Curved Tissue Specimen Stage for Optical Sectioning Microscopes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical sectioning microscopes face challenges in imaging the edges of thick tissue specimens, as existing methods require manual positioning of edges against a planar window, which can be damaging and inefficient, especially for specimens like those in Mohs surgery where edges are convex.
Innovation Solution
A stage with a window having surface curvature matching the tissue specimen, mounted on a carriage that moves along two rotational axes to maintain optical geometry with the objective lens, allowing for imaging without manual edge positioning, using piezoelectric motors for precise movement and pressure application to ensure edge contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual positioning of tissue edges against a planar window is used, then imaging of thick tissue specimens is possible, but the procedure is time-consuming and may damage the tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the window surface to match the convex shape of thick tissue specimen edges. This allows the tissue to naturally conform to the window surface without manual manipulation, eliminating time-consuming positioning while maintaining imaging accuracy through optimal optical contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved window design enables the tissue specimen to self-position against the window surface through its own convex geometry. The tissue naturally conforms to the curved surface without requiring operator intervention for manual positioning, thereby reducing preparation time while preserving imaging quality.
2Reliability
If manual positioning of tissue edges is performed, then contact with the window is achieved, but the tissue may be damaged during manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
By designing the window with a curved surface that matches the natural convex geometry of tissue edges, the patent eliminates the need for manual manipulation. The tissue naturally conforms to the curved surface through gentle placement, preserving tissue integrity while simplifying the operation to a non-invasive process.
Solution Approach 2:
The window is pre-shaped with the appropriate curvature before the tissue is placed. This preliminary design of the window geometry ensures that when the tissue is gently placed on the surface, it automatically conforms to the curve without requiring any manipulative action that could damage the tissue.
3Measurement precision
If a planar window is used with thick tissue specimens, then imaging can be performed, but the convex edges of the tissue cannot properly contact the window surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the window from a planar to a curved surface, matching the convex geometry of thick tissue edges. This geometric adaptation allows the entire surface of the convex tissue to make optimal contact with the window, enabling high-quality optical imaging throughout the tissue specimen without the contact problems inherent in planar-window designs.
4Extent of automation
If the window curvature matches the tissue specimen shape, then automated imaging is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved window design inherently provides automated positioning functionality by its geometry. The convex tissue specimen naturally conforms to the curved surface without requiring complex automated positioning mechanisms, thereby achieving automation while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The matched curvature between window and tissue enables self-positioning, where the tissue automatically finds its optimal position on the curved surface. This eliminates the need for complex automated positioning systems, achieving high automation with minimal increase in device complexity.
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 efficient and non-damaging optical imaging of thick tissue specimens by aligning the window's curvature with the specimen's edges, allowing for comprehensive imaging without manual manipulation, thus improving the accuracy and speed of tumor margin assessment in Mohs surgery.
Implementation Method 1
using piezoelectric motors for precise movement
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A tissue specimen stage (20) is provided having a window (10, 10a) with surface (12) curvature upon which an excised tissue specimen (14) is locatable, a carriage (28) having a tissue specimen receptacle (51) to which the window (10, 10a) is mounted, and a platform (23) supporting the carriage (28) and presenting the window (10, 10a) to the objective lens (30) of an optical sectioning microscope. The carriage (28) is mounted to the platform (23) for movement along two rotational axes so that the carriage's movement follows the curvature of all or part of the window (10, 10a) while maintaining the same optical geometry of the window (10, 10a) with respect to the objective lens (30). The window (10, 10a) has surface (12) curvature adapted to at least approximate the shape or curvature of the non-histologically prepared tissue specimen (14) to be placed thereupon.