Tissue Holder Fluid Management for Biopsy Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluids present during the biopsy process interfere with imaging, reducing image quality and making it difficult to accurately diagnose tissue samples, and current systems struggle to effectively orient tissue samples for optimal imaging.
Innovation Solution
A tissue holder assembly with a base, central hub, and circumferential sidewall that forms an annular fluid channel to direct fluid away from the imaging field, combined with a flow comb and suction system to manage fluid flow and position the tissue sample flat within the holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tissue samples are transported through a fluid pathway by vacuum during biopsy, then tissue sample collection is efficient, but fluid is deposited into the tissue sample handling apparatus interfering with imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue holder assembly is divided into distinct functional zones: an imaging region for clear imaging and a fluid management region with channels and sponges to absorb and redirect fluid away from the imaging field. This segmentation allows simultaneous tissue handling and fluid management without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid management components such as hydrophobic sponges and wicking materials act as intermediaries between the fluid pathway and the imaging field. These materials absorb and redirect fluid through capillary action, preventing direct contact between fluid and the imaging region while maintaining the vacuum transport function.
2Extent of automation
If tissue samples are deposited into the tissue holder assembly, then automated handling is achieved, but fluid deposition interferes with image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue holder assembly is pre-configured with fluid management components (hydrophobic sponges, wicking materials, and fluid channels) before tissue deposition. This preliminary preparation ensures that fluid is immediately absorbed and redirected upon entry, preventing interference with subsequent imaging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts fluid from the imaging field using dedicated fluid management components. Hydrophobic sponges and wicking materials selectively absorb fluid while allowing air and tissue to pass, effectively separating fluid from the imaging region to maintain image quality.
3Productivity
If tissue samples are transported through fluid pathways, then biopsy procedure is streamlined, but fluid and debris are introduced into the imaging field
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum-driven fluid transport, which initially causes fluid and debris contamination, is converted into a benefit by using the same vacuum pressure to drive fluid through hydrophobic barriers. The fluid management system captures and redirects the fluid flow, transforming the contamination problem into an controlled fluid transport mechanism that delivers tissue while managing fluid separately.
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 solution effectively reduces fluid interference in the imaging field, improving image quality and facilitating the orientation of tissue samples for better diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction system to manage fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
a flow comb and suction system to manage fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A cover for a tissue holder assembly is described. The cover includes a first end and an opposite second end defining a longitudinal axis, the second end configured to removably couple to a base of the tissue holder assembly. The cover also includes an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface, the interior surface at least partially defining an interior chamber with the base. The cover also includes an entry port defining a fluid pathway from the exterior surface to the interior surface. The entry port includes an inlet defined in the exterior surface and having an inlet axis, the inlet shaped and sized to at least partially receive an inlet tube, the inlet axis extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis and non-orthogonal thereto, an outlet defined in the interior surface, and a transition channel extending between the inlet and the outlet.