High quality, continuous throughput, tissue processing
First Claim
1. An apparatus for continuous processing of tissue specimens comprising:
- (a) a microwave processor unit which (i) fixes and dehydrates tissue specimens with a non-aqueous solution in a first vessel, (ii) agitates the non-aqueous solution, and (iii) heats the non-aqueous solution with microwave energy to produce processed tissue specimens; and
a first source for the non-aqueous solution which is fluidly coupled to the first vessel; and
(b) an impregnator unit which (i) impregnates processed tissue specimens with a wax solution in a second vessel and (ii) heats the wax solution under less than atmospheric pressure to produce processed and impregnated tissue specimens; and
a second source for the wax solution which is fluidly coupled to the second vessel.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A process and apparatus for rapid, continuous flow histological processing of tissues is disclosed. The steps of fixation, dehydration, clearing and impregnation are performed in less than one hour; this allows a pathologist to evaluate samples shortly after receipt, perhaps while the patient is still in the operating room. Rapid and continuous processing is accomplished by decreasing the thickness of tissue sections, use of nonaqueous solutions composed of admixtures of solutions, solution exchange at elevated temperature and with agitation, and impregnation under vacuum pressure. The patient in surgery is thus provided with point-of-care surgical pathology.
128 Citations
26 Claims
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1. An apparatus for continuous processing of tissue specimens comprising:
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(a) a microwave processor unit which (i) fixes and dehydrates tissue specimens with a non-aqueous solution in a first vessel, (ii) agitates the non-aqueous solution, and (iii) heats the non-aqueous solution with microwave energy to produce processed tissue specimens; and
a first source for the non-aqueous solution which is fluidly coupled to the first vessel; and(b) an impregnator unit which (i) impregnates processed tissue specimens with a wax solution in a second vessel and (ii) heats the wax solution under less than atmospheric pressure to produce processed and impregnated tissue specimens; and
a second source for the wax solution which is fluidly coupled to the second vessel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. An apparatus for hardening and impregnating a tissue specimen comprising:
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(a) a microwave unit comprising (i) a non-aqueous solution in a first vessel configured to harden the tissue specimen, (ii) a microwave energy source configured to heat, and (iii) an agitator configured to agitate the non-aqueous solution in the first vessel;
wherein the non-aqueous solution in the first vessel is comprised of a ketone and an alcohol; and(b) a vacuum unit comprising (i) a wax solution in a second vessel configured to harden the tissue specimen, and (ii) a heater configured to heat under less than atmospheric pressure the wax solution in the second vessel;
wherein the wax solution in the second vessel is comprised of paraffin wax; andwherein the microwave unit and the vacuum unit are combined in the apparatus such that tissue specimens are sequentially transferred into the first vessel and then into the second vessel. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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Specification