Minimally Invasive Tissue Evaluation Device Using Negative Pressure and Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for evaluating tissue biomechanical properties are invasive, complex, and insufficient for dynamic in vivo assessments, particularly in reaching deep tissue sites and providing reliable data without tissue immobilization.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive device with a longitudinally extending sidewall and embedded electrode pairs that apply negative pressure and optional positive stress, allowing for the measurement of electric or magnetic field parameters to assess tissue biomechanics, combined with an indenter for enhanced evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If optical instruments and cameras are used to measure tissue deformation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue deformation measurementVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex optical measurement systems with a simpler electrical measurement system. Electrode pairs measure tissue deformation through changes in electrical impedance or capacitance as tissue is drawn into the aspiration tube, eliminating the need for mirrors and camera arrays while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical field as an intermediary between the aspiration tube and the measurement system. The electrode pairs create an electrical field that interacts with the tissue during aspiration, allowing deformation measurement through electrical parameter changes rather than direct optical observation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If electrode array is used to evaluate bone tissues, then measurement capability is improved, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue evaluation capabilityVSAvoidapplication range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrode pair system universal by designing it to work with various tissue types including soft tissues, bone tissues, and cartilage. The basic electrode configuration can evaluate different tissues under aspiration conditions, and the system can be adapted for both in vitro and in vivo applications across multiple medical fields

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If indenter is used to apply positive stress on tissue, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiomechanical evaluationVSAvoidtissue immobilization requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional approach by applying negative pressure (suction) to draw tissue into the tube rather than using positive stress with an indenter. This inversion eliminates the need for tissue immobilization because the tissue is naturally secured by the suction force, making the device easier to operate in vivo

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

Enables reliable, low-profile, and minimally invasive in vivo tissue evaluation, differentiating tissue states effectively by combining multiple evaluation techniques and providing precise biomechanical data without tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum source adapted to apply negative pressure to the tested tissue so as to draw the tested tissue into the internal lumen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a distal electrode pair disposed within the internal lumen, the electrode pair defining an electric or magnetic field; and a detector operatively connected to the distal electrode pair to detect at least one parameter associated with the electric or magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric or magnetic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

an indenter adapted to apply a positive stress on the tissue within the sidewall to further evaluate its biological or biomechanical character

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPositive stress: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10820825B2Method and device for evaluation of local tissue's biological or biomechanical character

Publication Date: 2020.11.03 CORNELL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A device for evaluation of a tissue's biological or biomechanical character is disclosed. The device uses negative pressure to draw a portion of the tissue across one or more electrode pairs disposed within the device. By measuring one or more parameters associated with an electric or magnetic field defined by the electrode pairs, in vivo evaluation of the tissue's biological or biomechanical character may be achieved in a minimally invasive manner. The device may also include an indenter to apply a positive stress on the tissue within the sidewall to further evaluate its biological or biomechanical character. A method of using the device is also disclosed.