Enhanced Biopsy Device with Improved Aspiration Valve and Instrument Set
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept relates to a biopsy device with an improved aspiration valve and instrument set, designed to reduce tissue fragmentation, improve sample quality, and enhance overall efficiency and safety in tissue sampling procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original biopsy device patent disclosed a method of operating a biopsy apparatus with an aspiration valve. However, the device had limitations, such as potential tissue damage, cross-contamination, and instrument slippage. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing an improved aspiration valve, a reusable instrument set with an integrated cleaning system, an enhanced instrument set housing with a textured surface, and a modified outer cannula with a tapered distal end.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced biopsy device features an improved aspiration valve that reduces tissue fragmentation during aspiration, resulting in higher-quality samples. The reusable instrument set includes an integrated cleaning system to minimize cross-contamination between procedures. The instrument set housing has a textured surface to improve grip and reduce slippage during handling. Additionally, the modified outer cannula has a tapered distal end, facilitating smoother tissue penetration and reducing trauma to surrounding tissue. The device also incorporates an integrated sensor to detect and alert the user to potential tissue damage during the sampling process.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a combination of features that are not present in the original patent. The improved aspiration valve, reusable instrument set with an integrated cleaning system, enhanced instrument set housing, modified outer cannula, and integrated sensor collectively provide a novel and non-obvious solution to the limitations of the original device.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in the design of the aspiration valve, instrument set housing, and outer cannula. For example, the aspiration valve could be replaced with a different type of valve or the instrument set housing could be made of a different material. Additionally, the integrated sensor could be replaced with a different type of sensor or the device could be designed for use in different types of tissue sampling procedures.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced biopsy device has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the fields of diagnostic medicine and tissue sampling. The device's improved features and functionality could make it an attractive option for healthcare providers and researchers, leading to increased adoption and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B10/0275 |
| A | A61 | A61B10/0283 |
| A | A61 | A61B2010/0208 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically biopsy instrumentation and tissue sampling technologies, requiring advanced biomedical engineering or medical device design expertise with knowledge of surgical instrument mechanics and tissue interaction principles
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with advanced degree, experience in surgical instrument design, understanding of tissue sampling techniques, familiarity with mechanical valve systems and medical device ergonomics
Obviousness Rationale
A person having ordinary skill would recognize that the PTD's variations represent predictable engineering improvements to the source patent's biopsy device, utilizing standard design optimization techniques and known methods for enhancing medical instrument performance and user experience.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,171 |
|---|---|
| Title | Biopsy device with aspiration valve |
| Assignee(s) | Hologic, Inc. |