Tissue Sampling Device with Doppler Vessel Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy procedures for obtaining tissue samples from remote body regions are invasive, pose risks of damaging surrounding tissues and blood vessels, and require significant manual dexterity, leading to complications and reduced success rates due to the complexity of devices and challenges in accessing deep or tortuous anatomical sites.
Innovation Solution
A tissue sampling system with a flexible sheath and shaft, a coring tip for tissue penetration, and a handle assembly allowing single-handed operation, equipped with a Doppler catheter for blood vessel detection and adjustable penetration depth, enabling safe and efficient core tissue sampling from remote sites with reduced risk of collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a minimally invasive biopsy procedure is used to access remote body regions, then patient safety and reduced recovery time are improved, but the ability to obtain adequate tissue samples is worsened due to device deflection and trajectory control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a stylet that can be dynamically advanced relative to the needle shaft during the biopsy procedure. The stylet provides structural support during navigation through tortuous anatomy, then can be retracted or removed to allow the cutting edge to engage the target tissue effectively, adapting the device's mechanical properties to different procedural phases
Solution Approach 2:
The biopsy device is divided into separable components including the needle shaft, stylet, and cutting mechanism. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function and enables the stylet to be positioned at different depths relative to the cutting edge, providing control over tissue engagement while maintaining navigation flexibility
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex biopsy device with multiple components is used to improve tissue sampling capability, then sampling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines the stylet and needle shaft into a single integrated assembly where the stylet is pre-positioned within the shaft. This merging eliminates the need for separate manipulation of multiple components during the critical biopsy moment, allowing the physician to control tissue engagement through a single coordinated action while maintaining the functional benefits of both components
3Ease of operation
If slow device advancement is used to maintain control during biopsy, then trajectory control is improved, but cutting effectiveness is worsened due to tissue collapse and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables a periodic action pattern where the stylet is advanced to provide support during navigation, then retracted or removed in a controlled manner to enable rapid cutting engagement. This rhythmic alternation between support mode and cutting mode allows both controlled advancement and effective tissue sampling without compromising either trajectory control or cutting effectiveness
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 system allows for precise and safe tissue sampling from remote body regions, minimizing the risk of injury and improving the success rate of biopsy procedures by enabling flexible navigation through tortuous anatomy and real-time blood vessel detection, thus reducing complications and enhancing the ease of use for physicians.
Implementation Method 1
equipped with a Doppler catheter for blood vessel detection
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices, and systems are described herein that allow for improved sampling of tissue from remote sites in the body. A tissue sampling device comprises a handle allowing single hand operation. In one variation the tissue sampling device includes a blood vessel scanning means and tissue coring means to excise a histology sample from a target site free of blood vessels. The sampling device also includes an adjustable stop to control the depth of needle penetration. The sampling device may be used through a working channel of a bronchoscope.