Q+A CENTER

Toshiba USA (Irvine, Calif.)
Carl Zeiss (Oberkochen, Germany)
Märzhäuser (Wetzlar-Steindorf, Germany)
Matrox (Dorval, Quebec, Canada)

The Challenge

The imaging challenge is to provide real-time, high accuracy color digital image capture in a microscope system for accurate, qualitative evaluation for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer. With the capture of high precision images, the system must have the ability to identify the tumor area and evaluate immunohistochemistry slides. Pathologists require an imaging solution that provides accurate objectivity and must work seamlessly into the current workflow with instantaneous quantitative results.

The Solution

TriPath Imaging lab selected Toshiba's high resolution IK-TF5 3CCD camera to work in tandem with Zeiss' Axio Imager.M1 microscope. Toshiba's 3-chip color camera features a highly sensitive, RGB micro prism system that captures accurate, computer-ready images. The Märzhäuser motorized stage and the Meteor-2/m frame grabber completed the imaging platform. The camera delivers, true-color fidelity with low illumination, capturing up to 180 fps in partial scan mode. Toshiba's progressive scan feature allows image capture while the microscope stage is still moving, with minimal vibration, a major issue for interactive microscopy systems.

The Windows-based software application, VIAS (Ventana Image Analysis System) integrates the digital imager, microscope/platform and analysis functions. TriPath's research team focused on essential image processing algorithms while workflow requirements were carefully designed for the pathologist with intuitive user interface and data architecture.

Multi-segmentation engines support various classes of tests and organize the collection of tests for case evaluation. The expandable test menu was developed to respond to current and potential future requirements by pathologists. Using the VIAS with Toshiba integrated 3-chip color camera, pathologists can select regions of interest and the system provides instantaneous quantitative results. Pathologists make the final diagnosis and treatment recommendations based on both qualitative and quantitative information.

The Tools Used

• Toshiba IK-TF5 3CCD camera
• Zeiss Axio Imager.M1 microscope
• Märzhäuser motorized stage
• Matrox Meteor 2/mc frame grabber board

The Difference It Made