Tissue Disaggregation Device with Angled Helical Blades
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for disaggregating tumours are complex, prone to operator errors, and lack a closed system for storage and transportation, leading to contamination and wastage of tissue samples, which are not suitable for tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) expansion or other applications requiring uniform tissue pieces.
Innovation Solution
A tissue processing device with a dual cutting zone system featuring helical blades oriented at an angle to the rotational axis, providing a closed system for storage and transportation, and equipped with fluid inlets to prevent clogging and overheating, allowing for efficient disaggregation of tissue into uniform pieces suitable for TIL expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing surgical morcellators are used to disaggregate tumour, then tissue can be chopped, but the tissue pieces have varying sizes and shapes making them unsuitable for TIL expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the tumour tissue into multiple cutting zones with blades oriented at specific angles to the rotational axis. This segmentation approach ensures uniform tissue piece sizes by systematically breaking down the tumour through controlled cutting paths, producing consistent 1-3mm pieces suitable for TIL expansion while maintaining operational simplicity through automated rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting blades are oriented at angles (15-90 degrees) relative to the rotational axis rather than radially or axially. This asymmetric angle configuration creates optimized cutting paths that produce uniform tissue fragments while the automated rotation handles the operational complexity, resolving the contradiction between precision and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If open systems are used for tumour storage and transportation, then tissue can be processed, but contamination risk increases leading to tissue wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges storage, transportation, and disaggregation functions into a single integrated closed system. The tumour is stored in a container within the device, transported through the same system, and processed in-situ, eliminating exposure to external contamination sources while the automated operation reduces the need for complex manual handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed system is designed to be self-contained with automated operation. The system handles its own processes without requiring manual intervention that could introduce contamination, thereby reducing the complexity of operational procedures while maintaining high reliability against contamination.
3Manufacturing precision
If complicated operating steps are required by health care professionals, then tissue can be processed, but mistakes occur leading to tissue wastage
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the tissue disaggregation process automatically through automated blade rotation and controlled cutting mechanisms. This eliminates the need for complex manual operating steps and reduces human error, while the system maintains precision through controlled parameters such as blade angle, rotation speed, and cutting depth that ensure consistent tissue piece sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system incorporates controls that monitor and adjust cutting parameters to maintain consistent tissue piece sizes. The feedback mechanisms ensure that the cutting process remains precise without requiring complex manual adjustments, thereby improving both accuracy and ease of operation.
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
The device simplifies the disaggregation process, reduces the risk of contamination, and ensures consistent tissue piece sizes, enhancing the usability of tissue samples for further processing and investigation while minimizing errors and wastage.
Implementation Method 1
a first cutting blade configured to rotate about a first rotational axis
Implementation Method 2
fluid inlets to prevent clogging and overheating
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for the disaggregation of tissue. The apparatus comprises a first cutting zone comprising a first cutting blade configured to rotate about a first rotational axis, and an opening for the ingress of tissue. The opening is oriented at an angle to the first rotational axis.