Tissue marking system
A tissue marking system that includes a first ink reservoir that contains ink of a first color and a second ink reservoir that contains ink of a second color different from the first color. A first isolation space is positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir. A third ink reservoir contains ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color. A second isolation space is positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.
The present invention relates to a tissue marking system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tissue marking system that includes ink.
During surgery, it is often necessary to remove a sample of tissue and closely examine that tissue sample while knowing its original orientation within the patient. For example, cancerous tumors are often removed from the patient and then examined to verify that a sufficient margin of tissue surrounding the tumor has been removed. To determine this, the tissue sample is examined and the margins on each surface are identified. Should a margin be insufficient, it is important for the surgeon to know the orientation of the sample to allow for the removal of additional tissue in the proper area.
Presently, different color sutures, different length sutures, or different quantities of sutures are inserted into the tissue sample to identify the orientation of the tissue. However, this is time consuming and the sutures can be accidentally removed making identification of the tissue orientation difficult.
SUMMARYThe present invention provides a tissue marking system that includes a first ink reservoir that contains ink of a first color and a second ink reservoir that contains ink of a second color different from the first color. A first isolation space is positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir. A third ink reservoir contains ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color. A second isolation space is positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.
The invention also provides a tissue marking system that includes a housing that is divided into a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment. The housing at least partially defines a first isolation space disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment and a second isolation space disposed between the second compartment and the third compartment. A first quantity of ink is disposed within the first compartment and has a first color and a second quantity of ink is disposed within the second compartment and has a second color. A third quantity of ink is disposed within the third compartment and has a third color.
The invention further provides a method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample. The method includes removing a sample of tissue, marking a first surface of the sample with a first ink having a first color, and marking a second surface of the sample with a second ink having a second color. The method also includes marking a third surface of the sample with a third ink having a third color.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe description particularly refers to the accompanying figures in which:
Before any embodiments of the invention are explained, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalence thereof as well as additional items. The terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION With reference to
Before proceeding, it should be noted that the term “ink” as used herein is meant to encompass any coloring element that can be applied to a tissue sample 15, with dye, paint, and stains being a few examples. As such, the invention should not be limited to ink alone.
To mark the surfaces 50, 55, 60, three different color inks are employed.
Each compartment 90, 95, 100 includes a bottom surface and a wall that surrounds the bottom surface. Opposite the bottom surface is an opening that allows for access to the ink during use.
In some constructions, each of the inks is simply disposed within one of the compartments 90, 95, 100. Generally, the ink in the compartments is in liquid form. In other constructions, an ink absorbent material 110, such as foam or felt, is disposed within each compartment 90, 95, 100 and is operable to absorb and hold the ink to inhibit spillage and mixing between the ink compartments 90, 95, 100.
Each quantity of ink is a different color than the remaining two quantities of ink. Thus, the first quantity of ink may be yellow, the second quantity of ink may be red, and the third quantity of ink may be black. Of course different colors (e.g., black, blue, green, red, yellow, orange, violet, and the like) could also be employed if desired. In addition, different colors may be employed depending on the particular tissue sample 15 to be removed. For example, breast tissue may be better examined if yellow, red, and blue inks are used, while basal cell samples may be better examined using red, blue, and black ink. Thus, the actual colors employed may be varied greatly.
Generally, the container 80 is a single use tool that is used during a surgical procedure. Thus, the container 80 and its contents are sterilized. While many different sterilization procedures are possible, it is believed that gamma ray sterilization is best suited to the task of sterilizing the container 80 and its contents with other sterilization processes also being possible. In some constructions, a forceps 115 or tweezers is attached to the cover 105 and can be removed for use in grasping and marking the tissue sample 15. Thus, the tissue sample 15 can be marked using the enclosed forceps 115 and the forceps 115 and the container 80 can be discarded after use.
While many different manufacturing processes are possible it is preferred that the container 80, including the cover 105, be injection molded as a single component. In constructions that are molded as a single component, a living hinge 118 would generally be employed between the cover 105 and the housing 85. Of course, other manufacturing methods and other connections between the cover 105 and housing 85 could be employed if desired.
In some constructions, a ridge 155 (shown in
The ink, dye, or other marking substance is disposed within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127. As discussed with regard to
A cover 165 extends over the top of the open reservoirs 125, 126, 127 and sealably engages the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140, and the second isolation space 145. The cover 165 inhibits spillage, mixing, and contamination of the ink before and after sterilization. In most constructions, the cover 165 is a thin plastic film or a thin foil that is adhesively bonded to the formed portion 130. An adhesive is applied to the one or both of the cover 165 and the formed portion 130 in, or adjacent to, the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140, and the second isolation space 145 such that when the cover 165 is positioned as desired, the cover 165 adhesively bonds to the formed portion 130. Once sealed by the cover 165, the container 120 and the ink can be sterilized and stored for future use.
It should be noted that the thin plastic cover 165 could be used with the construction of
To manufacture the container 120, the formed portion 130 is first stamped or injection molded from a thermoplastic material. Of course other materials (e.g., metals, composites, and the like) and other manufacturing processes could be used if desired. The ink holding component 160 (e.g., felt, foam, etc.) is positioned within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 if employed. The different color inks are then placed in the individual reservoirs 125, 126, 127. Adhesive is applied to one, or both, of the cover 165 and the formed portion 130 and the cover 165 is positioned on the formed portion 130 to complete the assembly of the container 120. The container 120 is then sterilized and packaged for use at a future date.
In use, the constructions of
In some constructions, a label 175 is provided with the container 120 as shown in
It should be noted that all of the constructions illustrated and discussed herein could also include a stick surface 180 (shown in
Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A tissue marking system comprising:
- a first ink reservoir containing ink of a first color;
- a second ink reservoir containing ink of a second color different from the first color;
- a first isolation space positioned between the first ink reservoir and the second ink reservoir;
- a third ink reservoir containing ink of a third color different from the first color and the second color; and
- a second isolation space positioned between the second ink reservoir and the third ink reservoir.
2. The tissue marking system of claim 1, further comprising a housing divided into a first compartment, a second compartment and a third compartment, the first ink reservoir disposed substantially within the first compartment, the second ink reservoir disposed substantially within the second compartment, and the third ink reservoir disposed substantially within the third compartment.
3. The tissue marking system of claim 2, wherein the housing defines a perimeter, and wherein a ridge is disposed around the perimeter.
4. The tissue marking system of claim 2, wherein the housing includes a cover movable between an open position and a closed position.
5. The tissue marking system of claim 4, further comprising a tweezers coupled to the cover.
6. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink reservoir includes at least one of felt and foam.
7. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black.
8. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink include die.
9. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first reservoir, the second reservoir, and the third reservoir are sterilized.
10. The tissue marking system of claim 1, further comprising a cover in sealable contact with the first isolation space and the second isolation space to sealably separate the first ink reservoir, the second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
11. The tissue marking system of claim 8, wherein the cover includes a thin member and an adhesive, the thin member adhesively bonded to the first isolation space and the second isolation space.
12. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink are quick-drying inks.
13. The tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the first ink reservoir includes a first opening, and wherein a stick surface is coupled to the first reservoir opposite the first opening.
14. A tissue marking system comprising:
- a housing divided into a first compartment, a second compartment, and a third compartment, each compartment including an opening, the housing at least partially defining a first isolation space disposed between the first compartment and the second compartment and a second isolation space disposed between the second compartment and the third compartment;
- a first quantity of ink disposed within the first compartment and having a first color;
- a second quantity of ink disposed within the second compartment and having a second color; and
- a third quantity of ink disposed within the third compartment and having a third color.
15. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing includes a cover movable between a closed position and an open position, when in the closed position the opening of the first compartment, the second compartment, and the third compartment are substantially sealed.
16. The tissue marking system of claim 15, further comprising a tweezers coupled to the cover.
17. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a felt portion operable to hold the first quantity of ink.
18. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a foam portion operable to hold the first quantity of ink.
19. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black.
20. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink include die.
21. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing, the first quantity of ink, the second quantity of ink, and the third quantity of ink are sterilized.
22. The tissue marking system of claim 14, further comprising a cover in sealable contact with the first isolation space and the second isolation space to sealably separate the first ink reservoir, the second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
23. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the cover includes a thin member and an adhesive, the thin member adhesively bonded to the first isolation space and the second isolation space.
24. The tissue marking system of claim 14, further comprising a reusable label preprinted with the first color, the second color, and the third color.
25. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first quantity of ink, the second quantity of ink, and the third quantity of ink are quick-drying inks.
26. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the first compartment includes a first opening, and wherein a stick surface is coupled to the housing opposite the first opening.
27. The tissue marking system of claim 14, wherein the housing defines a perimeter, and wherein a ridge is disposed around the perimeter.
28. A method of identifying the orientation of a tissue sample, the method comprising:
- removing a sample of tissue;
- marking a first surface of the sample with a first ink having a first color;
- marking a second surface of the sample with a second ink having a second color; and
- marking a third surface of the sample with a third ink having a third color.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising sterilizing the first ink, the second ink, and the third ink.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising positioning the first ink within a first compartment defined within a housing, positioning the second ink in a second compartment defined within the housing, and positioning the third ink in a third compartment defined within the housing.
31. The method of claim 28, further comprising providing one of felt and foam to hold the first ink.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein first color is yellow, the second color is red, and the third color is black.
Type: Application
Filed: Nov 1, 2004
Publication Date: May 4, 2006
Inventor: Michael Phillips (Oconomowoc, WI)
Application Number: 10/978,948
International Classification: B41K 1/42 (20060101);