Method and apparatus for faster pathology
OwnerShabbir Bakir Bambot, Farida Bambotinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for faster pathology are provided that removes the need for time consuming preparation of a hardened tissue block. Such hardening is necessary to enable cutting of the thin tissue sections required for pathology evaluation. Rather the tissue specimen is hardened by freezing only at the surface from which tissue is to be sectioned by contact with a cold surface or slide thereby lessening the time required for hardening. Sectioning is performed by passing a cutting member such as a blade, cutting wire or laser along a plane parallel to the cold surface and using the cold surface as a guide.
Claims11
A microtome, comprising:
- a slide having a surface and a longitudinal length, the slide configured to receive a material thereupon;
- a slide holder that includes a flat surface and a depression disposed within the flat surface to hold the slide and prevent movement of the slide;
- a cutting member;
- a cutting member holder configured to hold the cutting member at an angle relative to the flat surface of the slide holder and at a fixed distance above the surface of the slide;
- wherein the slide holder is operably coupled with the cutting member holder to permit actuation of the cutting member to move relative to the slide and the slide holder at the fixed distance above the surface of and the longitudinal length of the slide;
- and a refrigerated box for receiving the slide, the slide holder, the cutting member, and the cutting member holder, wherein the refrigerated box cools the slide to a temperature between −10 to −50 degrees Celsius prior to the cutting member sectioning the material received on the surface of the slide.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.