Abstract:
A method and apparatus for preparing tissue specimens for histological study utilizing two connectable sections each with hollowed cylinders for receiving first and second buttons, each button including planar disc and cylindrical stem portions, such that the stem portions can be slideably mounted in hollowed cylinders. The planar disc portions of the buttons are capable of receiving tissue specimens.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/075,063, filed May 9, 1998, pending. 
     
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     This invention relates generally to the field of medical diagnostic equipment and methods, and more specifically to a novel system, including devices and methods, for preparing cutaneous tissue samples for oncological histology study and diagnosis. The system offers the advantages of observing conservation of tissue, while at the same time enjoying quick and precise tissue sample preparation, which in turn allows immediate and accurate diagnosis of existing malignant conditions.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     There are currently numerous methods for preparing cutaneous tissue samples for diagnosis of various malignancies. In most instances, tissue samples are removed from the patient, packaged and then sent to a laboratory where tests are made, usually at a location remote from where the sample was taken. Thus, travel time for the sample between the operating room and the laboratory can delay an important diagnosis for several days or even weeks. Such an inordinate amount of time can be pivotal in the diagnosis and treatment of some of the more serious types of skin cancer.  
         [0004]     By way of analogy, skin cancer develops much like the roots of a tree. These roots may extend horizontally, just beneath the surface, or they may invade the deeper tissues in a vertical pattern. Just as it is difficult to accurately determine the extent of its root system by studying the visible 5 portions of a tree, so it is with cutaneous carcinomas; small tumors may have deep roots, and very large tumors may have shallow, superficial roots.  
         [0005]     Furthermore, the nature of a tree&#39;s root system is influenced by its genetic make-up, the soil in which it grows, and its supply of water and nutrition. With skin cancer, numerous factors of a similar nature effect its growth, such as location, blood supply, and the innate ability of the host to resist the growth of the tumor.  
         [0006]     A number of treatment methods, including x-ray, surgery, electrosurgery and cryosurgery have been used effectively in treating skin cancers. However, these methods will fail if roots are left behind, thus allowing the tumor to return by regrowing at a later date. The problem is that the roots of a skin tumor are so small that they can only be seen with the aid of a microscope. Therefore, it is logical that a microscope be used to avoid leaving any of the cancer behind.  
         [0007]     For these reasons, the Mohs technique was developed. The Mohs procedure allows the surgeon to excise a sample of cancerous tissue and systematically examine by microscope the undersurface of the margins by frozen sections, map the location of the residual tumor, and reexcise and reexamine subsequent layers of tissue until a cancer-free plane is reached. Since examination and diagnosis of the excised tissue are performed on site immediately after the sample is taken, it usually allows the patient to remain in the hospital or clinic until all cancerous tissue has been removed.  
         [0008]     The Mohs technique is widely considered the most effective method for treating primary cutaneous malignancies and almost all recurrent, nonmetastic tumors. Because the surgeon can accurately identify tumor roots, or extensions, microscopically, residual clinically undetectable cancerous tissue can be removed, and normal tissue, ordinarily unnecessarily sacrificed by conventional surgery or irradiation, can be spared.  
         [0009]     In the Mohs technique, cutaneous tissue specimens are removed by the surgeon in thin layers surrounding areas where a tumor is evident. The first micrographic layer that is removed includes all the clinically evident tumor plus a small peripheral margin of normal appearing tissue. The surgeon immediately diagrams the tissue specimen and applies various colored dyes to the edges of the tissue specimen for later orientation and identification.  
         [0010]     The specimen is then placed upside down (epidermal or outermost surface down) onto a cryostat button. In this orientation, the deepest cutaneous layers will be the first layers sectioned, thereby theoretically allowing the lateral and deep margins of the tissue to be examined in the same plane under the microscope. As the specimen is placed on the button, the technician or user must continually attempt to flatten the lower or exposed surface of the specimen. If he or she is unsuccessful at flattening the lower surface, it will not be possible to section the specimen in such a way that an entire plane of tissue can be viewed through the microscope at one time. If an entire plane cannot be viewed simultaneously, there is a substantial risk that the sectioned specimen will provide inaccurate data and therefore that the surgeon or pathologist will be unable to properly diagnose the condition.  
         [0011]     Once the tissue specimen has been properly placed on the button in an upside down orientation, it is frozen using standard cryostat microtome freezing techniques. The most common cryostat microtome freezing technique requires that the tissue specimen be surrounded by an imbedding medium such as OCT Compound. The specimen and embedding medium are then immediately saturated with a quick freezing compound such as Fisherbrand Histofeeze 2000. Other techniques involve freezing the specimen using an albumin solution and carbon dioxide. During the freezing procedure it is common for the technician to place the button upside down inside the cryostat on a device known generically as a cold plate. The cold plate holds the button and tissue specimen until the technician is ready to begin sectioning.  
         [0012]     During the freezing procedure under current techniques, the tissue specimen is not held in place on the button and as a result has a tendency to move relative thereto. As indicated above, if such movement and the specimen is improperly placed on the button, there is a substantial risk that the sectioned specimen will provide inaccurate data and that the surgeon or pathologist will be unable to properly diagnose the condition.  
         [0013]     Additionally, during the freezing procedure the sides of the tissue specimen have a tendency to droop towards the surface of the button. The technician must constantly use a scalpel or other device to lift the edges of the tissue specimen away from the surface of the button and attempt to maintain the tissue specimen in a flat orientation. If the technician cannot accomplish this two fold task during the freezing procedure, the specimen must be thawed and the whole freezing procedure must be repeated.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0014]     In light of the problems addressed above, as well as others that are known to those skilled in the art and others that will become apparent, the present invention seeks to accomplish and realize, among other things, the following objects and advantages.  
         [0015]     A principal objective of this invention is the provision of a system that operates as an adjunct to the Mohs technique for simultaneously diagnosing and treating cutaneous malignancies, such as skin cancer.  
         [0016]     Another major objective of the present invention is to provide a system whereby a cutaneous tissue specimen is mounted for diagnostic sectioning in a manner that is more accurate and less time consuming than hitherto known.  
         [0017]     Yet another important objective is the provision of a system that supplements the well-known Mohs technique without interfering with its purposes and established procedures.  
         [0018]     Still a further main objective of the current invention is to provide a novel system, including devices and methods, which conserves the amount of tissue removed from a patient experiencing skin cancer, thereby leaving the patient with a minimal wound.  
         [0019]     Another principal objective of this invention is the provision of an accurate, precise and consistent manner of freezing cutaneous tissue samples for oncological histology study and diagnosis.  
         [0020]     Yet a further important objective of the present invention is to satisfy the need for a system for maintaining the deepest cutaneous layers in a single, consistent plane, thus providing a tissue specimen that allows a surgeon or pathologist to quickly and accurately diagnose the condition, as well as its extent.  
         [0021]     Still another major objective of this invention is to provide a method, and attendant devices, that prevents portions of a tissue sample from distorting in shape as it is manipulated and frozen in preparation for sectioning, the result being an accurate and dependable cross section of problem areas.  
         [0022]     An additional objective is to provide a device that secures a specimen in place during the freezing procedure by preventing movement of the tissue specimen relative to the button upon which it is mounted.  
         [0023]     One more significant objective of this invention is the provision of a device which eliminates, or substantially alleviates, the need to thaw and refreeze improperly prepared tissue specimens due to operator error, thereby preserving the specimens and preventing damage thereto which could cause the surgeon or pathologist to inaccurately diagnose the patient&#39;s condition.  
         [0024]     These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become more fully apparent from the description and claims which follow, or may be learned by the practice of the invention. The preferred system for preparing cutaneous tissue specimens for oncological histology study and diagnosis comprises generally a device adapted to aid in properly mounting a tissue specimen onto a button, the tissue and button to be mounted in a cryostat and the tissue to be sectioned into thin layers in order to provide an accurate representation of the afflicted area; a first holding plate disposed within the cryostat, the first holding plate for storing multiple buttons containing specimens; and a second holding plate disposed outside the cryostat, the second holding plate including a storage area for buttons, as well as a cutting board for initial preparation of a specimen.  
         [0025]     The device itself comprises first and second corresponding temporarily connectable sections, the first section including a first mounting system for temporarily securing a first button to the device. Preferably, the first mounting system includes an adapting system for facilitating the temporary securement of the first button to the first section of the device using the first mounting system. The preferred adapting system comprises an adapter, which has a planar portion and a stem portion, the planar portion being shaped and otherwise adapted to receive and temporarily secure the first button.  
         [0026]     The stem portion of the adapter is advantageously adapted to be slideably received and therefore temporarily secured by a first hollowed cylinder in the first section which comprises the first mounting system. More specifically, the stem portion of the adapter includes a hollowed cylinder, while the first button comprises a planar disc portion and a cylindrical stem portion, such that stem portion of the first button is slideably secured in the hollowed cylinder of the stem portion of the adapter.  
         [0027]     Alternatively, the planar portion of the adapting system includes a rectilinear ridged plate having at least one notch in the ridges. This configuration allows for use of a slightly varied brand of button to be used by the system, this particular brand providing a square shaped button with an outwardly extending stem or handle. An adapting system is preferred because it allows the use of virtually all brands of buttons with the system. However, it is to be realized that certain makes of buttons have stems that fit perfectly within the hollowed cylinder of the first mounting system; in this instance, the need for an adapting system is obviated.  
         [0028]     Returning now to the first and second holding plates, it is preferred that the first holding plate including a second mounting system, the second system comprising at least one, but advantageously multiple, hollowed cylinders bored into the first plate and adapted to slideably receive and secure the first button to the first holding plate, a tissue specimen having been mounted on the first button. As indicated above, the first holding plate is designed to reside within the cryostat, thus allowing tissue specimens mounted thereon to be preserved.  
         [0029]     The second holding plate, on the other hand, is designed to reside outside the cryostat. It comprises a third mounting system for temporarily securing a second button and a cutting board, where initial preparation of the tissue specimen is accomplished. As with the other mounting systems, the third mounting system preferably comprises at least one, but advantageously multiple, hollowed cylinders bored into the second plate and adapted to slideably receive and secure a number of second buttons in preparation for beginning the process of using the system.  
         [0030]     As mentioned above, the device further comprises a second button, which corresponds to the first button, and, just as the first button, includes both a planar disc portion and a cylindrical stem portion. The second section of the device comprises a fourth mounting system for temporarily securing the second button to the device, the fourth mounting system being a second hollowed cylinder, thereby allowing the stem portion of the second button to be slideably secured in the second section of the device. Preferably, the first and second buttons, when mounted in their respective mounting systems in their respective sections, are axially aligned and disposed such that their respective planar portions are parallel to each other and, during use, the tissue specimen is disposed therebetween.  
         [0031]     Further, the first and second buttons are both adapted to receive tissue specimens on their respective planar disc portions. Importantly, however, the planar disc portions of the first and second buttons are different. Specifically, the planar disc portion of the first button has an uneven surface in order to better grip the specimen, while the planar disc portion of the second button has a smooth and even surface. Advantageously, the uneven surface of the first button is organized into a plurality of ridges and furrows, preferably arranged in a circular pattern. Alternatively, this uneven surface is organized into a pattern of raised squares. Finally, in order to distinguish between tissue specimens and thus avoid losing track thereof, the first buttons may be color coded.  
         [0032]     It is preferred that the first and second sections of the device include longitudinal grooves placed so as to facilitate the grasping of the device by the user. Also, as indicated, the first and second sections of the device correspond to each other and are temporarily connectable. In order to facilitate this criteria, the first section has a plurality of posts and the second section has an aperture which corresponds to each post, such that when the posts of the first section are inserted into the apertures of the second section, a temporary connection of the sections is provided. In its preferred embodiment, this temporary connection brings the first and second buttons into axial alignment with each other, their planar disc portions being parallel to each other with, the tissue specimen disposed in between. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0033]     In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and objects of the invention can be appreciated, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to a number of specific embodiments which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of accompanying drawings, in which:  
         [0034]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device.  
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is an exploded side elevational view of the device, according to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a top view of a first holding plate.  
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the first holding plate.  
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a top view of a second holding plate.  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a side elevational view of the second holding plate.  
         [0040]      FIGS. 7A through 7E  are perspective views of different types of buttons.  
         [0041]      FIGS. 8A through 8C  are perspective views of different types of adapters. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0042]     Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like numerals are used to designate like components throughout. The preferred system for preparing cutaneous tissue specimens for oncological histology study and diagnosis comprises generally a device  10  adapted to aid in the proper mounting of a tissue specimen A onto a first button  12 , a first holding plate  14  to be disposed within the cryostat (not shown), and a second holding plate  16  to be disposed outside the cryostat. Each of these components will be described in more intimate detail hereafter.  
         [0043]     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the device  10  is illustrated as comprising first and second corresponding sections  18  and  20 , respectively, which are temporarily connectable together. The first section  18  includes a first hollowed cylinder  22  bored therethrough, which is included in a first mounting system  24 . The first mounting system  24  is for temporarily securing the first button  12  to the first section  18  of the device  10 , and further includes an adapting system  26  for facilitating the temporary securement of the first button  12 .  
         [0044]     The adapting system comprises an adapter  28 , which has a planar portion  30  and a stem portion  32 , the planar portion  30  being shaped and otherwise adapted to receive and temporarily secure the first button  12 , while the stem portion  32  is shaped and sized so as to be slideably received and therefore temporarily secured by the first hollowed cylinder  22  of the first mounting system  24 . See  FIG. 2 . As shown in  FIGS. 8A through 8C , the outside diameter of the stem portion  32  is about the same as the inside diameter of the first hollowed cylinder  22  in order that slideable reception and securement can occur.  
         [0045]     The stem portion  32  of the adapter  28  may further include a hollowed cylinder or bore  34 , as seen in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , which is sized to slideably receive the stem portion  36  of the first button  12 , the first button  12  comprising a planar disc portion  38 , as well as the stem portion  36 . Alternatively, as illustrated in  FIG. 8C , a bore  34  is not necessary, in which case the planar portion  30  of the adapter  28  is rectilinear in shape and includes ridges  40  about at least some of its edges, as well as at least one notch  42 .  
         [0046]     This particular configuration of the adapter  28  is designed to accommodate a square shaped first button  12 , which is shown to have raised squares  44  on its surface to facilitate in the gripping of the tissue specimen A and an outwardly extending handle  46 . See  FIG. 7D . As illustrated, this particular first button  12  fits snugly onto the planar portion  30  of the adapter  28 , such that its ridges  40  encompass the planar disc portion  38  of the first button  12 . Furthermore, the handle  46  is designed to rest in the notch  42 .  
         [0047]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the preferred first holding plate  14  is shown in some detail. As indicated, the holding plate  14  is disposed within the cryostat during use and thus remains cold. The holding plate  14  comprises a single block of material, such as aluminum, from which a lengthwise trough  48  is cut. Also, the first holding plate  14  includes a second mounting system  50  arranged about the edges of the trough  48 . The second mounting system  50  includes a plurality of hollowed cylinders or bores  52  of varying diameter to accommodate varying sizes of stem portions  36  of first buttons  12 . Advantageously, longitudinal grooves  54  are cut into the sides of the first holding plate  14  in order to facilitate grasping of the device by the user.  
         [0048]      FIGS. 5 and 6  illustrate the second holding plate  16 , which comprises a cutting board  56  surrounded by a third mounting system  58 , which includes, as the second mounting system, a plurality of hollowed cylinders or bores  60 , into which the stem portion  62  of a second button  64  is inserted to maintain and store extra second buttons  64  in anticipation of use. The second button  64  further includes a planar disc portion  66 , which, as with the first button  12 , is adapted to receive the tissue specimen A. Also, the second holding plate  16  comprises two troughs  68 , which serve to facilitate the handling of the second buttons  64  stored there.  
         [0049]     Returning now to the device  10 , the second section  20  comprises a fourth mounting system  70 , which is similar to the first mounting system  24  in that it includes a hollowed cylinder  72  drilled through the second section  20 , although the hollowed cylinder  72  is sized so as to accommodate and slideably receive only the second button  64 , which has a standard size. Therefore, the adapting system  26  is not needed in conjunction with the fourth mounting system  70 .  
         [0050]     The preferred second button  64  is shown in  FIG. 7E  and has a smooth and even planar disc portion  66 . This is a contrast to the preferred first button  12 , embodiments of which are illustrated in  FIGS. 7A through 7D . As indicated, the planar disc portion  38  of the first button  12  is uneven and comprises either a series of ridges  74  and furrows  76 , or a plurality of raised squares  44 , as in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7D . Advantageously, the first buttons  12  may be color coded in to distinguish between different specimens.  
         [0051]     As clearly, shown in the drawings, the first and second sections  18  and  20  are block-like in shape and may be constructed from a single piece of aluminum or similar material. The sections  18  and  20  of the device  10  include longitudinal grooves  78  along their sides in order to facilitate the handling thereof. The first section  18  includes a plurality of posts  80  and the second section includes for each post  80  a corresponding aperture or hollowed receiving cylinder  82 , thereby allowing temporary connection of the two sections  18  and  20 . In this manner, the first and second buttons  12  and  64 , respectively, may be brought into axial alignment and their respective planar disc portions  38  and  66  may be brought into a parallel position with the specimen A being disposed therebetween. See  FIG. 1 .  
         [0052]     In use, the surgeon excises a tissue specimen A from a patient, the tissue specimen A being brought into an environment containing the system of the present invention, as well as a standard cryostat. Initially, the specimen A is scored with a scalpel and otherwise manipulated on the cutting board  56 . The operator then removes a second button  64  from the fourth mounting system  70  and mounts the specimen A thereon, using a freezing agent, the deepest portion of the tissue specimen A being in contact with the second button  64 .  
         [0053]     The user then mounts the second button  64  onto the second section  20  of the device  10  and mounts a first button  12  onto the first section  18  of the device  10 . The two sections  18  and  20  are then temporarily connected by using the corresponding posts  80  and apertures  82 , thereby bringing the specimen A into contact with both buttons  12  and  64  simultaneously, while additional freezing occurs. In this manner, the specimen A is not allowed to distort as it is frozen in order that improved representations may be made.  
         [0054]     Next, the two buttons  12  and  64  are removed from the device  10  and the second button  64  is removed from contacting the specimen A by the use of a blade (not shown). Because of this step in the procedure, the planar disc portion  66  of the second button  64  is smooth and even. Meanwhile, the specimen remains properly mounted on the first button  12  in a frozen state. In this condition the first button  12  and specimen A are either mounted onto the first holding plate  14  in the cryostat in order to become even more frozen, or, if sufficiently frozen, they may be mounted onto cutting facility of the cryostat so that thin representative layers may be cut and examined by the surgeon or pathologist so that a diagnosis can be made.  
         [0055]     This invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.