Tissue Locator with Orienting Material for Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue handling procedures require histologists to manually remove and orient tissue samples after processing, which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially when dealing with varying sample sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A tissue handling apparatus and method utilizing a tissue locator with an orienting material, such as a carbohydrate-based polymer, to securely affix and maintain the tissue sample in a predetermined orientation during processing and embedding, allowing for efficient processing and embedding without the need for post-processing orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual removal and orientation of tissue samples is performed after processing, then sample orientation accuracy can be achieved, but processing time and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue sample is oriented on the locator before processing begins. The orienting material is applied to the locator surface, and the tissue is placed in the desired orientation beforehand. This preliminary orientation eliminates the need for time-consuming manual re-orientation after processing, as the tissue maintains its orientation throughout the entire processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator with orienting material automatically maintains tissue orientation throughout processing without requiring manual intervention. The tissue sample self- maintains its position and orientation on the locator during processing, embedding, and sectioning operations, eliminating the need for histologists to manually re-orient samples after processing.
2Productivity
If standardized cassettes are used for tissue processing, then processing efficiency improves, but flexibility in handling varying sample sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locator provides a localized oriented platform within the standardized cassette that can be customized for different sample types. While the cassette dimensions remain standardized for microtome compatibility, the locator surface can be configured with specific orienting materials and geometries to accommodate various tissue sample sizes, shapes, and orientations, allowing each sample to be optimally positioned within the standardized container.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue handling system is divided into modular components: the standardized cassette provides the outer container for microtome compatibility, while the removable locator provides the inner oriented platform for sample placement. This segmentation allows the standardized cassette to maintain processing efficiency while the interchangeable locator adapts to different sample configurations.
3Productivity
If tissue samples are processed in traditional cassettes, then batch processing capability is maintained, but manual handling and orientation steps increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The locator combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the sample support platform, the orientation reference, and the attachment mechanism for the cassette. By integrating these functions into one device, the system maintains batch processing capability while eliminating separate manual handling and orientation steps that previously increased procedural complexity.
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 apparatus ensures accurate and efficient orientation and handling of tissue samples, reducing manual handling time and improving processing efficiency by maintaining sample orientation throughout tissue processing and embedding, while allowing for standardized cassette use with microtomes.
Implementation Method 1
applying an orienting material to a tissue locator, placing a tissue sample on the tissue locator, orienting the tissue sample with respect to the tissue locator using the orienting material
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue handling apparatus is provided comprising a support and a locator, for processing and embedding tissue samples. The support and cover form a chamber, within which a tissue sample is oriented prior to processing. After processing, the tissue sample within the chamber is embedded and the locator is removed, leaving the tissue sample correctly oriented in embedding material, mounted to a support, ready for microtoming.