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Apparatus for Harvesting Tissue Microcolumns
Published on: October 25, 2018
Novel needle cutting edge geometry for end-cut biopsy
Jason Z Moore1, Patrick W McLaughlin, Albert J Shih
1Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pennsylvania 16802, USA. jzm14@psu.edu
Medical Physics
|January 10, 2012
Summary
The novel enhanced cutting edge (ECE) needle design significantly improves biopsy sample length and reduces insertion force compared to traditional needles. Vacuum application further enhances these benefits, optimizing tissue acquisition.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Technology
- Biopsy Techniques
Background:
- Traditional biopsy needles face limitations in sample acquisition and insertion force.
- Optimizing needle tip geometry is crucial for improving biopsy efficiency and patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate the performance of a novel enhanced cutting edge (ECE) needle tip design.
- To compare the biopsy length and cutting force of ECE needles against conventional designs.
Main Methods:
- Comparative experimental analysis of ECE and regular two-plane symmetric needle tips using bovine liver tissue.
- Varying internal needle vacuum levels were applied during insertion experiments.
- An established needle tip force model was utilized to analyze forces.
Main Results:
- ECE needles yielded significantly longer biopsy samples (22-49% increase) compared to regular needles across different vacuum levels.
- Vacuum application further increased biopsy sample length for ECE needles (up to 45% longer).
- ECE needles demonstrated reduced initial insertion force, especially when the tip fully contacted tissue; vacuum also lowered forces.
Conclusions:
- The ECE needle tip design offers superior performance, producing longer biopsy samples and requiring lower insertion forces.
- Higher inclination angles in needle geometry enhance tissue cutting efficiency.
- Vacuum assistance is a valuable adjunct for improving ECE needle performance.
