U.S. patent application number 10/978948 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-04 for tissue marking system.
Invention is credited to Michael Phillips.
Application Number | 20060090658 10/978948 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35658850 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060090658 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phillips; Michael |
May 4, 2006 |
Tissue marking system
Abstract
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.
Inventors: |
Phillips; Michael;
(Oconomowoc, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH, LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
35658850 |
Appl. No.: |
10/978948 |
Filed: |
November 1, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
101/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/395 20160201;
A61B 2090/3908 20160201; B05C 17/00 20130101; A61B 90/39
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
101/333 |
International
Class: |
B41K 1/42 20060101
B41K001/42 |
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.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention relates to a tissue marking system.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a tissue
marking system that includes ink.
[0002] 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.
[0003] 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.
SUMMARY
[0004] The 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.
[0005] 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.
[0006] 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 DRAWINGS
[0007] The description particularly refers to the accompanying
figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a top view of a patient including a tissue sample
to be removed from the patient;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the patient
and tissue sample of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portion of the patient and
tissue sample of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tissue sample of FIG. 1
after being removed from the patient of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tissue marking system;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a top view of another tissue marking system;
[0014] FIG. 6a is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of
FIG. 6 taken along line A-A of FIG. 6; and
[0015] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of
FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.
[0016] 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
[0017] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a patient 10 and a tissue
sample 15 are illustrated to show the tissue sample's orientation
in the patient 10. Before proceeding, it should be noted that the
present invention will be described as it relates to a tissue
sample 15 removed from a breast. However, one of ordinary skill in
the art will realize that the invention is applicable to many other
tissue samples in which orientation is important. For example,
basal cell carcinoma also requires that a tissue sample be removed,
and that its orientation be identified to verify that sufficient
margin has been removed. As such, the invention should not be
limited only to the uses described herein as it is well suited for
use with any tissue that required orientation for pathology. These
tissues include but are not limited to samples of breast, bone,
thyroid, lymph nodes, brain, sarcomas, kidney, bowel, spleen, soft
tissue masses, melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell
cancer, liver tumors, and the like.
[0018] FIG. 1 shows a view looking down on the patient 10. For
purposes of description, the direction 20 toward the patient's head
will be identified as superior, while the opposite direction 25 is
inferior. The direction 30 toward the patient's midline is defined
as medial, while the opposite direction 35 is defined as lateral.
With reference to FIG. 3, a side view of a portion of the patient
is illustrated to further illustrate orientation. The direction 40
toward the patient's exterior is defined as superficial, while the
opposite direction 45 is defined as deep.
[0019] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the tissue sample 15 within the
patient 10 prior to its removal, while FIG. 4 shows that same
tissue sample 15 after removal. With the sample 15 still in the
patient 10, the three surfaces 50, 55, 60 that will be marked can
be seen. While any three planes or surfaces of the tissue sample 15
can be used to identify the orientation of the sample 15, it is
preferred that three substantially orthogonal surfaces be
identified. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the lateral surface 50, inferior
surface 55, and superficial surface 60 of the tissue sample 15 are
shaded differently for illustrative purposes. In FIG. 4, the same
three surfaces 50, 55, 60 are shaded to indicate that they have
been marked with a different color.
[0020] 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.
[0021] To mark the surfaces 50, 55, 60, three different color inks
are employed. FIG. 5 illustrates a container 80 suited for use in
marking the tissue sample 15. The container 80 includes a housing
85 that defines three substantially separated compartments 90, 95,
100 and a cover 105 pivotally attached to the housing 85. A
perimeter 86 extends around the container 80 and encircles the
three compartments 90, 95, 100. Each of the three different color
inks is disposed within one of the three compartments 90, 95, 100.
The cover 105 is movable between a covering position where it
covers the three compartments 90, 95, 100 and cooperates with the
housing 85 to completely separate the compartments 90, 95, 100, and
an open position where the ink is accessible.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] FIG. 6 illustrates another container 120 that supports three
ink reservoirs 125, 126, 127 and is suited for use in marking the
tissue sample 15. Like the container 80, the container 120 is a
single use tool that is used during a surgical procedure. Thus, the
container 120 and its contents are sterilized. The container 120
includes a formed portion 130 that defines the three ink reservoirs
125, 126, 127. The reservoirs 125, 126, 127 are slight depressions
in the formed portion 130 that are sized to contain a quantity of
ink. A first isolation space 140 is formed between the first
reservoir 125 and the second reservoir 126 and a second isolation
space 145 is formed between the second reservoir 126 and the third
reservoir 127. The formed portion 130 also defines a perimeter 150
that surrounds the three reservoirs 125, 126, 127. In most
constructions, the perimeter 150, the first isolation space 140,
and the second isolation space 145 are all substantially disposed
within a single plane and the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 extend below
that plane.
[0028] In some constructions, a ridge 155 (shown in FIG. 6a) is
formed around the perimeter 150 to increase the stiffness of the
formed portion 130. The ridge 155 may have a semi-circular, square,
triangular, polygonal, or any other suitable cross-section.
Generally, the ridge 155 extends downward below the perimeter to
provide the additional stiffness. The ridge 155 also reduces the
likelihood of tearing a surgical glove by reducing the number of
sharp edges. The increased stiffness that results from the ridge
155 allows the container 120 to be used without being completely
supported from beneath the reservoirs 125, 126, 127.
[0029] The ink, dye, or other marking substance is disposed within
each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127. As discussed with regard to
FIG. 5, an ink absorbing material 160 such as felt or foam, can be
placed within each of the reservoirs 125, 126, 127 to hold the ink
and reduce the likelihood of spillage and mixing.
[0030] 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.
[0031] It should be noted that the thin plastic cover 165 could be
used with the construction of FIG. 5 in place of, or in conjunction
with, the cover 105.
[0032] 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.
[0033] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the longitudinal axis
of the container 120 of FIG. 6. As can be seen, the perimeter 150
the first isolation space 140 and the second isolation space 145
reside in a single plane that allows the cover to sealably engage
the container and seal each reservoir from the other reservoirs.
The ridge 155 extends downward to increase the stiffness of the
container 120 and to eliminate a thin edge that would otherwise
exist and would provide a sharp surface that could tear a surgical
glove.
[0034] In use, the constructions of FIG. 5 and FIGS. 6, 6a, and 7
function similarly. The cover 105, 165 is first opened or removed
to expose the ink. A first surface 50 of the tissue sample 15 is
dipped into the first reservoir 90, 125, a second surface 55 of the
tissue sample 15 is dipped into the second reservoir 95, 126, and a
third surface 60 of the tissue sample 15 is dipped into the third
reservoir 100, 127. In most constructions, quick-drying ink is used
to further speed the process. Generally, quick-drying ink is ink
that dries in less than about 15 minutes with inks that dry in less
than 5 minutes being preferred. Once the three surfaces 50, 55, 60
are marked, the orientation of the tissue sample 15 is easily
identified and someone other than the surgeon can examine the
sample while accurately understanding the original orientation of
the tissue within the patient's body.
[0035] In some constructions, a label 175 is provided with the
container 120 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The label 175 is
pre-marked with the ink colors and a space. The nurse or surgeon
can identify the surface marked with each color ink by identifying
that surface in the space adjacent the correct color on the
preprinted label. The label 175 is then pealed off and affixed to
the tissue sample 15 or the container that contains the tissue
sample 15.
[0036] It should be noted that all of the constructions illustrated
and discussed herein could also include a stick surface 180 (shown
in FIGS. 6a and 7). The stick surface reduces the likelihood of the
container slipping off of a surface when the container 80, 120 is
positioned for use. As such, the stick surface 180 is generally
positioned opposite a reservoir opening, as illustrated in FIGS. 6a
and 7. Many substances (e.g., rubber, VELCRO, adhesives, and the
like) can be used as a stick surface 180.
[0037] 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.
* * * * *