Packaging for wet tissue storage

Abstract

A packaging system (10b) is provided that includes a packaging body defining a cavity (14b) and a seal (18b) configured to be joined to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity. The packaging system can also include at least one tissue cradle (16b) configured to be disposed within the cavity. A cavity having a single size can be configured to accommodate differently sized tissue cradles. In addition to the cavity, the packaging system can include one or more additional reservoirs configured to hold a constant volume of liquid. Such packaging systems can be used for storing wet- or dry-stored human or animal tissue. Packaged tissue specimens and methods for packaging tissue are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a packaging system for tissue specimens, and more particularly to a packaging arrangement for the storage of tissue in a liquid medium.

Background Art

[0002] Biological tissue can often improve functional performance when used for implantation in a living body compared to equivalent artificial devices. However, the availability and use of tissue grafts can be limited by inherent supply constraints, as well as concerns about the logistics of excision, transportation, and storage. Various techniques have been developed to enable the excision, delivery, and storage of tissue suitable for use in surgical implantation. However, many of the techniques developed may require the use of special freezing equipment to store donor tissue at extremely low temperatures. Such requirements can often limit the facilities that can utilize the obtained tissue and can complicate the transportation of the tissue to the surgical facility where it will ultimately be used. The packaging and related methods described herein may overcome some of these problems and enable a more convenient approach for the transportation, storage, preoperative preparation, and ultimate use of wet or dry stored tissue. In some suitable storage approaches, the tissue can be stored in a storage solution that can extend the useful storage life of the tissue. In some such storage approaches, the tissue can be held in the storage solution until it is used in a surgical setting.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, the packaging system can include a packaging body that defines a cavity. The packaging system can also include a tissue receptacle configured to be disposed within the cavity. The packaging system can further include a seal configured to be joined to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity.

[0004] One or more of the following features may be included: The cavity may be configured to accommodate tissue supports of different sizes. The cavity may include at least one slot configured to engage with corresponding tabs of tissue supports to maintain the position of the tissue supports within the cavity.

[0005] The tissue support may be configured to support a tissue specimen. The tissue support may be configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in a liquid disposed within a cavity. The tissue support may be configured to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue support when the tissue specimen is removed from the cavity. The tissue support may include one or more openings to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue support when the tissue specimen is removed from the cavity.

[0006] A tissue support may include one or more features configured to facilitate the manipulation of the tissue support. A tissue support may be configured to support tissue specimens of multiple sizes. A tissue support may include one of multiple tissue supports. Each of the multiple tissue supports may be configured to support tissue specimens of different sizes. Each of the cavity and the multiple tissue supports may include cooperating features for supporting any of the multiple tissue supports within the cavity.

[0007] The seal may include a plastic film. The seal may include a foil seal. The seal may be configured to peel off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a packaged tissue specimen is provided, the tissue specimen being packaged within a tissue packaging system. The tissue packaging system may include a packaging body defining a cavity. The tissue packaging system may also include a tissue support configured to be positioned within the cavity. The tissue packaging system may further include a seal configured to be bonded to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity. The tissue specimen may be supported by the tissue support.

[0009] One or more of the following features may be included: The cavity may be configured to accommodate tissue receptacles of different sizes. The tissue specimen may include, but is not limited to, nerve tissue. blood vessels The tissue specimen may include one or more human tissues, including tissue, urinary tract tissue, skin tissue, tendons, and muscle tissue. blood vessels It may include one or more animal tissues, including tissue, urinary tract tissue, skin tissue, tendons, and muscle tissue.

[0010] A tissue support may be configured to at least partially immerse a tissue specimen in a liquid disposed within a cavity. The tissue support may be configured to allow drainage of the liquid from the tissue support when the tissue is removed from the cavity. The tissue support may include one or more openings to allow drainage of the liquid from the tissue support when the tissue is removed from the cavity. The tissue support may include one or more features configured to facilitate the manipulation of the tissue support. The tissue support may be configured to support a tissue specimen having one of several sizes. The tissue support may include one of several tissue supports. Each of the multiple tissue supports may be configured to support one of several tissue specimens of different sizes. The cavity and each of the multiple tissue supports may include cooperating features to support any of the multiple tissue supports within the cavity.

[0011] The seal may include a plastic film. The seal may include a foil seal. The seal may be configured to peel off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a method for packaging tissue may include the step of supporting a tissue specimen in a tissue support base. The method may include the step of placing the tissue support base in a cavity defined within a packaging body. The method may include the step of filling the cavity at least partially with a liquid. The method may also include the step of connecting a seal to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity.

[0013] One or more of the following features may be included: The tissue receptacle may be selected from several tissue receptacles of different sizes. The cavity may be configured to accommodate each of the tissue receptacles of different sizes. The tissue specimen may be nerve tissue, blood vessels It may include one or more tissues, urinary tract tissues, tendons, and muscle tissues.

[0014] The tissue holder may be configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in a liquid contained within the cavity. The tissue holder may be configured to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue holder when the tissue is removed from the cavity. The tissue holder may include one or more openings to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue holder when the tissue is removed from the cavity.

[0015] A tissue support may include one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue support. A tissue support may be configured to support a tissue specimen selected from a group of tissue specimens of different sizes. A tissue support may include one of a group of tissue supports. Each of the group of tissue supports may be configured to support a tissue specimen of a different size. Each of the cavity and the group of tissue supports may include cooperating features to support any of the group of tissue supports within the cavity.

[0016] The seal may include either a plastic seal or a foil seal. Connecting the seal to the packaging body may include either adhesive bonding or heat sealing. The seal may be configured to peel away from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the packaging system may include a packaging body defining a cavity and one or more reservoirs. The packaging system may further include a seal configured to be bonded to the packaging body for fluidly sealing the cavity and one or more reservoirs.

[0018] One or more of the following features may be included: The cavity may be configured to support a tissue specimen. The packaging system may further include one or more tissue supports configured to be placed within the cavity. One or more tissue supports may be configured to support a tissue specimen. The seal may be configured to be gradually peeled away from the packaging body to gradually allow access to the cavity and one or more fluid reservoirs.

[0019] The packaging system may further include one or more fluid passages between the cavity and one or more reservoirs. One or more fluid passages may include a fragile seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity and one or more reservoirs when sealed. The fragile seal may be configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity and one or more reservoirs when ruptured. The fragile seal may be configured to rupture when the fluid pressure in one or more reservoirs increases above a threshold pressure. The fragile seal may include regions along one or more fluid passages where the bond strength between the seal and the packaging body is weak. The fragile seal may include ruptureable members disposed within one or more fluid passages. The packaging system may further include a discharge channel between the cavity and the outside of the packaging system. The discharge channel may include a fragile seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity from the outside of the packaging through the discharge channel when sealed. The discharge channel may include a fragile seal configured to fluidly connect the cavity to the outside of the packaging system through the discharge channel when broken.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, a packaged tissue specimen is provided, which is packaged within a tissue packaging system that includes a package body defining a cavity and one or more reservoirs. The packaging system may also include a seal bonded to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity and one or more reservoirs. The tissue specimen is disposed within the cavity.

[0021] One or more of the following features may be included: The packaging system may further include a support placed within the cavity. The tissue support may support a tissue specimen placed within the cavity. The seal may be configured to peel off gradually from the packaging body to gradually allow access to the cavity and one or more fluid reservoirs.

[0022] One or more fluid passages may be provided between the cavity and one or more reservoirs. The one or more fluid passages can include a frangible seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity and the one or more reservoirs in a sealed state. The frangible seal can be configured to provide fluid communication between the cavity and the one or more reservoirs in a broken state. The frangible seal can be configured to break when the fluid pressure in the one or more reservoirs is increased above a threshold pressure. The frangible seal can include a region of weak coupling strength between the seal and the packaging body along the one or more fluid passages. The frangible seal can include a breakable member disposed within the one or more fluid passages.

[0023] The packaging system can also include a discharge path between the cavity and the exterior of the packaging system. The discharge path can include a frangible seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity from the exterior of the packaging through the discharge path in a sealed state. The discharge path can include a frangible seal configured to fluidly connect the exterior of the packaging system and the cavity through the discharge path in a broken state.

[0024] The tissue specimen can be at least partially disposed in a liquid. The one or more reservoirs can contain a washing solution. The washing solution can be configured to be at least partially transferred to the cavity via the one or more fluid passages.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1A] A diagram showing a first exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] An exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of FIG. 1A consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] A diagram showing a second exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]Figure showing an exemplary embodiment of the tissue pedestal of an exemplary embodiment illustrating the packaging system of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3A] Exploded view of a third exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of FIG. 3A consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] Top view of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] Side view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of FIG. 4A consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] Top view of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] Side view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of FIG. 5A consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] Top view of another exemplary embodiment of a packaging system consistent with the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] Side view of an exemplary embodiment of the packaging system of FIG. 6A consistent with the present disclosure.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] In general, embodiments consistent with this disclosure may relate to packaging systems. In some embodiments, the packaging system may be used to package tissue specimens that may be intended for use in connection with various surgical procedures, such as grafts or other applications. In some exemplary embodiments, the packaging system may enable packaging of tissue specimens in a liquid culture medium that can facilitate the storage or preservation of the tissue. In some embodiments, the liquid may include preservation fluids and / or preservation solutions. Furthermore, in some exemplary embodiments, the packaging system consistent with this disclosure may include features that can facilitate handling of the tissue specimen, for example, when removing the tissue specimen from the packaging and / or during other operations.

[0027] For example, and with reference to Figures 1A and 1B, an exemplary packaging system 10a is shown in its entirety. Consistent with the exemplary embodiment, the packaging system 10a may have a blister packing configuration that typically includes a packaging body 12a defining a cavity 14a. A tissue support 16a may be configured to be positioned within the cavity 14a, and the packaging system may further include a seal 18a configured to be joined to the packaging body 12a to fluidly seal the cavity 12a.

[0028] In accordance with this disclosure, the packaging body 12a may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a variety of plastic materials. In some embodiments, the packaging body 12a may be formed from a plastic material that allows sterilization by gamma sterilization or other suitable sterilization techniques that can enable sterilization of the packaging system 10a and / or anything contained within the packaging system 10a. In some embodiments, the packaging body 12a may be formed from a suitable material that can provide an oxygen barrier, for example, to prevent oxygen from migrating into the interior of the cavity 14a. In some embodiments, the packaging body 12a may be formed from a multilayer plastic material. The packaging body 12a may be formed by any suitable forming technique, including, but not limited to, thermoforming or injection molding.

[0029] The packaging body and the cavity defined within it can have any suitable shape and configuration. In exemplary embodiments, the cavity 14a may have a substantially circular or semi-cylindrical shape, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. In some such embodiments, the packaging body 12a may be provided with features such as legs 20a, 20b, which can stabilize the packaging body 12a with the opening of the cavity 14a oriented generally upward (when the packaging body 12a is placed on a substantially horizontal surface). In other exemplary embodiments, for example, as shown in Figures 2A and 3A-3B, the packaging bodies 12b, 12c may be formed with, for example, a substantially flat bottom, which can allow the packaging bodies 12b, 12c to be positioned in a substantially stable orientation with the opening of the cavity 14b, 14c oriented generally upward when the packaging bodies 12b, 12c are placed on a substantially horizontal surface. It should be understood that shapes and configurations other than those depicted may be used.

[0030] As will be discussed in general terms, the packaging system may include a tissue support configured to be at least partially disposed within a cavity. In some embodiments, the tissue support may be configured to be removable within the cavity. Furthermore, the tissue support may be sized relative to the cavity so that the seal can have a substantially planar configuration and can be bonded to the packaging body without interference from the tissue support. In other embodiments, the seal may have a curved configuration to accommodate the tissue support protruding at least partially from the cavity.

[0031] In general, tissue trays can be configured to support tissue specimens. That is, tissue trays can typically be molded to hold or position tissue specimens relative to the tray. Thus, in embodiments where the tissue tray can be removably disposed within a cavity of the packaging body, the tissue specimen can be placed in and / or removed from the packaging by placing the tissue tray (supporting the tissue specimen) into the cavity and / or removing the tissue tray (supporting the tissue specimen) from the cavity. For example, and referring to Figures 1A to 2B, in some embodiments, tissue trays 16a, 16b can typically be formed as open trays having recesses, depressions, or cavities (e.g., recesses 22a, 22b) that can support tissue specimens (for example, by placing the tissue specimen 24a in the recess 22a of tissue tray 16a, as shown in Figure 1A). In some embodiments, the tissue tray can at least partially surround the tissue specimen. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 3B, the tissue support 16c may have a substantially clamshell configuration in which two or more cooperating parts of the tissue support 16c each fold around the tissue specimen 24c to at least partially enclose the tissue specimen 24c. It will be understood that tissue supports consistent with the present disclosure may have a variety of additional and / or alternative configurations that can support the tissue specimen in such a way that the tissue specimen can be detachably placed within a cavity of the packaging system by detachably placing the tissue support within the cavity.

[0032] In addition to allowing tissue specimens to be removably placed within the cavity, and / or as an alternative, tissue supports can also serve to protect and / or hold tissue specimens within the packaging system. For example, a tissue support may allow tissue specimens having a relatively small size compared to the cavity of the packaging body to be held in a relative position within the cavity. For example, a tissue support can reduce the degree of possible movement of the tissue specimen within the cavity (e.g., reduce the degree of oscillation the tissue specimen experiences around the cavity or lateral movement within it). Since a tissue support can support relatively small tissue specimens within a relatively large cavity, in some embodiments the packaging body may be sized to facilitate user operation of the packaging system without requiring advanced dexterity, for example. Consistent with this disclosure, the packaging system may be used to contain any desired tissue. For example, the tissue specimen may include human or animal tissue. Examples of tissues that may be used in connection with this disclosure are not limited to, but include, nerve tissue, blood vessels This may include tissues, urinary tract tissues, tendons, and muscle tissues.

[0033] In some embodiments, the tissue holder may be configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in a liquid contained within a cavity. For example, during packaging, the cavity of the packaging body may be at least partially filled with a liquid culture medium (e.g., before and after the tissue holder and / or tissue specimen is placed within the cavity). The liquid culture medium may contain any suitable liquid that can maintain and / or preserve one or more characteristics of the tissue specimen (e.g., to increase shelf life, increase bioactivity, increase recipient acceptance, etc.), and / or facilitate the handling of the tissue specimen, for example, during removal of the tissue specimen from the cavity and / or during handling of the tissue specimen in surgical procedures.

[0034] According to one example, the liquid can facilitate the storage and / or preservation of tissue specimens. According to another example, the liquid can include a solution containing between about 2% and about 15% by weight of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The solution can also include about 150 g / L to 2.5 g / L of sodium chloride. The solution can also include about 0.3 g / L of potassium chloride. The solution can also include about 0.2 g / L of calcium chloride. The solution can also include about 0.4 g / L of sodium bicarbonate. The solution can further include about 0.1 g / L of magnesium chloride. It will be understood that various other liquids, including but not limited to the preservation solutions disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 898,224, entitled “Wet Preservation of Tissue,” published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0390087, and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 939,889, also entitled “Wet Preservation of Tissue,” published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0390088, may be used in connection with embodiments consistent with this disclosure, including preservation solutions disclosed in these applications, but not limited to those disclosed in the preservation solutions disclosed in these applications, including solutions comprising mixtures of monovalent and divalent metal cations (e.g., sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, etc.).

[0035] In some embodiments, the tissue support may be configured to allow the drainage of fluid from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity. For example, as discussed above, the tissue support may be configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in fluid when the tissue support is at least partially positioned within the cavity. Furthermore, the tissue support may be configured to allow the drainage of fluid from the tissue support (and thus from around the tissue specimen) when the tissue support is removed from the cavity. For example, the tissue support may include any variety of slots, holes, notches, and perforations that may allow the drainage of fluid from the recess or interior of the tissue support that supports the tissue specimen. Referring to Figures 1B and 2B, in the embodiments illustrated, the tissue supports 16a and 16b may include one or more slots (e.g., slots 26a, 26b) within the recesses 22a, 22b or within each of the tissue supports 16a, 16b. Slots 26a and 26b may allow fluid to drain from the tissue supports 16a and 16b while allowing the tissue supports 16a and 16b to continue supporting the tissue specimen. In the further illustrated examples in Figures 3A and 3B, the clamshell tissue support 16c may include multiple holes (e.g., holes 26c) which may allow fluid to drain from the inside of the clamshell tissue support 16c while allowing the clamshell tissue support 16 to continue supporting the tissue specimen 24c. It will be understood that various additional and / or alternative configurations may be provided to allow fluid to drain from the tissue support while allowing the tissue support to continue supporting the tissue specimen, for example, when removing the tissue support from a cavity.

[0036] In some embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the tissue support may include one or more features configured to facilitate the manipulation of the tissue support. For example, as generally discussed above, the tissue support may support a tissue specimen within a cavity. Removal of the tissue specimen from the packaging system may be facilitated by removing the tissue support from the cavity. For example, the tissue support may typically be larger in size and have better structural integrity (e.g., strength, hardness, etc.) than the tissue specimen. Thus, it may be easier to remove the tissue support from the cavity while the tissue support is still in the cavity than to remove the tissue specimen from the tissue support while the tissue support remains inside the cavity. Additionally, as discussed above, the tissue support may include features such as holes, slots that may allow fluid to drain from the tissue support and thereby from around the tissue specimen when the tissue support is removed from the cavity. To achieve this objective, the tissue support may include one or more features that may facilitate the manipulation of the tissue support manually and / or with surgical instruments such as forceps or tweezers.

[0037] Consistent with the foregoing, in various embodiments, the tissue support may include features such as extensions, tabs, flaps, additional material around the perimeter, as well as other suitable features that can facilitate the handling and manipulation of the tissue support. Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, in an exemplary embodiment, the tissue support 16a may include an extension 28a from one end of the recess 22a. The extension 28a may provide a convenient feature that allows for easier grasping by tweezers or forceps, for example, to remove the tissue support 16a from the cavity 14a. Similarly, embodiments of Figures 2A and 2B show a tissue support 16b including an extension 28b from the recess 22b. Consistent with this embodiment, the extension 28b may include features that extend not only longitudinally with respect to the recess 22b, but also laterally. Furthermore, referring to Figures 3A and 3B, features 28c and 28d may include tabs on both sides of the clamshell-type tissue support 16c that may allow for easier grasping and manipulation of the tissue support. Furthermore, as illustrated, in some embodiments, features 28c and 28d may be at least partially offset from each other, thereby facilitating the release of the clamshell-type tissue tray 16c in order to remove, for example, the tissue specimen 24c from the tissue tray 16c.

[0038] As generally discussed above, the tissue tray may be configured to allow for the drainage of fluid from the tissue tray. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to rinse the tissue specimen before use (for example, before embedding the tissue specimen in the recipient). For example, the method of rinsing the tissue in preparation for use of tissue stored in a patient in a surgical setting, and the fluids and solutions used therein, may depend on the storage solution used and the type of tissue being stored. Such methods and rinsing fluids, as well as their variations, will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the methods and rinsing solutions disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 898,224, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0390087, entitled “Wet Preservation of Tissue,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 939,889, also entitled “Wet Preservation of Tissue,” published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0390088, both incorporated herein by reference, may be used. Consistent with such embodiments, the operational features (e.g., features 28a-d) not only facilitate the removal of the tissue support from the cavity, but also facilitate the rinsing of the tissue specimen by providing a portion of the tissue support that is convenient for gripping, for example, lowering the tissue support into a rinsing container and / or immersing the tissue support (and the tissue specimen supported by the tissue support) in a container containing the rinsing solution. In this regard, the discharge features of the tissue tray can also facilitate the rinsing of tissue specimens, for example, by allowing the rinsing solution to be discharged from the tissue tray.

[0039] According to several embodiments consistent with this disclosure, the cavity of the packaging system may be configured to at least partially accommodate tissue trays of different sizes. For example, in some situations it may be desirable to provide a tissue tray having a recess sized to accommodate a tissue specimen of a given size. For example, the recess of the tissue tray may be preferably the same size as the tissue specimen, for example, to allow for smaller movement of the tissue specimen within the recess. Thus, a tissue tray with a relatively large recess may be used to support a relatively large tissue specimen, and a tissue tray with a relatively small recess may be used to support a relatively small tissue specimen. Consistent with some such arrangements, it may be desirable that the same packaging body having a similarly sized cavity be used together with tissue trays having differently sized recesses. Furthermore, regardless of the size of the recess of the tissue tray, it may be desirable that the freedom of movement of the tissue tray within the cavity be limited (for example, to prevent the tissue specimen from being displaced from the recess or otherwise moved in a way that the tissue tray no longer supports the tissue specimen).

[0040] In a manner consistent with the foregoing, in embodiments in which the cavity may be configured to at least partially accommodate receptacles of different sizes, the overall size of the receptacle may be independent of the size of the recess for supporting the tissue specimen. For example, in the illustrated embodiments in Figures 1A-1B, the tissue receptacle 16a may include a recess 22a and an extension 28a. The overall size of the tissue receptacle 16a may be substantially similar to that of the cavity 14a, and / or may have substantially similar cross-sectional and / or plan view sizes and / or shape to that of the cavity 14a. Thus, the tissue receptacle 16a may typically be positionally constrained within the cavity 14a. In exemplary embodiments, the cavity 14a may be configured to at least partially accommodate different tissue receptacles having similar overall sizes but differently sized recesses. For example, a tissue receptacle with a relatively large recess (e.g., configured to support a relatively large tissue specimen) may have a relatively small extension and thereby have substantially the same overall size. Similarly, a tissue receptacle with a relatively small recess (e.g., configured to support a relatively small tissue specimen) may have a relatively large extension. It will be understood that a tissue support having variable-sized longitudinal extensions, as well as differently sized recesses, may also have variable-sized lateral extensions to provide substantially similar overall size and / or shape.

[0041] In some embodiments, a cavity having a single size may be configured to accommodate tissue supports of different sizes while positionally constraining the tissue supports relative to the cavity. For example, as discussed above, different tissue supports having differently sized recesses to support differently sized tissue specimens may be provided. In the example discussed with respect to Figures 1A and 1B, different tissue supports having differently sized recesses may be positionally constrained relative to the cavity by providing different tissue supports having similar overall sizes (even if the recesses may be of different sizes). Consistent with another example, the cavity and tissue supports may include features that can positionally constrain the tissue supports relative to the cavity. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, the cavity 14b may include at least one slot (e.g., slots 30a-30d) configured to engage with corresponding tabs (e.g., tabs 32a-32b) of the tissue support 16b in order to maintain the position of the tissue support 16b within the cavity 14b.

[0042] As previously stated, in some embodiments, each of the cavity and the multiple tissue supports may include corresponding features to support any of the multiple tissue supports within the cavity. For example, the extension 28a of tissue support 16a may be configured to cooperate with the overall dimensions of the cavity 14a. Furthermore, tabs 32a, 32b may be configured to cooperate with slots 30a-30d of the cavity 14b. Thus, multiple supports configured to support differently sized tissue specimens may be utilized in a cavity that is commonly sized and / or configured.

[0043] The illustrated embodiments utilize four slots 30a-30d on both sides of the cavity 14b, but it will be understood that more or fewer slots may be used. Additionally, while the embodiments in Figures 2A and 2B include slots on each side of the cavity and tabs on each side of the tissue support, in other embodiments, slots may be provided on only one side of the cavity, and tabs may be provided on only one side of the tissue support. It will also be understood that other cooperating features besides slots and tabs may be used to achieve the same result.

[0044] In another example, in addition to positionally constraining the tissue support relative to the cavity, cooperating features can provide an indication of the size of the tissue specimen supported by the tissue support. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, each of the slots 30a–30d includes a corresponding size marking. Consistent with such examples, the size marking can correspond to the size of the tissue specimen that can be held by the tissue support that can engage with the slot associated with the size marking. Thus, cooperating features can also provide a size indicator for the tissue specimen.

[0045] In line with the foregoing, in some embodiments, the tissue support may include one of a plurality of tissue supports. Each of the plurality of tissue supports may be differently sized, i.e., configured to support tissue specimens of different sizes (for example, each of the plurality of tissue supports may include recesses of different sizes). In some such embodiments, tissue supports sized to support tissue specimens of different sizes may be used in a packaging cavity of the same size. However, in other embodiments, the tissue supports themselves configured to support tissue specimens of different sizes may be of different sizes, but may be configured to be used in a packaging cavity of the same size (for example, one cavity size may accommodate tissue supports of different sizes), and cooperative features may be included between the tissue support and the cavity to positionally constrain the tissue support relative to the cavity.

[0046] In some examples, the tissue support may be configured to support tissue specimens of multiple sizes. For example, and referring to Figure 1A, in one embodiment, the tissue support 16a may include a recess 22a sized to support a tissue specimen of a given length (e.g., 15 mm in the illustrated example). Furthermore, the recess 22a may be sized to support tissue specimens of a given length but with different diameters (e.g., collectively, tissue specimens 24d). For example, the width and depth of the recess 22a may be sized to support a tissue specimen of a given length with the largest diameter, and may also adequately support tissue specimens of a given length with a smaller diameter than the tissue specimen of the largest diameter. While the recess 22a may be sized to support a tissue specimen of a given length, it will be understood that the recess 22a can also support tissue specimens of shorter lengths.

[0047] Referring also to Figures 3A and 3B, in some exemplary embodiments, a single, sized tissue tray 16c may be configured to support tissue specimens of different lengths and / or diameters. For example, the tissue tray 16c may have, for instance, a clamshell configuration, which encloses and closes the tissue specimen to support it and hold the tissue specimen within a surrounded recess defined by the clamshell configuration. Thus, the surrounded recess can support larger and smaller tissue specimens while preventing the tissue specimen from shifting out of the tissue tray 16c (for example, because a tissue specimen placed in a clamshell tissue tray may be surrounded on all sides by the tissue tray).

[0048] As generally discussed above, the packaging system may include a seal configured to be bonded to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity. As shown in the various embodiments illustrated, the cavity in each packaging system may typically include an open surface. The seal may be bonded to the packaging body around the cavity to fluidly seal the cavity and to hold the tissue support and tissue specimen within the cavity. Furthermore, the seal can not only prevent the escape of any storage fluid that may be used in connection with the tissue specimen, but it can also prevent the entry of any contaminants that may have a detrimental effect on the tissue specimen and / or interfere with the intended use of the tissue specimen. In some embodiments, the seal may additionally provide, for example, an oxygen barrier to prevent and / or reduce the entry of oxygen into the cavity after the seal has been bonded to the packaging body.

[0049] It will be understood that a variety of suitable materials may be used for the seal. Examples of such materials, but not limited to, include plastic films, metal foils, and multilayer structures (e.g., plastic laminated paper, plastic laminated metal foil, multilayer plastic foil, etc.). Additionally, it will be understood that various techniques may be utilized to bond the seal to the packaging body to provide a fluid-seal seal. For example, the seal may be adhesively bonded to the packaging body, head-bonded to the packaging body, and / or bonded to the packaging body in other ways. Furthermore, while the illustrated embodiments generally depict the seal as a planar member, it will be understood that in other embodiments the seal may include a shape and / or curved member. In some such embodiments the seal may include an additional cavity that can be at least partially aligned with the cavity of the packaging body when it is bonded to the packaging body.

[0050] In exemplary embodiments, the seal may be configured to peel away from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity (for example, to allow removal of the tissue support and / or tissue specimen from the cavity). For example, as discussed above, the seal may be bonded to the packaging body by adhesive bonding and / or thermal bonding (e.g., heat sealing). In some embodiments, a portion of the seal may not be bonded to the packaging body. For example, a portion of the seal may extend periphery beyond the joint between the seal and the packaging body. For example, as shown in Figures 1A and 2A, the seals 18a, 18b (each) may include flap portions 34a, 34b (each). When the seals 18a, 18b are bonded to the packaging body, at least the flap portions 34a, 34b may not be bonded to the packaging bodies 12a, 12b and may extend beyond the joint between the seals 18a, 18b and the packaging bodies 12a, 12b. The flap portions 34a, 34b can provide a convenient location for gripping the seals 18a, 18b in order to peel them off the packaging bodies 12a, 12b. Similarly, the packaging bodies 12a, 12b may include tabs 36a, 36b (each) that can extend periphery beyond the joint between the seals 18a, 18b and the packaging bodies 12a, 12b. In a similar manner to the flap portions 34a, 34b, the tab portions 36a, 36b can provide a portion of the packaging bodies 12a, 12b for gripping the packaging bodies 12a, 12b in order to peel the seals 18a, 18b from the packaging bodies 12a, 12b. Consistent with various other embodiments, the seals may be cut or broken from the packaging bodies to allow access to the cavity (for example, to remove tissue trays and / or tissue specimens).

[0051] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, another example may provide a packaging arrangement that may include one or more reservoirs for containing one or more rinsing or washing solutions. For example, referring to the example in Figures 4A and 4B, is an exemplary packaging system 10d. As illustrated, the packaging system 10d may include a packaging body 12d that can define a cavity 14d for containing a tissue specimen 24d. In some embodiments, the tissue specimen 24d may be supported by a tissue support 16d, while in other embodiments, the tissue specimen may be supported by the cavity itself. Consistent with various embodiments, the cavity 14d and / or tissue support 16d may be constructed in a manner similar to any of the previously described cavities and / or tissue supports, and / or including various combinations of the features of the cavities and tissue supports described herein. In other embodiments, the cavity 14d and / or tissue support 16d may have different features and / or configurations than those of the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, as generally mentioned, in some embodiments the packaging system 10d may not include a tissue support. Consistent with such embodiments, the tissue specimen 24d may be supported by a cavity 14d.

[0052] In addition to the cavity 14d, the packaging system 10d may include one or more additional reservoirs 40a-40c. One or more additional reservoirs 40a-40c may include a cavity formed within the packaging body 12d that can be configured to hold a certain volume of liquid. As discussed in prior embodiments, the packaging system 10d may include a seal (not shown) which (in a sealed configuration) can surround one or more reservoirs 40a-40c and can be peeled from the packaging body 12d to allow access to one or more reservoirs 40a-40c. In some embodiments, the seal can be gradually peeled from the packaging body 12d to gradually allow access to the cavity 14 and one or more reservoirs 40a-40d. For example, the seal can be peeled from the packaging body 12d to allow access to the cavity 14d. The seal can then be peeled from the packaging body 12d to allow access to the first reservoir 40a. Next, the seal may be peeled off the packaging body 12d to allow access to the second reservoir 40b. Furthermore, the seal may be peeled off the packaging body 12d to allow access to the third reservoir 40c. It will be understood that other configurations may be implemented, for example, by peeling the seal off the packaging body to expose two or more reservoirs at once.

[0053] In some embodiments, one or more reservoirs may be used to contain liquids and / or articles that may be used in connection with the preparation, use, and / or embedding of tissue specimens. For example, in some embodiments, tissue specimens may be preserved using preservation media or treatments such as preservation solutions. In some such embodiments, it may be desirable to rinse or wash the tissue specimen before use (e.g., before embedding or other use) to remove or displace at least partially the preservation media. In such embodiments, one or more reservoirs may contain a rinsing or washing solution. According to one example, during use of the tissue specimen 24d, the tissue specimen 24d may be removed from the cavity 14d and exposed to the rinsing or washing solution contained in one or more of the reservoirs 40a-40c, for example, by placing the tissue specimen 24d in one or more of the reservoirs 40a-40c and / or by submerging and / or immersing the tissue specimen 24d in the liquid contained in one or more of the reservoirs 40a-40c. In one embodiment, the tissue specimen 24 may be sequentially exposed to the liquid contained in each of the respective reservoirs 40a-40c. In some embodiments, each reservoir 40a-40c may contain the same liquid. In some embodiments, one or more of the reservoirs 40a-40c may contain a different liquid from one or more of the other reservoirs 40a-40c. For example, different liquids may be contained in different reservoirs to allow for continuous washing, rinsing, and / or processing of the tissue specimen. Examples of rinsing and / or washing solutions are not limited to, but may include water, physiological saline, Ringer's lactate solution ("LRS"), phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or other suitable rinsing and / or washing solutions. In addition to and / or alternative to liquids, one or more of the reservoirs may contain components of equipment or other articles that may be associated with the use of the tissue specimen. Thus, the packaging system 10d can provide and protect both the tissue specimen and the associated equipment or articles. Other embodiments may be available.Three reservoirs are depicted, but this is merely illustrative; it should be understood that more or fewer reservoirs may be provided.

[0054] Referring to Figures 5A-5B and 6A-6B, in further examples, one or more reservoirs may be fluidically connected to the cavity. For example, one or more reservoirs may be fluidly connected to the cavity while the seal remains connected and / or bonded to at least a portion of the packaging body. Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, for example, an example of a packaging system 10e including a cavity 14e and a reservoir 40d is shown. As illustrated, the cavity 14e may be configured to hold a tissue specimen with or without the use of a tissue support. Consistent with this embodiment, the packaging system 10e may include a fluid passage 42a between the cavity 14e and the reservoir 40d. For example, a seal (not shown) may be bonded to the packaging body 12e in such a manner that it is weaker in the area of ​​the packaging body 12e within the fluid passage 42a than in the periphery of the packaging body 12e. In a manner consistent with such embodiments, applying pressure to the cavity 14e or reservoir 40d can cause a pressure increase within the cavity 14e and / or reservoir 40d. This pressure increase can cause the joint between the seal and the packaging body 12e to break along the fluid passage 42a. Breakage of the joint between the seal and the packaging body 12e along the fluid passage can allow fluid communication between the cavity 14e and reservoir 40d.

[0055] In one example, pressure may be applied to the reservoir 40d by, for example, compressing the packaging system 10e within the region of the reservoir 40d. The applied pressure can cause an increase in the pressure of the rinsing solution and / or other fluids within the reservoir 40d, which can result in the breakdown of the bond between the seal and the packaging body 12e within the region of the fluid passage 42a. Breakage of the bond between the seal and the packaging body within the region of the fluid passage may allow fluid communication between the reservoir 40d and the cavity 14e via the fluid passage 42a. In some embodiments, once the fluid passage 42 is opened (for example, by breaking the bond between the seal and the packaging body 12e), the increase in pressure within the reservoir 40d may allow at least partial transfer of fluid from the reservoir 40d into the cavity 14e. In some embodiments, at least partial transfer of fluid from the reservoir into the cavity may initiate rinsing and / or washing of the tissue specimen. It will be understood that the fluid passage 42a may represent a line and / or region of relatively weak bonding between the seal and the packaging body. In some embodiments, the seal may be unglued to the packaging body within the region of the fluid passage. Furthermore, a relatively thin line of bonding between the seal and the packaging body may be provided across the fluid passage (for example, in one or more regions between the joint of the fluid passage and the joint of the fluid passage and the reservoir). In such embodiments, rather than causing failure of the joint between the seal and the packaging body along the entire fluid passage, the increase in pressure causes failure only in a relatively small area of ​​the joint between the seal and the packaging body along the fluid passage, thus providing a fluid passage for fluid communication between the cavity and the reservoir. Consistent with any of the above arrangements, the reservoir may be fluidly isolated from the cavity until the fluid passage is opened by failure of the joint between the seal and the packaging body.

[0056] See also Figures 6A and 6B, in some embodiments the packing system 10f may include two or more reservoirs (e.g., reservoirs 40e-40g) that can be in fluid communication with the cavity 14f via one or more respective fluid passages (e.g., fluid passages 42b-42d). For example, the cavity 14f and reservoirs 40e-40g may be formed within the packaging body 12f in the manner generally discussed above with respect to one or more of the preceding exemplary embodiments. The cavity 14f may be configured to hold tissue specimens with and / or without the use of tissue supports. One or more reservoirs 40e-40g may contain one or more fluids that can be at least partially transferred to the cavity 14f via one or more fluid passages 42b-42d (e.g., the same fluid in each reservoir and / or one or more different fluids). Thus, it may be possible to expose tissue specimens to two or more different fluids and / or result in sequential exposure to fluids (e.g., resulting in sequential rinsing).

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more fluid passages may include areas where the seal (not shown) is weaker than the surrounding area. Therefore, pressure applied to the fluid within one or more reservoirs 40e-40g can cause localized failure of the bond along each fluid passage. In other embodiments, the fluid passages are not bonded to the packaging body 12f except for separate areas, for example, between the joints of the fluid passage and the reservoir, and between the joints of the fluid passage and the cavity. Such separate areas may represent weak seals. The weak seals can maintain fluid insulation between the cavity 14f and each of the reservoirs 40e-40g until one or more of the weak seals break (for example, by applying force to one or more of the respective reservoirs). In some embodiments, one or more fluid passages 42b-42d may include channels formed within the packaging body and / or within the seal. In consistency with such embodiments, the fluid passages may include, for example, individual fragile seals that can fluidly insulate each fluid reservoir and cavity until each fragile seal ruptures (for example, by the application of pressure to one or more of each reservoir). The fragile seals may include any material that can fluidly seal the fluid passages but can rupture or break upon the application of pressure to each reservoir. In some embodiments, the fragile seals may rupture at a pressure applied to the reservoir that is lower than the pressure that could cause failure of the joint between the seal and the packaging body. Thus, the fragile seals may rupture to bring fluid communication between one or more reservoirs and cavities without otherwise damaging the packaging system. Although separate fluid passages are depicted between each reservoir and cavity, it will be understood that in some embodiments, at least a portion of the fluid passages may be common. For example, each reservoir may be connected to the cavity by a common fluid passage, by one or more discharge passages, and / or directly through its respective fragile seal.

[0058] In some embodiments, the cavity may include a discharge channel that can provide fluid communication with the outside of the packaging system, for example. For example, as illustrated in the illustrated examples in Figures 6A and 6B, the cavity 14f may include a discharge channel 44 that can provide fluid communication with the outside of the packaging system 10f. In some embodiments, the discharge channel 44 may include a fragile seal consistent with any of the fragile seals described herein (e.g., a region of relatively fragile bonding between the seal and the packaging body 12f, as a fragile member disposed within the discharge channel). As discussed above, in some embodiments, a pressure may be applied to the reservoir that can open the fluid passage between the reservoir and the cavity (e.g., by rupturing the fragile seal and / or causing a bond failure between the seal and the packaging body). Additionally, once the fluid passage between the reservoir and the cavity is opened, the pressure increase on the reservoir may cause a pressure increase within the cavity. In some embodiments, the resulting pressure increase within the cavity can cause the discharge passage 44 to open (for example, by rupturing a fragile seal and / or causing a bond failure between the seal and the packaging body). Thus, the cavity can be fluidly connected to the outside of the packaging system. This may allow at least a portion of the fluid in one or more reservoirs to be transferred into the cavity by providing a discharge passage for any fluid already present in the cavity (and / or previously transferred from the reservoir to the cavity) to exit the cavity. Thus, in some such embodiments, it may be possible to flush the fluid out of the cavity, for example by displacing this fluid with fluid from one or more reservoirs. Furthermore, this approach can be used to sequentially rinse and / or treat tissue specimens with fluid from the reservoirs.

[0059] While some of the exemplary embodiments described herein have been described in the context of packaging systems for tissue specimens, it will be understood that the principles, features, and / or advantages described herein may also be applicable to packaging for other materials. Additionally, while some of the exemplary embodiments described herein have been described in the context of packaging systems for tissue specimens stored in liquid culture media, it will be understood that the principles, features, and / or advantages described herein may also be applicable to storing tissue without using liquid culture media. Therefore, this disclosure should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed, and the entire scope of the accompanying claims should be provided. (Note) The technical concepts that can be understood from the above embodiments and modified examples are described below. [Item 1] The packaging body that defines the cavity, A tissue support base configured to be placed within the aforementioned cavity, A packaging system comprising a seal configured to be joined to the packaging body in order to fluidly seal the cavity. [Item 2] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the packaging system comprises a plurality of tissue cradles, and the cavities are configured to accept tissue cradles of different sizes. [Item 3] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the cavity comprises at least one slot configured to engage with a corresponding tab of the tissue support in order to maintain the position of the tissue support within the cavity. [Item 4] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the tissue support is configured to support a tissue specimen. [Item 5] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the tissue support is configured to support a tissue specimen and to fit into the cavity in order to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in a liquid disposed within the cavity. [Item 6] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the tissue support is configured to allow liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when the tissue support is removed from the cavity. [Item 7] The packaging system according to item 6, wherein the tissue support includes one or more openings to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity. [Item 8] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the tissue support tray includes one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue support tray. [Item 9] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the packaging system comprises a plurality of tissue trays, and the plurality of tissue trays are configured to support tissue specimens of a plurality of sizes. [Item 10] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the packaging system comprises a plurality of tissue trays, and the plurality of tissue trays are of a plurality of different sizes. [Item 11] The packaging system according to item 10, wherein each of the cavity and the plurality of tissue supports includes a cooperative feature for supporting any of the plurality of tissue supports within the cavity. [Item 12] The packaging system described in item 1, wherein the seal includes a plastic film. [Item 13] The packaging system described in item 1, wherein the seal includes a foil seal. [Item 14] The packaging system according to item 1, wherein the seal is configured to be peeled off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity. [Item 15] A packaged tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen is packaged within a tissue packaging system, and the tissue packaging system is The packaging body that defines the cavity, A tissue support base is disposed within the aforementioned cavity, The package body is equipped with a seal that is joined to the packaging body to fluidly seal the cavity, A packaged tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen is supported by the tissue support. [Item 16] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the cavity of the tissue packaging system is configured to accept tissue trays of different sizes. [Item 17] The aforementioned tissue sample nerve tissue, blood vessels A packaged tissue specimen as described in item 15, comprising one or more tissues, urinary tract tissues, tendons, or muscle tissues. [Item 18] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system is configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in a liquid disposed within the cavity. [Item 19] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system is configured to allow liquid to be drained from the tissue receiving tray when removed from the cavity. [Item 20] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 19, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system includes one or more openings to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue receiving tray when removed from the cavity. [Item 21] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system includes one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue receiving tray. [Item 22] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the tissue support of the tissue packaging system is configured to support the size of the tissue specimen. [Item 23] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system comprises a plastic film. [Item 24] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system includes a foil seal. [Item 25] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 15, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system can be peeled off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity. [Item 26] A process of supporting the tissue specimen with a tissue support, A step of placing the tissue support base in a cavity defined within the packaging body, A step of filling the cavity at least partially with a liquid, A method for packaging tissue, comprising the step of connecting a seal to the packaging body in order to fluidly seal the cavity. [Item 27] The method according to item 26, wherein the tissue support is selected from a plurality of tissue supports of different sizes, and the cavity is configured to accept each of the tissue supports of different sizes. [Item 28] The aforementioned tissue sample nerve tissue, blood vessels The method described in item 26, comprising one or more tissues, urinary tract tissues, tendons, or muscle tissues. [Item 29] The method according to item 26, wherein the tissue support is configured to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in the liquid disposed within the cavity. [Item 30] The method according to item 26, wherein the tissue support is configured to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity. [Item 31] The method according to item 30, wherein the tissue support includes one or more openings to allow the fluid to be drained from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity. [Item 32] The method according to item 26, wherein the tissue support includes one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue support. [Item 33] The method according to item 26, wherein the seal includes either a plastic seal or a foil seal. [Item 34] The method according to item 26, wherein the step of connecting the seal to the packaging body includes either adhesive bonding or heat sealing. [Item 35] The method according to item 26, wherein the connected seal is configured to be peeled off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity. [Item 36] A packaging body defining a cavity and one or more reservoirs, A packaging system comprising a seal configured to be joined to the packaging body in order to fluidly seal the cavity and the one or more reservoirs. [Item 37] The packaging system according to item 36, wherein the cavity is configured to support a tissue specimen. [Item 38] The packaging system according to item 36, further comprising one or more tissue supports configured to be disposed within the cavity, wherein the one or more tissue supports are configured to support a tissue specimen. [Item 39] The packaging system according to item 36, wherein the seal is configured to be gradually peeled away from the packaging body to gradually allow access to the cavity and the one or more fluid reservoirs. [Item 40] The packaging system according to item 36, further comprising one or more fluid passages between the cavity and the one or more reservoirs. [Item 41] The packaging system according to item 40, wherein the one or more fluid passages are provided with a fragile seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity and the one or more reservoirs when sealed, and to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the one or more reservoirs when ruptured. [Item 42] The packaging system according to item 41, wherein the fragile seal is configured to rupture when the fluid pressure in the one or more reservoirs increases above a threshold pressure. [Item 43] The packaging system according to item 41, wherein the fragile seal includes a region along the one or more fluid passages where the bonding strength between the seal and the packaging body is weak. [Item 44] The packaging system according to item 41, wherein the fragile seal includes a breakable member disposed within one or more fluid passages. [Item 45] The packaging system according to item 40, further comprising a discharge passage between the cavity and the outside of the packaging system. [Item 46] The packaging system according to item 45, comprising a fragile seal, wherein the discharge channel is configured to fluidly insulate the cavity from the outside of the packaging through the discharge channel when sealed, and to fluidly connect the cavity to the outside of the packaging system through the discharge channel when broken. [Item 47] A packaged tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen is packaged within a tissue packaging system, and the tissue packaging system is A packaging body defining a cavity and one or more reservoirs, The package comprises the aforementioned cavity and a seal bonded to the packaging body for fluidly sealing the one or more reservoirs, A packaged tissue specimen in which the tissue specimen is placed within the cavity. [Item 48] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 47, wherein the packaging system further comprises a support arranged in the cavity, the tissue support supporting the tissue specimen arranged in the cavity. [Item 49] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 47, wherein the seal is configured to be gradually peeled away from the packaging body to gradually allow access to the cavity and the one or more fluid reservoirs. [Item 50] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 47, further comprising one or more fluid passages between the cavity and the one or more reservoirs. [Item 51] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 50, wherein the one or more fluid passages are provided with a fragile seal configured to fluidly insulate the cavity and the one or more reservoirs when sealed and to allow fluid communication between the cavity and the one or more reservoirs when ruptured. [Item 52] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 51, wherein the fragile seal is configured to rupture when the fluid pressure in the one or more reservoirs increases above a threshold pressure. [Item 53] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 51, wherein the fragile seal includes a region along one or more fluid passages where the bonding strength between the seal and the packaging body is weak. [Item 54] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 51, wherein the fragile seal includes a breakable member disposed within one or more fluid passages. [Item 55] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 40, further comprising a discharge channel between the cavity and the outside of the packaging system. [Item 56] A packaged tissue specimen according to item 55, comprising a fragile seal, wherein the discharge channel is configured to fluidly insulate the cavity from the outside of the packaging via the discharge channel when sealed, and to fluidly connect the cavity to the outside of the packaging system via the discharge channel when broken. [Item 57] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 47, wherein the tissue specimen is at least partially disposed in a liquid. [Item 58] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 50, wherein one or more reservoirs contain a washing solution. [Item 59] The packaged tissue specimen according to item 58, wherein the washing solution is configured to be at least partially transferred to the cavity through one or more fluid passages.

Claims

1. A packaging system for packaging tissue specimens, The packaging body that defines the cavity, A tissue support configured to support the tissue specimen, comprising a tissue support configured to be disposed within the cavity, The package includes a seal configured to be joined to the packaging body around the opening of the cavity in order to seal the opening of the cavity and prevent the liquid disposed in the cavity from flowing out of the cavity, The tissue support is configured to fit into the cavity so as to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in the liquid disposed within the cavity. The tissue support is selected from a plurality of tissue support having different sizes. A packaging system in which each of the plurality of tissue supports and the cavity includes a cooperative feature for supporting each of the plurality of tissue supports within the cavity.

2. The cooperating feature is, A tab provided on the aforementioned tissue support base, The cavity includes a plurality of slots provided therein, The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the position of the selected tissue support is maintained within the cavity by the tab of the selected tissue support engaging with a corresponding slot among the plurality of slots in the cavity.

3. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the tissue support is configured to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when the tissue support is removed from the cavity.

4. The packaging system according to claim 3, wherein the tissue support includes one or more openings to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity.

5. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the tissue support tray includes one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue support tray.

6. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of tissue support trays is configured to support a tissue specimen of one size selected from a plurality of tissue specimen sizes.

7. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the seal includes a plastic film.

8. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the seal includes a foil seal.

9. The packaging system according to claim 1, wherein the seal is configured to be peelable from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

10. A packaged tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen is packaged within a tissue packaging system, and the tissue packaging system is The packaging body that defines the cavity, A tissue support base is disposed within the aforementioned cavity, The packaging body is joined to the periphery of the opening of the cavity in order to seal the opening of the cavity and prevent the liquid disposed in the cavity from flowing out of the cavity. The tissue support is configured to fit into the cavity so as to at least partially immerse the tissue specimen in the liquid disposed within the cavity. The tissue support is selected from a plurality of tissue support having different sizes. Each of the plurality of tissue supports and the cavity includes a cooperative feature for supporting each of the plurality of tissue supports within the cavity, A packaged tissue specimen, wherein the tissue specimen is supported by a tissue support selected from among the plurality of tissue support bases.

11. The aforementioned tissue sample The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, comprising one or more nerve tissue, vascular tissue, urinary tract tissue, tendon, or muscle tissue.

12. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system is configured to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue receiving tray when the tissue is removed from the cavity.

13. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 12, wherein the tissue receiving tray of the tissue packaging system includes one or more openings to allow the liquid to be drained from the tissue receiving tray when removed from the cavity.

14. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein the tissue receiving stand of the tissue packaging system includes one or more features configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue receiving stand.

15. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of tissue supports in the tissue packaging system is configured to support a tissue specimen of one size selected from a plurality of sizes of tissue specimens.

16. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system comprises a plastic film.

17. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system includes a foil seal.

18. The packaged tissue specimen according to claim 10, wherein the seal of the tissue packaging system can be peeled off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

19. A process of selecting one tissue support from multiple tissue support structures of different sizes, A step of supporting the tissue specimen with the selected tissue support, A step of placing the tissue support base in a cavity defined within the packaging body, A step of filling the cavity at least partially with a liquid and immersing the tissue specimen at least partially in the liquid disposed within the cavity, The process includes a step of connecting a seal to the packaging body around the opening of the cavity in order to seal the opening of the cavity and prevent the liquid disposed in the cavity from flowing out of the cavity, A method of packaging tissue, wherein each of the plurality of tissue cradles and the cavity includes a cooperative feature for supporting each of the plurality of tissue cradles within the cavity.

20. The aforementioned tissue sample The method according to claim 19, comprising one or more nerve tissue, vascular tissue, urinary tract tissue, tendon, or muscle tissue.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein the tissue support is configured to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the tissue support includes one or more openings to allow the liquid to be discharged from the tissue support when it is removed from the cavity.

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein the tissue support is configured to facilitate the operation of the tissue support.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein the seal includes one of a plastic seal and a foil seal.

25. The method according to claim 19, wherein the step of connecting the seal to the packaging body includes either adhesive bonding or heat sealing.

26. The method according to claim 19, wherein the connected seal is configured to be peeled off from the packaging body to allow access to the cavity.

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