Reusable Biopsy device
Specialized medical tool used to collect tissue samples
Due to severe economical constraints, repurposing of medical devices becomes an unavoidable practice to address resource limitations. Unregulated repurposing or reuse of single-use medical devices leads to Compromised Safety, Inaccurate Diagnosis, Operational Inefficiency. Single-use disposable biopsy devices are not designed in accordance to sterilization protocols.
We aimed at finding a sustainable long term solution which would be dedicatedly designed to address the healthcare challenges of low to mid income areas.
Angle Control
Cost effectiveness and scalability being the primary driving goals, constraints of selected materials and the manufacturing processes had a significant impact on shaping the form of the device.
Users can dynamically make informed decisions about adjust their balance by shifting their weight in response to the visual feedback provided by the system. Helping them make more informed decisions to commute efficiently.
For avoiding costly rework I ensured that the new solution is compatibility with internal mechanisms by identifying spaces and volumes which can be used to develop further functionality and refine the ergonomics and handling.
Impact we achieved: 80% reduction in material cost of procedure for patients
The patients now have to bare only the cost of replacable needles (~Rs300) instead of the entire disposable device (~Rs1600)
Creating a form that prioritizes ergonomics, usability, and functionality within the possibilities offered by aluminum extrusion
Button is ergonomically designed to be operated by the index finger and allows for precise control over the angle of access to the tumor lesion. It enables the doctor to adjust the device for optimal positioning and approach from different angles.
This button, operated by the thumb, provides the ability to control and adjust the device's position during the procedure. It allows for fine-tuning of the device's placement and ensures stability and accuracy when accessing the tumour lesion.
This trigger, also operated by the thumb, facilitates the transition to a precision grip for delicate and precise movements. It enhances control and dexterity while performing intricate tasks related to the biopsy procedure, such as needle insertion or sample extraction.
Haptics, sensitivity and resistance of trigger-buttons
Human factors and safety mechanisms
Safety toggle
Assess the readiness of the device at a glance
Position Control
Precision Grip
Finding the right balance for button sensitivity was a crucial. Buttons that are too sensitive and soft may lead to unintended firing and potential injuries, while buttons that are too hard to press can result in shaky movements, compromising precision, control, and stability during device handling.
The contour of the latch lever mechanism were designed to achieve the accurate release resistance of the trigger, ensuring a balanced sensitivity of the buttons.
Shortcomings of the first iteration became apparent during user testing, as doctors experienced discomfort, fatigue, and thumb pain while cranking the device.
Further, the handle's protruded form hindered seamless grip transitions, exacerbating the issue during multiple procedures.
Improving the experience of loading the biopsy device
The internal mechanism of the device necessitated the doctor to manually exert a pull force of 2.1 kg to activate the spring-loaded mechanism, enabling the precise firing of the coaxial needles at specific speed and intervals.
To enhance user safety and prevent of accidental misfiring were implemented. I designed clear visual and tactile indicators to signify the locked and unlocked states, ensuring users can easily determine the safety status at a glance.
When the toggle is flipped, a red dot is revealed, indicating a locked state for enhanced safety. Conversely, flipping the toggle to unveil a green dot signifies an unlocked gun, activating the trigger buttons for seamless operation.
The device incorporates a dual-loading mechanism, requiring two loading procedures for complete activation of the coaxial needles. To ensure accurate loading and prevent human error, green dots strategically appear at these locations, providing a clear visual indication of the loaded state for each needle.
To protect the internal mechanisms from potential damage caused by excessive force applied while pulling the lever for loading the mechanism.
Motion restrictor
Fine-tuning mechanism was designed to empower doctors in extracting samples from difficult-to-reach tumor lesions with accuracy and precision.
Rotating the knob allows for the adjustable stroke length of the coaxial needles, offering a versatile range of 10mm to 20mm for extracting tissue samples.
By providing this increased level of control, doctors can optimise their approach based on the specific characteristics of each lesion, ensuring precise and tailored sampling.
Company
Tenon Medictech x IIT Bombay
Role
Industrial Design
Research
Prototyping
Biopsy device is a specialized medical tool used to extract tissue samples from the body to investigate abnormal lesions, aiding in the diagnosis of various medical conditions such as cancer.
This initiative aimed at medical professionals operating in low-mid income communities to maximize utilization of resources and derive ethical economic benefits while empowering patients to access affordable, quality diagnose of cancer.