Digital Microdissection Alignment for Pathology Workflows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microdissection systems are not compatible with the existing pathology workflow, particularly due to the presence of a cover slip on standard diagnosis samples, which prevents laser microdissection and requires pathologists to handle physical slides for selecting areas of interest, hindering the adoption of digital pathology.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that digitize images of biological samples, allowing for the selection and extraction of regions of interest from one slice based on corresponding features in another slice, using geometrical transformations and a cutting tool to align and extract material from the second slice, facilitating integration into digital pathology workflows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover slip is placed on the tissue slice for standard pathology preparation, then long-term storage and protection of the sample is improved, but laser microdissection becomes impossible and the sample cannot be processed for molecular testing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the pathology workflow into separate tracks: one for diagnostic slides with cover slips and one for microdissection slides without cover slips. Two separate slides are prepared from the same tissue block, allowing each to be optimized for its specific purpose without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a digital copy of the first slide's region of interest and uses geometrical transformations to map it onto the second slide. This digital copying allows the region of interest to be transferred accurately without physically moving the actual tissue sample
2Ease of operation
If the pathologist handles physical slides to select areas of interest, then direct visual inspection and selection is improved, but slide transportation increases and workflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical handling of physical slides with a digital image processing system. Digital images are captured, processed, and transmitted electronically, eliminating the need for physical slide transportation while maintaining the pathologist's ability to visually inspect and select regions of interest
Solution Approach 2:
Digital copies of the slides are created and manipulated computationally. The region of interest is identified in a digital image and then mapped to the corresponding physical slide through geometrical transformations, allowing remote selection without physical handling
3Productivity
If digital pathology is introduced to eliminate physical slide handling, then workflow efficiency and accessibility are improved, but integration with laser microdissection systems becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal interface that works with both digital pathology systems and laser microdissection systems. The geometrical transformation module serves as a bridge, converting digital image coordinates into physical slide coordinates, allowing the system to function across different platforms without requiring complex custom integration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary software layer that translates between the digital image coordinate system and the physical slide coordinate system. This intermediary module handles the geometrical transformations and acts as a mediator between the digital pathology workstation and the laser microdissection system
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 selection and extraction of material from biological samples, improving diagnostic efficiency and compatibility with digital pathology by reducing the need for physical handling of slides and allowing for accurate alignment and cutting of samples.
Implementation Method 1
An operator can then use a focused laser beam for cutting along a line that separates the area of interest and the surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in biology, histology, and pathology includes providing a digital first image of a first slice of an object having biological material; generating a digital second image of a second slice of the object; determining a region of interest in the second image based on a region of interest in the first image; determining a region of interest in the second slice based on the region of interest in the second image; and extracting material from the region of interest in the second slice.