Invention:
This technology is a biopsy system utilizing bioimpedance guidance to overcome limitations of current needles used in biopsy procedures. The research also provides bioimpedance based electrical control of bleeding complications.
Background:
According to statistics published by the World Health Organization, cancer has become one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The global incidence of cancer in 2012 was 14.1 million and it is awaited to rise by 70.0% over the next two decades. Biopsy devices are used to collect samples from human patients. Guidance of needles is required in maximizing efficacy of, and minimizing complications of percutaneous procedures to get specific tissues. While the current standard of external imaging-based guidance (through x-rays/fluoroscopically/CT, medical ultrasound, or MRI) is very powerful, there are limitations.
Patients undergoing lung biopsy are often instructed to hold their breath while a CT scan is performed to determine if the trajectory of the needle is in line with the target lesion. However, many patients cannot reasonably hold their breath for the duration of the scan, let alone the brief time for interpretation of the scan including triangulating the trajectory of the needle and the target and then the time it takes for appropriate advancement of the needle to the target. During this interval from scan to needle advancement to the target, the needle tip moves with respirations and lung movement.
This technology aims to overcome the limitations to external guidance of needles with use of the electrodes to determine if the needle is heading in the right direction. The technology also provides bioimpedance-based electrical control of bleeding complications.
Applications:
Advantages:
- Ease of use
- Better biopsy needle guidance
- Control of bleeding complications
- Improved patient care
