Sample container for stabilizing and aligning excised biological tissue samples for ex vivo analysis
Inventors
Fan, Chao • MUNRO, Elizabeth A. • Rempel, David • Jackson, James
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10577573-B2
Publication Date
2020-03-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments described herein relate to an apparatus for positioning and securing an excised biological tissue specimen for imaging and analysis. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a sample bag defining an inner volume configured to receive a biological tissue sample, and a sealing member coupled to the sample bag. An imaging window is disposed and configured to be placed in contact with at least a portion of the biological tissue sample, and a positioning member is coupled to the imaging window and is configured to be disposed against the sealing member to substantially seal the inner volume. The positioning member includes a vacuum port disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag.
Core Innovation
The invention provides an apparatus for holding a biological tissue sample in a substantially fixed position. The apparatus includes a sample bag defining an inner volume configured to receive the biological tissue sample, a sealing member coupled to the sample bag, and an imaging window substantially spanning the opening of the sample bag and configured to be placed in contact with at least a portion of the biological tissue sample. The imaging window enables electromagnetic energy from an imaging device to be communicated through the imaging window to the biological tissue sample.
A positioning member is coupled to the imaging window and is configured to be disposed against the sealing member, with the positioning member including a vacuum port. The vacuum port is disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag, and withdrawing air moves the sample bag from a first configuration to a second configuration having a second inner volume less than the first inner volume.
The apparatus further includes mechanisms and features for positioning and maintaining the sample in a proper and repeatable relationship to the imaging window and/or an electromagnetic energy emission point. In different embodiments, a locking mechanism includes a channel having a first end that is substantially open and a second end that is substantially closed, and/or a receiving member has a channel and registration points configured to arrest movement of the positioning member once a portion of the positioning member is disposed within the channel.
Claims Coverage
Independent claims cover a tissue-holding apparatus with a sealed sample bag, an imaging window for electromagnetic energy transmission, and a vacuum-aligned positioning member, plus an associated system that integrates a vacuum system and an imaging device. Across the independent claims, the main inventive features are the sealed imaging interface, vacuum-port alignment with an imaging window-positioning member, configuration change under vacuum, and locking/alignment structures that maintain a substantially fixed position.
Sealed sample bag and imaging window communicating electromagnetic energy
A sample bag defining an inner volume configured to receive the biological tissue sample; a sealing member coupled to the sample bag; an imaging window substantially spanning the opening of the sample bag, configured to be placed in contact with at least a portion of the biological tissue sample and to enable electromagnetic energy from an imaging device to be communicated through the imaging window to the biological tissue sample.
Vacuum port aligned to withdraw air to move bag configuration
A positioning member coupled to the imaging window and configured to be disposed against the sealing member, the positioning member including a vacuum port disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag, wherein withdrawing air moves the sample bag from a first configuration to a second configuration.
Vacuum retention and alignment features for vacuum-port alignment
A vacuum port disposed and configured to be aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag, wherein the apparatus further includes alignment markings and an alignment element and/or an electronic sensor and indicator light or audible alarm to indicate proper alignment of the vacuum port with the vacuum source.
Locking mechanism with open and closed channel end to control positioning member movement
A locking mechanism including a channel, the channel having a first end that is substantially open and a second end that is substantially closed, for holding the biological tissue sample in a substantially fixed position.
Receiving member channel with registration points to arrest positioning-member movement
A receiving member having a channel to which a portion of the positioning member is configured to be disposed, and a plurality of registration points disposed about the receiving member and configured to arrest movement of the positioning member once a portion of the positioning member is disposed within the channel.
System including lockably received container and vacuum system with second vacuum port
A system configured to hold a biological tissue sample in a substantially fixed position, comprising a sample container with an imaging window and positioning member including a first vacuum port, a receiving member configured to lockably receive the sample container such that a proper position of the biological tissue sample relative to an electromagnetic energy emission point is maintained, and a vacuum system including a second vacuum port and configured to withdraw air from the inner volume of the sample bag when the first vacuum port is aligned with the second vacuum port.
Across the independent claims, the patent focuses on holding biological tissue in a substantially fixed position using a sealed sample bag and imaging window for electromagnetic energy transmission, while a positioning member applies vacuum through a vacuum port aligned with a vacuum source to withdraw air and change the bag configuration. Additional independent-claim scope includes locking or receiving-member channel features to arrest positioning-member movement and maintain proper positioning relative to the electromagnetic energy emission point, and system-level integration of a vacuum system for withdrawing air when vacuum ports are aligned.
Stated Advantages
Holds a biological tissue sample in a substantially fixed position.
Enables electromagnetic energy from an imaging device to be communicated through the imaging window to the biological tissue sample.
Moves the sample bag from a first configuration to a second configuration having a smaller inner volume when air is withdrawn.
Maintains a proper position of the biological tissue sample relative to an electromagnetic energy emission point.
Documented Applications
Ex vivo analysis/imaging of excised biological tissue using electromagnetic energy communicated through an imaging window (including electromagnetic energy imaging modalities such as OCT and other electromagnetic energy imaging).
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