Twisted Biopsy Marker with Angular Segments for Imaging Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biopsy markers face challenges in visibility and identification under various imaging techniques, particularly in breast tissue, due to artifacts produced by metallic materials and the need for clear differentiation from surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of twisted biopsy markers with specific angular orientations and shapes, including through holes and cut-outs, made from materials like stainless steel or titanium, which are designed to enhance visibility under x-ray, ultrasound, and MRI by reducing artifacts and providing recognizable artificial shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional biopsy markers are used, then the biopsy site can be marked, but the markers produce artifacts under imaging techniques making them difficult to distinguish from surrounding tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy marker employs an asymmetric twisted structure where the shaft is twisted at specific angles (e.g., 45 degrees) relative to the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric configuration creates distinct geometric patterns that are easily distinguishable from surrounding tissue while minimizing artifact generation. The twisted portions are positioned at specific locations along the shaft to optimize visibility across multiple imaging planes.
Solution Approach 2:
The marker transitions from a simple linear structure to a three-dimensional twisted configuration. By introducing angular orientation in addition to linear extension, the marker creates multiple projection patterns under different imaging angles. The twisted shaft portions extend in different spatial dimensions, providing recognizable geometric features that remain visible regardless of imaging orientation.
2Strength
If metallic materials are used for biopsy markers, then the markers are durable and can be implanted, but they create artifacts that reduce visibility under imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The biopsy marker utilizes a composite structure combining metallic material (such as stainless steel or titanium alloy) for the shaft to provide durability and implantability, with strategic through-holes and twisted geometries that reduce artifact generation. The metallic material maintains structural integrity while the modified geometry minimizes radiographic interference.
3Ease of manufacture
If the marker has a simple shape, then it is easy to manufacture, but it is difficult to distinguish from surrounding tissue under imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The marker shaft is segmented into multiple twisted portions at different locations along its length. Each twisted portion creates distinct geometric features that enhance visibility. The segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing through sequential twisting operations while creating complex visual patterns that are easily distinguishable from surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The twisted geometry of the marker creates varying radiographic densities and contrast patterns under imaging. The angular orientations of twisted portions produce characteristic projection patterns that appear as distinct 'geometric signatures' on imaging, effectively creating visual differentiation without requiring material color changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A biopsy marker may include three shaped portions arranged sequentially along an axis, each shaped portion having a first surface and a second surface parallel to the first surface. A first narrow portion connects a first of the three shaped portions to a second of the three shaped portions. A second narrow portion connects the second of the three shaped portions to a third of the three shaped portions. The first narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the first shaped portion is at a first angle to the first surface of the second shaped portion. The second narrow portion is twisted about the axis such that the first surface of the second shaped portion is at a second angle to the first surface of the third shaped portion.