A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck
By improving the embedding cassette structure and designing a large tissue embedding cassette that is compatible with the microtome chuck, the problem of large paraffin blocks requiring special-sized chucks was solved. This achieved compatibility with existing chucks and ease of operation, prevented paraffin block breakage, improved work efficiency, and reduced costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SHANGHAI NINTH PEOPLES HOSPITAL SHANGHAI JIAO TONG UNIV SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, embedding large wax blocks requires special-sized slicer chucks, which are prone to cracking due to excessively tight or loose clamping, making operation inconvenient.
A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to microtome chucks was designed, including a standard embedding cassette, a connecting part, and a cross-shaped retention frame. By improving the embedding cassette structure, the large wax block after embedding can be adapted to existing universal chucks, avoiding wax block breakage caused by improper clamping.
It achieves compatibility between large wax blocks and existing slicer chucks, simplifies the operation process, reduces costs, avoids breakage caused by improper wax block clamping, and improves work efficiency and ease of use.
Smart Images
Figure CN224303410U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a large tissue embedding box adapted to the chuck of a microtome. Background Technology
[0002] When embedding lesions in hospital pathology departments, the method of using both embedding cassettes and embedding molds is often adopted.
[0003] In medicine, many tissues require the fabrication of large paraffin blocks, which inevitably places certain demands on tissue sampling, embedding, and sectioning. However, because commercially available embedding cassettes are of standard size, tissue specimens exceeding the cassette size cannot be embedded using them. This necessitates the fabrication of large paraffin blocks without the cassette's clamping mechanism, and the use of standardized sectioning clamps on paraffin microtome machines is not feasible. Custom-made sectioning clamps for large paraffin blocks are required, leading to numerous operational inconveniences.
[0004] Although there are custom-made large wax block slicing clamps on the market, their inconvenience in operation cannot be avoided. When loaded onto a slicer, tightening them too much or too little can cause the large wax block to break, which limits the development of large wax block production.
[0005] CN117760819A discloses an embedding mold, embedding method, and related applications. The mold is a square funnel shape with a closed bottom, gradually increasing in size from bottom to top to accommodate tissue embedding of different sizes. However, this method requires adding a large amount of embedding agent to fill the lower cavity and ensure the liquid level covers the tissue to be embedded when preparing large wax blocks. Furthermore, a large amount of tissue-free material is pre-cut during sectioning, resulting in significant material waste. Additionally, the wax blocks formed by this method are non-standard in shape, making them difficult to directly adapt to the universal chucks of microtome machines.
[0006] Current methods for improving the embedding of large wax blocks mainly focus on the embedding mold, lacking improvements to the embedding cassette. This results in large wax blocks requiring special-sized microtome chucks for clamping. This solution improves the embedding of large wax blocks from the perspective of the embedding cassette, aiming to ensure that the resulting large wax blocks are compatible with existing universal chucks. Utility Model Content
[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a large tissue embedding cassette adapted to the chuck of a microtome to solve at least one of the aforementioned problems. This addresses the issue in existing technologies where large tissue embedding requires a specially sized microtome chuck, and the cassette is prone to breakage due to excessively tight or loose clamping. This solution is compatible with standard paraffin microtome chucks, is simple to operate, and eliminates the problems of excessively tight or loose clamping of large paraffin blocks.
[0008] The objective of this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:
[0009] A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck includes a standard embedding cassette, a connecting part, and a cross-shaped retention frame;
[0010] The interior of the connecting part is a through cavity, and the cross-sectional dimension of the connecting part is not larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the standard embedding box.
[0011] The cross-shaped retaining frame has a cross-shaped structure and a hollow structure.
[0012] The center of the cross-shaped retention frame is connected to the standard embedding box via a connecting part; the cross-shaped retention frame and the standard embedding box are arranged parallel to each other, and the projection of the standard embedding box toward the cross-shaped retention frame is entirely located on the cross-shaped retention frame.
[0013] Preferred,
[0014] The length of the connecting part is less than the length of the standard embedding box;
[0015] The width of the connecting part is equal to the width of the standard embedding box.
[0016] Preferably, the height of the connecting part is 2-5mm.
[0017] Preferably, the cross-shaped retaining frame is formed by the perpendicular intersection of horizontal and vertical bars to create a cross-shaped structure;
[0018] The standard embedding box is connected to the center intersection of the cross-shaped fixation frame via a connecting part, and the standard embedding box is positioned at the center of the cross-shaped fixation frame along the extension direction of the vertical strip.
[0019] Preferred,
[0020] The width of the horizontal strip is not less than the length of the connecting part;
[0021] The length of the horizontal strip is greater than the width of the standard embedding box, and the horizontal strip extends 1-2 cm on each side of the standard embedding box in the horizontal direction.
[0022] Preferred,
[0023] The width of the vertical strip is not less than the width of the standard embedding box;
[0024] The vertical strip is longer than the standard embedding box, and extends 1-2 cm on each side of the standard embedding box in the vertical direction.
[0025] Preferably, the cross-shaped retaining frame has a strip-shaped hollow structure;
[0026] The strip-shaped perforations on the cross-shaped retention frame are parallel to the strip-shaped perforations on the standard embedding box.
[0027] Preferably, the projection of the strip-shaped perforation on the standard embedding box toward the cross-shaped retention frame coincides with the strip-shaped perforation on the cross-shaped retention frame.
[0028] Preferably, the connecting part is a tubular structure, and the sidewalls of the connecting part are perpendicular to the standard embedding box and the cross-shaped retention frame, respectively; and / or,
[0029] The cross-shaped retaining frame is a centrally symmetrical structure.
[0030] Preferably, the connecting part is made of plastic; and / or,
[0031] The cross-shaped retaining frame is made of plastic; and / or,
[0032] The large tissue embedding cassette is an integrated structure.
[0033] The working principle of this utility model is as follows:
[0034] In use, first select an embedding mold suitable for the size of the tissue to be embedded (large tissue block), and add a small amount of paraffin wax into the embedding mold; then place the tissue to be embedded in it and adjust it, and place the large tissue embedding box on top of the tissue to be embedded; then continue to drip paraffin wax through the hollow part of the standard embedding box, so that the paraffin wax passes through the inside of the connecting part and enters the embedding mold through the hollow structure of the cross-shaped fixation frame; when the surface of the paraffin wax is dripped to the point that it covers the upper edge of the cross-shaped fixation frame but does not exceed the lower edge of the standard embedding box, stop dripping the paraffin wax; after the paraffin wax has completely solidified, remove the excess paraffin wax, then freeze the paraffin block, and then you can insert one end of the standard embedding box into the microtome chuck for fixation and perform the sectioning operation.
[0035] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:
[0036] This proposed large tissue embedding cassette improves upon the existing embedding cassette structure, allowing it to be used with existing embedding molds for embedding operations. The resulting large paraffin block can still be secured using existing microtome chucks, eliminating the need for specialized paraffin microtome chucks, thus improving efficiency and reducing costs. Furthermore, the use of readily available microtome chucks simplifies the clamping process compared to specialized chuck structures. The clamping position dimensions are consistent with standard paraffin block dimensions, ensuring proper clamping of the embedding cassette and preventing loosening and breakage during large paraffin block clamping. Operation is simple and straightforward. Therefore, the large tissue embedding cassette proposed in this solution offers advantages such as simple structure, reasonable design, low manufacturing cost, and ease of use.
[0037] The embedding cassette in this design can accommodate tissues larger than standard embedding cassettes. Specifically, the cross-shaped fixation frame ensures that the perfused and solidified paraffin block is more firmly fixed to the embedding cassette and less prone to separation. This allows for precise adjustment of the angle during secondary sectioning, avoiding diagnostic difficulties caused by differences in tissue surfaces due to excessive trimming.
[0038] This solution employs the same clamping method as conventionally sized embedding cassettes—clamping them—during the solidification and clamping process. Compared to existing technologies that directly grip large wax blocks with specialized clamps, this effectively avoids problems and phenomena caused by difficulty in controlling clamping force: excessive force leading to wax block breakage; insufficient clamping preventing sectioning; wax block cracking during sectioning; and loosening during sectioning after clamping. The embedding cassette using this solution avoids direct clamping of the wax block, and its practical logic and method are consistent with existing conventional embedding cassettes, requiring virtually no learning curve and being simple to operate, demonstrating good practicality and application prospects. Attached Figure Description
[0039] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a large tissue embedding cassette;
[0040] Figure 2 A top view of the structure of a large tissue embedding cassette;
[0041] In the figure: 1-Standard embedding box; 2-Connector; 3-Cross-shaped retention frame; 31-Horizontal bar; 32-Vertical bar. Detailed Implementation
[0042] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0043] Example 1
[0044] A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to the chuck of a microtome, such as Figure 1 and 2 As shown, it includes a standard embedding box 1, a connecting part 2, and a cross-shaped retention frame 3;
[0045] The interior of the connecting part 2 is a cavity that runs vertically through the interior, and the cross-sectional dimension of the connecting part 2 is not greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the standard embedding box 1.
[0046] The cross-shaped retaining frame 3 has a cross-shaped structure and a hollow structure.
[0047] The center of the cross-shaped retention frame 3 is connected to the standard embedding box 1 through the connecting part 2; the cross-shaped retention frame 3 is arranged parallel to the standard embedding box 1, and the projection of the standard embedding box 1 toward the cross-shaped retention frame 3 is entirely located on the cross-shaped retention frame 3.
[0048] More specifically, in this embodiment:
[0049] The large tissue embedding cassette consists of three parts: a standard embedding cassette 1, a connecting part 2, and a cross-shaped retention frame 3.
[0050] The standard embedding cassette 1 can be an existing standard plastic embedding cassette.
[0051] The connecting part 2 connects the standard embedding box 1 and the cross-shaped retention frame 3, and it is a square tube (frame) shaped structure (such as...). Figure 2 (As shown in the red box in the middle), the interior is a hollow, through-hole cavity to allow paraffin wax to pass through. For example... Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the length of the connecting part 2 is ( Figure 2 The vertical length of the connecting part 2 is slightly smaller than the length of the standard embedding box 1, and the width of the connecting part 2 is (the length of the connecting part 2 in the vertical direction). Figure 2 The width of the connecting part 2 (in the horizontal direction) is the same as the width of the standard embedding box 1. The connecting part 2 has a certain height, which can usually be set to 2-5mm. The connecting part 2 is perpendicular to the standard embedding box 1 connected to its upper end and the cross-shaped retention frame 3 connected to its lower end. The connecting part 2 is made of plastic.
[0052] The cross-shaped retention frame 3 has a cross-shaped structure, specifically including horizontal bars 31 and vertical bars 32. The horizontal bars 31 and vertical bars 32 are arranged perpendicular to each other. The connecting part 2 and the standard embedding box 1 are connected at the cross intersection of the cross-shaped retention frame 3, and the standard embedding box 1 is set along the extension direction of the vertical bar 32 (i.e., the vertical direction). Figure 2 As shown, the horizontal bar 31 of the cross-shaped retaining frame 3 has a width ( Figure 2 The width of the horizontal strip 31 in the vertical direction is approximately equal to the length of the connecting part 2, and its length is greater than the width of the standard embedding box 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the horizontal strip 31 extends outward by 1-2 cm on both the left and right horizontal sides of the standard embedding box 1; the width of the vertical strip 32 of the cross-shaped fixation frame 3 (the width of the horizontal strip 31 in the vertical direction is approximately equal to the width of the connecting part 2, and its length is greater than the width of the standard embedding box 1.) Figure 2The width of the vertical strip 32 in the horizontal direction is not less than the width of the standard embedding box 1, and its length is greater than the length of the standard embedding box 1. Specifically, in this embodiment, the width of the vertical strip 32 is greater than the width of the standard embedding box 1, and the vertical strip 32 extends outward by 1-2 cm on both the upper and lower vertical sides of the standard embedding box 1. The cross-shaped fixation frame 3 in this embodiment adopts a centrally symmetrical structure, so the extension distance of its horizontal strip 31 on the left and right sides and the vertical strip 32 on the upper and lower sides are roughly the same. Furthermore, the perforated structure of the cross-shaped retention frame 3 adopts a strip-shaped perforation structure. Specifically, several strip-shaped perforations are provided on the cross-shaped retention frame 3, allowing paraffin wax to pass through the perforations. The strip-shaped perforations on the cross-shaped retention frame 3 are parallel to each other and spaced apart, and the direction of the perforations formed is consistent with the direction of the perforations on the standard embedding box 1. Moreover, the perforation structure of the cross-shaped retention frame 3 can coincide with the projection of the perforations on the standard embedding box 1 onto the cross-shaped retention frame 3, facilitating the passage of paraffin wax droplets. The cross-shaped retention frame 3 is made of plastic.
[0053] The large tissue embedding box can be manufactured as a single piece through injection molding.
[0054] When using this large tissue embedding cassette:
[0055] First, select an embedding mold of appropriate size according to the size of the tissue to be embedded (large tissue block), and add a small amount of paraffin (embedding agent) into the embedding mold;
[0056] The tissue to be embedded is then placed in an embedding mold containing a small amount of paraffin and the position and orientation of the tissue to be embedded are adjusted. Then the large tissue embedding box is placed on top of the tissue to be embedded.
[0057] Then, paraffin wax is continuously dripped into the standard embedding box 1 in the large tissue embedding box. The paraffin wax will pass through the hollow structure of the standard embedding box 1, the internal cavity of the connecting part 2, and the hollow structure of the cross-shaped fixation frame 3 in sequence before dripping into the embedding mold.
[0058] When the paraffin wax is added until the surface of the liquid paraffin in the embedding mold is above the upper edge of the cross-shaped retaining frame 3 but not above the lower edge of the standard embedding box 1 (for example, just above the lower edge of the connecting part 2), stop adding the paraffin wax.
[0059] After the paraffin has completely solidified, remove the excess paraffin around the standard embedding box 1, then freeze the paraffin block. It can then be fixed in the microtome chuck and the sectioning operation can be performed normally afterwards.
[0060] This large tissue embedding cassette is an improvement upon the existing standard embedding cassette 1. The large wax block embedded in it still maintains the size and shape compatible with existing microtome chucks, allowing for direct clamping and fixation for sectioning using existing chucks. This avoids the need for specialized chucks and special procedures, and using conventional chucks prevents breakage due to excessively loose or tight clamping. Furthermore, the usage steps of this large tissue embedding cassette are essentially the same as existing embedding cassettes, making it convenient and requiring virtually no learning curve. In summary, this large tissue embedding cassette offers advantages such as simple structure, reasonable design, low manufacturing cost, and ease of use.
[0061] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the utility model. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be easily made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present utility model without departing from its scope should be within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck, characterized in that, It includes a standard embedding box (1), a connecting part (2), and a cross-shaped retention frame (3); The interior of the connecting part (2) is a cavity that runs vertically through the interior, and the cross-sectional dimension of the connecting part (2) is not greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the standard embedding box (1). The cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is a cross-shaped structure and has a hollow structure; The center of the cross-shaped fixation frame (3) is connected to the standard embedding box (1) through the connecting part (2); the cross-shaped fixation frame (3) and the standard embedding box (1) are arranged in parallel, and the projection of the standard embedding box (1) toward the cross-shaped fixation frame (3) is entirely located on the cross-shaped fixation frame (3).
2. The large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the connecting part (2) is less than the length of the standard embedding box (1); The width of the connecting part (2) is equal to the width of the standard embedding box (1).
3. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The height of the connecting part (2) is 2-5mm.
4. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is formed by the perpendicular intersection of horizontal bars (31) and vertical bars (32) to form a cross-shaped structure; The standard embedding box (1) is connected to the center intersection of the cross-shaped fixation frame (3) via the connecting part (2), and the standard embedding box (1) is set at the center of the cross-shaped fixation frame (3) along the extension direction of the vertical bar (32).
5. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the horizontal bar (31) is not less than the length of the connecting part (2); The length of the horizontal strip (31) is greater than the width of the standard embedding box (1), and the horizontal strip (31) extends 1-2 cm on each side of the standard embedding box (1) in the horizontal direction.
6. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 4, characterized in that, The width of the vertical strip (32) is not less than the width of the standard embedding box (1); The length of the vertical strip (32) is greater than the length of the standard embedding box (1), and the vertical strip (32) extends 1-2 cm on each side of the standard embedding box (1) in the vertical direction.
7. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is a strip-shaped hollow structure; The strip-shaped perforation on the cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is parallel to the strip-shaped perforation on the standard embedding box (1).
8. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 7, characterized in that, The projection of the strip-shaped perforation on the standard embedding box (1) toward the cross-shaped retention frame (3) coincides with the strip-shaped perforation on the cross-shaped retention frame (3).
9. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part (2) is a tubular structure, and its sidewalls are perpendicular to the standard embedding box (1) and the cross-shaped retention frame (3), respectively; and / or, The cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is a centrally symmetrical structure.
10. A large tissue embedding cassette adapted to a microtome chuck according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connecting part (2) is made of plastic; and / or, The cross-shaped retaining frame (3) is made of plastic; and / or, The large tissue embedding cassette is an integrated structure.