Micro Punch Assembly for Precise Tissue Excision Under Microscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for excising tissue samples are inefficient, inaccurate, and prone to user error due to the need for manual handling, which obstructs the view and can damage fragile tissues, especially when dealing with live or fixed tissues of varying thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A micro punch cutting tool and associated method that uses a tissue stabilizer and cutting tool assembly with a hollow cutter, allowing for precise excision under a microscope, with a support system that includes layers of transparent film and a nutrient-filled porous layer to immobilize and support the tissue, enabling a combined turning and advancing motion for accurate material removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hand-held punch tool is used for tissue excision, then the tool can be manually controlled, but the user's hand obstructs the view of the tissue slice on the microscope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand-held punch tool with an automated micropunch device that operates under microscope visualization. The device uses a micropunch tool mounted on a mechanical stage with motorized positioning, allowing precise control without manual intervention in the optical path. This substitution eliminates the obstruction problem while maintaining control capability through automated mechanical positioning systems.
2Strength
If thick tissue sections (~3 mm) are used for punching, then the tissue provides structural support, but the sections are fragile, sticky, and largely translucent making it difficult to confirm complete recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the translucency issue by using contrast-enhancing techniques during the punching process. The device allows visualization of the punched material as it is collected in the micropunch tool, and the recovered tissue can be observed against the contrasting background of the collection well or slide, enabling confirmation of complete recovery even with translucent thick sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary collection system - a well or slide with contrasting background - that facilitates visualization of the recovered tissue. This intermediary element mediates between the translucent tissue and the observer, making it possible to confirm complete recovery by observing the tissue against the contrasting background.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mesh hold-down is used to secure thin tissue sections (30-400 μm), then the sections are stabilized for punching, but the mesh limits the regions of tissue available for recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mesh hold-down with a thin film or membrane support system that provides stabilization without the obstructive grid structure. This flexible film approach allows the entire tissue surface to remain accessible for punching while still providing the necessary mechanical support and stabilization during the procedure.
4Ease of operation
If manual punching methods are used, then the operator can control the punching process, but user error and inaccuracy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual punching operations with an automated micropunch device featuring motorized positioning and control systems. This substitution eliminates human error and improves precision by using automated mechanical control with higher resolution positioning capabilities than manual operation can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses microscope visualization to create an optical copy or visual representation of the tissue structure, allowing the operator to plan and execute punches with greater accuracy by viewing the tissue in detail before and during the procedure. This visual copying enables precise targeting without direct manual manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are a micro punch cutting tool and associated method that can be used under a microscope to accurately excise a targeted piece of material on a micron or millimeter scale. An example device for targeted material excision from a tissue sample includes a support defining an opening and providing a region below the opening for positioning a tissue sample. A tissue stabilizer is receivable in the opening and defines a shape that complements a shape of the support. A cutting tool assembly receivable in the tissue stabilizer includes a hollow cutter having a bore and is movable relative to the tissue stabilizer to cause the cutter to excise material from the tissue sample when the tissue sample is positioned below the opening of the support. Movement of the cutting tool assembly is guided by a helical groove in the tissue stabilizer engaging a protrusion of the cutting tool assembly.