Microtome sectionable biopsy support for orienting tissue samples

Abstract

Tissue orientation devices include a perforated tissue support with at least one perforated channel for receiving a tissue sample, and a plurality of tabs configured to extend along and into the channel to retain the tissue sample during processing and embedding. Tissue orientation devices include elongated legs coupled together for holding one or more biopsy tissue samples therebetween. Associated methods include using the cassettes and orientation devices to hold and orient tissue samples for processing, embedding and microtome sectioning.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A biopsy tissue orientation device configured to be coupled to a tissue cassette, comprising a plurality of elongated legs coupled together, said legs adapted to hold at least one biopsy tissue sample therebetween and said legs undulating along their respective lengths. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the legs are flexible. 
     
     
         3 . A biopsy tissue orientation device, comprising a plurality of legs coupled together and configured to be coupled to a tissue cassette, said legs adapted to hold at least one biopsy tissue sample therebetween and the legs being elongated, wherein the legs further include standoff elements extending transverse thereto and formed of a material capable of being sectioned by a microtome, the standoff elements facilitating sectioning of biopsy samples without sectioning through the legs. 
     
     
         4 . A biopsy tissue orientation device configured to be coupled to a tissue cassette, comprising a plurality of elongated legs coupled together, the legs adapted to hold at least one biopsy tissue sample therebetween, and peripheral tissue cassette engagement structure for coupling the device to interior side wall structure of the tissue cassette. 
     
     
         5 . A biopsy tissue orientation device configured to be coupled to a tissue cassette, comprising a plurality of elongated legs coupled together, the legs adapted to hold at least one biopsy tissue sample therebetween and including tissue engagement teeth along their respective lengths.