Single Cavity Tissue Processor with Microwave Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue processing methods are inefficient, leading to long processing times, excessive use of solvents, and reliability issues due to the need for frequent maintenance, and they fail to adapt to varying tissue types and workflow needs, particularly in handling breast, bone, or brain tissues within the 48-hour formalin fixation constraint.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a single cavity that combines microwave and thermal energy processing with separate fluid transfer systems for reagents and wax, allowing for simultaneous fixation, dehydration, clearing, and impregnation under controlled conditions, reducing processing time and solvent use while maintaining high accuracy and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional tissue processing methods are used with multiple reagents and sequential processing steps, then complete tissue processing is achieved, but processing time becomes excessively long (up to 50 hours per sample)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple processing steps (dehydration, clearing, and impregnation) into a single integrated process using one reagent that performs all three functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for sequential processing through multiple separate reagents and steps, thereby dramatically reducing processing time from 50 hours to a fraction of that time
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a universal reagent composition that can simultaneously dehydrate, clear, and impregnate tissue specimens, replacing the conventional requirement for multiple specialized reagents (dehydrating agents, clearing agents, and embedding media) with a single multi-functional solution
2Loss of substance
If conventional tissue processing uses multiple dehydrating and clearing agents in sequence, then complete solvent removal is achieved, but large amounts of solvents are consumed increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple solvent-based reagents into a single reagent system, eliminating the need to purchase, store, and dispose of large quantities of separate dehydrating and clearing agents, thereby significantly reducing solvent consumption and associated costs
3Reliability
If conventional processors use a single retort for complete tissue processing with frequent reagent changes, then device simplicity is maintained, but reliability decreases due to wax transfer issues and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wax impregnation step from the conventional sequential reagent processing pathway, allowing wax to be applied directly after the multi-functional reagent treatment without requiring complex wax transfer mechanisms, heating zones, or frequent cleaning cycles, thereby improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the processing into distinct phases: fixation, the combined dehydration-clearing-impregnation phase using the universal reagent, and final embedding, allowing each phase to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall system architecture
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional methods follow strict 48-hour formalin fixation protocols, then pathology guidelines are met, but logistical problems arise during weekends and holidays when specimens cannot be processed timely
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables laboratories to perform the lengthy dehydration, clearing, and impregnation steps in advance during regular business days, so that when specimens arrive (even on weekends or holidays), only the quick fixation and final embedding steps remain, allowing timely compliance with the 48-hour fixation rule regardless of when specimens are received
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
This approach significantly reduces processing time, minimizes solvent usage, enhances system reliability by isolating wax and reagent drainage, and adapts to different tissue types, ensuring compliance with stringent pathology guidelines while maintaining high-quality tissue preservation.
Implementation Method 1
The cavity is connected to a microwave generating device for applying microwave radiation to an inside of the cavity
Implementation Method 2
a thermal energy generating device for generating a positive thermal energy gradient inside the cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and a method for processing tissue specimens, comprising a cavity for processing said tissue specimens, and a fluid transfer system to transfer at least one of a plurality of fluids from a plurality of storage containers to the inside and out of said cavity. The cavity is connected to at least one of a microwave generating device for applying microwave radiation to an inside of the cavity, and a thermal energy generating device for generating a positive thermal energy gradient inside the cavity.