Computer-controlled system and method for guided sectioning and extraction of sample material
The technology comprises a computer-controlled system and algorithms for guided sectioning and optimal extraction of the region of interest from a sample material.
Challenge
Histology is of central importance for diagnosis and treatment decisions in a variety of diseases. A reliable and precise material or sample cut can often be crucial for the microscopic analysis of histological specimens. However, visual and tactile assessment of the region of interest (ROI) can be challenging in case of hard tissues. Moreover, such samples are often unique, so that imprecise machining or processing can be costly. Known processes, in which samples are embedded in synthetic resins (casting molds), cut, ground and colored for visualization, can be time-consuming and lead to insufficient results. Often, only at the end of the described process it can be evaluated microscopically, whether the correct ROI was included in the relevant body material volume and the cutting guidance has uncovered the correct ROI. Furthermore, the ROI can be damaged or altered by mechanical deformation, which potentially can distort the final result. Implementation of high-resolution imaging techniques, such as micro-computed tomography (µCT) before material cutting can help, also in combination with contact- and artifact-free material cutting by means of laser microtomy.
Our Solution
The present invention includes a computer-controlled system and a novel workflow for a guided sectioning of histological samples, which in combination with µCT and laser microtomy techniques enables an optimal extraction of the ROI. A special sample holder, positioning device, cutting system, CT scanner and a control unit (incl. control logics) are parts of the system. Furthermore, a software package is included, which has been developed for the determination of the cutting planes and the positioning control. After mounting and positioning the sample, sectioning guidance is engaged based on specially developed procedure and algorithms. The region of examination can be identified by µCT scans, which provides important information for further identification of the targeted cutting planes and cutting orientations with respect to the defined reference coordinate system. The defined ROI serves as starting point for sequential sample cutting with a laser microtome. Reproducible cutting positions are realized with 3D printed phantoms.
Computer-controlled system for visual planning, guided sectioning and precise extraction of sample material according to the present invention and patent application (source: Prof. Russmann, Prof. Frey, Dr. Dullin, Dr. Nolte and Mr. Gröger; Georg-August-University Public Law Foundation (University Medical Center Göttingen) and University of Applied Sciences and Arts, Göttingen).
Advantages
- Precise planning and guided sample sectioning
- Optimal extraction of the ROI
- Contact- and artifact-free cutting of sample material
- Processing of unique and sensitive samples
- Less/no deformation and damage of the sample material
- The system is approx. 3.8 times faster, three times more accurate and requires 58% less material in comparison to conventional cutting-grinding methods
Applications
- Sample preparation and processing in the fields of histology, radiology, pathology and materials science and engineering
- Combined technologies and systems with visual sectioning planning, diamond saws and laser microtomy
Development Status
The technology exhibits efficiency and reproducibility on laboratory scale. Engineering drawings, 3D models, computer codes and a prototype are available.
Patent Status
European patent application filed.
Patent holders: Georg-August-University (University Medical Center Göttingen) and University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/Holzminden/ Göttingen (Germany)
Reference
P. Nolte et al. "Automated Targeted Sectioning of Resin-Embedded Hard Tissue Specimen Using Micro-Computed Tomography in Combination With Laser Microtomy" IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, vol. 72, no. 6, pp. 1931-1940, June 2025,doi: 10.1109/TBME.2025.3528739
Contact
Dr. Mirza Mackovic
Patent & Innovation Manager Technology
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Tel.: +49 551 30724 153
Reference: CPA-2535-HAWK
Published: July 8, 2025.
Tags: IT und Software, Mess- und Analysetechnik, Laserphysik und Optik, Physik und Technik & Software, Medizintechnik
