Reusable specimen imaging device holder system with replaceable membranes

Abstract

The present invention is for the retention of surgically removed tissue for radiographic imaging. In breast conservation surgery specimen radiographic imaging is used to evaluate the success of removed diseased tissue with a negative margin. Accurate positioning of tissue orientation with minimal compression of the removed pathologic neoplasm is employed. The radiolucent device holder's purpose is to secure the tissue in proper orientation for radiographic imaging and margin evaluation. The present invention is a reusable system. It features a snap together component that allows for the replacing of the radiolucent membranes. Components are properly disinfected and membranes replaced making the device holder ready for reuse. This reusability is innovative, more cost effective and reduces medical waste. While this present invention, reusable specimen imaging holder device system with replaceable membranes has particular use in breast conservation surgery specimen imaging for optimal margin evaluation it is not exclusive to that purpose.

Claims

1. The method of a reusable specimen imaging device holder system which utilizes replaceable membranes. The device holder system may be provided in a plurality of sizes and shapes and still applicable to the system in the method claimed.

2. The method in claim 1 where the structural components of the device holder have a top and bottom unit, CV4.1 and CV 4.2 with a snap on component that secures the membranes to them, (CV 4.3).

3. The method in claim 1 of placing the tissue sample for radiographic imaging occurs by placing the sample on the surface of the membrane on CV 4.1, allowing the sample to be sandwiched between each membrane of the holder, then closing and latching the holder. (CV 4.4)

4. The method in claim 1 where the device may be disinfected and the membranes changed for reuse.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of CV4 and how the parts interact with each other.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows CV 4.1 from a perspective view and a bottom view.

[0012] FIG. 3 shows CV 4.2 in a perspective view and a bottom view.

[0013] FIG. 4 shows CV 4.3 in two perspective views, top and bottom and a bottom view.

[0014] FIG. 5 shows how the hinge works.

[0015] FIG. 6 shows how CV 4.4 interacts with CV 4.1.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0016] The invention is a reusable device holder used to retain surgically excised tissue for radiographic imaging. The reusable device holder has a framework with a bottom and top unit with a snap together component all made from pla+ or abs plastic. Two replaceable transparent film membranes are held in tension to support the excised tissue in proper specimen orientation for radiographic imaging purposes. The imaging process allows for radiologic, surgical and pathologic correlation of the excised tissue margins.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a fully assembled perspective view of the embodiment. It is composed of CV 4.1, CV 4.2, two pieces of CV4.3, CV.4, and CV 4.5.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view and a bottom view of CV4.1. It identifies the individual working components. [0019] 1.1 is a convex sphere that makes up half of the working hinge. [0020] 1.2 is the shelf that allows the clip on component 3.1. [0021] 1.3 is a cut out to allow room for CV 4.4 to be inserted. [0022] 1.4 is a cavity to lower thickness of material to optimize even shrinkage of the medium. [0023] 1.5 is a curved edge to aid in ease of use. [0024] 1.6 is the structure to maximize support for the hinge features. [0025] 1.7 is curved and reduces material. [0026] 1.8 is one of four surfaces that trap the working membrane on CV 4.1. [0027] 1.9 is the second of four surfaces that trap the working membrane on CV 4.1. [0028] 1.10 is one of two surfaces that push the two membranes together to form the outer limits where the specimen will rest. [0029] 1.11 consist of a protruding ledge that fits into the cut out of 4.2 to secure half of the main latch. [0030] 2. FIG. 3 is CV4.2 in a perspective and bottom view and identifies each working part. [0031] 2.1 is a concave sphere that is the second part of the hinge. [0032] 2.2 is the shelf that 3.1 clips into. [0033] 2.3 is a cut out that allows 4.1 to clip onto to form the main latch. [0034] 2.4 is a cavity to lower thickness of material to optimize even shrinkage of the medium. [0035] 2.5 is a curved edge which aids in ease of use. [0036] 2.6 is curved to allow maximum structure to support the hinge features. [0037] 2.7 further reduces material and aids in ease of use. [0038] 2.8 is the first of four surfaces used to trap the working membrane on CV 4.2. [0039] 2.9 is the second of the four surfaces used to trap the working membrane. [0040] 2.10 is the second surface used to push the two membranes together to form the outer limit of where the specimen will rest.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows CV4.3 in two perspective views, top and bottom, and bottom. [0042] 3.1 is the part that clips into the shelf piece 2.2. This latch mechanism allows for release and changing of the membrane. [0043] 3.2 is a cut out to allow ease of injection molding. [0044] 3.3 is one of two surfaces that trap the working membrane to either CV 4.1 or CV 4.2. [0045] 3.4 is the second textured face that is used to trap the working membrane to either CV4.1 or CV 4.2. [0046] 3.5 is the curved latch mechanism which allows for release and product durability and usage.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the hinge and how it works with the other perspective parts 1.1 and 2.1 from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a detailed view showing the interactive parts 1.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1 and the latch component 4.1 and 4.2.

[0049] While the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. According, embodiments of the invention as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. There are changes that may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.