Integrated Pathology System Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pathology systems lack end-to-end automation, with tissue sectioning remaining a manual process, leading to inefficiencies and reliance on skilled labor for mundane tasks, which hinders the speed and consistency of tissue processing in surgical pathology.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pathology system that automates the processing of tissue samples through modules for embedding, sectioning, staining, and cover-slipping, utilizing transfer devices and a processor to control the integration of these modules, enabling end-to-end automation and reducing human interaction between stages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual tissue sectioning is used, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but processing speed and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tissue processing workflow into distinct modular stations (embedding station, sectioning station, staining station, cover-slip station) that can operate independently yet coordinated. Each station performs a specific function, allowing automation while maintaining the ability to handle different tissue types and processing requirements through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system is designed to handle multiple tissue processing operations across different stations, making it universally applicable to various pathology workflows. The system can process different tissue types, perform multiple staining protocols, and adapt to different sectioning requirements, replacing manual operations with a single integrated automated platform.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual tissue sectioning is used, then skilled labor can perform quality control, but processing consistency and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where each automated station communicates processing status and quality metrics to the central control system. This allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of processing parameters across all stations, ensuring consistent results while maintaining the complexity of coordinated multi-station operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple previously separate manual operations (embedding, sectioning, staining, cover-slipping) into a single integrated automated system. By merging these functions into one coordinated platform, the system achieves consistent processing across all steps while managing the inherent complexity through unified control architecture.
3Productivity
If end-to-end automation is implemented, then processing speed improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end-to-end automated system is segmented into distinct functional stations that can be independently optimized and maintained. Each station (embedding, sectioning, staining, cover-slip) operates with its own subsystems, allowing high throughput through coordinated parallel processing while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions at each station to prepare samples for the next stage, ensuring continuous workflow without manual intervention. Tissues are pre-prepared for embedding, sections are pre-cut and transferred, staining protocols are pre-programmed, and cover slips are pre-positioned, enabling seamless end-to-end automation and high throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated pathology system includes a tissue embedding module configured to embed a tissue sample into an embedding material to prepare a tissue block, a sectioning and slide creating module configured to remove one or more tissue sections from the tissue block and place the one or more tissue sections onto one or more slides, a staining module configured to stain the one or more tissue sections on the slides, and a cover-slipper module configured to place a cover onto the one or more stained tissue sections. The system further includes one or more transfer devices configured to integrate the modules and a processor in communication with the modules for controlling one or more processes performed by the modules and the one or more transfer devices for controlling the integration of the modules.