MRI Tissue Stabilization Platform for Resected Specimen Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clinical MRI is sensitive but lacks specificity in detecting breast cancer, leading to subjective sampling errors and prolonged pathological analysis times, which can result in additional surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for magnetic resonance imaging of resected tissue using a stabilization platform with vibration dampeners and a fluid reservoir containing a contrast agent, enabling high-resolution imaging of breast and lymph tissue with reduced vibration and expedited analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pathologic analysis is performed using traditional staining process, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but analysis time increases to at least 12 hours
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/chemical staining process with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology. The MRI system uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate images of tissue samples, eliminating the need for physical sectioning, mounting, and chemical staining processes that take 12+ hours. This substitution of imaging modality dramatically reduces analysis time while maintaining diagnostic capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates magnetic resonance images as copies or representations of the tissue sample's internal structure and pathology. These MRI images serve as diagnostic copies that can be analyzed immediately without waiting for the traditional staining and physical examination process, providing timely diagnostic information while preserving the original tissue sample.
2Loss of time
If a few slices of tissue are selected for analysis, then analysis time is reduced, but sampling error increases due to subjective selection
Solution Approach 1:
The MRI system provides universal imaging capability that can visualize the entire tissue sample in a single examination, regardless of sample size or complexity. This eliminates the need for subjective selection of representative slices, as the imaging modality can capture and analyze the complete specimen, ensuring no pathological areas are missed while maintaining efficient analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional slice analysis to three-dimensional volumetric imaging. MRI captures the entire tissue sample in three dimensions, allowing comprehensive visualization of pathological features throughout the specimen. This dimensional change eliminates sampling error by providing complete coverage rather than relying on selective 2D sections.
3Measurement precision
If high resolution images are acquired, then diagnostic precision is improved, but imaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes MRI acquisition parameters including field strength, pulse sequences, and resolution settings to achieve the optimal balance between image quality and scan time. By adjusting parameters such as using higher field strengths (e.g., 3T or 7T MRI) and employing advanced pulse sequences, the system achieves high spatial resolution diagnostic images within clinically acceptable timeframes, resolving the trade-off between resolution and speed.
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 method achieves high spatial resolution and speed, guiding intra-operative decision-making and reducing sampling errors, potentially eliminating the need for additional surgeries by providing immediate diagnostic insights.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vibration dampener coupled towards each end of the stabilization platform. The vibration dampeners are configured to stabilize the stabilization platform within a bore of a magnetic resonance imaging machine
Implementation Method 2
One or more high resolution images of the tissue sample are acquired by the magnetic resonance imaging system
Implementation Method 3
a radiofrequency resonator and brace the cassette within the bore of a magnetic resonance imaging system
Implementation Method 4
The method includes applying a contrast agent to a tissue sample
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discusses systems and methods for imaging tissue. The system can reduce the amount of vibrations that are transmitted from a magnetic resonance imaging device to a tissue sample. The system can include a stabilization platform with at least one vibration dampener coupled towards either end of the stabilization platform. A fluid reservoir is coupled to the stabilization platform and a resonator is coupled to the exterior of the fluid reservoir.