Variable Positioning Biopsy Volume for Lesion Targeting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current breast biopsy methods face challenges with precision, repeatability, patient comfort, and adaptability to varying breast sizes and lesion locations, particularly due to fixed biopsy volumes and manual manipulation requirements.

Innovation Solution

A biopsy device with a variable positioning system that allows for 3D localization and automated movement of the biopsy sampler within a dynamically positioned biopsy volume, enabling precise targeting of lesions regardless of their location and breast size, without requiring extensive patient or breast manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed biopsy volume is used with automated biopsy sampler moving, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy sampler positioning precisionVSAvoidadaptability to varying breast sizes and lesion locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable paddle that can be repositioned along the detector surface, transforming the fixed biopsy volume into a dynamic one. The paddle position is adjusted based on lesion location and breast morphology, allowing the biopsy volume to adapt to different anatomical variations while maintaining automated sampler precision within the volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameters of the biopsy volume by moving the paddle to different locations on the detector. This parameter adjustment allows the same automated biopsy sampler to operate precisely across multiple positions, accommodating various breast sizes and lesion locations without compromising positioning accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the biopsy volume is centered in X direction parallel to chest wall, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy volume positioning precisionVSAvoidbreast manipulation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring the radiologist to manipulate the breast to fit the fixed biopsy volume, the invention inverts the approach by moving the biopsy volume (via paddle repositioning) to fit the breast and lesion. This reversal eliminates complex breast manipulation while maintaining precise biopsy volume positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a fixed paddle with unique fixed biopsy volume is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy device structure simplicityVSAvoidaccommodation of extreme breast sizes and lesion positions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The paddle is designed with movable capability along the detector surface, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This added degree of freedom allows the same simple paddle structure to accommodate multiple breast sizes and lesion positions, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If manual biopsy sampler moving is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebiopsy sampler manipulation easeVSAvoidbiopsy sampler positioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the manual manipulation approach by automating the biopsy sampler movement within the biopsy volume while making the paddle position adjustable. This maintains the precision benefits of automation while improving operational flexibility through the movable paddle design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3148471B1Method and associated biopsy device

Publication Date: 2021.11.03 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

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AI summary

This invention relates to a biopsy method comprising automated moving of at least part of a biopsy sampler (6) within a biopsy volume (1), to perform a biopsy in a zone of interest (50) in a body, wherein said automated moving is preceded by variable positioning of said biopsy volume (1).