Abstract:
The invention relates to a unit for the treatment of histological samples. The unit comprises a treatment chamber ( 1 ), a device ( 2 ) for supplying and removing treatment agents ( 3, 3′, 3 ″) to and from the treatment chamber ( 1 ), and a control system ( 4 ) for the performance of the treatment. The aim of the invention is to develop the unit in such a way that the need to carry out different treatments is taken into account in an economical manner. Towards this end, at least one other treatment chamber ( 5 ) is provided, by means of which treatments can be carried out independently from the first treatment chamber ( 1 ), the device ( 2 ) and the control system ( 4 ) also co-operating with that other treatment chamber ( 5 ).

Description:
This application is the national stage of PCT/EP02/14036 filed on Dec. 11, 2002 and claims Paris Convention priority of DE 101 63 488.9 filed Dec. 21, 2001. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention concerns a device for the treatment of histological samples, comprising a treatment chamber and a means for supplying and removing treatment agents to and from the treatment chamber and with a controller for carrying out the treatment, including supplying and removing the required treatment agents. 
     A device of this type is disclosed e.g. in EP 0 969 277 A1. Such devices are used to prepare histological samples for microscopic examinations, wherein the samples removed for examination are subjected to a series of successive processing steps, such as fixation, e.g. in an aqueous formaldehyde solution, dehydration, clearing and infiltration with paraffin or another suitable wax. During dehydration, the fixed samples are treated with an alcohol reagent of gradually increasing concentration. During clearing, the dehydrated samples are treated once or several times with a clearing agent, e.g. xylol. The latter is an intermediate agent which facilitates removal of alcohol and subsequent introduction of paraffin, since direct replacement of alcohol by paraffin is not possible. Clearing also increases the contrast. For infiltration with paraffin (or another wax), the dehydrated and cleared samples are also immersed several times into molten wax. Only thereafter is the histological sample suited for processing with a microtome. Thin slices are thereby produced for examination under a microscope. 
     The above-mentioned conventional devices have one single treatment chamber which is divided into several chambers for receiving samples (EP 0 969 277 A1). The samples can only be filled into this single treatment chamber and can only be treated together. This procedure is normally followed by a program run in which the daily production is further processed overnight. 
     These methods fail to satisfy all requirements, in particular in the medical field, since different treatments must often be carried out or smaller amounts must be processed as rapidly as possible. Even if the above-mentioned device is designed for expedited treatment, usually only a small amount of samples must nevertheless be treated. This is normally the case with biopsy samples, which are suitable for rapid processing due to their considerably smaller size compared to that of other samples. Such small amounts do not usually fill the large treatment chamber, causing uneconomical processing. To avoid bottlenecks, i.e. when different treatments must be carried out or to avoid the above-mentioned uneconomical handling, several devices could be provided for different treatments, optionally having different program steps and different treatment chamber sizes. However, this would also be uneconomical, since several controllers and treatment agent supplying and removing units must be provided, maintained and filled. Moreover, many laboratories do not have the space required for several devices. 
     It is therefore the underlying purpose of the present invention to further develop a device of the above-mentioned type such that different treatments are possible with little economic expense. 
     This object is achieved in accordance with the invention in that at least one further treatment chamber is provided for carrying out treatment independently of the first treatment chamber, wherein the means and the controller also cooperate with the second treatment chamber. 
     The invention meets the requirement of economical treatment of small amounts of samples and/or different treatments of smaller or larger sample amounts using one single device, one controller and one means for supplying and removing treatment agents. The treatments may be carried out simultaneously or staggered in time. In the latter case, samples can be advantageously supplied to a treatment chamber while another or several other treatments are still running. The size of the treatment chambers can be adjusted to the amount and size of the sample charges to be expected, which advantageously saves treatment agent. The treatment chambers can also be adjusted to the samples to be processed or to different sample holders or can be optimised to certain types of treatment. All this can be realized with one device, one controller, one treatment agent supply, and optionally treatment agent stock which saves costs, space and effort with regard to maintenance and supply. 
     The following further developments of the invention contribute to the versatility of use of the inventive device and to its efficiency. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The treatment chambers are preferably designed for different procedures. It is e.g. often the case that short programs are used for processing small amounts of urgent samples. For this reason, the treatment chambers should have different sizes. The main treatment chamber may have a normal size and a further treatment chamber may be substantially smaller than that first treatment chamber. 
     The treatment chambers may also have different equipment which can be adapted to the different treatments or to different supports on which the samples are disposed. One further treatment chamber may be designed to receive biopsy samples. 
     The controller is preferably designed to carry out different procedures. In this fashion, a normal program or short programs may be carried out or special programs may be provided such as e.g. treatment of biopsy samples. The controller is advantageously designed to provide different treatment programs. This is realized via an input means, data carriers or via a data line which is connected to a computer. 
     In an advantageous further development, the first treatment chamber is designed to receive several containers for several cartridges containing samples and the further treatment chamber is designed to receive such a container. This facilitates handling, since the containers for several cartridges may have the same design and are therefore suitable for supplying both treatment chambers. The further treatment chamber is designed to receive only one container to permit smaller sample charges to be subjected to abbreviated treatment or to complete examination of these samples on the same day, in view of a particular urgency. Of course, the second treatment chamber should also be able to receive other containers such as e.g. those designed to receive biopsy samples. 
     In one embodiment variant, the first treatment chamber is designed as a drum which can be rotated such that the containers can be immersed repeatedly into the respective treatment agent during rotation when the treatment chamber is partially filled with a treatment agent and a corresponding supply and removal of a respective treatment agent effects treatment in the further treatment chamber. This is, of course, only one example of different design and function of the treatment chambers. Numerous variations are thereby feasible which are associated with corresponding control programs. 
     A valve unit is preferably connected to the treatment chambers to supply the different treatment agents and to permit filling of each treatment chamber with the respective treatment agent, via the controller. Moreover, the valve unit and the controller may also be designed for emptying the treatment chamber and/or the lines. 
     The device may contain several treatment agent supply containers which are connected to the valve unit. Of course, the valve unit could also be connected to a central supply containing the most differing of treatment agents. In the former case, a further or the same valve unit and the controller are also advantageously designed to fill treatment agent into the supply container from a supply located outside of the device. This obviates the need for constant manual refilling and monitoring of the treatment agent supply containers and simplifies maintenance. 
     The invention is explained below with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of the inventive device; 
         FIG. 2  shows the first treatment chamber of a first embodiment; 
         FIG. 2   a  shows the further treatment chamber of the first embodiment; 
         FIG. 3  shows the first treatment chamber of a second embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  shows a longitudinal section through this treatment chamber; and 
         FIG. 4   a  shows the further treatment chamber of the second embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of the inventive device which schematically shows the individual elements. In addition to the treatment chamber  1 , a further treatment chamber  5  is provided which is connected, via the same means  2 , for supplying and removing treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′ or  3 ″. A valve unit  9  of appropriate design effects supply and removal of treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ and is controlled by a controller  4  via a connection  21 . The valve unit  9  obtains the treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ via feed lines  10  which are connected e.g. to supply containers  11 ,  11 ′,  11 ″ having the treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. These supply containers  11 ,  11 ′,  11 ″ may be located inside or outside of the device. Their number depends on the number of different treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″, . . . for the respective treatment. If the controller  4  is loaded with different treatment programs for the tissue samples, it is advantageous to provide as many treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″, . . . as are required for these programs. The controller  4  also comprises a connection  22  to the drive  16  of the drum  8  or  8 ′ of the treatment chamber  1  to effect rotation of the drum  8  or  8 ′ in correspondence with the treatment. 
     The valve unit  9  supplies the first treatment chamber  1  and the further treatment chambers  5  via feed lines  10  which may simultaneously serve as discharge lines  10 ′. It is possible to connect the same number of discharge lines  10 ′ to the valve unit  9  as there are treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ for processing. This permits separate discharge of the treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ to be recycled. In the present case, only one further treatment chamber  5  is shown, as an example. Of course, further treatment chambers may be provided. 
       FIG. 2  shows the first treatment chamber  1  of a first embodiment of the invention. This treatment chamber  1  is formed by a cylindrical housing  14  in which a drum  8 ′ is rotatably disposed. The likewise cylindrical drum  8 ′ can be driven via an axle  13  and a drive  16  (not shown). The housing  14  has an inlet opening  20  at its front side which can be closed by a lid  17 . The drum  8  surface bears containers  6  which each contain several cartridges  7  for samples. They are shown, by way of example, in the lower container  6 . The front side of the housing  14  has an edge  12  with dimensions which assure that the liquid level  15  of a treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ is sufficiently high, that all cartridges  7  with tissue samples are wet during rotation of the drum  8 . This first treatment chamber  1  has a line  10 ,  10 ′ for supply and removal of treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″, which is included in the inventive device (schematically shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 2   a  shows the further treatment chamber  5  of this first embodiment. This treatment chamber  5  has a housing  18  with dimensions which permit reception of one of the containers  6  for cartridges  7  in that treatment chamber  5 . The container  6  can be inserted into the treatment chamber  1  of  FIG. 2 . The housing  18  can be closed by a lid  17 ′ and also comprises a line  10 ,  10 ′ for supply and removal of treatment agents  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. Its size is such that the liquid level  15  of the treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ can rise sufficiently high, that the container  6  is completely immersed in the treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. 
       FIG. 3  shows the first treatment chamber  1  of a second embodiment. This first treatment chamber  1  has a truncated housing  14 ′ which is disposed such that the peripheral surface intersects a horizontal line. This horizontal position and a corresponding edge  12  assure a liquid level  15  of a treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′, 3 ″ which permits wetting of all cartridges  7  for samples (described already in connection with  FIG. 2 ). Towards this end, the drum  8 ′ also has a conical shape in correspondence with the housing  14 ′ and has a narrow end comprising an axle  13 , which is connected to a drive  16 . 
     The housing  14 ′ shown in  FIG. 3  is cut in the lower region of the front side. This cut corresponds to III-III of  FIG. 4 . The edge  12  which holds the treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ at liquid level  15  has thereby been omitted in this lower region of  FIG. 3 . The lid  17  which closes the access opening  20  is also cut open. The treatment chamber  1  has a conduit  10 ,  10 ′ for supply and removal of treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. This treatment chamber  1  of the second embodiment is also combined with the other elements shown therein in accordance with the schematic drawing of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a section IV-IV of  FIG. 3  and explains the design of the treatment chamber  1  of the second embodiment in more detail. The lowermost layer of cartridges  7  for samples is thereby disposed completely below the liquid level  15  which is maintained by the edge  12  even when the lid  17  is opened (double arrow  19 ). This embodiment is particularly advantageous, since it provides good access to the containers  6  for the cartridges  7  even when the treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ is located in the treatment chamber  1 . 
       FIG. 4   a  shows the further treatment chamber  5  of the second embodiment. This further treatment chamber  5  is also designed to receive one of the containers  6  for cartridges  7  as already shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 . Towards this end, the housing  18  and lid  17 ′ have a trapezoidal shape to receive the containers  6 . This trapezoidal shape facilitates their arrangement in the truncated conical drum  8 ′. Moreover, this further treatment chamber  5  functions in correspondence with that shown in  FIG. 2   a.    
     The designs of  FIGS. 2 through 4   a  are of course only embodiments of the inventive device. The first treatment chambers  1  may have a similar design as shown for the further treatment chambers  5  or vice versa. The arrangement need not be confined to two treatment chambers  1  and  5  per device. 
     The user requirements are essential to the design of the individual treatment chambers  1 ,  5 . The treatment chambers  1 ,  5  may have different designs with regard to size, configuration or type of wetting of the cartridges  7  with treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. All conventional designs are thereby also possible. The core of the invention resides in the fact that several treatment chambers  1 ,  5  . . . can be supplied from a common valve unit  9  via a controller  4  and a means  2  for supplying and removing treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″ and that several treatments, which are adjusted to the respective requirements of the user, may be carried out simultaneously or in a time-staggered manner. In this fashion, the inventive device can replace two or more conventional devices while thereby requiring only one controller  4  and one means  2  for supplying and removing treatment agent  3 ,  3 ′,  3 ″. The supply containers  11 ,  11 ′,  11 ″ need not be disposed, maintained and filled separately for each treatment chamber  1 ,  5 , etc. 
     UNITS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HISTOLOGICAL SAMPLES 
     List of Reference Numerals 
     
         
           1  Treatment chamber (first) 
           2  Means for supply and removal of treatment agents 
           3 , 3 ′, 3 ″ Treatment agents 
           4  Controller 
           5  Further treatment chambers 
           6  Containers for cartridges 
           7  Cartridges for samples 
           8 , 8 ′ Drum 
           8  of the first embodiment 
           8 ′ of the second embodiment 
           9  Valve unit 
           10 , 10 ′ Lines 
           10  Feed line 
           10 ′ Discharge line 
           11 , 11 ′, 11 ″ Supply container 
           12  Edge 
           13  Axle 
           14 , 14 ′ Housing of the first treatment chamber 
           14  of the first embodiment 
           14 ′ of the second embodiment 
           15  Liquid level 
           16  Drive 
           17 , 17 ′ Lid 
           17  of the first treatment chamber 
           17 ′ of the second treatment chamber 
           18  Housing of the second treatment chamber 
           19  Double arrow: opening and closing of the lid 
           20  Access opening 
           21  Connection controller—valve unit 
           22  Connection controller—drive