Lung biopsies are performed to diagnose lung cancer; however, biopsy needles can cause pneumothorax (collapsed lungs) due to positive pressure in the space between the lung and the chest wall. This needle includes a vacuum port to suck out the air leaked into this space and prevent pneumothorax. The vacuum remains in place after the biopsy to ensure the lung stays expanded during healing.
Student team
Makoto Dodo
Parker Johnson
Visak C V Kumar
Brandon Nguyen
Mentoring team
Keith Chan, MD, MS (Radiology)
Bruce Lehnert, MD (Radiology)
Eric Monroe, MD (Radiology)
Jonathan Posner, PhD (Mechanical Engineering)
Year
Continuing project
No