Specimen Receptacle With Orientation Markers For Margin Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The evaluation of resection accuracy in ex-vivo tissue specimens is hindered by the need for histopathological evaluation, which is time-consuming and often not performed intraoperatively, and the challenge of accurately orienting resected tissue specimens for imaging, prone to handling errors.
Innovation Solution
A specimen receptacle system with a removable bottom plate featuring distinctive orientation markers allows users to choose and assign anatomical directions, enhancing flexibility and reducing handling errors, while the foam material aids in specimen stability and image clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the surgeon uses specific wires or colour paints to indicate anatomical directions of the tissue specimen, then the orientation of the tissue specimen can be defined, but human manipulation and handling errors may lead to erroneous margin assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The specimen itself serves to define its orientation through inherent anatomical landmarks and structures. The imaging apparatus automatically detects and identifies these features, eliminating the need for external markers and reducing human error in orientation assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of marking specimens with wires or paints is replaced by an automated imaging and recognition system. The imaging apparatus captures images and automatically determines anatomical directions based on image analysis, substituting human judgment with automated detection.
2Measurement precision
If the histopathological evaluation is performed to assess resection accuracy, then the evaluation of tumour free margins can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and difficult to realize intraoperatively
Solution Approach 1:
The time-consuming manual histopathological evaluation process is replaced by automated imaging techniques. The imaging apparatus rapidly captures and analyzes tissue specimens intraoperatively, providing margin assessment results in real-time without requiring lengthy laboratory processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging apparatus performs preliminary assessment of tissue margins during the surgical procedure itself, before the patient leaves the operating room. This allows surgeons to make immediate decisions about whether additional resection is needed, avoiding delayed discoveries that would require return surgeries.
3Shape
If CT imaging module is used to detect tissue densities and provide morphological information, then the imaging of tissue specimen can be performed, but the contrast between tumorous and healthy tissue is often limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple imaging modalities including CT imaging for morphological information and other imaging techniques such as optical imaging or fluorescence imaging for enhanced tissue contrast. By merging the strengths of different imaging methods, the system achieves both structural detail and improved differentiation between tumorous and healthy tissue.
4Measurement precision
If PET imaging module is used to detect radiotracer distribution, then the imaging of tumorous tissue with high accuracy can be achieved, but the detailed morphological information is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates PET imaging capability with CT imaging capability in a single apparatus. The PET module provides accurate tumour detection through radiotracer distribution mapping, while the CT module simultaneously provides detailed morphological information. The combined system delivers both functional and structural data for comprehensive tissue assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen receptacle system is for an imaging apparatus for imaging ex-vivo tissue specimens. The specimen receptacle system includes a specimen receptacle having a bottom and an upstanding wall. The system further comprises an additional bottom plate which is attachable to the bottom of the specimen receptacle. The additional bottom plate is configured to receive the ex-vivo tissue specimen.