Tissue Embedding Cassette with Temperature-Controlled Holding Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for embedding tissue samples in an embedding medium, such as paraffin, often result in the holding element becoming embedded along with the sample, causing issues during section creation and potential damage to the microtome blade, and the use of tissue cassettes can lead to sample movement or damage during the withdrawal process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a tissue cassette with a holding element that presses the sample against a container base, filling the container with paraffin at a temperature 4-7 degrees Celsius above its dropping point, and cooling the base to initiate a controlled separating movement once the paraffin reaches 54-64 degrees Celsius, allowing the holding element to be removed without disturbing the sample's orientation or position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a holding element is used to maintain tissue sample orientation during embedding, then the sample orientation is preserved, but the holding element becomes embedded along with the sample, hindering section generation and potentially damaging the microtome blade
Solution Approach 1:
The holding element is extracted from the embedding block before sectioning by melting the embedding medium and removing the holding element, leaving the tissue sample intact for sectioning
Solution Approach 2:
The holding element is removed at an optimized time point during the embedding process, specifically when the embedding medium has solidified sufficiently to maintain sample orientation but before final cooling, allowing clean separation without damaging the sample or blade
2Reliability
If paraffin is cooled to solidify and hold the sample, then the sample position is fixed, but the holding element becomes stuck in the solidifying paraffin, making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature of the embedding medium is controlled and changed during the process - initially cooled to solidify and fix the sample, then reheated to a liquid state to facilitate easy removal of the holding element without damaging the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The embedding medium undergoes periodic phase changes between solid and liquid states - first solidifying to secure the sample, then melting to allow holding element removal, creating a cyclic process that resolves the contradiction
3Manufacturing precision
If the holding element is removed early to avoid embedding, then the sample orientation may be compromised, but if removed late, the holding element becomes stuck and difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The removal timing of the holding element is controlled based on feedback from the embedding medium's temperature and phase state, ensuring optimal removal at the point when the medium has solidified sufficiently to maintain orientation but is still removable
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
Ensures reliable sample orientation and prevents the holding element from getting stuck in the embedding medium, maintaining the sample's position and orientation while providing additional mechanical stability to the embedding block, thus preventing deformation during cutting.
Implementation Method 1
cooling the base to initiate a controlled separating movement once the paraffin reaches 54-64 degrees Celsius
Implementation Method 2
filling the container with paraffin at a temperature 4-7 degrees Celsius above its dropping point... once the paraffin reaches 54-64 degrees Celsius
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for embedding a tissue sample in an embedding medium. In a first step, the tissue sample is held in a desired orientation in a container by means of a holding element that presses the tissue sample against a base of the container. In a further step, a liquid embedding medium, having a temperature above 64 degrees Celsius, in particular in the range of 65 to 67 degrees Celsius or a temperature of 66 degrees Celsius, is poured into the container, and the base of the container is cooled.In a further step, a separation movement is carried out, whereby the tissue sample and the holding element move away from each other, wherein the layers of the embedding medium through which the holding element moves during the separation movement have temperatures in the range of 54 degrees Celsius to 64 degrees Celsius, in particular 60 degrees Celsius, and/or wherein the portions of the embedding medium immediately adjacent to the holding element have a temperature in the range of 54 degrees Celsius to 64 degrees Celsius, in particular 60 degrees Celsius, during the separation movement.