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IncisionTech lowers penetration force for biopsy procedure
A major OEM surgical device company was having problems getting a new version of their biopsy device accepted in the market. It did not become obvious until after the new product launched that the device performance was actually inferior to their prior device. The biopsy device utilizes a custom needle / introducer to penetrate the skin surface and remove a precise amount of suspicious tissue for further lab testing. The mechanical design of the device dictated that the special needle / introducer penetrate the skin surface and underlying tissue with minimum deflection and tissue damage so as to aid in the most accurate positioning for removal of the target tissue sample.
The production of the new biopsy devices had been moved to an off-shore source in search of lower total device cost. The OEM had not realized that the critical components for this device would lack the level of precision sharpness required for the biopsy device to function properly.
IncisionTech was contacted to evaluate current needles in the IncisionLab and develop a rework process that would get the devices functioning asap. Using rapid prototyping capability the new production needles were reworked using an alternative cutting edge generation process. The new process consisted of precision grinding the points of the needles on proprietary / custom, CNC sharpening equipment. This new process lowered the actual penetration force by more than 50%!
Results for the OEM device company were amazing! The product was re-launched into the market and was very well accepted. IncisionTech continues to be the supplier of choice for reworking the off-shore product that fails to perform as needed. All problems associated with the high penetration force and tissue deflection were totally eliminated along with any concern for additional tissue damage.
If you want to get more value from your medical device design, then call us at 1-800-213-7809 for help in simplifying your design.
We can also be reached by fax: 1-800-742-7741
Additional case studies are provided to illustrate how IncisionTech has become the Center of Excellence by improving patient outcomes.
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