Niloufer doctor gets patent for multi-functional biopsy device, useful for cancer diagnosis

Hyderabad: It took almost seven years for interventional radiologist Dr Raviteja Athukuri to get patent rights from the Government of India for his invention, said to be the first of its kind multi-functional biopsy device in the world.

Mainly used in the diagnosis of cancer, this device, fitted with adjustable needles can help collect samples from the patient for biopsy as well as for Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC), a technique used for diagnosing breast cancer and testing swellings for lymphoma, tuberculosis and other diseases. What’s more, the process of extracting samples of the tumour or lesion for pathological studies under a microscope can be done using local anaesthesia.

Integrated sample collection for biopsy and FNAC under local anaesthesia

The device integrates two types of sample collection methods: biopsy and FNAC.

Elaborating on his invention, Dr Raviteja, who is currently an assistant professor of radiology at Niloufer Hospital, said, “Usually, samples of various sizes - small, large and microscopic are collected for diagnosis by repeating the process multiple times, which is both time-consuming and taxing for the patient. Using a multi-functional biopsy device, all types of samples can be drawn in one go, under local anaesthesia. The three needles fitted to the device can be adjusted to a particular size and depth to collect the samples from precise points, avoiding perforation and internal vascular bleeding. Anaesthesia can be administered at a deeper level and required depth, with the help of the long, adjustable needles. Ultrasound technique is used to check the location, depth, size and other details about the lesion.”

Needles are also used to remove excess fluid in the brain.

“Newborns are sometimes found with fluid accumulation in their brain. With the help of the needle, the fluid can be removed, an ultrasound can be done for further assessment of the problem and medication can be prescribed by the treating neonatologist,” pointed out Dr Raviteja.

Journey from 2017-2024

Dr Raviteja said that he invented the device in 2017 while working at MNR Medical College. Earlier, the concept came to his mind while he was doing a residency at NIMS in 2016. “Other scientists including Dr Viswanath and researchers encouraged and guided me while a company called Patentwire helped with the data work and my project was sent for approval. My family, including my parents, wife and children also supported me all along and they motivated me to start my ‘biopsy gun’ project,” the radiologist said.

Commercial manufacture will reduce cost of biopsy

“Usually, imported biopsy devices are used in the country and a biopsy costs at least Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000. If this device can be manufactured on a commercial scale and used for collecting samples, the cost will come down to Rs 400-Rs 500 in the country,” he said.

“I would welcome help from the authorities and experts concerned to make physical models of the device on a commercial scale for use in diagnostic centres and hospitals. The practical application will require permissions and many more clinical trials,” said Dr Raviteja, who wants to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based projects in future for use in medical diagnostics.

Multiple reviews

When asked about the delay of several years in getting the patent, Dr Raviteja said, “Initially, the team sent to find out about the device raised objections about its uniqueness because biopsy devices are found everywhere. I had to convince them that this is a multi-functional device allowing different techniques of sample collection (biopsy and FNAC) using needles of adjustable sizes and local anaesthesia. Finally, they were satisfied and granted me the patent about a week ago.”

Dr Raviteja had been an alumnus of Siddhartha Medical College and Annamalai University and did his senior residency at NIMS, Hyderabad. He suffered a brain injury due to a major road accident when he was hit by a bus, which cost him two academic years. The doctor completed his MBBS in 2010 and his PG in 2016.