Single-Chamber Tissue Processing for Histology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current histological analysis methods require extensive manual manipulation and processing time, especially for small specimens, leading to increased labor costs and delayed diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A single-chamber system for histological processing that allows for dehydration, fixation, staining, and wax embedding in a single container, enabling efficient imaging and automated wax removal without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-step processing methods are used, then comprehensive histological analysis is achieved, but processing time and labor costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple histological processing steps (fixation, dehydration, staining, and wax embedding) into a single integrated chamber. This allows simultaneous execution of multiple operations that were previously performed sequentially in separate chambers, directly reducing processing time while maintaining comprehensive analysis quality through the multi-functional processing medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing medium in the single chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: fixation of tissue, dehydration through solvent exchange, staining through dye penetration, and wax embedding for sectioning. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized chambers and manual transfers, addressing the time loss problem while preserving analytical reliability.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual manipulation is used for positioning and processing, then precise control is achieved, but labor costs and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber design allows the specimen to be positioned once at the beginning, and then remains stationary throughout all processing steps. The processing medium and chamber structure work together to maintain positioning without requiring manual intervention. This self-sustaining approach eliminates repetitive manual manipulation while preserving positioning accuracy through the chamber's structural constraints.
3Reliability
If multiple separate processing chambers are used, then each step can be optimized independently, but device complexity and reagent consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple processing chambers into a single multi-functional chamber that can sequentially or simultaneously perform fixation, dehydration, staining, and embedding. This reduces device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate chambers and their associated infrastructure, while maintaining processing optimization through a systematically designed multi-step protocol within one chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The single chamber is designed to be disposable after use, eliminating the need for cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance of complex multi-chamber systems. This approach reduces device complexity and operational burden while maintaining the ability to perform optimized processing steps through the chamber's integrated design and replaceable processing medium.
4Reliability
If extensive manual processing steps are performed, then thorough preparation is achieved, but labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processing chamber and medium are designed to automatically perform all necessary preparation steps without manual intervention. The chamber structure guides the processing medium through the specimen, ensuring thorough fixation, dehydration, staining, and embedding through controlled fluid dynamics and contact surfaces. This eliminates manual labor while maintaining preparation quality through the chamber's engineered processing environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical manipulation with an automated fluid-based processing system. The processing medium flows through the chamber and performs all necessary chemical and physical transformations automatically. This substitution of mechanical manual operations with automated fluid dynamics and chemical processes maintains thorough preparation while dramatically improving labor 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
This approach reduces processing time, labor costs, and reagent consumption, while providing earlier access to diagnostic information and minimizing the need for costly manual processing steps.
Implementation Method 1
The optical window can include a refractive index approximately equal to a refractive index of a fluid in which the tissue sample is immersed prior to imaging... The plurality of features may comprise a material having a refractive index approximately equal to a refractive index of a fluid in which the tissue sample is immersed prior to imaging... configured to contact the tissue sample and permit fluid flow between the tissue sample and the optical window
Implementation Method 2
The optical window can comprise a refractive index approximately equal to a refractive index of a fluid in which the tissue sample is immersed prior to imaging... The plurality of features may comprise a material having a refractive index approximately equal to a refractive index of a fluid in which the tissue sample is immersed prior to imaging... to minimize the contact area between the floor and/or walls of the chamber and the sample, thereby permitting good fluid access to all areas of the sample
Implementation Method 3
Inclusion of a substantially non-fluorescent and non-reflective sponge for mounting and/or positioning helps ensure position is maintained, prevents artifacts of tissue compression, allows fluid flow around specimen, and provides a surface for improved 'wetting'
Implementation Method 4
Sealable ports, such as 'self-sealing' syringe injection ports, permit fluid exposure, motion, and exchange while preventing potential air-bubble formation and trapping that could affect imaging
Implementation Method 5
Single chamber solutions provided herein allow a user to initially orient a sample within the chamber in the desired position for imaging and/or sectioning and then perform all sample processing including fixation and/or dehydration, initial dyeing, imaging, and eventual wax embedding
Implementation Method 6
perform all sample processing including fixation and/or dehydration, initial dyeing, imaging, and eventual wax embedding without having to touch or otherwise manipulate the sample again
Implementation Method 7
perform all sample processing including fixation and/or dehydration, initial dyeing, imaging, and eventual wax embedding
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems and methods for tissue processing and analysis. Tissue chambers are configured to allow single-container chemical processing, imaging, and wax embedding of tissue samples in a single container without manipulation between steps. Tissue chambers with features to support the tissue sample and allow fluid flow between the tissue sample and the tissue chamber surface are disclosed. The features may be index matched to sample structures of interest or dissolvable in clearing solution to allow for in-chamber imaging with minimal distortion. Specialized tissue processing and wax removal apparatuses are also disclosed including for use with tissue chambers having frangible portions to permit ease of wax removal.