Sample container for orienting and securing sample during imaging to reduce image artifacts

Abstract

Improved sample container embodiments for containing and supporting tissue samples during imaging are provided. These sample containers support a sample to prevent distortion due to gravity and / or forces exerted on the sample by elements of the containers themselves. Thus, the image generated for the sample more accurately reflects the geometry, composition and orientation of the sample in the body prior to removal. Such a sample container may include a compliant liner that may be formed from a sheet of material rather than a solid volume of foam or other material. This reduction in liner material in proximity to the sample may result in improved imaging of the sample. The sample container may also be comprised of a fluid impermeable material to prevent absorption of fluid from the sample, reduce sample deformation, and also reduce imaging of the container material due to absorption of fluid from the sample.

Description

Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 429,906, filed on December 2, 2022, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The content of U.S. Patent No. 8,605,975, filed on October 11, 2010, U.S. Application No. 2014 / 0161332, filed on December 2, 2013, U.S. Patent No. 9,189,871, filed on December 29, 2014, U.S. Patent No. 9,613,442, filed on November 5, 2015, International Application No. US18 / 52175, filed on September 21, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 562,138, filed on September 22, 2017, International Application PCT / US20 / 62462, filed on November 26, 2020, International Application PCT / US21 / 20020, filed on February 26, 2021, and International Application PCT / US23 / 19070, filed on April 19, 2023 is also incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] The treatment of various health conditions can include removing designated tissue from the body. For example, the treatment of certain cancers can include surgically removing one or more tumor masses from the body. Other conditions can be treated by removing other types of tissue, foreign bodies, or other masses from the body. When performing such removal, it is desirable to ensure complete removal of the target tissue while removing as little nearby healthy tissue as possible. In practice, a surgeon will typically remove additional tissue around the target to ensure complete removal of the target (e.g., to prevent recurrence due to continued growth of residual tumor tissue).

[0003] To improve patient health outcomes, excised tissue can be imaged to provide information to surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, or other healthcare professionals to determine whether additional tissue should be removed (or closely observed to provide additional information to determine whether further removal is indicated), to provide prognostic information (e.g., regarding postoperative care or follow - up procedures to verify complete removal of cancer or other spreading diseases), or for some other application.

[0004] However, the process of imaging such explanted tissue (e.g., placing them in a sample container for imaging, fixing, staining, sectioning, or otherwise treating them to allow a pathologist to perform microscopic or other analysis) can result in significant distortion and / or deformation of the explanted tissue. This can make it difficult for the images thus determined to correspond to the anatomical structure from which the sample was taken, preoperative images of such anatomical structure, or other information about the explanted tissue sample, which can be used to analyze the tissue sample, decide whether and where to remove additional tissue, or take certain other actions or analysis. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample container that includes: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; and (ii) a compliant liner disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant liner includes a sheet of material that is formed to at least partially enclose a portion of the first volume and define a sample receiving surface, wherein the sheet of material is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the sheet of material.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample container that includes: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; (ii) a compliant liner disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant liner defines a sample receiving surface, wherein the compliant liner is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the compliant liner; and (iii) a set of one or more labels disposed on at least one of the rigid member or the compliant liner, wherein the set of one or more labels clearly indicates a default orientation of a sample placed on the sample receiving surface.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sample container that includes: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; and (ii) a compliant liner disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant liner defines a sample receiving surface, wherein the compliant liner is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the compliant liner, and wherein the sample receiving surface of the compliant liner is impermeable to fluids from the sample.

[0008] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit of two or more sample containers, wherein each sample container includes a corresponding label that indicates a corresponding one of a listed set of two or more organs or tissues.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method, comprising: (i) imaging a sample contained within a sample container using an imaging system to generate imaging data thereof, wherein the sample container includes a set of one or more labels that explicitly indicate a default orientation of the sample placed within the sample container; and (ii) displaying an indication of the imaging data, wherein displaying the indication of the imaging data includes at least one of the following operations: (a) displaying an indication of the default orientation relative to the indication of the displayed imaging data, or (b) displaying the indication of the imaging data in an orientation aligned with the default orientation.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a non-transitory or transitory computer-readable medium configured to store at least computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform controller operations to execute the method of the above aspect.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system, the system comprising: (i) a controller including one or more processors; and (ii) a non-transitory or transitory computer-readable medium in which computer-readable instructions are stored, the computer-readable instructions causing the system to execute the method of the above aspect when executed by the one or more processors of the controller.

[0012] These and other aspects, advantages, and alternatives will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Further, it should be understood that the description provided in the present summary section and elsewhere in this document is intended to illustrate the claimed subject matter by way of example and not by way of limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1A Aspects of a sample container according to an example embodiment are depicted.

[0014] Figure 1B Depicts aspects of a Figure 1A sample container depicted in

[0015] Figure 2A Depicts a sample container and an imaging system according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2B Depicts aspects of a sample container according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 3 Depicts aspects of a sample container according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 4 Depicts aspects of a set of sample containers according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram showing some of the components in the components of an exemplary system.

[0020] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method according to an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0021] Examples of methods and systems are described herein. It should be understood that the terms "exemplary", "example", and "illustrative" are used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or feature described herein as "exemplary", "example", or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or features. Furthermore, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not meant to be limiting. It will be readily understood that certain aspects of the disclosed systems and methods can be arranged and combined in various different configurations.

[0022] I. Overview

[0023] Tissue samples (or other samples of interest) surgically removed from humans and animals are typically evaluated using optical, radiological (e.g., X-ray), nuclear magnetic, or other types of imaging. When imaging such samples, it is often desirable to know the anatomical orientation of the sample in the imaging data relative to the anatomical structure from which the sample was removed. For example, such anatomical orientation of the imaging data can help inform the removal of additional tissue in order to completely excise cancerous or other unwanted material from the body. However, such samples typically lack distinct recognizable anatomical landmarks. Additionally, the process of excising the sample and preparing it for imaging (e.g., by placing the sample on the stage of an imaging system, by placing the sample in a sample container, and then placing the sample container in the imaging system) can distort the tissue sample, making it more difficult to correlate the imaging data with the remaining anatomical structure.

[0024] Existing sample containers do not meet these needs and exhibit many drawbacks:

[0025] The orientation of the sample within the container is not marked;

[0026] The sample is not fixed to prevent deformation or movement during the imaging process;

[0027] Physical pressure can be applied to the sample and / or the sample can be deposited directly on the bottom of the container; thus, pressure from the container and / or due to gravity can compress, flatten, or otherwise distort the sample on one or more sides, thereby failing to maintain the original shape of the sample and resulting in inaccurate imaging-based assessment of the sample;

[0028] Liquid absorbent materials can be used to fix samples, which suck liquid out of the samples, dry the samples, and thus cause them to lose their original composition and shape, resulting in inaccurate assessment of the samples based on imaging;

[0029] Can come into direct contact with the sample in a way that causes undesirable image artifacts or makes it challenging to distinguish the sample from the container in the image (e.g., with materials of a specific composition), e.g., because water absorbed into the support material appears as an extension of the tissue sample in the imaging data; and / or

[0030] High-density materials can be employed, which can attenuate incident or emitted ionizing radiation, electromagnetic waves, or other imaging energy, thereby reducing image contrast, introducing image artifacts, or otherwise degrading image quality.

[0031] Provided herein are imaging-compatible sample containers and related systems and methods that exhibit various improvements over the prior art. Such sample containers can facilitate marking and / or tracking the orientation of samples contained therein during imaging. Such improved sample containers can also be configured to maintain the original shape and orientation of the samples while fixing the samples, reducing sample deformation and movement during imaging, and thus reducing image artifacts. As described herein, such sample containers and / or related embodiments can exhibit additional or alternative benefits.

[0032] The sample containers as described herein can include features that facilitate tracking the anatomical orientation of the sample in a manner that can be readily (e.g., automatically) applied to the imaging data generated by the sample contained therein. For example, the sample containers as described herein can include labels printed or otherwise disposed thereon / in thereof to guide a surgeon or other person on how to place a tissue sample therein. The orientation of such a sample container relative to the imaging system can then be measured and / or set such that the imaging data generated by the imaging system corresponds to the anatomical orientation of the sample (assuming the sample is placed in the sample container according to its markings). Such containers can be provided in groups to additionally (or alternatively) facilitate tracking of samples removed from corresponding groups of organs (e.g., from the right and left chests, or a designated group of lymph nodes, or from some other designated group of anatomical locations).

[0033] The sample containers as described herein can be configured to hold the sample deposited therein without significantly compressing or otherwise distorting the sample, and in a manner that prevents gravity from flattening or otherwise distorting the sample. This allows the sample to be imaged in a manner that more accurately reflects the composition and geometry of the sample as it existed in vivo (or other context) prior to removal and placement within the sample container. These benefits can be achieved by using a specified compliant material to form the liner or other sample contacting element of the container, by forming (e.g., thermoforming) the liner or other sample contacting element of the container to have a shape corresponding to the expected geometry of the sample and / or a shape that allows a stabilizing force to be applied to the sample without significantly distorting the sample, by using a formed sheet of material to contact the sample rather than a solid volume of foam or other material for the sample contacting element of the container, or by configuring the sample container in some other manner as described herein. In some examples, the liner or other sample contacting element can be formed to have a geometry specified for an organ, tissue, or sample, to facilitate imaging of a sample from such a specified anatomical structure without distorting the geometry of such sample.

[0034] The sample containers as described herein can be constructed from a non-absorbent material (e.g., a material that is non-absorbent in nature, a material having a surface coating of a sealant or other substance to prevent absorption) to prevent the sample from being distorted due to fluid loss and / or to prevent the material of the sample container from appearing as part of the sample due to absorption of fluid from the sample. This can result in improved image quality and increased ease of differentiating the sample (and its edges) from the elements of the container in its image.

[0035] The sample containers as described herein can be configured to separate the sample from the outer wall of the container, or otherwise isolate the sample from elements of the container and / or imaging device that might distort the energy (e.g., light, magnetic field, RF field, X-rays) used to image the sample, thereby improving image quality and increasing the ease of differentiating the sample (and its edges) from the elements of the container in its image. This can be done, for example, by forming the sample contacting pad of the sample container from a thin sheet material. The sample containers as described herein can also be composed of a low density material or a material that interacts minimally within the imaging energy, to reduce attenuation of incident or emitted ionizing radiation / electromagnetic waves / other imaging energy and reduce image artifacts. For larger samples, the sample container can include an extended lower wall or legs to ensure that the sample is elevated above the floor, stage, or other support features of the imaging device, to improve image quality (e.g., by ensuring that such a large sample is located within the "fovea" or other high sensitivity region of the imaging volume of the imaging system).

[0036] The sample containers as described herein can be compatible with in - situ fixation or other chemical or biological manipulations of the samples contained therein (e.g., by exposure to formalin). This can allow for a more direct comparison of images of samples made prior to such manipulations (e.g., 3D X - ray images of fresh, unfixed samples) with images made after such manipulations (e.g., microscopic and / or stained images of sections of samples after the samples have been stained and / or fixed in formalin or some other fixative). To facilitate such in - situ processing of the samples within the sample container, the sample container can be constructed of materials that are resistant or immune to reactions with the processing substances. Additionally or alternatively, the sample container can include surface treatments or coatings to prevent interaction of the processing substances with the sample container. Such a sample container can also include a lid or other element that is sealed to the remainder of the sample container in a waterproof (or otherwise sealed) manner to prevent leakage.

[0037] The embodiments described herein include an exemplary sample container that includes a rigid container with a lid, a set of low - density non - absorbent foam “pillows” or pads that contact the sample from one or more directions, and a set of oriented labels or markers printed or otherwise disposed on the rigid container and / or the pads. One example of such a sample container has a dual - pillow configuration, where one pillow is at the bottom of the rigid container and the other pillow is attached to the underside of the lid of the rigid container. This configuration avoids direct contact of the sample with the top and bottom of the container and reduces the proximity between the sample and the top and bottom of the container. Another example of such a sample container is a configuration where one or more pillows completely surround the sample and separate the sample from the rigid walls of the container. Such pillows can apply a light pressure to the sample to hold the sample in place during imaging without causing significant deformation or distortion of the sample. Such pillows can deform to conform to and maintain the original shape of the sample, thus avoiding a flattened surface or other distortion of the sample. Additionally, such pillows can prevent direct contact between the sample and the rigid container itself, reducing various imaging artifacts and / or allowing the rigid container to be made of materials that are less than ideal for imaging, allowing the sample to be more easily distinguishable from the sample container in its image. Also, the pressure applied by the pillows holds the sample in a generally centered position within the imaging device, which has desired imaging characteristics. Finally, the low - density materials (container walls and lid, oriented labels, and pillows) used in such an exemplary sample container reduce the attenuation of incident or emitted ionizing radiation / electromagnetic waves or other imaging energy, reducing image artifacts and improving image quality.

[0038] It should be understood that the above - described embodiments and other embodiments described herein are provided for purposes of explanation and are not intended to be limiting.

[0039] II. Exemplary Embodiments of Sample Containers

[0040] As described above, it is desirable to place a sample to be imaged (e.g., an explanted breast tissue that may include cancerous tissue) in a sample container that prevents distortion of the sample (e.g., flattening against a flat bottom of the container by gravity and allowing movement due to handling of the sample / sample container), while also minimally affecting imaging of the sample (e.g., minimally attenuating X-rays or other energy used to image the sample in the sample container). It may also be beneficial for such a sample container to provide additional functionality, such as facilitating determination and / or indication of the orientation of the sample prior to explant, facilitating calibration of the imaging system, and / or facilitating subsequent fixation or other preparation of the sample within the sample container.

[0041] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein provide a sample container and related embodiments that provide support for a sample contained therein without distorting the geometry of the sample. Such a container is composed of a material that exhibits a reduced interaction with the imaging energy (e.g., X-rays) and / or is configured to support the sample at a distance from an element of the container that does not exhibit such a reduced interaction. Such a container may also include a sample contact element that is impermeable to fluids contained in the sample (e.g., impermeable to water, hydrophobic) to avoid absorption of the fluid from the sample into the material of the container. This is beneficial because it prevents distortion of the sample due to loss of fluid into the container material, and it prevents the sample material from negatively affecting imaging of the sample by absorbing such fluid from the sample, thereby attenuating the imaging energy and / or making it more difficult to distinguish the sample from the portion of the container that has absorbed the fluid.

[0042] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Aspects of an example of such a sample container are shown. The example sample container includes a bottom 100a and an optional lid 100b. The bottom 100a includes a rigid member 110 that partially encloses a volume in which a sample (not shown) can be placed for imaging. The bottom 100a also includes a compliant pad 120 disposed within the volume enclosed by the rigid member 110 (in Figure 1BIn the depicted view, the compliant pad 120 has been removed from the rigid member 110). The compliant pad 120 is shaped to define a sample receiver surface 125 on which a sample can be placed. The compliant pad 120 is configured such that the compliant pad 120 supports the sample disposed thereon against deformation caused by gravity and further such that the force applied by the compliant pad 120 to the sample minimally distorts the sample. Accordingly, a sample imaged using such a sample container will more accurately represent the geometry and overall configuration of the sample prior to explant. The compliant pad 120 keeps the sample disposed thereon separate from the material of the rigid member 110 (e.g., the bottom plate, the curved wall). This can reduce the effect of the rigid member 110 and / or elements of the imaging system on which the rigid member 110 has been placed on the imaging of the sample (e.g., due to attenuation of X-rays or other imaging energy, due to evanescent coupling or other resonant effects associated with proximity between the sample and the rigid member / imaging system).

[0043] The compliant pad of a sample container as described herein can be composed of a solid volume of compliant material (e.g., viscoelastic foam). Alternatively, such a compliant pad can be composed of a sheet of material (e.g., which has been thermoformed to have a specified shape to provide a sample receiver surface of a specified geometry, etc.). Figure 1A and Figure 1B The compliant pad 120 is an example of such a compliant pad and is formed from a shaped sheet of material (e.g., a thermoformed sheet of compliant foam material). Using such a sheet of material to form one or more compliant pads of a sample container as described herein can provide a number of benefits. Such a sheet of material can be configured to provide support to the sample while reducing the amount of distorting force applied to the sample, thereby reducing the overall distortion of the sample when imaging the sample using such a sample container. Additionally, since the material of such a compliant pad is limited to the thickness of the sheet of material, there may be less overall material, thereby reducing the distortion of imaging energy (e.g., X-rays) used to image the sample through the compliant pad (e.g., by absorbing X-rays).

[0044] As shown in the figure, the material sheet of this compliant pad can be formed to have a concave surface on which the sample can be disposed. By providing this concave portion of the material sheet, where the middle of this portion has come into contact with the bottom plate under the enclosing rigid member of the sample container, the compliant pad can provide support for the sample against gravity without significantly distorting the sample, thereby improving the imaging of the sample. This benefit can be provided in the following ways: the shape of the concave surface is similar to the circular natural shape of the sample, and the concave surface portion of the material sheet has come into contact with the underlying rigid member; the contact between the material sheet and the rigid member prevents the sheet from being further depressed due to the weight of the sample. In the case where there is no such initial contact (or close proximity, e.g., less than 5 mm or less than 1 mm) between the lower side of the concave portion of the material sheet and the bottom plate of the rigid member, the weight of the sample may cause the sheet to deform and sag, resulting in the concave surface becoming deeper and further away from the natural shape of the sample disposed therein, thereby potentially deforming the sample.

[0045] The compliant pad can be composed of various materials configured in various ways so as to provide support for the sample without significantly distorting the sample. For example, the flexible pad can be composed of a foam made of polyethylene (e.g., a sheet of foam material). The compliant pad can be composed of a material with a Young's modulus less than 10 kPa and / or can be formed to have an effective Young's modulus less than 10 kPa (e.g., by having a specified sheet thickness and material composition such that the pad interacts with the sample disposed therein in a way that achieves such a low Young's modulus), in order to reduce the distortion forces applied to the sample while still providing support for the sample against distortion forces, such as the forces applied by gravity or acceleration when the container moves (e.g., moves into / from the imaging system, rotates or moves within the imaging system). For example, the compliant pad can include a closed-cell polyethylene foam sheet.

[0046] One or more materials of the compliant pad and / or the rigid member can have a high transmittance with respect to X-rays (e.g., the material can transmit more than 98% of the X-rays impinging thereon). For example, the compliant pad and / or the rigid member can be composed of a polymeric material that does not include or includes a minimal amount of chlorine or fluorine, and / or the compliant pad and / or the rigid member can lack high-density polymeric materials. For example, the rigid member can include polypropylene, and the compliant pad can include polyethylene (e.g., closed-cell polyethylene foam).

[0047] To improve the imaging of the sample, the sample container (e.g., Figures 1A to 1BThe sample container (e.g., the sample receiver surface or other sample contact elements thereof) can be configured to prevent the fluid from the sample disposed therein from being absorbed by the material of the sample container. Such absorption may cause the sample to distort from its pre-explant state due to dehydration (when the fluid within the sample moves out of the sample to be absorbed by the sample container material). Additionally, absorbing such fluid into the material of the sample container may affect the imaging of the sample (e.g., due to increased attenuation of X-rays or other imaging materials by the fluid absorbed into the sample container material) and / or the analysis of the sample based on such imaging (e.g., because it becomes more difficult to distinguish the material of the sample container from the volume of the sample, as the container material with fluid absorption may appear similar to the sample in its image).

[0048] The sample container (e.g., the sample receiver surface or other sample contact elements thereof) can be made impermeable to the fluid from the sample and thus prevent such tissue fluid absorption into the sample container in various ways. For example, the material of the sample container can be composed of a fluid-impermeable material. In an example where the material of the sample is a foam material, the foam can be a closed-cell foam to prevent fluid absorption into the pores of the foam. Additionally or alternatively, the material of the sample can include surface coatings, treatments, and / or features to repel the fluid from the sample and / or make the surface fluid-impermeable. For example, a coating of a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic material can be provided on the sample-facing surface of the sample container (e.g., on the sample receiver surface) and / or on the pillar array or other textured features formed thereon to prevent surface wetting and / or fluid migration from the sample through the surface into the material of the sample container. For example, the sample-adjacent material of the sample container can be composed of an open-cell foam, but the foam can be composed of a hydrophobic material and / or have a hydrophobic coating disposed / formed thereon to prevent the fluid from the sample from entering the open pores of the foam and thus being absorbed into the foam.

[0049] The geometry of the sample receiver surface (e.g., 125) of the compliant pad as described herein can be specified to provide support to the sample placed thereon while reducing the distortion of the geometry of such sample. This can include a compliant pad having a sample receiver surface configured to receive a sample smaller in size than the imaging beam (e.g., an X-ray beam) of the imaging system, e.g., with a width less than 110 mm and a height from the bottommost region of the sample receiver surface to the lid of the sample container less than 70 mm. The geometry of the sample receiver surface of the compliant pad can be specified to correspond to the expected geometry of the sample to be placed thereon. For example, for a sample of explanted chest tissue or a small tissue sample explanted from other organs / tissues, the sample receiver surface can be a concave surface with a diameter between 2 and 3 cm and a depth (vertically from the top of the concave surface to the lowest region near the middle of the concave surface) between 1.5 and 0.5 cm.

[0050] In some examples, the shape of the compliant pad (e.g., its sample receiver surface) can be specified to correspond to a specified organ or tissue of interest. For example, the compliant pad can have a recess formed therein that corresponds to the outer surface of a kidney or other organ or tissue of interest, so as to provide support thereto in a manner that results in reduced distortion thereof. Such a compliant pad can have a single standard size for the specified organ or tissue, can have multiple standard sizes, allowing selection of a particular pad and / or sample container for a particular organ / tissue, and / or can be formed for the organ / tissue of a particular patient (e.g., based on an anatomical scan of the patient's body and then forming the pad based on the scan data).

[0051] The sample container as described herein can include a lid. Such a lid can be removably coupled to the remainder of the sample container (e.g., the rigid member 110 of the bottom 110a of the sample container) so as to prevent contaminants from affecting the sample contained therein and / or reduce evaporation of fluid therefrom. Such a lid can provide additional benefits. For example, when coupled to the remainder of the sample container, the lid can enclose a volume in a watertight or other fluid-sealed manner, thereby preventing mess (e.g., preventing fluid spillage from the sample contained therein, preventing spillage of stabilizing or holding fluid added to the sample container). The lid itself can include one or more additional compliant pads that are configured to provide support to the sample contained in the sample container when the lid is secured to the remainder of the container. For example, the lid 100b includes a second compliant pad 130 disposed on a second rigid member 140 that is configured to be removably coupled to the first rigid member 110 of the bottom 110a. Such an additional compliant pad 130 can be configured (e.g., by being formed from a sheet of material) to provide support to the sample while reducing its distortion. This can include providing a non-deforming stabilizing force on the tissue sample to prevent it from moving when the sample container is moved (e.g., from near the patient to the imaging system, when rotating or otherwise moving within such an imaging system during imaging, when the sample is moved from the imaging system to a pathology laboratory for further preparation, imaging, and / or analysis). The sample container as described herein can include additional compliant pads (e.g., one or more pads disposed on the wall of the rigid member 110 to stabilize the sample and / or ensure separation of the sample from the material of the wall of the rigid member 110).

[0052] As Figures 1A to 1BAs shown, the sample container (e.g., the rigid material 110 and / or its compliant liner 120) can include a label disposed thereon / formed thereon / in it to facilitate setting the sample therein according to a pre-specified default orientation. This can be done to facilitate the alignment of the image data generated for the sample contained in such a sample container with the anatomical alignment of the sample before explantation. Such alignment can assist surgeons, pathologists, or other healthcare providers in providing care to the patient by, for example, allowing them to more easily correlate the imaging data of the explanted sample with pre-surgical image data, images taken of the sample and / or the surgical site during the surgery, and / or personal recollections or notes regarding the sample and the surrounding area during the surgery. Thus, such labels (e.g., "upper", "posterior", "medial", "lateral", "lower", "anterior", "caudal", "cephalic") can be provided to clearly indicate the default alignment of the sample within the sample container, thereby assisting the surgeon or other healthcare professional in placing the explanted sample within the sample container according to this default alignment. Such labels can be printed onto, formed in, adhered to, or otherwise disposed on or in the material of the sample container (e.g., rigid material, compliant liner). Such labels can be disposed within a partially enclosed volume of the sample container (e.g., as Figures 1A to 1B shown) and / or outside such a volume. Such labels can be implemented as a set of multiple labels (e.g., six labels indicating six orthogonal anatomical directions) or in some other way sufficient to indicate the default orientation. For example, a single arrow can be used to indicate the degenerated "upward" orientation (which can be the superior, anterior, or some other canonical anatomical orientation, or some other specified orientation), a single dot can be used to indicate a first direction (e.g., "medial"), and the shape of the cylindrical rigid material housing of the container can indicate a second direction (e.g., "posterior"), such that a single default orientation is clearly indicated.

[0053] Such labels can facilitate placing the sample into the sample container according to the default orientation. Then, this default orientation can correspond to the imaging data generated for the sample in the sample container. This can include ensuring that the sample container itself is placed in or on the imaging system according to the specified default orientation. For example, as Figure 2A shown, such an imaging system can include a label or other feature to indicate to the healthcare professional the orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system (e.g., a "lower" label 201 with an arrow indicating that the "lower" direction of the sample container should be aligned therewith). Additionally or alternatively, magnets, tabs, or other formed features or some other elements of the imaging system and / or the sample container can be configured to apply an alignment force to the sample container and / or prevent the sample container from being placed in a misaligned orientation in or on the imaging system. For example, as Figure 2BAs shown, the sample container can include a recess 203 or other formed features that can correspond to fins, ridges, or other corresponding formed features of the imaging system, preventing the sample container from being fully seated on the imaging system if the sample container is not properly aligned (i.e., the fins or ridges of the imaging system are disposed within the recess of the sample container). In another example, the sample container can have a square or otherwise orientable shape that is configured to be seated into corresponding formed features of the imaging system in a specified orientation.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system can be detected. This can include, for example, using a camera or other photosensitive element to detect a label or other orientation-indicating feature of the sample container. In another example, the sample container can include a magnet, RFID tag, or other feature that can be detected by a sensor (e.g., magnetometer, RFID reader) to detect the orientation of the sample container.

[0055] As described above, the imaging system and the sample container can be configured to facilitate placement of the sample container on / within the imaging system according to a default orientation, and / or the orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system can be detectable (e.g., by using a camera to detect the orientation of the container). This knowledge of the orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system, along with the assumption that the contents of the sample container have been deposited therein according to the default orientation, allows the sample imaging data to be displayed in a manner that is aligned with the default orientation of the sample within the sample container. This can include providing an indication of the default orientation and an indication of the imaging data on a screen. For example, a 3D or 2D indication of the sample can be provided along with an arrow, wind direction, or other visual feature to indicate “front,” “medial,” “superior,” and / or other directions relative to the indicated patient body according to the orientation of the sample within the patient prior to explant. Additionally or alternatively, a 3D or 2D indication of the sample can be provided according to a standard orientation (e.g., through a coronal plane, through a sagittal plane, through an axial plane), where the correct orientation of the sample relative to the patient anatomy prior to explant is determined based on the detected and / or specified orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system.

[0056] As described above, a compliant liner or other element of a sample container as described herein can be configured to place a sample disposed within the sample container in a preferred position and / or orientation relative to an imaging system so as to improve its imaging. For example, for a micro-CT imager, there can be a region directly between the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector that exhibits improved image resolution, contrast, or other imaging characteristics relative to more peripheral regions of the space within the imaging system that can be imaged. For some imaging systems, samples, and / or sample containers, the distance between the sample and the baseplate, stage, or other element of the imaging system on which the sample container is disposed can be further extended by having a rigid member of the sample container extend beyond the baseplate of that rigid member (on which the sample can be disposed directly and / or on which the sample can be disposed above the baseplate of that rigid member via one or more compliant liners). Figure 3 Depicted is a sample 305 disposed within such a sample container 300 having a rigid member including a baseplate 310 (on which the sample 305 is disposed directly, although the baseplate 310 can be separated from the baseplate 310 via a compliant liner) and an enclosing wall 320. The sample container 300 further includes an extension 330 that separates the baseplate 310 (and, via the extension, the sample 305) from the stage, baseplate, or other support surface of the imaging system. Such an extension can take the form of one or more individual legs or some other form (e.g., a generally cylindrical extension of the generally cylindrical wall 320 of the sample container 320). Such a sample container can be particularly beneficial for large flat samples (e.g., sample 305) because such samples exhibit increased overall attenuation of X-rays or other imaging energy through their longest dimension. For such samples, aligning most of the sample with the X-ray emitter (or other imaging energy emitter source) can provide particular benefits because more of the emitted imaging energy will have the opportunity to take a shorter path through the sample 305 (e.g., enter the sample, then exit the top / bottom surface of the sample before being imaged), thereby increasing resolution and image contrast.

[0057] Since sample containers as described herein can include one or more labels to indicate the orientation of a sample disposed therein, they can also occur as a group or kit of such sample containers, where each container in the group is labeled to correspond to a respective organ or tissue from a listed group of organs or tissues from which a sample is to be taken. Figure 4 An example of such a kit of sample containers is shown, where one sample container is labeled for "left chest" tissue and another is labeled for "right chest" tissue. In this particular example, the different target tissues / organs are from different sides of the body. Thus, the orientation labels of the containers are mirror images (e.g., Figure 4The nearer sides of the two containers are alternately labeled "inner" and "outer"). This will be the case for any pair of containers from such a container kit corresponding to target organs / tissues from opposite sides of the body midline.

[0058] In many applications, it is desirable to fix or otherwise chemically prepare tissue samples for sectioning or other pathological analysis (e.g., staining, imaging). When tissue samples prepared in this manner are disposed within a sample container as described herein, it may be beneficial for microscopic or other pathological images obtained from these tissue samples to correspond to other imaging data generated for these tissue samples. For example, pathological examination of the edges of a tissue sample can advantageously correspond to specific locations of the imaging data of the sample in order to determine where to remove additional tissue within the patient and relative to the explant site of the tissue sample in order to reduce the chance of remission. However, additional manipulation of the tissue sample after imaging in the sample container may distort the sample and / or alter its orientation, making it difficult for the imaging data to correspond to the pathological data. Fixing the sample while still in the sample container (e.g., by introducing formalin or some other sample preservation substance) would be beneficial to avoid distortion of the sample from its configuration during its imaging. However, many sample fixation or preservation chemicals can be harsh, resulting in dissolution or other degradation of materials traditionally used for sample containers.

[0059] To address this shortcoming, the sample containers described herein can be made resistant to one or more specified sample preservation substances (e.g., formalin). This can include forming the sample container from materials that are inherently tolerant to sample preservation substances (e.g., polypropylene, polyethylene, closed-cell foams of polyethylene). Additionally or alternatively, the sample container can include a surface coating or treatment to prevent degradation of the underlying material of the sample container by the sample preservation substance. This can include adding a coating of a material tolerant to the sample preservation substance and / or a coating of a material that repels solvents of the sample preservation substance (e.g., a hydrophobic or superhydrophobic coating or surface treatment, a lipophobic or superlipophobic coating or surface treatment). Note that making the sample container tolerant to the one or more specified sample preservation substances does not require the container to be made impermeable to the one or more specified sample preservation substances. For example, the sample container may only be made sufficiently tolerant to the one or more specified sample preservation substances such that the sample container does not collapse, form holes, or otherwise exhibit some super-threshold damage before being exposed to the specified duration of the one or more specified sample preservation substances (the duration of this exposure being sufficient to fix or otherwise prepare the sample before removing the sample contained therein from the sample container, e.g., the duration being sufficient to partially fix the sample such that the sample can be removed from the sample container to another container without distortion or with significantly reduced distortion to complete its fixation).

[0060] III. Example Systems

[0061] The computing and / or imaging functions described herein may be performed by one or more computing and / or imaging systems. Such functions may include the function of operating an imager to generate scan data of a target sample contained in a sample container as described herein, the function of reconstructing volumetric density information from such scan data, the function of rendering cross-sections, perspectives, digital projections, or other two-dimensional views from the volumetric density data, the function of registering or otherwise aligning such three-dimensional density data (or its two-dimensional projection) to two-dimensional or three-dimensional image data generated by some other system (e.g., by a chest radiography imaging system), and / or user interface functions. Such a computing system may be integrated into a computing device or take the form of a computing device, such as a portable medical imaging system, a remote interface for such an imaging system, a pathologist's workstation, a tissue analysis and / or sectioning table or workstation, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a server, a cloud computing network, and / or a programmable logic controller.

[0062] For purposes of example, Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram showing some of the components of an example computing device 500 that may include components for providing an indication of scan-related data onto a screen or other display device. Alternatively, the example computing device may lack such components and provide an indication of the imaging data via some other means (e.g., via the Internet or some other network or other communication interface).

[0063] The computing device 500 may also include an imaging component 524 for obtaining imaging data of such a tissue sample. The imaging component 524 may include a micro-CT imager, an MRI imager, and / or some other components configured to provide information indicative of the volumetric density information of the sample or other types of 3D image data (e.g., 3D tensors indicative of diffusion patterns in an entire organ). Alternatively, the example computing device may lack such components and receive scan information via some other means (e.g., via the Internet or some other network or other communication interface).

[0064] Such an imaging component 524 can include a visible light camera or other light sensing element to allow the imaging component 524 to detect the orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging component 524 based on the label or other features thereof. This can then allow determination of the pre-removal anatomical orientation of the sample within the sample container, thus allowing the imaging data generated for the sample to be displayed in a manner aligned with the pre-removal anatomical orientation (e.g., aligning the display of the imaging data of the explanted chest tissue with the medial-lateral, anterior-posterior, and dorsal-ventral axes of the patient's body according to the orientation of the explanted chest tissue before removal from the patient's body). The imaging component 524 can additionally or alternatively include visible markings (e.g., labels, formed features) indicating the desired orientation of the sample container, informing the healthcare technician how to place the sample container relative to the imaging component 524 (e.g., on its imaging table) such that the system 500 can display the imaging data generated for the sample in a manner aligned with the pre-removal anatomical orientation of the sample. The imaging component 524 and / or the sample container can additionally or alternatively include ridges, magnets, formed components, or other formed features to align the sample container with the imaging component 524 and / or prevent the sample container from being placed on / in the imaging component 524 in a misaligned manner such that the system 500 can display the imaging data generated for the sample in a manner aligned with the pre-removal anatomical orientation of the sample.

[0065] As Figure 5 shown, the computing device 500 can include a communication interface 502, a user interface 504, a processor 506, a data storage device 508, and an imaging component 524, all of which can be communicatively linked together via a system bus, network, or other connection mechanism 510.

[0066] The communication interface 502 can be used to allow the computing device 500 to communicate with other devices, access networks, and / or transport networks using analog or digital modulation of electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals. Thus, the communication interface 502 can facilitate circuit-switched and / or packet-switched communications, such as plain old telephone service (POTS) communications and / or Internet protocol (IP) or other packet communications. For example, the communication interface 502 can include a chipset and an antenna arranged for wireless communication with a radio access network or an access point. Additionally, the communication interface 502 can take the form of or include a wired interface, such as Ethernet, universal serial bus (USB), or high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) port. The communication interface 502 can also take the form of or include a wireless interface, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, global positioning system (GPS), or wide-area wireless interface (e.g., WiMAX or 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE)). However, other forms of physical layer interfaces and other types of standard or proprietary communication protocols can be used through the communication interface 502. Additionally, the communication interface 502 can include multiple physical communication interfaces (e.g., a Wi-Fi interface, a Bluetooth interface, and a wide-area wireless interface).

[0067] In some embodiments, the communication interface 502 can be used to allow the computing device 500 to communicate with other devices, remote servers, access networks, and / or transport networks. For example, the communication interface 502 can be used to send and / or receive indications of image information, send indications of imaging-related data that can then be displayed, send indications of the relative orientation and / or translation of 3D image data relative to target 2D and / or 3D image data, or some other information. For example, the computing device 500 can be a pathologist's workstation located in a pathologist's office, remote from one or more operating rooms where sample explantation and imaging occur, and the remote system can be a display or other system configured to display the analysis results as described herein to facilitate disease diagnosis and treatment by surgeons in the operating room.

[0068] In some examples, the computing device 500 can include a volumetric imaging system (e.g., a micro-CT imager) and computing resources for reconstructing volumetric density information or other types of 3D images from scan data, for identifying regions of interest from the volumetric density information, for registering the 3D image to target 2D and / or 3D images (e.g., 2D chest X-ray images), for rendering images of tissue samples based on the volumetric density information (e.g., perspective views, simulated two-dimensional slices through the sample, digitally generated simulated 2D images of the sample projected onto a specified 2D plane, etc.), or for performing some other computational tasks. Such computing resources can include one or more GPUs or other processors dedicated to reconstruction, rendering, or other image processing tasks as described herein.

[0069] This computing device 500 may communicate with a terminal device (e.g., a workstation, a tablet computer, a head-mounted display, an automated slicing tool, a thin client) and may provide a rendered image to such a terminal in response to a user input indicating such a rendered image. For example, a user input to a user interface (e.g., a keyboard, a touch screen, a mouse, a head tracker of a head-mounted display) may cause the terminal device to send a request to the computing device 500 for imaging data related to the user input (e.g., a request for a two-dimensional numerical projection of an update of 3D density information image based on a relative orientation and / or position of an update of 3D density information with respect to a target 2D or 3D image registration). Then, in response to the request, the computing device 500 may send to the terminal device some information indicating the requested data (e.g., one or more two-dimensional images, a wireframe / split map, or other simplified representation of volumetric density information or other 3D image data). Such an operation may allow the terminal device to be less costly, lighter, smaller, or otherwise improved to facilitate interaction by a pathologist or other healthcare professional while maintaining access to the imaging and processing resources of the computing device 500.

[0070] The user interface 504 may be used to allow the computing device 500 to interact with a user, such as receiving input from the user and / or providing output to the user. Thus, the user interface 504 may include input components such as a keypad, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive panel, a computer mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a microphone, etc. The user interface 504 may also include one or more output components such as a display screen, which may be combined with a presence-sensitive panel, for example. The display screen may be based on CRT, LCD, and / or LED technology or other technologies now known or later developed. The user interface 504 may also be configured to generate an audible output via a speaker, a speaker jack, an audio output port, an audio output device, headphones, and / or other similar devices.

[0071] In some embodiments, the user interface 504 may include a display for providing an indication to the user of 2D images and / or 3D images that may overlap each other (e.g., a digitally generated 2D projection of a 3D image that has been aligned with a target 2D image), regions of interest within such images, or other imaging-related information. Additionally, the user interface 504 may include one or more buttons, switches, knobs, and / or dials that facilitate the configuration and operation of the imaging component 524 or the configuration of some other operation of the computing device 500. Some or all of these buttons, switches, knobs, and / or dials may be implemented as functions on a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive panel.

[0072] The processor 506 may include one or more general-purpose processors (e.g., microprocessors) and / or one or more special-purpose processors (e.g., digital signal processors (DSPs), graphics processing units (GPUs), floating-point units (FPUs), network processors, or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs)). In some cases, the special-purpose processor may be capable of performing image processing, image registration and / or scaling, tomographic reconstruction, numerical simulation of 2D projection images from 3D image data, and other applications or functions. The data storage device 508 may include one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage components, such as magnetic, optical, flash, or organic storage devices, and may be integrated with the processor 506 in whole or in part. The data storage device 508 may include removable and / or non-removable components.

[0073] The processor 506 may be capable of executing program instructions 518 (e.g., compiled or uncompiled program logic and / or machine code) stored in the data storage device 508 to perform the various functions described herein. Accordingly, the data storage device 508 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the computing device 500, cause the computing device 500 to perform any method, process, or function disclosed in this specification and / or the drawings.

[0074] By way of example, the program instructions 518 may include an operating system 522 (e.g., an operating system kernel, device drivers, and / or other modules) installed on the computing device 500 and one or more applications 520 (e.g., a sample scanning function, a reconstruction or rendering function).

[0075] The applications 520 may take the form of “apps” that may be downloaded to the computing device 500 via one or more online app stores or app markets (via, e.g., the communication interface 502). However, the applications may also be installed on the computing device 500 in other ways, such as via a web browser or through a physical interface of the computing device 500 (e.g., a USB port).

[0076] In some examples, depending on the application, portions of the methods described herein may be performed by different devices. For example, different devices of the system may have different amounts of computing resources (e.g., memory, processor cycles) and different information bandwidths for communication between the devices. For example, a first device may be a pathologist's workstation or remote interface that may send commands and / or requests for imaging data to another device or server having the necessary computing resources to perform reconstruction and / or rendering methods, such as generating the requested imaging data from CT scan data of a tissue sample. Different portions of the methods described herein may be allocated based on such considerations.

[0077] IV. Example Methods

[0078] Figure 6 is a flowchart of method 600. Method 600 includes imaging a sample contained within a sample container using an imaging system to generate imaging data thereof, wherein the sample container includes a set of one or more labels (610) that explicitly indicate a default orientation of the sample placed within the sample container. Method 600 further includes displaying an indication of the imaging data, wherein displaying the indication of the imaging data includes at least one of the following: (i) displaying an indication of the default orientation relative to the indication of the displayed imaging data, or (ii) displaying an indication of the imaging data in an orientation aligned with the default orientation (620). Method 600 may include additional elements or features.

[0079] In any of the methods described herein (e.g., method 600 or other embodiments described herein), the process of obtaining (e.g., “receiving”) imaging data (e.g., volumetric density information or other 2D and / or 3D image information) regarding a target sample and / or body region may include a variety of different processes and / or devices. In some examples, the image information may be stored on a hard drive accessed and used in accordance with the embodiments described herein. Such stored image information may be generated near the time and / or space of its use to facilitate a surgical procedure (e.g., the explantation of a tissue sample so as to, for example, remove a tumor or other target), or may be generated a longer period of time before and / or away from the time and location of using the information to facilitate the diagnosis, planning, or delivery of treatment for a medical condition (e.g., a subsequent tissue removal procedure) or some other purpose. For example, the image data may be generated by operating an X-ray scanner or other volumetric imaging device located in an operating room where a tissue sample is removed from a patient. A surgeon and / or radiologist may use such volumetric density information to decide during a tissue removal procedure whether additional tissue should be removed from the patient and, if so, from which location(s) within the patient to remove the additional tissue.

[0080] V. Conclusion

[0081] The foregoing detailed description has described various features and functions of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like symbols generally identify like components unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and illustrated in the drawings, can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed in a variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated herein.

[0082] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described as being used by pathologists, radiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate the storage, imaging, fixation, or other manipulation or analysis of tissue samples. However, these are merely illustrative example applications. The embodiments described herein can be used to store, image, preserve, or otherwise manipulate other objects or substances of interest (e.g., plant or animal tissue).

[0083] Regarding any and / or all message flowcharts, scenarios, and flow diagrams in the figures, and as discussed herein, each step, block, and / or communication can represent information processing and / or information transmission according to example embodiments. Alternative embodiments are included within the scope of these example embodiments. In these alternative embodiments, for example, functions described as steps, blocks, transmissions, communications, requests, responses, and / or messages may not be executed in the order shown or discussed, including being executed substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Additionally, more or fewer steps, blocks, and / or functions may be used with any message flowchart, scenario, and flow diagram discussed herein, and these message flowcharts, scenarios, and flow diagrams may be combined partially or fully with each other.

[0084] A step or block representing information processing can correspond to a circuit that can be configured to perform a specific logical function of the methods or techniques described herein. Alternatively or additionally, a step or block representing information processing can correspond to a module, segment, or portion of program code (including associated data). The program code can include one or more instructions executable by a processor to implement a specific logical function or action in a method or technique. The program code and / or associated data can be stored on any type of computer-readable medium, such as a storage device, including a disk drive, hard drive, or other storage medium.

[0085] The computer-readable medium can also include non-transitory computer-readable media, such as computer-readable media that store data for a short period of time, such as register memory, processor cache, and / or random access memory (RAM). The computer-readable medium can also include non-transitory computer-readable media that store program code and / or data for a longer period of time, such as secondary or persistent long-term storage devices, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical disks or magnetic disks, and / or compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM). The computer-readable medium can also be any other volatile or non-volatile storage system. The computer-readable medium can be considered, for example, a computer-readable storage medium or a tangible storage device.

[0086] Furthermore, a step or block representing one or more information transmissions can correspond to information transmission between software and / or hardware modules within the same physical device. However, other information transmissions can be between software modules and / or hardware modules in different physical devices.

[0087] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes only and not limiting, and the true scope is indicated by the appended claims.

[0088] VI. Enumerated Example Embodiments

[0089] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may relate to one of the enumerated example embodiments (EEEs) listed below. It should be understood that features indicated with respect to one EEE may be combined with other EEEs.

[0090] EEE1 is a sample container that includes: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; and (ii) a compliant gasket disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant gasket includes a sheet of material that is formed to at least partially enclose a portion of the first volume and define a sample receiving surface, wherein the sheet of material is formed such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the sheet of material.

[0091] EEE2 is the sample container of EEE1, further including: (i) a lid configured to be removably coupled to the rigid member to completely enclose the first volume; and (ii) an additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is formed such that when a sample is placed on the sample receiving surface, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

[0092] EEE3 is the sample container of EEE2, wherein when the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

[0093] EEE4 is the sample container of any one of EEE1-3, further including a set of one or more labels disposed on at least one of the rigid member or the compliant gasket, wherein the set of one or more labels clearly indicates the default orientation of the sample placed on the sample receiving surface.

[0094] EEE5 is the sample container of EEE4, wherein the sheet of material is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

[0095] EEE6 is the sample container of any one of EEE4-5, wherein the rigid member includes alignment features to align the sample container with corresponding alignment features of an imaging device.

[0096] EEE7 is the sample container of any one of EEE1-3, wherein the sheet of material is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

[0097] EEE8 is a sample container of any one of EEE1-7, wherein the sample container is formed such that when the sample container is placed within the imaging system, the sample receiver surface is within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

[0098] EEE9 is a sample container of EEE8, wherein the rigid member includes a bottom plate and one or more side walls that at least partially enclose a first volume, and wherein the rigid member further includes an extension that extends beneath the bottom plate so as to raise the sample receiver surface to be within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system when the sample container is placed within the imaging system.

[0099] EEE10 is a sample container of any one of EEE1-9, wherein the sample receiver surface has a shape corresponding to the shape of a specified target organ.

[0100] EEE11 is a sample container of any one of EEE1-10, wherein the rigid member and the sheet of material are tolerant to a specified sample preservation substance.

[0101] EEE12 is a sample container of EEE11, wherein the sheet of material includes polyethylene.

[0102] EEE13 is a sample container of any one of EEE1-12, wherein the sample receiver surface is concave.

[0103] EEE14 is a sample container of EEE13, wherein an intermediate portion of that part of the sheet of material forming the concave sample receiver surface is within 1 millimeter of the bottom plate of the rigid member.

[0104] EEE15 is a sample container of EEE14, wherein the sheet of material includes closed-cell polyethylene foam.

[0105] EEE16 is a sample container comprising: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; (ii) a compliant liner disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant liner defines a sample receiver surface, wherein the compliant liner is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiver surface so as to be separated from the rigid member by the compliant liner; and (iii) a set of one or more labels disposed on at least one of the rigid member or the compliant liner, wherein the set of one or more labels clearly indicates a default orientation of a sample placed on the sample receiver surface.

[0106] EEE17 is a sample container for EEE16 and further includes: (i) a lid configured to be removably coupled to a rigid member to completely enclose a first volume; and (ii) an additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is shaped such that when a sample is placed on the surface of the sample receiver, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

[0107] EEE18 is a sample container for EEE17, wherein when the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

[0108] EEE19 is a sample container for any one of EEE16 - 18, wherein the compliant gasket is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

[0109] EEE20 is a sample container for any one of EEE16 - 19, wherein the rigid member includes alignment features to align the sample container with corresponding alignment features of an imaging device.

[0110] EEE21 is a sample container for any one of EEE16 - 20, wherein the sample container is shaped such that when the sample container is placed within an imaging system, the surface of the sample receiver is located within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

[0111] EEE22 is a sample container for EEE21, wherein the rigid member includes a bottom plate and one or more side walls that at least partially enclose the first volume, and wherein the rigid member further includes an extension that extends beneath the bottom plate such that when the sample container is placed within the imaging system, the surface of the sample receiver is raised to be located within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

[0112] EEE23 is a sample container for any one of EEE16 - 22, wherein the surface of the sample receiver has a shape corresponding to the shape of a specified target organ.

[0113] EEE24 is a sample container for any one of EEE16 - 23, wherein the rigid member and the compliant gasket are resistant to a specified sample preservation substance.

[0114] EEE25 is a sample container for EEE24, wherein the compliant gasket includes polyethylene.

[0115] EEE26 is a sample container comprising: (i) a rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; and (ii) a compliant gasket disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant gasket defines a sample receiving surface, wherein the compliant gasket is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the compliant gasket, and wherein the sample receiving surface of the compliant gasket is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

[0116] EEE27 is the sample container of EEE26, further comprising: (i) a lid configured to be removably coupled to the rigid member so as to completely enclose the first volume; and (ii) an additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is shaped such that when the sample is placed on the sample receiving surface, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

[0117] EEE28 is the sample container of EEE27, wherein when the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

[0118] EEE29 is the sample container of any one of EEE26 - 29, wherein the sample container is shaped such that when the sample container is placed within an imaging system, the sample receiving surface is located within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

[0119] EEE30 is the sample container of EEE29, wherein the rigid member comprises a bottom plate that at least partially encloses the first volume and one or more side walls, and wherein the rigid member further comprises an extension that extends beneath the bottom plate so as to raise the sample receiving surface to be located within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system when the sample container is placed within the imaging system.

[0120] EEE31 is the sample container of any one of EEE26 - 30, wherein the sample receiving surface has a shape corresponding to the shape of a designated target organ.

[0121] EEE32 is the sample container of any one of EEE26 - 31, wherein the rigid member and the compliant gasket are resistant to a designated sample preservation substance.

[0122] EEE33 is the sample container of EEE32, wherein the compliant gasket comprises polyethylene.

[0123] EEE34 is a kit of two or more sample containers, wherein each sample container includes a corresponding label that indicates the corresponding organ or tissue among a listed group of two or more organs or tissues.

[0124] EEE35 is the kit of EEE34, wherein a first sample container of the kit has a label indicating left breast, and wherein a second sample container of the kit has a label indicating right breast.

[0125] EEE36 is a kit of any one of EEE34-35, wherein the first sample container and the second sample container of the kit include corresponding sets of one or more labels that explicitly indicate corresponding default orientations of corresponding first and second samples placed in the first sample container and the second sample container, respectively, wherein the first sample container of the kit has an additional label indicating tissue from the right side of the body, and wherein the second sample container of the kit has an additional label indicating tissue from the left side of the body, such that the set of one or more labels of the first sample container is a mirror image of the set of one or more labels of the second sample container.

[0126] EEE37 is a method comprising: (i) imaging a sample contained in a sample container using an imaging system to generate imaging data thereof, wherein the sample container includes a set of one or more labels that explicitly indicate a default orientation of a sample placed in the sample container; and (ii) displaying an indication of the imaging data, wherein the indication of the imaging data displayed includes at least one of: (i) displaying an indication of the default orientation relative to the indication of the imaging data displayed, or (ii) displaying an indication of the imaging data in an orientation aligned with the default orientation.

[0127] EEE28 is the method of EEE37, wherein an indication of a default orientation of a sample container relative to the imaging system is included on the imaging system, and wherein the indication of displaying imaging data is performed based on the assumption that the sample container has been placed on or in the imaging system according to the indicated default orientation relative to the imaging system.

[0128] EEE39 is the method of EEE37, further comprising: operating a camera of the imaging system to detect an orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system, wherein the indicating of displaying the imaging data is performed based on the detected orientation of the sample container.

[0129] EEE 40 is a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store at least computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform controller operations to execute any of the aforementioned EEE methods.

[0130] EEE41 is a system that includes: (i) a controller that includes one or more processors; and (ii) a non-transitory readable medium that stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the controller, cause the system to perform the method of any one of EEE37-39.

Claims

1. A sample container, comprising: A rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; And A compliant gasket disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant gasket includes a sheet of material formed to at least partially enclose a portion of the first volume and define a sample receiving surface, wherein the sheet of material is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiving surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the sheet of material.

2. The sample container according to claim 1, further comprising: A lid configured to be removably coupled to the rigid member to completely enclose the first volume; And An additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is shaped such that when a sample is placed on the sample receiving surface, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

3. The sample container according to claim 2, wherein, When the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

4. The sample container according to any one of claims 1 - 3, further comprising a set of one or more labels disposed on at least one of the rigid member or the compliant gasket, wherein the set of one or more labels clearly indicates the default orientation of the sample placed on the sample receiving surface.

5. The sample container according to claim 4, wherein, The sheet of material is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

6. The sample container according to claim 4, wherein, The rigid member includes alignment features for aligning the sample container with corresponding alignment features of an imaging device.

7. The sample container according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the sheet of material is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

8. The sample container according to claim 1, wherein, The sample container is shaped such that when the sample container is placed within an imaging system, the sample receiving surface is within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

9. The sample container according to claim 8, wherein, The rigid member includes a bottom plate and one or more side walls that at least partially enclose the first volume, and wherein the rigid member further includes an extension that extends beneath the bottom plate such that when the sample container is placed within the imaging system, the sample receiving surface is raised to be within the region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

10. The sample container according to claim 1, wherein, The sample receiving surface has a shape corresponding to the shape of a designated target organ.

11. The sample container according to claim 1, wherein, The rigid member and the sheet of material are tolerant to a designated sample preservation substance.

12. The sample container according to claim 11, wherein the sheet of material comprises polyethylene.

13. The sample container according to any one of claims 1-3 or 8-12, wherein, The sample receiving surface is concave.

14. The sample container according to claim 13, wherein, The middle portion of the portion of the sheet of material forming the concave sample receiving surface is within 1 millimeter of the bottom plate of the rigid member.

15. The sample container according to claim 14, wherein, The sheet of material comprises closed - cell polyethylene foam.

16. A sample container, comprising: A rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; A compliant gasket disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant gasket defines a sample receiver surface, and wherein the compliant gasket is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiver surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the compliant gasket; and A set of one or more labels disposed on at least one of the rigid member or the compliant gasket, wherein the set of one or more labels unambiguously indicates a default orientation of a sample placed on the sample receiver surface.

17. The sample container according to claim 16, further comprising: A lid configured to be removably coupled to the rigid member so as to completely enclose the first volume; and An additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is shaped such that when a sample is placed on the sample receiver surface, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

18. The sample container according to claim 17, wherein, When the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

19. The sample container according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein the compliant gasket is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

20. The sample container according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein, The rigid member includes alignment features for aligning the sample container with corresponding alignment features of an imaging device.

21. The sample container according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein, The sample container is shaped such that when the sample container is placed within an imaging system, the sample receiver surface is located within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

22. The sample container according to claim 21, wherein, The rigid member includes a bottom plate and one or more side walls that at least partially enclose the first volume, and wherein the rigid member further includes an extension extending beneath the bottom plate so as to raise the sample receiver surface to be located within the region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system when the sample container is placed within the imaging system.

23. The sample container according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein, The sample receiver surface has a shape corresponding to the shape of a designated target organ.

24. The sample container according to any one of claims 16-18, wherein, The rigid member and the compliant gasket are tolerant to a designated sample preservation substance.

25. The sample container according to claim 24, wherein, The compliant gasket comprises polyethylene.

26. A sample container, comprising: A rigid member that at least partially encloses a first volume; and A compliant gasket disposed within the first volume, wherein the compliant gasket defines a sample receiver surface, wherein the compliant gasket is shaped such that a sample can be placed on the sample receiver surface and thereby separated from the rigid member by the compliant gasket, and wherein the sample receiver surface of the compliant gasket is impermeable to fluid from the sample.

27. The sample container according to claim 26, further comprising: A lid configured to be removably coupled to the rigid member so as to completely enclose the first volume; and An additional compliant gasket, wherein the additional compliant gasket is shaped such that when a sample is placed on the surface of the sample receiver, the additional compliant gasket contacts the sample and stabilizes the sample within the sample container.

28. The sample container according to claim 27, wherein, When the lid is removably coupled to the rigid member, the lid and the rigid member prevent fluid from escaping from the first volume.

29. The sample container according to any one of claims 26 - 28, wherein, The sample container is shaped such that when the sample container is placed within an imaging system, the surface of the sample receiver is within a region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

30. The sample container according to claim 29, wherein, The rigid member includes a bottom plate and one or more side walls that at least partially enclose the first volume, and wherein the rigid member further includes an extension that extends beneath the bottom plate such that when the sample container is placed within the imaging system, the surface of the sample receiver is raised to be within the region of increased sensitivity of the imaging system.

31. The sample container according to any one of claims 26-28, wherein, The surface of the sample receiver has a shape corresponding to the shape of a designated target organ.

32. The sample container according to any one of claims 26-28, wherein, The rigid member and the compliant gasket are tolerant to a designated sample preservation substance.

33. The sample container according to claim 32, wherein, The compliant gasket includes polyethylene.

34. A kit of two or more sample containers, wherein, Each sample container includes a corresponding label that indicates the corresponding organ or tissue in a listed group of two or more organs or tissues.

35. The kit according to claim 34, wherein, The first sample container of the kit has a label indicating the left chest, and wherein the second sample container of the kit has a label indicating the right chest.

36. The kit according to any one of claims 34-35, wherein The first sample container and the second sample container of the kit include corresponding groups of one or more labels that clearly indicate the respective default orientations of the respective first sample and second sample placed within the first sample container and the second sample container, wherein the first sample container of the kit has an additional label indicating tissue from the right side of the body, and wherein the second sample container of the kit has an additional label indicating tissue from the left side of the body such that the group of one or more labels of the first sample container is a mirror image of the group of one or more labels of the second sample container.

37. A method, comprising: Imaging a sample contained within a sample container using an imaging system to generate imaging data of the sample, wherein the sample container includes a group of one or more labels that clearly indicate the default orientation of the sample placed within the sample container; And Displaying an indication of the imaging data, wherein displaying the indication of the imaging data includes at least one of the following operations: (i) displaying an indication of the default orientation relative to the displayed indication of the imaging data, or (ii) displaying the indication of the imaging data in an orientation aligned with the default orientation.

38. The method according to claim 37, wherein, Including an indication of the default orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system on the imaging system, and wherein displaying the indication of the imaging data is performed based on the assumption that the sample container has been placed on or within the imaging system in accordance with the indicated default orientation relative to the imaging system.

39. The method according to claim 37, further comprising: operating a camera of the imaging system to detect an orientation of the sample container relative to the imaging system, wherein an indication of the imaging data is displayed based on the detected orientation of the sample container.

40. A non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store at least computer-readable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a computing device, cause the computing device to perform controller operations to execute the method according to any of the preceding claims.

41. A system comprising: a controller including one or more processors; and a non-transitory readable medium storing computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors of the controller, cause the system to execute the method according to any one of claims 37-39.

Images