CT-Guided Sample Holder Alignment for Histological Sectioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in histological sample preparation lies in accurately selecting and achieving a target separation plane, particularly for hard tissues like bone, which is difficult due to the lack of visual inspection and precise orientation, leading to potential tissue loss and suboptimal analysis.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a sample holder with three planar reference surfaces, a spatial CT scan to identify the target separation plane, and a positioning device to align the sample for precise cutting using a cutting device, ensuring the cut corresponds to the target plane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or radiographic examination is used to define cutting coordinates, then sample preparation can be performed, but the cutting plane is not precisely defined leading to tissue loss and suboptimal analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary actions by extracting the material volume and generating a microCT scan before the cutting process. The microCT scan is used to identify the area of investigation and define the target cutting plane in advance, allowing precise planning of the sectioning operation before actual tissue cutting begins
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a virtual copy of the sample through microCT scanning, which allows the cutting plane to be defined and visualized in the virtual model before actual physical cutting. This virtual representation enables precise measurement and planning without touching the actual tissue sample
2Measurement precision
If microCT scan is used to generate virtual images and define cutting plane, then cutting coordinates can be determined, but the target cutting plane cannot be achieved with sufficient precision
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a reference body as an intermediary element that physically connects the virtual microCT coordinate system to the physical cutting process. The reference body with its reference surface serves as a mediator that allows transfer of cutting coordinates from the virtual model to the actual sample positioning and cutting execution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual or mechanical alignment methods with a digital coordinate system approach. The cutting plane is defined through digital coordinates obtained from microCT scanning and reference surface identification, rather than through manual mechanical positioning, enabling more precise control of the cutting process
3Productivity
If standard sample preparation methods are used without precise target plane definition, then processing can be completed, but only a very small proportion of extracted material volume can be analyzed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary identification of the area of investigation and target cutting plane using microCT scanning before the cutting process. This allows the entire relevant material volume to be identified and planned for analysis in advance, maximizing the usable portion of the extracted sample
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from two-dimensional visual inspection to three-dimensional microCT scanning for identifying the area of investigation. This dimensional change allows comprehensive visualization and planning of the entire material volume, enabling optimization of which portions to analyze
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 precise and efficient histological sample preparation by ensuring the cutting plane aligns with the target plane, minimizing tissue loss and enhancing the accuracy of histological analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a spatial CT scan is generated of, on the one hand, a section of the sample holder and, on the other hand, a relevant section of the sample fixed to the sample holder
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for preparing a histological sample and a histological sample preparation device. A sample holder (1) has three flat reference surfaces that define a reference coordinate system. The sample holder (1) can be fixed to a positioning and/or swiveling device, in particular a sample holder receiving part (19) thereof, by means of a pressing device (27) pressing the reference surfaces of the sample holder (1) against support surfaces (20, 21, 22) of a sample holder receiving part (57). By means of the positioning and/or swiveling device, the position and orientation of the sample (33) relative to a separation device is defined such that a target separation plane previously determined from a CT scan corresponds to the separation plane of the separation device.