Cassette and embedding assembly for handling and holding tissue samples during processing, embedding and microtome procedures, staging devices therefore, and methods therefor

• US 7,776,274 B2
• Filed: 03/04/2005
• Issued: 08/17/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biopath Automation, LLC
• Original Assignee: Biopath Automation, LLC
• Inventors: Williamson, Warren P. IV, Berky, Craig B., Whitlatch, Stephen P., Ward, Thomas J.
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, LYLE
• Application Number:
  US11/072,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20050147538A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,992 Days
• Field of Search: 422/102, 422/104, 435/297.5
• US Class Current: 422/400
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/043 Hinged closures
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/508 rigid containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/52 Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/36 Embedding or analogous mounting of samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/315 Basket-type carriers for tissues
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/366 Moulds; Demoulding
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25 including sample preparation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2525 Stabilizing or preserving
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/2575 Volumetric liquid transfer

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a cassette, frame and mold for holding a tissue sample during an embedding and mircotoming process, and related methods. The cassette is sectionable in a microtome and includes a body with a bottom wall and a plurality of side walls. First and second side walls are generally V-shaped to present an apex of the “V” to the microtome blade. A lid of the cassette is stiffer than the bottom wall of the cassette to assist with positioning the tissue sample. The side walls of the cassette are perforated so as to significantly reduce the amount of cassette material that must be cut by the microtome blade. In one embodiment, to additionally reduce blade wear the ribs on one side wall are offset lengthwise relative to the ribs on an opposite side wall. An upper flange of the cassette includes depressions configured to register with detents in the frame.

Claims

1. A cassette for holding a tissue sample, comprising:

a body including a perforated bottom wall and a plurality of perforated side walls extending upwardly with respect to said bottom wall to define an interior space for receiving the tissue sample;

said bottom wall and said plurality of side walls being constructed of a material capable of being successfully sectioned in a microtome and resistant to degradation during histologic tissue processing, wherein said plurality of side walls comprise first and second side walls each having a length and extending upwardly from opposite edges of said bottom wall, at least one of said first and second side walls including portions angling toward the other of the first and second side walls on the opposite edge of the bottom wall to define an outwardly projecting portion proximate a midpoint along said length of said at least one side wall.

2. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising a lid configured to be coupled with said body and movable between open and closed positions, said lid being stiffer than said bottom wall.

3. The cassette of claim 1, wherein said plurality of side walls comprise perforated walls in which the ratio of open area to solid area is at least about 3.5:

1.

4. The cassette of claim 1, wherein said plurality of side walls comprise perforated walls in which the ratio of open area to solid area is at least about 3.0:

1.

5. The cassette of claim 1, wherein said plurality of side walls comprise perforated walls in which the ratio of open area to solid area is at least about 2.5:

1.

6. The cassette of claim 1, wherein said first and second side walls include a length and comprise perforated walls constructed with spaced apart ribs, said ribs of said first side wall being offset along said length with respect to said ribs of said second side wall.

7. The cassette of claim 1, further comprising:

a flange extending along upper portions of at least two of said side walls, said flange including depressions configured to register with detents in a frame during a tissue embedding process.

8. The cassette of claim 1, wherein said bottom wall includes a central area and comprises a perforated wall constructed with spaced apart ribs, said ribs angling toward said central area.