Pathology Review Station With Image Projection for Tissue Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pathology setups lack accuracy and efficiency in determining where to slice and sample excised tissue during lumpectomy procedures, leading to potential misdiagnosis and inefficiencies in retrieving surgical markers.
Innovation Solution
A pathology review station that projects an image onto a specimen based on an image obtained by an imager, aligning it with the specimen using characteristics of the specimen and tray, to assist pathologists in precise slicing and sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pathology methods are used to examine excised tissue, then pathologists can perform basic analysis, but accuracy and efficiency in determining where to slice and sample tissue are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects a two-dimensional image of the specimen onto the three-dimensional specimen surface, adding a visual dimension that overlays imaging data (such as MRI or CT scans) directly onto the physical tissue. This allows pathologists to see internal structures and abnormalities in the context of the actual specimen geometry, dramatically improving accuracy in locating where to slice and sample while maintaining workflow efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an image projection as an intermediary between the imaging data and the physical specimen. Instead of requiring pathologists to mentally correlate separate images with the physical tissue, the projection serves as a visual mediator that directly maps digital imaging information onto the specimen surface, enhancing both precision and工作效率
2Reliability
If manual examination of excised tissue is performed without image guidance, then basic pathology analysis can be conducted, but complete removal of surgical markers and accurate identification of abnormal tissue is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary imaging and projection of the specimen before the pathologist begins slicing and sampling. By pre-identifying the locations of surgical markers and abnormal tissue through the projected image, the system allows pathologists to plan their examination strategy in advance, ensuring complete marker retrieval and accurate abnormal tissue identification from the outset, thereby reducing overall analysis time
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system provides continuous visual feedback to the pathologist during the examination process. As the pathologist slices and samples the tissue, the projected image continues to display the locations of markers and abnormalities, allowing real-time verification and adjustment of the examination strategy, which improves reliability while maintaining efficiency
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
Enhances accuracy and speed in slicing and sampling excised tissue, ensuring complete removal of surgical markers and proper analysis, thereby reducing misdiagnosis risks and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
projecting a projected image onto the specimen, wherein the projected image is based at least in part on the image
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a pathology review station are disclosed. The pathology review station may assist pathologists in analyzing, slicing, or sampling specimens by, in part, projecting an image onto a specimen. The process of projecting an image onto a specimen may include identification of the specimen based on characteristics of the specimen, characteristics of a tray supporting the specimen, or user input. The identified specimen may then be matched with an image obtained by an imager received at the pathology review station. A projected image may then be compiled based on the obtained image, which may include the entire image or features associated with the image. The provided systems and methods may assist a pathologist in, at least, removal of embedded surgical markers and/or determining where to take samples from a specimen.