U.S. patent application number 11/873249 was filed with the patent office on 2008-02-07 for tissue marking system.
Invention is credited to Janet Phillips, Michael Phillips.
Application Number | 20080028962 11/873249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35658850 |
Filed Date | 2008-02-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080028962 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Phillips; Michael ; et
al. |
February 7, 2008 |
TISSUE MARKING SYSTEM
Abstract
A single-use tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue
sample includes a container and a first number of ink reservoirs at
least partially defined by the container. Each reservoir contains
ink of a different color. The system also includes a second number
of applicators. Each applicator is configured to absorb a quantity
of ink for application to the tissue sample. A cover is coupled to
and cooperates with the container to fully enclose each of the
first number of ink reservoirs.
Inventors: |
Phillips; Michael;
(Oconomowoc, WI) ; Phillips; Janet; (Oconomowoc,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL BEST & FRIEDRICH LLP
100 E WISCONSIN AVENUE
Suite 3300
MILWAUKEE
WI
53202
US
|
Family ID: |
35658850 |
Appl. No.: |
11/873249 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10978948 |
Nov 1, 2004 |
|
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11873249 |
Oct 16, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
101/333 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2090/395 20160201;
A61B 90/39 20160201; A61B 2090/3908 20160201; B05C 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
101/333 |
International
Class: |
B41K 1/42 20060101
B41K001/42 |
Claims
1. A single-use tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue
sample, the system comprising: a container; a first number of ink
reservoirs at least partially defined by the container, each
reservoir containing ink of a different color; a second number of
applicators, each applicator configured to absorb a quantity of ink
for application to the tissue sample; and a cover coupled to and
cooperating with the container to fully enclose each of the first
number of ink reservoirs.
2. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the
first number and the second number are equal.
3. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 2, wherein the
first number is three.
4. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 1, further
comprising a fixative disposed within the container.
5. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 4, wherein the
fixative is contained within a bottle having a spray nozzle, the
bottle disposed within the container.
6. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein each
applicator includes a handle portion and a sponge portion.
7. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 6, wherein each
applicator includes a second sponge portion that is smaller than
the first sponge portion.
8. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the
container defines an elongated space sized to receive the second
quantity of applicators, the cover and the container cooperating to
fully enclose the second quantity of applicators.
9. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 8, wherein the
cover is adhesively bonded to the container to seal each ink
reservoir from the other ink reservoirs and from the elongated
space.
10. The single-use tissue marking system of claim 1, wherein the
cover is a single cover removable to expose each of the first
number of ink reservoirs.
11. 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; a
second isolation space positioned between the second ink reservoir
and the third ink reservoir; and a one piece 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, the cover configured to be
removed as one piece to expose each of the first ink reservoir, the
second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
12. The tissue marking system of claim 11, further comprising a
fourth ink reservoir containing ink of a fourth color, a fifth ink
reservoir containing ink of a fifth color, and a sixth ink
reservoir containing ink of a sixth color.
13. The tissue marking system of claim 12, wherein the one piece
cover sealably covers each of the first ink reservoir, the second
ink reservoir, the third ink reservoir, the fourth ink reservoir,
the fifth ink reservoir, and the sixth ink reservoir.
14. The tissue marking system of claim 12, wherein the cover is
removable as a single piece to expose each of the first ink
reservoir, the second ink reservoir, the third ink reservoir, the
fourth ink reservoir, the fifth ink reservoir, and the sixth ink
reservoir.
15. The tissue marking system of claim 11, wherein the container
defines a fixative space sized to receive a fixative.
16. The tissue marking system of claim 15, wherein the fixative is
contained within a bottle having a spray nozzle, the bottle
disposed within the fixative space.
17. The tissue marking system of claim 15, wherein the cover is
adhesively bonded to the container to seal each ink reservoir from
the other ink reservoirs, the space, and the fixative space.
18. The tissue marking system of claim 11, further comprising a
plurality of applicators, wherein each applicator includes a handle
portion and a sponge portion.
19. The tissue marking system of claim 18, wherein each applicator
includes a second sponge portion that is smaller than the first
sponge portion
20. A tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue sample, the
system comprising: a container defining a space; six ink reservoirs
at least partially defined by the container, each reservoir
containing ink of a different color; six applicators disposed
within the space, each applicator configured to absorb a quantity
of ink for application to the tissue sample; a fixative disposed
within the space; a single cover coupled to the container to fully
enclose each of the six ink reservoirs and at least partially
enclose the space.
21. The tissue marking system of claim 20, wherein the fixative is
contained within a bottle having a spray nozzle, the bottle
disposed within the space.
22. The tissue marking system of claim 20, wherein the cover is
adhesively bonded to the container to seal each ink reservoir from
the other ink reservoirs and the space.
23. The tissue marking system of claim 20, wherein each applicator
includes a handle portion and a sponge portion.
24. The tissue marking system of claim 23, wherein each applicator
includes a second sponge portion that is smaller than the first
sponge portion.
25. The tissue marking system of claim 20, wherein the cover is a
single cover removable to expose each of the six ink reservoirs.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/978,948 filed Nov. 1, 2004, which is fully
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to a tissue marking system.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a tissue
marking system that includes ink.
[0003] 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.
[0004] 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
[0005] In one construction, the invention provides a single-use
tissue marking system for use in marking a tissue sample. The
system includes a container and a first number of ink reservoirs at
least partially defined by the container. Each reservoir contains
ink of a different color. The system also includes a second number
of applicators. Each applicator is configured to absorb a quantity
of ink for application to the tissue sample. A cover is coupled to
and cooperates with the container to fully enclose each of the
first number of ink reservoirs.
[0006] In another construction, the invention provides a tissue
marking system that includes 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, and a first isolation space
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 and a second
isolation space is positioned between the second ink reservoir and
the third ink reservoir. A one piece cover is 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. The cover is configured to
be removed as one piece to expose each of the first ink reservoir,
the second ink reservoir, and the third ink reservoir.
[0007] In yet another construction, the invention provides a tissue
marking system for use in marking a tissue sample. The system
includes a container defining a space and six ink reservoirs at
least partially defined by the container. Each reservoir contains
ink of a different color. Six applicators are disposed within the
space. Each applicator is configured to absorb a quantity of ink
for application to the tissue sample. A fixative is disposed within
the space and a single cover is coupled to the container to fully
enclose each of the six ink reservoirs and at least partially
enclose the space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The description particularly refers to the accompanying
figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a top view of a patient including a tissue sample
to be removed from the patient;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged top view of a portion of the patient
and tissue sample of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a side view of the portion of the patient and
tissue sample of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the tissue sample of FIG. 1
after being removed from the patient of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tissue marking system;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of another tissue marking system;
[0015] FIG. 6a is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of
FIG. 6 taken along line A-A of FIG. 6;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the tissue marking system of
FIG. 6 taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another construction of the
tissue marking system;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an applicator; and
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another construction of the
tissue marking system.
[0020] 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
[0021] 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.
[0022] 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.
[0023] 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 at least three substantially orthogonal surfaces be
identified, with some applications marking six surfaces. 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.
[0024] 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.
[0025] 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.
[0026] 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.
[0027] 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] Generally, the container 80 is a single use tool that is
used during a surgical procedure or a series of surgical procedures
performed during the course of a day. 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.
[0030] 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.
[0031] 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 or a
series of surgical procedures throughout a day. For example, one
container could be opened during a first surgical procedure and
could be used throughout the day for a series of procedures before
being discarded. In preferred constructions, the container 120 and
its contents are sterilized before they are opened. 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.
[0032] 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.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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, drying, 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, heat sealed, or otherwise attached to the formed portion
130. In adhesively bonded constructions, 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, transported, and stored for future
use.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] 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.
[0038] 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.
[0039] 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. In still other constructions, preprinted labels include
the colors and a preprinted surface identification, thereby
eliminating the need to write the orientation on the label. In
addition, some constructions include duplicate labels to allow for
easy identification on a patients chart.
[0040] 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.
[0041] FIG. 8 illustrates another construction of a single-use
tissue marking system 500 that includes a container 505 preferably
formed from as a single unitary piece using a thermoplastic
material. The container 505 defines three reservoirs 510 sized to
contain a quantity of ink or die. The container 505 includes
another compartment or space 515 sized to receive a container of
fixative 520. The fixative 520 can be applied to the tissue sample
before or after the ink or die is applied to improve the adhesion
of the ink or die and inhibit running and drops. One fixative 520
suitable for use includes vinegar or a vinegar solution, with other
fixatives 520 also being possible depending on the type of ink or
die employed. In preferred constructions the fixative 520 is
contained in a bottle with a spray nozzle 525. The spray nozzle 525
assures that a fine mist of fixative is sprayed onto the tissue
rather than large droplets.
[0042] The container 505 defines an elongated space 530 that is
sized to receive a plurality of applicators 535. In preferred
constructions, the quantity of applicators 535 equals the quantity
of ink reservoirs 505. As such, the illustrated construction
includes three ink reservoirs 505 and three applicators 535.
However, other constructions may include a different number of
applicators 535 than reservoirs 505. For example, one construction
could include six ink reservoirs 505 and three applicators 535. As
one of ordinary skill will realize, many different quantities of
applicators 535 and reservoirs 505 can be employed. For example,
some constructions may include six ink reservoirs 505 and six
applicators 535.
[0043] In the illustrated construction, the elongated space 530
includes a plurality of separator elements 540 that support and
separate the applicators 535 within the space 530. The positioning
within the space 530 allows a surgeon or other user to easily
remove the applicators 535 with a gloved hand and with little risk
of tearing or puncturing the glove.
[0044] Each applicator 535 includes a handle portion 545 and a
sponge portion 550. In preferred constructions, the handle portion
545 is formed from a plastic material. The sponge portion 550 is
sized to absorb and hold a desired quantity of ink, while
facilitating the accurate placement of the ink on the tissue
sample. By depressing the sponge 550 onto the tissue sample, the
surgeon is able to release a desired quantity of ink without
causing drips or runs that can blur or confuse the marking.
[0045] A removable cover member (not shown) similar to that
illustrated in FIGS. 6, 6a, and 7 is employed to cover the
container 505. The cover adhesively bonds to the container 505 and
seals each ink reservoir 510 from the other ink reservoirs, the
fixative space 515, and the elongated space 530 to inhibit leakage
of the inks. In preferred constructions, a single one-piece cover
is employed to expedite the opening of the ink reservoirs 510 and
other spaces 515, 530.
[0046] As with the prior embodiments, the container 505 is a
single-use device that is preferably sterilized prior to use. The
user or surgeon grasps a handle 555 and removes the cover from the
container 505 to completely expose each of the inks for use. Each
applicator 535 is used with one of the inks to apply the ink to the
tissue sample. The fixative 520 is applied before or after the ink
is applied to assure that the ink remains fixed to the tissue
sample. Once the tissue sample is properly marked, the container
505, cover, and applicators 535 can be discarded.
[0047] As noted, other constructions of the applicator are also
possible. As illustrated in FIG. 9, one construction of an
applicator 600 includes a handle portion 605, a first sponge
portion 610, and a second sponge portion 615. The first sponge
portion 610 is similar to the sponge portion 550. The second sponge
portion 615 includes a sponge or other material that will hold a
quantity of ink. However, the second sponge portion 615 includes a
small edge that allows for the finer more accurate placement of ink
should it be necessary.
[0048] As was also noted, other constructions may employ more
reservoirs to hold more colors of ink and may include more
applicators. For example, FIG. 10 illustrates a construction that
includes a housing 900 that defines six reservoirs 905 that can be
filled with six different colors of ink or dye as desired. In some
cases, six different color inks are preferred to allow the surgeon
to identify all six sides of the tissue sample. Alternatively,
preferred colors can be used depending on the type of tissue or
tumor.
[0049] Each reservoir 905 is surrounded by a ridge 906 that engages
a cover (not shown) to assure that when the cover is in place, each
reservoir 905 is sealed to inhibit leakage of ink from the
reservoir 905.
[0050] In some constructions, each of the reservoirs 905 is labeled
to aid the surgeon in properly marking the tissue sample. For
example, one construction includes one of anterior, posterior,
superior, inferior, medial, or lateral adjacent each of the
reservoirs 905. Of course other labels could be employed if
desired.
[0051] The construction of FIG. 10 also includes a bottle of
fixative 910 and six applicators 915 rather than the three
illustrated in FIG. 8. Each applicator 915 would typically be used
with only one color ink to inhibit mixing of colors. While the
illustrated applicators 915 include a single sponge end 920, other
constructions could employ the applicator 600 illustrated in FIG. 9
if desired.
[0052] As with prior constructions, the housing 900 is covered with
a single cover (not shown) that seals each of the reservoirs 905
and is removable to expose each of the six reservoirs 905,
applicators 915, and fixative 910 for use. Once the cover is
removed, the product is used for one or more surgical procedures
and then is discarded. Thus, the construction of FIG. 10 is a
single-use device.
[0053] 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.
* * * * *