Vacuum-Assisted Biopsy Device Tissue Sampling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current biopsy devices often fail to obtain sufficient and quality tissue samples, leading to inconclusive diagnostic reports and the need for repeated procedures or more invasive surgeries.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy device with a cutting element mounted to a handpiece, featuring a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly, where a vacuum chamber is used to draw tissue into the sample opening while the outer cannula severs the tissue, ensuring a consistent and sufficient tissue core collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a needle is used to pass over the tissue opening during biopsy, then the tissue can be accessed, but the needle pushes the tissue away from the tissue opening resulting in insufficient sample quality and volume

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue sample volumeVSAvoidtissue access
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies pneumatic principles by using vacuum pressure to draw tissue into the tissue opening. The vacuum source creates negative pressure that actively pulls tissue toward the opening, counteracting the pushing effect of the needle and ensuring sufficient tissue sample volume is obtained during the biopsy procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If the needle is advanced to cover the tissue opening to sever tissue, then a tissue sample can be obtained, but the sample quality is inferior and too small for conclusive diagnosis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic conclusivenessVSAvoidtissue sample size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by using vacuum pressure that actively draws tissue into the opening during the severing process. This continuous vacuum application ensures that tissue is pulled into the opening as the needle advances, providing real-time feedback that maintains sufficient sample size and quality for reliable diagnostic conclusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If a conventional biopsy device is used, then the procedure can be performed, but repeated procedures or invasive surgeries are needed due to inconclusive results

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic efficiencyVSAvoidtime for repeated procedures
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent improves diagnostic efficiency by incorporating vacuum pressure that ensures sufficient tissue sample collection in a single procedure. The pneumatic vacuum system actively draws tissue into the opening, guaranteeing adequate sample volume and quality that enables conclusive diagnosis, thereby eliminating the need for repeated procedures or invasive surgeries and reducing overall procedural time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 consistently obtains high-quality tissue samples, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for repeated procedures or invasive surgeries.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber which is delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen, in use the vacuum causes tissue to be drawn into and maintained in the tissue opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2131745B1Vacuum assisted biopsy device
Publication Date: 2012.04.11 SUROS SURGICAL SYSTEMS INC
  • EP2131745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2131745B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2131745B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A biopsy device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element mounted to a handpiece and a vacuum chamber. The cutting element comprises a stylet assembly and an outer cannula assembly. The stylet assembly includes a stylet that includes an open proximal end and a tissue opening at a distal end thereof. The tissue receiving opening is in communication with a lumen extending through the stylet. The outer cannula assembly includes an outer cannula that is slidably mounted over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. The stylet is selectively advanced distally outwardly with respect to outer cannula to expose the tissue opening to targeted tissue. The outer cannula is selectively advanced over the tissue opening to sever tissue, while vacuum is generated in the vacuum chamber and delivered to the tissue opening through the lumen. The vacuum causes tissue to be drawn into and maintained in the tissue opening while the outer cannula severs tissue to obtain a biopsy core.