An experimental animal spinal column specimen dissection apparatus and dissection method

Abstract

The application discloses an experimental animal spinal column specimen dissection instrument and a dissection method. The dissection instrument comprises a fixing device, a scanning device, a cutting device and a control device. The fixing device is used for fixing the experimental animal spinal column specimen. The scanning device is used for scanning the fixed experimental animal spinal column specimen and transmitting a scanning image to the control device. The cutting device cuts the experimental animal spinal column specimen according to a cutting instruction of the control device or manually. The dissection instrument of the application integrates the fixing and cutting functions, significantly improves the efficiency and precision of the experimental animal spinal column specimen dissection, reduces the error and labor intensity of manual operation, makes the dissection process more consistent and reliable, and has high flexibility and adaptability, so that the dissection instrument can meet the dissection requirements of spinal column specimens with different sizes and curved shapes, and provide more reliable dissection samples and experimental data support for the fields of spinal column disease research, spinal cord injury repair and artificial vertebral body / intervertebral disc implant research and development.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of dissecting instruments and animal medical anatomy, specifically relating to a dissecting instrument and method for laboratory animal spinal specimens. Background Technology

[0002] Precise dissection of laboratory animal spinal specimens is a core technical support for research in medicine, veterinary medicine, and spinal biomechanics. Especially in the research of spinal diseases (such as ankylosing spondylitis and intervertebral disc herniation), spinal cord injury repair, and artificial vertebral body / intervertebral disc implants, it is necessary to rely on spinal specimens of larger laboratory animals such as laboratory monkeys, dogs, pigs, and rabbits. The spinal structure of these animals (such as vertebral body size, intervertebral disc thickness, and spinal cord diameter) is more similar to that of humans, and their anatomical samples can provide more reliable experimental evidence for research on pathological mechanisms and clinical translation.

[0003] In recent years, with the widespread application of large animal spinal models in medical biology, higher demands have been placed on the anatomical precision, integrity, and operational efficiency of spinal specimens from larger laboratory animals. The main challenges of spinal anatomy lie in its complex three-dimensional structure, significant individual differences, and pathological changes (such as ankylosing spondylitis) leading to structural distortion or rigidity, making precise positioning during dissection more challenging and prone to significant deviations. Currently, dissection of these specimens still relies primarily on traditional manual methods, using tools such as bone saws, surgical scissors, and bone forceps, sometimes in conjunction with simple stands. However, these limitations are more pronounced with larger laboratory animal specimens. First, specimen fixation becomes significantly more difficult; the spinal specimens of larger laboratory animals are large and heavy, and traditional general-purpose clamps cannot accommodate their morphological differences. Furthermore, controlling the force during manual clamping is difficult; insufficient force can cause the specimen to slip during cutting (especially when sawing hard vertebrae), while excessive force can compress the intervertebral disc, leading to nucleus pulposus leakage or vertebral bone fragmentation. Second, the precision of the cutting operation is difficult to guarantee; traditional manual cutting relies on the operator's experience and makes precise path control difficult. Furthermore, the operation is inefficient and lacks repeatability. In addition, the cutting parameters (such as bone saw feed speed and cutting depth) of larger experimental animal specimens cannot be quantified and recorded, making it difficult to compare dissection results from different batches within the same experimental team, which seriously affects the reliability of the data.

[0004] Therefore, developing a dissection instrument capable of precise fixation, scientifically planned cutting paths, and quantitative control of operating parameters for spinal specimens of larger experimental animals such as monkeys, dogs, pigs, and rabbits is of great significance for overcoming the shortcomings of existing manual operations and improving the reliability and efficiency of spinal research on larger experimental animals. It is also an urgent need for the development of experimental techniques in current spinal disease research. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art and provide a laboratory animal spine specimen dissection instrument and dissection method. By integrating fixation and cutting functions, it meets the dissection needs of large laboratory animal spine specimens of different sizes and curvatures, significantly improving the dissection efficiency and accuracy of laboratory animal spine specimens and reducing errors and labor intensity of manual operation.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] The primary objective of this invention is to provide a laboratory animal spine specimen dissection apparatus, comprising a fixation device, a scanning device, a cutting device, and a control device.

[0008] The fixing device includes a base platform, a base wall, a support frame, and several adjustable clamps. The base wall is located on one side of the base platform and is perpendicularly connected to the base platform. The support frame is a metal frame fixed to the center of the upper surface of the base platform. Multiple positions are provided on both sides of the metal frame, and each position is equipped with an adjustable clamp. Each position is a groove, and the adjustable clamp retracts into the groove when not in use. The adjustable clamps are mirror images of each other on both sides of the support frame. Load sensors are installed in the adjustable clamps.

[0009] The scanning device is slidably mounted on a slide rail on the outer periphery of the support frame; the slide rail provides a sliding path for the scanning device and supports multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment;

[0010] The cutting device is installed on the side of the base wall facing the base platform and includes a cutting component, a cutting component drive unit, and a cutting protection unit. The cutting component can be replaced with saw blades or blades of different sizes to accommodate animal spines of different sizes. The cutting component drive unit and the cutting protection unit are respectively connected to the cutting component.

[0011] The control device includes a touch screen, a computer control unit, and a data recording unit; the touch screen, computer control unit, and data recording unit are interconnected.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the base platform is made of high-strength alloy material and equipped with anti-slip components at the bottom;

[0013] The upper surface of the base platform is provided with multiple positioning holes and guide rails.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, the adjustable clamp includes a base platform, mechanical fingers, a servo motor, and a manual knob;

[0015] In standby mode, the base platform is horizontal with the base platform and mirror-mounted on both sides within the support frame.

[0016] The base platform is equipped with a lifting device at its bottom; the lifting device is controlled by a control device or a manual knob.

[0017] The mechanical finger is mounted at the center of the upper part of the base platform;

[0018] The servo motor is mounted on the base platform and connected to the mechanical finger. It responds to the instructions of the control device to drive the mechanical finger to clamp and fix the experimental animal spine specimen.

[0019] The load sensor is connected to the servo motor and transmits the force data of the mechanical fingers.

[0020] As a preferred technical solution, the mechanical finger is jointed and finger-like, consisting of multiple joint structures and a driving device; the surface of the mechanical finger is covered with a flexible coating; the joint structure is connected to the driving device; and the driving device is connected to a servo motor.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution, the cutting element is equipped with an adjustable-angle saw blade or blade; the cutting element drive unit includes an electric motor and a cutting control unit; the electric motor is connected to the cutting element and the cutting control unit respectively;

[0022] The cutting protection unit includes a protective cover and a safety switch; the protective cover covers the cutting workpiece, and the safety switch is installed on the base wall.

[0023] The second objective of this invention is to provide a method for dissecting laboratory animal spine specimens, using the aforementioned laboratory animal spine specimen dissection apparatus, the method comprising the following steps:

[0024] Place the laboratory animal spine specimen on the support frame of the base platform. Adjust the height and angle of the adjustable clamp according to the size and shape of the animal spine specimen by manually turning the knob or using the control device to clamp and fix the laboratory animal spine specimen.

[0025] The scanning device is activated and moves along a preset trajectory to perform a non-contact three-dimensional scan of a fixed experimental animal spine specimen. The scanned image is then transmitted to the computer control unit to generate a three-dimensional model of the experimental animal spine specimen and display it on the touch screen.

[0026] According to the cutting requirements, the cutting path is planned on the three-dimensional model of the experimental animal spine specimen on the touch screen or the cutting path is automatically planned by the computer control unit in the control device; the cutting requirements include obtaining the complete spinal cord, exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, and removing the complete intervertebral disc.

[0027] Set the cutting parameters of the cutting device on the touch screen according to the cutting requirements;

[0028] The cutting device is activated to manually or automatically cut the experimental animal spine specimen according to the cutting path to achieve the cutting requirements.

[0029] As a preferred technical solution, during the clamping and fixing of the experimental animal spinal specimen, the load sensor monitors the force data applied to the experimental animal spinal specimen in real time and feeds it back to the control device; the control device controls the force of the adjustable clamp to always remain within the set force range.

[0030] As a preferred technical solution, when the cutting requirement is to obtain a complete spinal cord, the cutting path is a path perpendicular to the vertebral arches on both sides of the animal vertebral specimen;

[0031] During the cutting process, the cutting device cuts along the spinal specimen of the experimental animal from one side of the vertebral arch in a preset direction, and then cuts from the other side of the vertebral arch after completion.

[0032] After completing the bilateral laminectomy, the spinous process, vertebral arch, and laminectomy are removed to expose the spinal cord;

[0033] Using curved forceps and surgical scissors, the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord and the attached nerve fiber bundles are separated to remove the intact spinal cord.

[0034] As a preferred technical solution, when the cutting requirement is to expose the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, the cutting path is a path perpendicular to the middle position of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the ventral crest of the vertebral body.

[0035] The cutting device cuts along the spinal specimen of the experimental animal from a preset direction according to the cutting path, exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body.

[0036] As a preferred technical solution, when the cutting requirement is to remove the complete intervertebral disc, the cutting path includes a path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junction of the transverse processes and the spine on both sides, as well as a path perpendicular to the posterior vertebral fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra in two adjacent vertebrae.

[0037] During the cutting process, the cutting device first cuts from head to tail along a cutting path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junction of the transverse processes and the vertebral column on both sides. After completion, it cuts from the junction of the transverse processes and the vertebral column on the other side to obtain a spine without transverse processes.

[0038] Adjust the cutting path and cutting parameters. Adjust the cutting path to be perpendicular to the posterior fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra, and the path is parallel to the intervertebral link. Cut the two adjacent vertebrae of the spine that do not have transverse processes, and use curved forceps to remove the complete intervertebral disc.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0040] Compared to existing methods of dissecting laboratory animal spine specimens that rely on manual operation and simple stands, this invention achieves precision, automation, and controllability in the dissection process through multi-module collaborative technological innovation, effectively solving many pain points of traditional operations. Specifically, this is reflected in:

[0041] (1) Precise fixation: When fixing the spinal specimen of an experimental animal, the adjustable clamps distributed on both sides of the support frame, combined with load sensors, can flexibly adjust the clamping height, angle and force according to the size and shape of the specimen. The force data is fed back to the control device in real time and maintained within the set range. This ensures that the spinal specimen of the experimental animal is stable and does not slip, and avoids excessive force that could cause the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc to spill out or the vertebral body to break. This solves the problems of poor adaptability of traditional general clamps and difficulty in controlling the force of manual clamping.

[0042] (2) Quantitative control and multi-purpose cutting: When scanning, the dissecting instrument of the present invention uses a scanning device to obtain the precise geometric shape of the experimental animal spine specimen through non-contact three-dimensional scanning. The generated three-dimensional model can be displayed intuitively on the touch screen, which provides assistance for planning the best cutting path and angle, and eliminates the errors of traditional manual measurement and experience-based path planning. When cutting, the cutting depth, angle, feed speed and other parameters of the cutting device are set by the control device. Combined with the cutting protection unit, it not only improves the cutting accuracy and operation safety, but also solves the defects of traditional manual cutting that rely on the operator's experience, cannot quantify parameters and have poor cutting consistency.

[0043] (3) Improved dissection efficiency and data reliability: The control device of the dissection instrument of the present invention integrates a touch screen, a computer control unit and a data recording unit to realize the integrated operation of fixation, scanning and cutting. It can also record key data such as clamping force and cutting parameters in real time, which facilitates the traceability of subsequent experimental data and comparison of results. It makes up for the shortcomings of traditional operation, such as low efficiency, poor repeatability and insufficient data reliability. Ultimately, it significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of dissection of spinal specimens of large experimental animals, and provides more reliable anatomical samples and experimental data support for the fields of spinal disease research, spinal cord injury repair and artificial vertebral body / intervertebral disc implantation. Attached Figure Description

[0044] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the animal spine specimen dissection apparatus in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the base platform in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the support frame in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the adjustable clamp in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting device in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic flowchart of the animal spine specimen dissection method in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting path for obtaining a complete spinal cord in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cutting path for exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figures 9(a) and 9(b) are schematic diagrams of the cutting path for removing the complete intervertebral disc in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 10 This is an image showing the effect of obtaining an intact spinal cord from an undecalcified New Zealand rabbit spinal column specimen using a dissecting instrument in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 11 This is an image showing the effect of cutting and exposing the vertebral body of an undecalcified New Zealand rabbit spinal specimen using a dissecting instrument in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 12 This is an illustration of the effect of removing an intact intervertebral disc from a New Zealand rabbit spinal specimen without decalcification using a dissecting instrument, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 13 This is an image showing the effect of manually cutting and obtaining the spinal cord of a New Zealand rabbit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 14 This is an illustration of the maximum longitudinal section of the exposed vertebral body of a New Zealand rabbit spine, created by manual cutting in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 15 This is an illustration of the effect of manually cutting and removing the intervertebral disc from a New Zealand rabbit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 16 shows the HE staining effect of the undecalcified New Zealand rabbit spine specimen cut and removed by the dissecting instrument in the embodiment of the present invention, followed by decalcification, paraffin embedding and sectioning; wherein, Figure 16(a) is the spinal cord tissue structure and Figure 16(b) is the spinal spine tissue structure.

[0061] Figure 17 shows the HE staining effect of manually cutting and removing the undecalcified New Zealand rabbit spine specimen in an embodiment of the present invention, followed by decalcification, paraffin embedding, and sectioning; wherein, Figure 17(a) shows the spinal cord tissue structure, and Figure 17(b) shows the spinal spine tissue structure.

[0062] Figure 18 This is an illustration of the effect of using a dissecting instrument to cut and remove the intact spinal cord of a beagle dog that has not undergone decalcification, as shown in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 19 This is an illustration of the maximum longitudinal section of the spine of an undecalcified Beagle dog, cut by a dissecting instrument in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 20 This image shows the effect of using a dissecting instrument to cut and remove an intact intervertebral disc from a beagle dog in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 21 This is an illustration of the effect of manually cutting and removing the intact spinal cord of a beagle dog without decalcification in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 22 This is an illustration of the effect of manually cutting and exposing the vertebral body of an undecalcified Beagle's spine in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 23 This is an illustration of the effect of manually cutting and removing the intact intervertebral disc of a beagle dog in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Fixing device; 2. Scanning device; 3. Cutting device; 4. Control device; 101. Base platform; 1011. Anti-slip pad; 1012. Positioning hole; 1013. Guide rail; 102. Base wall; 103. Support frame; 1031. Slide rail; 104. Adjustable clamp; 1041. Base platform; 1042. Mechanical finger; 1043. Servo motor; 1044. Manual knob; 1045. Lifting device; 105. Load sensor; 301. Cutting piece; 3021. Electric motor; 3022. Cutting control unit; 3031. Protective cover; 3032. Safety switch; 401. Touch screen display; 402. Computer control unit; 403. Data recording unit. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0070] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0071] Example 1

[0072] like Figure 1-5 As shown, this embodiment provides an experimental animal spine specimen dissection instrument, including a fixation device (1), a scanning device (2), a cutting device (3), and a control device (4).

[0073] The fixing device (1) is used to fix the spinal specimens of experimental animals and includes a base platform (101), a base wall (102), a support frame (103), and several adjustable clamps (104). The base wall (102) is located on one side of the base platform (101) and is vertically connected to the base platform (101). The support frame (103) is a metal frame fixed to the center of the upper surface of the base platform (101) to stably fix experimental animal spinal specimens of different sizes. The middle area of ​​the support frame (103) is used to place the experimental animal spinal specimen, and multiple sites are provided on both sides, each site being equipped with an adjustable clamp (104) for clamping and fixing the experimental animal spinal specimen. The sites are groove structures, and the adjustable clamps (104) can retract into the grooves when not in use (standby state) to avoid damage to the adjustable clamps. The adjustable clamps (104) are mirror images of each other on both sides of the support frame (103). The adjustable clamp (104) is equipped with a load sensor (105) to detect the force data of the adjustable clamp holding the experimental animal spine specimen, so as to ensure that the experimental animal spine specimen is fixed without being damaged.

[0074] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the scanning device (2) is slidably mounted (e.g., via a slider) on a slide rail (1031) on the outer periphery of the support frame (103) for scanning fixed experimental animal spine specimens and transmitting the scanned images to the control device (4); the slide rail (1031) provides a sliding path for the scanning device (2), ensuring that it moves along a preset trajectory and supports multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment to adapt to scanning experimental animal spine specimens of different sizes. The cutting device (3) is installed on the side of the base wall (102) facing the base platform (101) and cuts the experimental animal spine specimen according to the cutting command of the control device (4) or manually; the cutting device (3) includes a cutting component (301), a cutting component driving unit, and a cutting protection unit; the cutting component driving unit and the cutting protection unit are respectively connected to the cutting component (301).

[0075] The control device (4) includes a touch screen (401), a computer control unit (402), and a data recording unit (403); the touch screen (401), the computer control unit (402), and the data recording unit (403) are interconnected. The touch screen (401) is installed on the side of the base wall (102) facing the base platform (101). It can display the spinal model based on the scanned image from the scanning device (2), and can plan the cutting path of the animal spinal specimen through the touch screen. It can also set cutting parameters (such as feed speed, cutting speed, cutting depth, cutting angle, etc.) through the interface, and view the real-time status and perform operation control. The computer control unit (402) is responsible for processing sensor data, generating animal spinal specimen models, controlling the cutting device and adjustable clamps, and ensuring the automated execution of the cutting process. The data recording unit (403) records the parameters and results of each dissection for subsequent analysis and quality control.

[0076] In this embodiment, there are 24 adjustable clamps (104), which are mirrored on both sides of the middle area of ​​the support frame. The scanning device (2) uses a 3D scanner, which employs non-contact three-dimensional measurement technology, namely structured light triangulation, to quickly generate a high-precision three-dimensional model by capturing and processing the light information on the specimen surface. In addition, the scanner can automatically adjust the scanning parameters to adapt to the complex surface features of different specimens. After scanning, the three-dimensional data is transmitted to the control device (4) for further processing and analysis to generate a three-dimensional model that can be used for cutting path planning. Of course, these models can also be viewed on the touch screen (401) and cutting path planning can be performed. Furthermore, the control device (4) can be integrated with the other three devices, or it can be connected to the other three devices via wired / wireless means. This invention does not impose any limitations.

[0077] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2As shown, the base platform (101) is a large, robust platform made of high-strength alloy material. The bottom is equipped with anti-slip components (1011), such as anti-slip pads, anti-slip strips, or components that increase friction at the bottom to achieve anti-slip purposes; these can also be considered as anti-slip components in this application. The upper surface of the base platform (101) is provided with multiple positioning holes (1012) and guide rails (1013) for installing and adjusting other components, ensuring the stability and load-bearing capacity of the instrument. The positioning holes are used to fix and calibrate the position of the support frame and adjustable clamps, and provide modular expansion capabilities. Additional tools or other sensors can also be installed according to experimental needs.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the adjustable clamp (104) can manually or automatically clamp and fix experimental animal spine specimens, including a base platform (1041), mechanical fingers (1042), a servo motor (1043), and a manual knob (1044). The adjustable clamp is installed in the site groove. In the standby state, the base platform (1041) is horizontal with the base platform (101) and mirrored on both sides of the support frame (103). The bottom of the base platform (1041) is equipped with a lifting device (1045), which can be finely adjusted by the manual knob (1044) or automatically controlled by the control device (4). The height can be precisely adjusted as needed so that the mechanical value can provide stable support when clamping the specimen. The mechanical finger (1042) is mounted on the upper center of the base platform (1041) and is connected to the servo motor (1043) via a load sensor (105) to transmit the force data of the mechanical finger (1042) and flexibly adjust the clamping angle and force. The palm of the mechanical finger is covered with a soft, flexible material coating, which can effectively prevent damage to the spinal specimen during clamping. The servo motor (1043) is mounted on the base platform (1041) and connected to the mechanical finger (1042). In response to the instructions of the control device (4), the servo motor (1042) drives the mechanical finger (1042) to achieve uniform and stable clamping of experimental animal spinal specimens of different shapes.

[0079] Furthermore, the mechanical finger (1042) is jointed and finger-like, composed of multiple sets of precision joint structures and a drive device. Its flexible multi-joint structure allows for multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment, enabling precise adjustment of angle and force as needed. The surface of the mechanical finger is covered with a flexible material coating, which increases friction and prevents damage to the specimen during clamping. The joint structure is connected to the drive device, which in turn is connected to the servo motor (1043). The load sensor (105) feeds back force data to the servo motor (1043) in real time, ensuring that the force remains within the set range during clamping to adapt to different clamping requirements. The control device (4) precisely adjusts the output of the servo motor (1043) based on the data received from the load sensor (105), ensuring the stability and safety of the mechanical finger clamping. It can also automatically adjust the clamping angle and force according to the type of animal spinal specimen, achieving precise and flexible clamping operation.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cutting component (301) is equipped with a high-precision saw blade or blade, and its angle can be adjusted to adapt to different cutting needs. The cutting component drive unit includes an electric motor (3021) and a cutting control unit (3022) for driving the movement and cutting operation of the cutting component (301). The electric motor (3021) is connected to both the cutting component (301) and the cutting control unit (3022). The cutting protection unit includes a protective cover (3031) and a safety switch (3032). The protective cover (3031) covers the cutting component (301), and the safety switch (3032) is installed on the base wall (102). It can stop the cutting action in time in an emergency to prevent accidents during operation. When the cutting component (301) reaches the preset cutting depth or cuts through the specimen (when there is a drop or the resistance disappears), the cutting can be automatically stopped to ensure operational safety.

[0081] Example 2

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, another embodiment of the present invention uses the above-mentioned laboratory animal spine specimen dissection apparatus to provide a method for dissecting laboratory animal spine specimens, taking New Zealand rabbits as an example, including the following steps:

[0083] S1. Place the experimental animal spine specimen on the support frame of the base platform. Adjust the height and angle of the adjustable clamp according to the size and shape of the animal spine specimen using a manual knob or control device to ensure that the height and angle of the clamp match the specimen and secure the animal spine specimen. In this embodiment, the New Zealand rabbit spine specimen is 33cm in size and its shape gradually rises from the shoulder to the hip, becoming a gentle arch. Adjust the height and angle of the adjustable clamp using the control device; the height is 10cm and the angle is 90°.

[0084] S2. The scanning device is started and moves along a preset trajectory to perform a non-contact three-dimensional scan of the fixed experimental animal spine specimen. The scanned image is transmitted to the computer control unit to generate a three-dimensional model of the experimental animal spine specimen and display it on the touch screen. In this embodiment, the scanning device operates at 12V, uses continuous scanning, has a resolution of 0.2mm, and a frame rate of 16FPS.

[0085] S3. Based on the cutting requirements, plan the cutting path on the 3D model of the experimental animal spine specimen on the touchscreen display, or automatically plan the cutting path using the computer control unit in the control device; wherein, the cutting requirements include, but are not limited to, obtaining the complete spinal cord, exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, and removing the complete intervertebral disc. In this embodiment, the cutting path is manually planned on the 3D model of the New Zealand rabbit spine specimen on the touchscreen display.

[0086] S4. Set the cutting parameters of the cutting device on the touch screen according to the cutting requirements; the cutting parameters include cutting depth (stop cutting when the cutting part reaches the preset cutting depth, or when the specimen is cut through and there is no resistance), cutting angle and feed speed, etc.

[0087] S5. Start the cutting device to cut the animal spine specimen according to the cutting path to achieve the cutting requirements.

[0088] Furthermore, during the clamping and fixation of the experimental animal's spinal specimen, the load sensor monitors the force data applied to the specimen in real time and feeds it back to the control device. The control device maintains the force of the adjustable clamp within the set range, ensuring stable clamping of the specimen while avoiding damage. In this embodiment, the clamping force is set within the range of 15N-25N.

[0089] Example 2.1

[0090] When the cutting requirement is to obtain the complete spinal cord, such as Figure 7 As shown, the cutting path is perpendicular to the vertebral arches on both sides of the animal vertebral specimen. Figure 7 (As indicated by the middle arrow), the cutting angle, i.e., the angle formed between the cutting workpiece and the cutting surface, is 90°, the cutting depth is 2mm, and the feed speed is 0.1mm / s. During cutting, the cutting device cuts along the experimental animal's spine specimen from a predetermined direction (e.g., from head to tail) starting from one side of the vertebral arch, and then from the other side. After completing the cutting of both sides of the vertebral arches, the spinous processes, vertebral arches, and lamina are carefully removed to expose the spinal cord. Subsequently, curved forceps and surgical scissors are used to separate the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord and its attached nerve fiber bundles, thereby removing the complete spinal cord (results are shown in the image). Figure 10 (As shown).

[0091] Example 2.2

[0092] When the cutting requirement is to expose the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, such as Figure 8 As shown, the cutting path is a path perpendicular to the middle of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the ventral crest of the vertebral body. Figure 8 (Indicated by the middle arrow); During the cutting process, the cutting device cuts along the spinal specimen of the experimental animal from a preset direction (e.g., from head to tail) according to the cutting path to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the cutting. After the cutting is completed, the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body is exposed (results are shown in the image). Figure 11 As shown in the figure, this facilitates further research.

[0093] Example 2.3

[0094] When the cutting requirement is to remove the entire intervertebral disc, the cutting parameters are set as follows: cutting angle (the angle formed by the cutting piece and the cutting surface) is 90°, cutting depth is 15mm, and feed speed is 1mm / s. As shown in Figure 9(a), the cutting path includes a path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junction of the transverse processes and the vertebral column on both sides (indicated by the arrows in Figure 9(a)), as well as paths perpendicular to the posterior fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra in two adjacent vertebrae.

[0095] During the cutting process, the cutting device first cuts along a cutting path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junctions of the transverse processes and vertebrae on both sides, from a preset direction (e.g., from head to tail) at the junction of one transverse process and vertebrae. After completion, it cuts from the junction of the other transverse process and vertebrae to obtain a spine without transverse processes. Then, the cutting path and cutting parameters are adjusted. As shown in Figure 9(b), the cutting path is adjusted to be perpendicular to the posterior fossa of the cephalic vertebra and perpendicular to the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra (indicated by the arrows in Figure 9(b)), and the path is parallel to the intervertebral joint. The two adjacent vertebrae of the spine without transverse processes are cut, and the intact intervertebral disc is removed using curved forceps (result as shown in Figure 9(b)). Figure 12 (As shown). In this embodiment, cutting paths are planned 1 mm from the posterior vertebral fossa perpendicular to the cephalic vertebral body towards the cephalic end and 1 mm from the anterior vertebral head perpendicular to the caudal vertebral body towards the caudal end.

[0096] In conjunction with Examples 2.1-2.3, this invention also designed comparative examples (traditional manual cutting) to verify the performance of this dissecting instrument. Comparative Example 1 is set as follows:

[0097] Comparative Example 1.1: Manual acquisition of the complete spinal cord (results as shown) Figure 13 (As shown)

[0098] S1. Expose the spine: Cut the skin along the midline of the spine, peel the skin to both sides to expose the spinal muscles and vertebrae, and use surgical scissors or a scalpel to remove or peel the muscles on both sides of the spine to fully expose the lamina and spinous processes.

[0099] S2, Laminectomy: Carefully remove the spinous process and lamina using a bone saw; systematically remove the dorsal portion of the vertebral arch from the caudal end to the cephalic end until the entire spinal cord is exposed;

[0100] S3. Separate the spinal cord: Gently lift the dura mater covering the spinal cord with forceps, and carefully cut all the spinal nerve roots along both sides of the spinal cord, starting from the tail end, using dissecting scissors to obtain the complete spinal cord.

[0101] Comparative Example 1.2: The maximum longitudinal section of the spinal vertebral body manually exposed (results as follows) Figure 14 (As shown)

[0102] Referring to Comparative Example 1.1, after determining the precise midline (sagittal plane) of the spine, a power bone saw is carefully used to make longitudinal cuts along the midline of the spine, gently splitting or separating the spine into left and right halves, thereby exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral bodies.

[0103] Comparative Example 1.3: Manual removal of the complete intervertebral disc (results as follows) Figure 15 (As shown)

[0104] Referring to Comparative Example 1.1, using fine surgical scissors, carefully cut and remove the anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments of the intervertebral disc. Starting from one side, separate the superior endplate of the intervertebral disc from the superior vertebral body little by little. Repeat this process for the inferior endplate and the inferior vertebral body to sharply separate the skeletal connections. Gently grasp the outer edge of the annular fibers with forceps and remove the entire intact intervertebral disc.

[0105] Table 1 Comparison of New Zealand rabbit cutting results

[0106]

[0107] As shown in Table 1, the dissecting instrument of this invention can accurately fix the spine of large animals (such as rabbits), and compared with manual dissection, the cut edges are intact and the structure is complete. In three repeated sample dissections, the dissecting instrument used a preset program and precise control, ensuring that the processing conditions for each specimen in each batch were completely consistent. The consistency of the spine specimens was high, and the results were highly reproducible. Large animal specimens are relatively precious samples, and the instrument of this invention can significantly reduce human error and reduce research costs.

[0108] Example 3

[0109] Gross observation was performed on the dissected vertebrae of the animals in Examples 2.1-2.3 and Comparative Examples 1.1-1.3. The tissues were then fixed in 10% neutral formalin. After complete fixation, the tissues were dehydrated, embedded, sectioned, spread, dried, baked, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), and mounted. Finally, histological examination was performed under a microscope. The differences between pathological slides prepared by dissection using the dissecting instrument of this invention and those prepared by hand are compared. The results are shown in Table 2. Figures 16(a)-17(b).

[0110] Table 2 Histological Examination Results

[0111]

[0112] Microscopic pathological comparison experiments have demonstrated that the dissection apparatus of this invention greatly preserves the original anatomical structure of New Zealand rabbit spine specimens. At the microscopic level, this invention significantly eliminates the mechanical stress damage and thermal denaturation effects that are unavoidable in traditional dissections, ensuring that the histological examination results of experimental specimens have extremely high authenticity and scientific reference value.

[0113] Example 4

[0114] Referring to the methods of Examples 2 and 2.3 above, this example involves cutting a Beagle spinal specimen to remove the complete intervertebral disc: The Beagle spinal specimen is placed on the support frame of the base platform, clamped and fixed, and then subjected to non-contact three-dimensional scanning to plan the cutting path and set the cutting parameters; the cutting path is adjusted to be perpendicular to the path of the vertebral arches on both sides of the animal spinal specimen, and the complete spinal cord of the dog is removed (see results). Figure 18 The cutting path was further adjusted to be perpendicular to the midpoint of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the ventral crest of the vertebral body, exposing the largest longitudinal section of the vertebral body (see results). Figure 19 The cutting path was adjusted to be perpendicular to the posterior fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior cephalic head of the caudal vertebra, and parallel to the intervertebral joint. Two adjacent vertebrae of the spine without transverse processes were cut, and the intact intervertebral disc was removed using curved forceps (see results). Figure 20 In this embodiment, cutting paths are planned 1 mm from the posterior vertebral fossa perpendicular to the cephalic vertebral body towards the cephalic end and 1 mm from the anterior vertebral head perpendicular to the caudal vertebral body towards the caudal end.

[0115] Comparative Example 2

[0116] Following the method described in Comparative Examples 1.1-1.3 above, the complete canine spinal cord was manually removed, the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral vertebrae was exposed, and the complete intervertebral disc was removed. The results are shown in [Figure 1]. Figures 21-23 The results of canine intervertebral discs obtained by dissection using an autopsy apparatus were compared with those obtained by manual operation. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0117] Table 3 Comparison of intervertebral discs in Beagles

[0118]

[0119] As shown in Table 3, when performing intervertebral disc dissection in beagle dogs, this invention, through spinal path planning, can precisely cut into the intervertebral space at an angle, avoiding endplate damage that is very likely to occur during manual operation. Microscopic observation shows that this invention is significantly superior to the manual group in maintaining the integrity of tissue structures, including the annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus, thus eliminating the interference of human anatomical factors on pathological evaluation.

[0120] In summary, the dissecting instrument of the present invention can accurately support the spinal spine samples of various large animals and adapt well to the spinal curvature of different animals; it has high cutting efficiency, good repeatability, low mechanical damage, and the prepared pathological specimens have intact cutting edges and high quality.

[0121] It should be noted that, for the sake of simplicity, the aforementioned method embodiments are all described as a series of actions. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the described order of actions, because according to the present invention, some steps can be performed in other orders or simultaneously.

[0122] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0123] The above embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiments. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A dissection apparatus for laboratory animal spine specimens, characterized in that, The dissecting instrument includes a fixation device, a scanning device, a cutting device, and a control device; The fixing device includes a base platform, a base wall, a support frame, and several adjustable clamps. The base wall is located on one side of the base platform and is perpendicularly connected to the base platform. The support frame is a metal frame fixed to the center of the upper surface of the base platform. Multiple positions are provided on both sides of the metal frame, and each position is equipped with an adjustable clamp. Each position is a groove, and the adjustable clamp retracts into the groove when not in use. The adjustable clamps are mirror images of each other on both sides of the support frame. Load sensors are installed in the adjustable clamps. The scanning device is slidably mounted on a slide rail on the outer periphery of the support frame; the slide rail provides a sliding path for the scanning device and supports multi-degree-of-freedom adjustment; The cutting device is installed on the side of the base wall facing the base platform and includes a cutting component, a cutting component driving unit, and a cutting protection unit; the cutting component can be replaced with saw blades or blades of different sizes; the cutting component driving unit and the cutting protection unit are respectively connected to the cutting component; The control device includes a touch screen, a computer control unit, and a data recording unit; the touch screen, computer control unit, and data recording unit are interconnected.

2. The experimental animal spine specimen dissection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base platform is made of high-strength alloy material and is equipped with anti-slip components at the bottom. The upper surface of the base platform is provided with multiple positioning holes and guide rails.

3. The experimental animal spine specimen dissection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable clamp includes a base platform, mechanical fingers, a servo motor, and a manual knob. In standby mode, the base platform is horizontal with the base platform and mirror-mounted on both sides within the support frame. The base platform is equipped with a lifting device at its bottom; the lifting device is controlled by a control device or a manual knob. The mechanical finger is mounted at the center of the upper part of the base platform; The servo motor is mounted on the base platform and connected to the mechanical finger. It responds to the instructions of the control device to drive the mechanical finger to clamp and fix the experimental animal spinal specimen. The load sensor is connected to the servo motor.

4. The experimental animal spine specimen dissection apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mechanical finger is jointed and finger-like, consisting of multiple joint structures and a drive device; the surface of the mechanical finger is covered with a flexible coating; the joint structures are connected to the drive device; and the drive device is connected to a servo motor.

5. The animal spine specimen dissection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting element is equipped with an adjustable-angle saw blade or blade; the cutting element drive unit includes an electric motor and a cutting control unit; the electric motor is connected to both the cutting element and the cutting control unit. The cutting protection unit includes a protective cover and a safety switch; the protective cover covers the cutting workpiece, and the safety switch is installed on the base wall.

6. A method for dissecting laboratory animal spine specimens, applied to the laboratory animal spine specimen dissection apparatus according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: Place the laboratory animal spine specimen on the support frame of the base platform. Adjust the height and angle of the adjustable clamp according to the size and shape of the animal spine specimen by manually turning the knob or using the control device to clamp and fix the laboratory animal spine specimen. The scanning device is activated and moves along a preset trajectory to perform a non-contact three-dimensional scan of a fixed experimental animal spine specimen. The scanned image is then transmitted to the computer control unit to generate a three-dimensional model of the experimental animal spine specimen and display it on the touch screen. According to the cutting requirements, the cutting path is planned on the three-dimensional model of the experimental animal spine specimen on the touch screen or the cutting path is automatically planned by the computer control unit in the control device; the cutting requirements include obtaining the complete spinal cord, exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, and removing the complete intervertebral disc. Set the cutting parameters of the cutting device on the touch screen according to the cutting requirements; The cutting device is activated to manually or automatically cut the experimental animal spine specimen according to the cutting path to achieve the cutting requirements.

7. The method for dissecting experimental animal vertebral specimens according to claim 6, characterized in that, During the clamping and fixing of the experimental animal spinal specimen, the load sensor monitors the force data applied to the experimental animal spinal specimen in real time and feeds it back to the control device; the control device controls the force of the adjustable clamp to always remain within the set force range.

8. The method for dissecting experimental animal vertebral specimens according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the cutting requirement is to obtain a complete spinal cord, the cutting path is a path perpendicular to the vertebral arches on both sides of the animal vertebral specimen; During the cutting process, the cutting device cuts along the spinal specimen of the experimental animal from one side of the vertebral arch in a preset direction, and then cuts from the other side of the vertebral arch after completion. After completing the bilateral laminectomy, the spinous process, vertebral arch, and laminectomy are removed to expose the spinal cord; Using curved forceps and surgical scissors, the arachnoid membrane surrounding the spinal cord and the attached nerve fiber bundles are separated to remove the intact spinal cord.

9. The method for dissecting the vertebral column of an experimental animal according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the cutting requirement is to expose the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body, the cutting path is a path perpendicular to the middle position of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the ventral crest of the vertebral body. The cutting device cuts along the spinal specimen of the experimental animal from a preset direction according to the cutting path, exposing the maximum longitudinal section of the vertebral body.

10. The method for dissecting the vertebral column of an experimental animal according to claim 6, characterized in that, When the cutting requirement is to remove the complete intervertebral disc, the cutting path includes a path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junction of the transverse processes and the spine on both sides, as well as a path perpendicular to the posterior vertebral fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra in two adjacent vertebrae. During the cutting process, the cutting device first cuts from head to tail along a cutting path parallel to the long axis of the spine and perpendicular to the junction of the transverse processes and the vertebral column on both sides. After completion, it cuts from the junction of the transverse processes and the vertebral column on the other side to obtain a spine without transverse processes. Adjust the cutting path and cutting parameters. Adjust the cutting path to be perpendicular to the posterior fossa of the cephalic vertebra and the anterior vertebral head of the caudal vertebra, and the path is parallel to the intervertebral link. Cut the two adjacent vertebrae of the spine that do not have transverse processes, and use curved forceps to remove the complete intervertebral disc.

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