using magnetic fields rather than direct mechanical contact, reducing tissue damage while maintaining the ability to obtain precise tissue samples for statistical analysis.
2Quantity of substance
If larger biopsy tools are used, then sufficient tissue can be obtained, but space limitations in difficult-to-access regions prevent true statistical sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple small microtools (each less than 1mm) that can be deployed throughout difficult-to-access regions such as the gastrointestinal tract. Although each individual microtool is small, the collective ensemble of microtools provides sufficient sampling capacity across multiple discrete locations to achieve statistical significance while adapting to confined spaces where traditional large biopsy forceps cannot operate.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple microtools are deployed simultaneously and magnetically aggregated into a single retrievable cluster. This merging of multiple small sampling units into one collectible assembly allows sufficient total tissue volume to be obtained from difficult-to-access regions while maintaining the ability to retrieve all samples together for comprehensive analysis.
3Measurement precision
If multiple biopsy sites are accessed, then statistical sampling is improved, but time limitations reduce the ability to perform comprehensive sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy system employs multiple microtools that can be independently deployed to different tissue locations simultaneously. This parallel segmentation of the sampling task across multiple sites enables statistical representativeness to be achieved within reduced time frames, as all biopsy sites are accessed at once rather than sequentially with traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The microtools are designed to be deployed, activate, and retrieve in a continuous process. After deployment, the microtools automatically activate to grasp tissue, then are magnetically aggregated and retrieved in a single continuous motion, eliminating the time losses associated with repeated insertion and withdrawal of traditional biopsy forceps at each site.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If miniaturized biopsy tools are used, then tissue damage is reduced, but application to confined low visibility environments remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical manipulation of miniaturized tools with magnetic field-based control. The microtools are magnetically actuated and aggregated, eliminating the need for direct mechanical manipulation in confined spaces. This magnetic control system enables precise operation of miniaturized tools in low visibility environments where traditional mechanical control would be difficult or impossible.
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
This method allows for improved tissue sampling with reduced tissue damage, enabling more comprehensive diagnostic and prognostic evaluations by providing sufficient tissue samples for genetic and epigenetic analysis, particularly in areas inaccessible to traditional biopsy tools.
Implementation Method 1
tetherless microtools that are magnetically detachable and responsive to environmental stimuli
Implementation Method 2
the microtools are adapted to open and close around targeted tissue in response to specific stimuli such as temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention utilizes tetherless microtools to biopsy tissue. The invention provides a device and method for deployment and retrieval of tetherless microtools. The size of the microtools ensures that tissue damage at a site targeted for biopsy is negligible. As such, large numbers of microtools may be deployed ensuring that a true statistical sampling of biologic tissue is performed.