Rapid tissue processor
First Claim
1. A microwave unit for processing a tissue specimen of less than about three millimeters for histology comprising:
- (a) a source which generates microwave radiation as a form of energy, (b) a waveguide which transmits the microwave radiation, and (c) a first reaction chamber which receives the microwave radiation, wherein at least a first chemical composition and the tissue specimen in contact therewith are surrounded within walls of the first reaction chamber;
wherein the microwave radiation is transmitted from the source to the first reaction chamber by the waveguide, the first reaction chamber has an interior configuration which provides a substantially uniform distribution of temperature therewithin due to the energy of the microwave radiation, the first chemical composition is brought from a first storage chamber to the first reaction chamber, and the tissue specimen is at least initially hardened by the first chemical composition, the microwave radiation, or both.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved microwave unit and tissue processor system incorporating the unit are provided for use in rapid tissue processing. The microwave unit may be comprised of an energy source, a waveguide transmitting the microwave energy to a reaction chamber, and the reaction chamber being adapted to process tissue specimens for histology. The unit provides gentle and uniform heating, with minimal heat loss and escape of volatile chemicals. The system may be operated continuously and/or batchwise, by manual operation or automatically. The automated system may be operated with continuous throughput to obtain the advantages of the invention such as, for example, rapid processing under two hours and/or preservation of cell structure and tissue architecture.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. A microwave unit for processing a tissue specimen of less than about three millimeters for histology comprising:
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(a) a source which generates microwave radiation as a form of energy, (b) a waveguide which transmits the microwave radiation, and (c) a first reaction chamber which receives the microwave radiation, wherein at least a first chemical composition and the tissue specimen in contact therewith are surrounded within walls of the first reaction chamber;
wherein the microwave radiation is transmitted from the source to the first reaction chamber by the waveguide, the first reaction chamber has an interior configuration which provides a substantially uniform distribution of temperature therewithin due to the energy of the microwave radiation, the first chemical composition is brought from a first storage chamber to the first reaction chamber, and the tissue specimen is at least initially hardened by the first chemical composition, the microwave radiation, or both. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A microwave unit for tissue processing comprising:
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(a) a source generating microwave radiation, (b) a reaction chamber comprising an interior configured to provide a substantially uniform distribution of microwave radiation transmitted therein, (c) a waveguide transmitting the microwave radiation from the source to the reaction chamber, (d) a first storage chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein a first non-aqueous solution comprising an admixture of at least fixative and dehydrating agent is transferred between the first storage chamber and the reaction chamber, and (e) a second storage chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein a second non-aqueous solution comprising an admixture of at least fixative and dehydrating agent is transferred between the second storage chamber and the reaction chamber, and (f) a third storage chamber in fluid communication with the reaction chamber, wherein a third non-aqueous solution comprising an admixture of at least fixative, dehydrating agent, and impregnating agent is transferred between the third storage chamber and the reaction chamber;
wherein tissue hardening is at least initiated in the reaction chamber by contact with the first non-aqueous solution, the microwave radiation, or both;
the volume ratio between dehydrating agent and fixative increases from the first non-aqueous solution to the second non-aqueous solution;
tissue impregnation is at least initiated in the reaction chamber by contact with the third non-aqueous solution; and
the reaction chamber further comprises an agitator and a heater which increase rates for tissue hardening and tissue impregnation. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28)
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Specification