Slide Microdissection Registration for Precise Tissue ROI Harvest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for extracting tissue from slides are inefficient and lack precision, particularly in targeting specific regions of interest, which hinders downstream molecular analysis.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing advanced image processing and machine learning algorithms to identify and segment regions of interest on stained slides, register them onto unstained slides, and extract targeted tissue regions using high-resolution imaging and mechanical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated microdissection is implemented to improve tissue extraction precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tissue extraction process into distinct functional modules: image acquisition module for capturing stained slide images, processing module for identifying regions of interest through image analysis, and execution module for performing the actual microdissection. This modular segmentation enables precise control of each function while managing overall system complexity through organized task distribution across separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a stained slide as an intermediary element that facilitates precise region identification. The staining process creates visual contrast that serves as a mediator between the tissue structure and the image processing system, enabling accurate detection of regions of interest without requiring direct manipulation of unstained tissue. This intermediary approach improves extraction precision while keeping the microdissection apparatus relatively simple.
2Device complexity
If manual tissue extraction is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service through automated image processing and region identification. The processing module autonomously analyzes stained slide images, identifies regions of interest based on staining patterns, and generates extraction coordinates without requiring manual intervention. This automation enables the system to process multiple slides sequentially, significantly improving productivity while maintaining manageable device complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tissue extraction with an automated system that uses image processing algorithms to identify regions of interest and controls microdissection mechanisms accordingly. The substitution of manual visual inspection and manual cutting with automated image analysis and computer-controlled extraction mechanisms increases processing throughput while keeping the physical apparatus relatively simple.
3Ease of operation
If traditional tissue extraction methods are used to simplify the process, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of tissue visualization by introducing staining as a preprocessing step. The staining process modifies the optical properties of different tissue regions, creating distinct visual parameters that enable accurate identification of regions of interest. This parameter change allows the image processing module to automatically detect and measure tissue features with high precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated analysis of the stained images.
4Measurement precision
If high-resolution imaging is used to improve region identification accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary staining of the tissue slides before microdissection. This preliminary action creates permanent visual markers on the tissue that can be detected by standard imaging systems. By performing the high-precision region identification task during the preliminary stained slide imaging phase rather than requiring continuous high-resolution imaging during extraction, the system achieves accurate region identification while reducing overall energy consumption of the imaging subsystem.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for automated microdissection of tissue from slides to optimize tissue harvest from regions of interest are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least a processor and a memory communicatively connected to the at least a processor, wherein the memory contains instructions configuring the at least a processor to receive a stained input slide, identify a region of interest on the stained input slide, generate a segmentation map of the region of interest as a function of a segmentation algorithm, register a segmented region of interest, as a function of the segmentation map, onto an unstained slide, wherein registering the segmented region of interest includes determining an orientation of the unstained slide corresponding to the segmented region of interest of the stained input slide, recording the orientation of the unstained slide relative to a reference plane, and registering the segmented region of interest to the unstained slide.