Automated Histopathology Sample Fixation and Embedding Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The histological diagnosis process is significantly delayed due to the labor-intensive and time-consuming manual steps involved in sample preparation, particularly in fixing and embedding tissue samples, which complicates spatial orientation and increases overall processing time.
Innovation Solution
A compact, automated device with a sample area, substance compartments, and controlled fluidic channels for precise and controlled introduction and exchange of fixing and embedding substances, allowing for rapid and efficient fixation and embedding of samples with minimal reagent usage and easy cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual steps are used for sample preparation, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but processing time increases significantly and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a sample area with sample chamber, a substance area with multiple compartments for different reagents, a fluidic area with channels and valves, and a control area. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall processing time through automated coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs sample fixation and embedding automatically without requiring manual intervention for each step. The control device automatically regulates valves to introduce and exchange substances in the sample chamber, eliminating the need for continuous manual operation and significantly reducing processing time.
2Productivity
If multiple tissue samples are processed manually, then spatial orientation can be maintained, but time consumption and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables continuous processing of multiple samples through automated substance introduction and exchange. The fluidic system with controlled valves allows sequential or parallel processing without interruption, maintaining spatial orientation information while significantly increasing throughput compared to manual methods.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional embedding devices are used, then embedding functionality is achieved, but device size becomes large and reagent consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device design nests the fluidic channels and valves within a compact structure, with the substance compartments arranged to minimize overall device volume. The sample chamber is positioned to optimize reagent delivery paths, reducing the volume required for effective fixation and embedding while minimizing reagent consumption through precise controlled delivery.
4Ease of operation
If automated embedding machines are used, then labor is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs multiple functions including sample fixation, substance exchange, and embedding within a single integrated platform. The control device manages all operations automatically, and the same apparatus can handle different sample types and reagent combinations, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining high automation levels.
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
The device enables rapid, cost-effective, and location-independent sample fixation and embedding, reducing processing time and labor, while maintaining sample integrity and orientation, thus streamlining the histological diagnosis process.
Implementation Method 1
During fixation, the life processes of cells and tissues are stopped by denaturing the proteins they contain. By selecting suitable precipitation reagents, structural changes due to autolysis, loss of substance during further processing, and postmortem structural shifts can be prevented.
Implementation Method 2
The water present in the tissue is replaced by the embedding medium. However, since water does not mix with molten paraffin, for example, this exchange occurs via one or more intermediate media. The tissue is saturated with, for example, heated, liquefied paraffin. This allows the previously water-filled components of the tissue to be replaced with the paraffin, which acts as the embedding medium.
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for automatically fixing and/or embedding a patient sample, and to a method for fixing and/or embedding a patient sample using the device.