Current skin biopsy techniques utilizing a punch biopsy device can leave raised scars. With 3.8 million procedures per year, the potential marketability of a superior device is substantial. The goal of this project is to design an elliptical biopsy punch that is easy to use and minimizes scarring. Mechanical testing on porcine skin determined the force required to breach the skin using a #11 scalpel, a circular punch, and a novel blade design. The force required to penetrate the skin using the prototype was 17 lbs versus 4.3 lbs for the rotational punch. Initial force data has resulted in a final blade design that requires less force and includes fail-safes to prevent excessive depth penetration. The resulting wound has clean edges and is of proper dimensions for superior suturing layout.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Tacvorian, Edward Kalust
• Hall, Derek R.
• Weiner, David Aaron
• Wainwright, Matthew Joseph

Contributors

• Dunn, Raymond

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-043009-155135

Advisor

• Gaudette, Glenn R.

Year

• 2009

Sponsor

• University of Massachusetts Medical School

Date created

• 2009-04-30

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biomedical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright