Vacuum Assisted Handheld Biopsy Device Tissue Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld biopsy devices either lack vacuum assistance, resulting in insufficient tissue collection or require larger, more invasive needles to facilitate vacuum operation, compromising precision and invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A handheld biopsy device with a vacuum-assisted mechanism that includes a stylet slideable within a cannula, an actuator for driving the stylet or cannula, and a pushbutton to release the stylet or cannula, coupled with a vacuum source and ambient air opening to provide suction for tissue collection, ensuring efficient tissue sampling without tissue being sucked into the stylet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If vacuum assistance is added to handheld biopsy device, then tissue collection amount is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum source is integrated directly into the handheld biopsy device housing, merging the vacuum function with the existing biopsy mechanism. This consolidation adds vacuum assistance for improved tissue collection while avoiding the complexity of separate external vacuum systems and their connecting infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pushbutton component serves dual functions: it acts as the release mechanism for the stylet/cannula and simultaneously serves as the ambient air opening control for the vacuum system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, adding vacuum capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If larger needle is used to facilitate vacuum operation, then vacuum assistance is improved, but invasiveness worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid flow path is introduced as an intermediary element between the vacuum source and the tissue collection portion. This flow path, formed by the stylet structure and insertion member, allows vacuum pressure to be transmitted effectively to pull tissue into the collection area without requiring the needle itself to be enlarged, thus maintaining minimal invasiveness while achieving effective tissue collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic pressure differentials created by the vacuum source to draw tissue into the collection portion through the fluid flow path. This pneumatic mechanism enables effective tissue collection with a small needle by utilizing pressure gradients rather than mechanical force from a larger needle, reducing invasiveness while maintaining collection efficiency.
3Productivity
If vacuum suction is applied to tissue collection portion, then tissue collection efficiency is improved, but risk of tissue being sucked into stylet increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is designed with differentiated local qualities: the main body provides structural support while a specific region (the fluid flow path formed by the insertion member) allows controlled fluid and tissue passage. The tissue collection portion has a specific geometry that guides tissue toward the collection area rather than allowing it to be drawn into the stylet hollow portion, enabling efficient collection while preventing tissue loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is preloaded with the stylet and cannula in a controlled configuration before use. The insertion member is positioned in advance to establish the fluid flow path that will guide tissue during vacuum activation. This preliminary positioning ensures that when vacuum is applied, tissue follows the predetermined path into the collection portion rather than being randomly drawn into the stylet, improving efficiency while preventing tissue loss.
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 device effectively collects up to 80% more tissue per sample while maintaining a smaller, less invasive needle size, enhancing sampling efficiency and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source in communication with the stylet via a first path; and an ambient air opening in selective communication with the vacuum source via a second path, wherein the coupling of the hollow tube portion and the tissue collection portion provides a fluid flow path sufficient to provide a vacuum suction to the tissue collection portion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A vacuum assisted handheld biopsy device having a housing, a stylet slideable within a cannula, the stylet having a hollow tube portion and a tissue collection portion coupled together, an actuator slideable within the housing for driving at least one of the stylet and the cannula, a vacuum source in communication with the stylet, and an ambient air opening in selective communication with the vacuum source. The coupling of the hollow tube portion with the tissue collection portion provides a fluid flow path sufficient to provide a vacuum suction to the tissue collection portion.