Automated Tissue Staining Carousel System for Rapid Intraoperative Pathology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tissue staining techniques, such as immuno-histochemical (IHC) staining, are time-consuming and require significant human intervention, making them unsuitable for intraoperative use where rapid and reliable pathology data is needed within 20 minutes.

Innovation Solution

A tissue staining device comprising a reagent carousel and a microscope slide carousel that allows for automated and efficient reagent delivery and waste management, featuring a dispensing actuator and rotary control mechanisms to rotate the carousels, enabling rapid and uniform application of reagents and wash buffers while minimizing reagent usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional IHC staining techniques are used, then reliable pathology data can be obtained, but the processing time exceeds 60 minutes which is too long for intraoperative use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathology data reliabilityVSAvoidstaining processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The staining process is divided into discrete, automated steps performed by the robotic system. Tissue samples are processed through separate modules for fixation, staining, and analysis, allowing parallel processing and reducing overall time while maintaining quality control at each stage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical operations by pathologists are replaced with an automated robotic system that performs tissue manipulation, reagent application, and slide handling. This automation eliminates human variability and accelerates the process while preserving diagnostic accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual tissue processing is performed by technicians, then flexibility in handling different protocols is maintained, but the processing time increases and consistency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol flexibilityVSAvoidprocessing speed and consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates dynamic protocol selection capabilities, allowing different staining protocols to be programmed and executed automatically. The system can adapt to various tissue types and diagnostic requirements through software configuration while maintaining consistent, rapid execution of each protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows modification of processing parameters such as reagent concentrations, incubation times, and temperature settings through programmable controls. This enables optimization of staining protocols for different diagnostic needs while maintaining automated consistency and reducing processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If direct IHC staining is used, then staining time is reduced, but reagent consumption and cost remain high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestaining timeVSAvoidreagent consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system incorporates automated reagent management including precise dispensing, waste collection, and cartridge replacement. The system optimizes reagent usage through controlled application and automatically handles waste removal, reducing overall consumption while maintaining rapid processing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses disposable sterile cartridges for each staining protocol to prevent cross-contamination and eliminate cleaning time. Reagent cartridges are pre-filled and sealed, ensuring precise dosing and minimizing waste, while used cartridges are automatically disposed of in designated waste containers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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 significantly reduces the time required for tissue staining, enhances staining consistency, and minimizes reagent consumption, facilitating its use in rapid intraoperative applications by automating the process and optimizing fluid management.

Implementation Method 1

the directionality of the flow of the reagent is based on gravitational force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS20210293671A1Devices and components for automated tissue processing and staining and uses thereof

Publication Date: 2021.09.23 NOVODIAX

AI summary

The present disclosure provides devices for processing, such as staining, a tissue sample on a microscope slide. In some embodiments, the tissue staining device described herein is capable of, e.g., automating, in whole or in part, a tissue staining protocol (including a chemical staining protocol and/or an immuno-based staining protocol) or a tissue dehydration protocol. Also provided in other aspects of the disclosure are components, methods of use, systems, and kits associated with the devices described herein.