Biopsy Sample Imaging Through a Compressing Optical Window
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for evaluating tissue samples from biopsies are time-consuming, costly, and not feasible for low-resource settings, leading to delays in diagnosis and inadequate access to rapid on-site evaluation, particularly in determining the presence and invasiveness of diseases like cancer.
Innovation Solution
A biopsy imaging system that includes an imaging device and a container with a flexible or rigid window, capable of compressing biopsy samples for high-quality imaging, combined with a staining mechanism and transportation mechanism, and utilizing machine learned models for rapid diagnostic assistance, allowing for immediate imaging and analysis at the point of care.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tissue samples are preserved in chemical preservatives and transported to pathologists, then the physiology of the tissue sample is preserved during delay, but the process becomes time-consuming and costly with risk of loss or degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary imaging and diagnostic evaluation at the point of biopsy before the tissue sample is transported to the pathologist. The imaging device captures images of the tissue sample immediately after collection, allowing preliminary diagnosis to be performed without waiting for laboratory processing, thus reducing diagnosis delay while maintaining sample integrity for subsequent analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the tissue sample using an imaging device with appropriate lighting and magnification. These images serve as replicas that can be evaluated by clinicians immediately without requiring the physical tissue sample to be present, enabling rapid preliminary diagnosis while the original sample undergoes standard preservation and transport procedures
2Productivity
If rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is conducted by trained professionals, then preliminary diagnostic information is provided quickly, but this capability is unavailable in low-resource settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the biopsy device itself to perform the imaging function through an integrated imaging device. The system is designed to be self-sufficient at the point of care, capturing images of the tissue sample immediately after collection without requiring separate specialized equipment or facilities, making rapid evaluation accessible in resource-limited settings
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the biopsy device also serves as an imaging platform. The imaging device can capture various types of images (macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescent) using different light sources and filters, providing multiple diagnostic capabilities within a single device that can be deployed in diverse clinical settings without requiring separate specialized equipment
3Measurement precision
If tissue samples are transported and stored for extended periods, then pathologist review can be conducted thoroughly, but the process becomes costly and increases risk of sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging and diagnostic evaluation at the point of biopsy before the tissue sample is transported to the pathologist. This preliminary assessment provides immediate diagnostic information, reducing the need for extended storage and transportation while maintaining the option for subsequent detailed pathological analysis if required, thus reducing transportation and storage costs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates comprehensive optical copies of the tissue sample through multiple imaging modalities (macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescent images). These images preserve diagnostic information that can be reviewed without the physical sample, reducing the need for extended storage and transportation of the actual tissue sample while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through image analysis
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid, non-destructive imaging and analysis of biopsy samples, providing immediate diagnostic information that can be communicated to remote experts, reducing delays and increasing accessibility in low-resource settings.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging device can be configured to capture images of the biopsy sample(s) in the container via the window
Implementation Method 2
The transparent component can be pressed to compress the biopsy sample(s)
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to methods and systems for imaging biopsy samples. The system for imaging biopsy samples comprises a window and an imaging device. The window comprises an inflexible and optically clear material. The window is configured to compress a sample disposed in a biopsy needle. The imaging device is configured to maintain a constant working distance to the flattened tissue surface while scanning. The imaging device is configured to capture one or more images of the sample through the window.