Vacuum Assisted Sampling Mechanism for Reliable Tissue Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue sampling methods, such as transbronchial needle aspiration, are unreliable due to minimal vacuum application and tissue entrapment issues, requiring additional personnel and equipment for air injection to dislodge stuck samples, which complicates the procedure and risks sample damage.
Innovation Solution
A pumping-syringe device with a valve section allowing controlled vacuum application and sample expulsion without disconnection, featuring a syringe section, valve section, and fitting section with one-way and three-way valves, enabling incremental vacuum control and sample retrieval without damaging the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vacuum syringe is used to draw tissue into the needle, then tissue extraction is improved, but the vacuum action stops once the syringe retracts and cannot handle fluid interference
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a pump mechanism that creates periodic vacuum cycles rather than continuous vacuum. The pump alternates between creating vacuum to draw tissue into the needle and releasing vacuum to prevent fluid interference, enabling repeated extraction cycles that maintain reliability over time
Solution Approach 2:
The pump mechanism automatically manages the vacuum cycles without requiring operator intervention to reconnect devices or adjust settings. The system self-regulates the vacuum application and release, maintaining continuous operation while handling fluid interference autonomously
2Ease of operation
If a stylet is used to push out stuck tissue, then sample expulsion is achieved, but the sample may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses pneumatic pressure through the pump mechanism to expel stuck tissue from the needle. Instead of mechanical contact with a stylet, the system applies controlled air pressure to push the tissue out, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Air pressure serves as an intermediary between the operator's pumping action and the stuck tissue. This intermediate pneumatic force gently pushes the tissue out without direct mechanical contact, preventing sample damage while achieving expulsion
3Reliability
If air injection is used to dislodge stuck samples, then sample retrieval is improved, but additional personnel and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism combines multiple functions into a single device: it creates vacuum for tissue extraction, maintains vacuum during the procedure, and provides pneumatic pressure for sample expulsion. This integration eliminates the need for separate air injection equipment and personnel, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining retrieval reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The single pump mechanism performs multiple functions throughout the procedure - vacuum generation for aspiration, vacuum maintenance during sampling, and pressure application for expulsion. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized devices, simplifying the overall procedure
4Quantity of substance
If back and forth needle technique is used to pack tissue, then tissue collection is achieved, but vacuum application is minimal and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism establishes and maintains vacuum pressure before and during the needle insertion and tissue collection process. This preliminary vacuum application ensures that tissue is actively drawn into the needle rather than relying on minimal pressure from mechanical packing techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The pump provides continuous vacuum pressure throughout the entire tissue collection process, maintaining consistent force on the tissue. This continuous pressure application is more effective than the intermittent, minimal pressure generated by back-and-forth needle manipulation
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 allows for efficient and controlled tissue sampling by increasing vacuum pressure with each pump stroke, enabling more reliable tissue collection and incremental sample expulsion, reducing the need for additional personnel and equipment while minimizing sample damage.
Implementation Method 1
A first one-way valve, a second one-way valve
Implementation Method 2
a 3-way valve and a connector tube. A first port of the first junction sealably connects to the first port of the syringe section
Implementation Method 3
the stylet inside the needle is pulled back which may help draw tissue into the needle due to creation of reduced pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary pumping-syringe device for allowing an operator to control a vacuum in a medical device and to expel samples without disconnecting the pumping-syringe device from the medical device. The pumping-syringe device includes a syringe section, a valve section that sealably connects to the syringe and a fitting section connected to the syringe section and the valve section and detachably connects to the medical device. The valve section includes two modes of operation. A first mode of operation allows fluid flow in a first direction between the syringe section and an external environment and a second mode of operation allows fluid flow in a second direction between the syringe section and the external environment.