Ultrasonic needle

Bone biopsy is an invasive clinical procedure where a bone sample is taken to aid the diagnosis of a medical condition. Presently, significant force is required to extract the sample which can lead to tissue damage and patient discomfort. A vibrating ultrasonic biopsy needle has been developed to reduce tissue damage and patient discomfort by minimising the force applied. 

‌

 

This image shows the the change in the needle design.

The prototype ultrasonic needle is tuned to vibrate at 23 000 cycles per second (Hertz), this causes the tip to deform and generate a piston-like motion, shown above. The movement generated at the needle tip is only 0.1 mm, but this is sufficient to penetrate the hard outer layer of bone.

CT scans of hard bone sample show the difference in the two needles. The sample taken with the existing biopsy needle is shortened and twisted (left image). This is consistent with a high force being applied. The sample taken with the ultrasonic needle has a uniform cylindrical profile and shows no evidence of distortion (right image). This is consistent with the application of a small force.

Find out more about Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow.

This CT scan is off a bone sample taken from soft bone.  The gaps in the bone are where the bone marrow would be.

The researchers are collaborating with clinicians and medical device industries in researching these surgical devices for cutting hard and soft biological tissues. The research aims to characterise the behaviours of ultrasonic cutting tools that can deliver precise and accurate cuts while controlling temperature to minimise the zone of cell death around the cut site and hence aid post-operative recovery.


Find out more about Ultrasonics at the University of Glasgow.

 

Funded by
‌

Partners:

‌
‌
‌
‌
‌

Empowerment pants

Future cities

Gravitational waves

Playlist for life

Precision medicine

Rookie oven

Top to toe technology

Ultrasonic needle