BIOMEDICAL DEVICE FOR HARVESTING GRAFTS
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES
[1] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Application
No. 2987/MUM/2014 entitled "Harvesting Device for Hair Transplant," filed
September 18, 2014; Indian Provisional Application No. 4011/MUM/2014
entitled "Follicle Holding Tray for Hair Transplant," filed December 15, 2014;
Indian Provisional Application No. 4012/MUM/2014 entitled "Punch for Hair
Transplant," filed December 15, 2014; Indian Provisional Application
No. 4161/MUM/2014 entitled "Implantation of Follicular Grafts," filed
December 26, 2014; PCT Application No. PCT/IN2015/050042 entitled "Hair
Transplant Systems and Methods for Their Use," filed June 5, 2015; PCT
Application No. IN2015/050091 filed August 13, 2015; and PCT application No.
IN2015/050092 filed August 13, 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[2] The present disclosure relates, in general, to hair transplantation devices.
More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vacuum assisted follicle
harvesting device.
BACKGROUND
[3] The following description is provided to assist the understanding of the
reader. None of the information provided or references cited is admitted to be
prior art. Transplantations of grafts (e.g., skin or hair follicle grafts) are not
always successful. In some instances, cutting a graft out of skin of a patient and
pulling the graft out of the skin can damage the graft. Damaging the graft can
lead to an increased chance that the graft will fail.
SUMMARY
[4] An illustrative device includes a coring tube with a first end and a second
end. The first end has a sharp edge configured to cut around a graft, and the
coring tube has a lumen. The device also includes a collar that surrounds a first
portion of the coring tube. The coring tube and the collar are rotationally
secured to one another. The device further includes a cap connector with a
vacuum source connection. A vacuum pressure of the vacuum source is
configured to draw the graft into the lumen of the coring tube and through the
cap connector. The device also includes a housing that surrounds a second
portion of the coring tube, a portion of the collar, and a portion of the cap
connector. The device further includes a depth control member that surrounds a
third portion of the coring tube. Afirst end of the depth control member abuts a
surface of skin of a patient.
[5] An illustrative device includes a coring tube with a first end, a second end,
and a body portion between the first end and the second end. The first end
comprises a sharp edge configured to cut around a graft. The coring tube
comprises a lumen. The body portion comprises a helical groove on an outside
surface of the coring tube. The device also includes a cap connector with a
vacuum source connection. A vacuum pressure of the vacuum source is
configured to draw the graft into the lumen of the coring tube and through the
cap connector. The device also includes a housing that surrounds a portion of
the coring tube and a portion of the cap connector. The housing comprises a
tongue that engages the helical groove of the coring tube. The device also
includes an actuator configured to rotate the coring tube.
[6] An illustrative method includes applying suction to a lumen of a coring
tube of a graft extraction module. The suction is applied via a vacuum source
connected to a cap connector. The method also includes causing a coring tube to
rotate and inserting the coring tube into skin of a patient until a depth control
member of the graft extraction module abuts a surface of the skin of the patient.
The method further includes suctioning a graft of the skin of the patient through
the lumen and the cap connector and removing the coring tube from the skin of
the patient.
[7] An illustrative method includes applying suction to a lumen of a coring
tube of a graft extraction module. The suction is applied via a vacuum source
connected to a cap connector. The method also includes inserting the coring
tube into skin of a patient. A housing of the graft extraction module does not
move with respect to the skin of the patient when the coring tube is inserted.
The method further includes suctioning a graft of the skin of the patient through
the lumen and the cap connector and removing the coring tube from the skin of
the patient.
[8] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in
any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and
features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will
become apparent by reference to the following drawings and the detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[9] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a graft extraction module in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[10] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[11] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[12] Fig. 4 is an illustration of an assembled collet assembly in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment.
[13] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[14] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[15] Fig. 6B is an isometric view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[16] Fig. 6C is an isometric view of a rotor head with a collet latch in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[17] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head with a quick-disconnect
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[18] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a quick-disconnect fitting in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[19] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[20] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[21] Fig. 11 is an illustration of a rotor head with a sleeve in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment.
[22] Fig. 12 is an illustration of a rotor head with a depth adjuster in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[23] Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a cable driven graft extraction module in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[24] Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a cable driven graft extraction module in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[25] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[26] Fig. 16 is an isometric view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[27] Fig. 17 is an exploded view of a cable drive assembly in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment.
[28] Figs. 18 and 19 are isometric views of a cable drive assembly in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[29] Fig. 20 is an isometric view of an assembled collet drive assembly in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[30] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a cable driven graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[31] Fig. 22 is an isometric view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction
module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[32] Fig. 23 is an exploded view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction
module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[33] Figs. 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of a pneumatically operated
graft extraction module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[34] Fig. 25 is a side view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[35] Fig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatically operated graft
extraction module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[36] Fig. 27 is a side view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[37] Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a pneumatically operated graft
extraction module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[38] Fig. 29 is a cut-away view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction
module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[39] Fig. 30A is a cross-sectional view of a graft extraction module with a
linearly actuated coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[40] Fig. 3OB is a side view of a graft extraction module with a linearly
actuated coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[41] Fig. 30C is an isometric view of a graft extraction module with a linearly
actuated coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[42] Fig. 31 is an isometric view of a rotary coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[43] Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[44] Fig. 33A is a cross-sectional view of the front end of a double-tapered
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[45] Fig. 33B is a cross-sectional view of the front end of a single-tapered
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[46] Fig. 34 is an illustration of coring tube that is tapered along its length in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[47] Fig. 35 is an illustration of a stepped coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[48] Fig. 36 is an illustration of a serrated coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment.
[49] Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube with an embedded spiral
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[50] Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube with a raised spiral in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[51] Fig. 39A is a cross-sectional view of a graft extraction module with an
adjustable coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[52] Figs. 39B and 39C are diagrams illustrating adjustment of a coring tube in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[53] Fig. 40 is a flow chart of a method of using a graft extraction module in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[54] Fig. 41 is a flow chart of a method of using a graft extraction module with
a linear actuator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.
[55] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become
apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these
drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure
and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will
be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the
accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[56] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar
symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise.
[57] Skin graft transplants are performed for a variety of reasons. Hair
transplants are one type of skin graft transplants. For example, hair on the
donor site of a scalp is trimmed to retain a suitable height for the hair transplant
procedure. With the help of a graft extraction module, hair follicle units
containing at least one hair are cored out. The cored out follicular units are
removed from the scalp through suction. After harvesting, the recipient site of
the scalp is prepared and each follicular unit is implanted into the scalp.
[58] In illustrative embodiments, a graft in a hair transplantation context is an
elongated tissue surgically extracted from the donor site with at least one hair
within it placed almost parallel to the axis of the graft. The tissue of the graft
consists of a layer of skin on top followed by dermal tissue and loose fatty tissue.
In some cases the graft may also contain a layer of cutaneous tissue. In other
embodiments, any suitable graft may be used.
[59] In an embodiment, follicular grafts used in follicular unit extraction (FUE)
techniques for implanting are obtained by circular coring-out of the scalp skin
along with hair follicle(s) with the aid of a surgical instrument. In some
instances, the grafts are implanted, one by one, into recipient sites. In some
cases, a manual implanting device is used to help prevent damage to the follicles
that may be caused by the use of tweezers.
[60] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a graft extraction module in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. An illustrative graft extraction module 100 includes a
rotor head 105 and a drive motor 110. The rotor head 105 includes a coring
tube 115, an adjusting nut 120, a housing 125, and a cap connector 130.
Attached to the cap connector 130 is a graft collection tube 135. Apower source
140 (e.g., an electrical cord) provides power to the drive motor 110. In
alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be
used.
[61] In an illustrative embodiment, the drive motor 110 provides rotational
movement to the rotor head 105 via an electrical motor. The rotational
movement from the drive motor 110 is transferred through the rotor head 105
through one or more gears to rotate the coring tube 115. In an illustrative
embodiment, the coring tube 115 rotates continuously in one direction (e.g.,
clockwise or counter-clockwise).
[62] In an alternative embodiment, the coring tube 115 oscillates between two
opposite rotational directions. For example, the coring tube 115 rotates in a first
direction (e.g., clockwise) by x° and then rotates in a second direction (e.g.,
counter clockwise) by y°. In an illustrative embodiment, x is equal to y. In
alternative embodiments, x is greater than or less than y. In embodiments in
which the coring tube 115 oscillates, the drive motor 110 provides the oscillating
movement. In an alternative embodiment, the drive motor 110 provides
rotational movement in a single direction, and the rotor head 105 converts the
rotational movement to an oscillating movement. In some embodiments, the
coring tube 115 can be moved in a lateral direction. For example, the coring tube
115 can be moved closer to or further away from the rotor head 105.
[63] In an illustrative embodiment, movement of the coring tube 115 is caused
by an ultrasonic actuator. For example, an ultrasonic actuator can be configured
to vibrate the coring tube 115. The ultrasonic actuator can include, for example,
a piezoelectric crystal actuator. In alternative embodiments, any suitable
ultrasonic actuator can be used. The coring tube 115 can be vibrated at a
frequency of 5 kilo-Hertz (kHz) to 55 kHz. For example, the coring tube 115 is
vibrated at a frequency of 5 kHz, 10 kHz, 20 kHz, 30 kHz, 40 kHz, 50 kHz, 55 kHz,
etc. In alternative embodiments, the coring tube 115 is vibrated at a frequency
less than 5 kHz or greater than 55 kHz. In some embodiments, the coring tube
115 is vibrated while the coring tube 115 is rotated, oscillated, and/or moved
laterally.
[64] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 rotates at about 1500
revolutions per minute (rpm). In alternative embodiments, the coring tube 115
rotates faster or slower than 1500 rpm. For example, the coring tube 115 can
rotate at 100 rpm, 500 rpm, 1000 rpm, 1100 rpm, 1200 rpm, 1300 rpm, 1400
rpm, 1450 rpm, 1550 rpm, 1600 rpm, 1700 rpm, 1800 rpm, 1900 rpm, 2000
rpm, 2500 rpm, etc.
[65] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115is inserted into skin of
a patient while the coring tube 115 is rotating. The coring tube 115 cuts into the
skin. Vacuum pressure can be applied to the graft collection tube 135. The
vacuum pressure can also be applied to the front end of the coring tube 115 that
is inserted into the skin. When the coring tube 115 is inserted into the skin of
the patient, the vacuum pressure can suction the cut portion of the skin (e.g., a
graft) through the coring tube 115 and through the graft collection tube 135. In
an illustrative embodiment, the graft is suctioned to a graft storage module. In
some embodiments, the graft storage module is attached to the cap connector
130 and a graft collection tube 135 is not used.
[66] The diameter of the grafts depends on the size of the coring tube 115
(which can also be referred to as a punch). In illustrative embodiments, the
grafts can be from 0.8 mm in diameter to 1.5 mm in diameter. For example, the
diameter of the grafts can be 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm,
1.5 mm, etc. In alternative embodiments, the grafts can be less than 0.8 mm in
diameter or greater than 1.5 mm in diameter. For example, the grafts can be 0.5
mm in diameter. The size of the coring tube can be chosen by the clinician. For
example, the size of the coring tube used can depend on the diameter of the hair.
For thin strands of hair, a smaller size coring tube may be used (e.g., 0.6 mm).
Similarly, for thick strands of hair, a larger size coring tube may be used (e.g., 1.2
mm).
[67] Avacuum hose can be attached to the cap connector 130, and vacuum can
be applied to the cap connector 130. The vacuum pressure travels through the
graft extraction module 100 and is applied at the tip of the coring tube 115. Any
suitable amount of vacuum can be applied at the cap connector 130. For
example, the pressure at the cap connector 130 can be in the range of 10
millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to 760 mm Hg. For example, the pressure at the
cap connector 130 can be 10 mm Hg, 20 mm Hg, 50 mm Hg, 100 mm Hg, 200 mm
Hg, 300 mm Hg, 400 mm Hg, 450 mm Hg, 500 mm Hg, 550 mm Hg, 600 mm Hg,
700 mm Hg, 760 mm Hg, etc. In alternative embodiments, the pressure at the
cap connector 130 can be less than 200 mm Hg or greater than 700 mm Hg. The
amount of vacuum pressure used can be chosen by a clinician based on the size
of the graft, they type of tissue, the strength of connective tissue hosing the base
of the graft, the size of the coring tube 115, the particular atmospheric
conditions, the preference of the clinician, etc.
[68] In some embodiments, the vacuum source is configured to provide an
amount of airflow. In some instances, the airflow is a measure of the pulling
capacity of the graft extraction module 100. In such embodiments, the vacuum
source can be configured to provide 5 liters per minute (Lpm). In alternative
embodiments, the vacuum source can provide more or less airflow than 5 Lpm.
For example, the vacuum source can be configured to provide 1 Lpm, 2 Lpm, 3
Lpm, 4 Lpm, 4.5 Lpm, 5.5 Lpm, 6 Lpm, 7 Lpm, 8 Lpm, 9 Lpm, etc. In an
illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 has an inside diameter of 1.0 mm
and a flow rate of 10 Lpmto 15 Lpmis sufficient to suction a graft with a diameter
of about 1.0 mm through the coring tube 115. The amount of airflow used can be
selected by a clinician and can depend on the type of tissue, the size and weight
of the graft, the size of the coring tube 115, etc. For example, a clinician may use
a higher airflow for a large coring tube 115 than for a small coring tube 115.
[69] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. An illustrative rotor head 105 includes a coring tube
115, an adjusting nut 120, a housing 125, a collet assembly 205, a retainer ring
210, a securing ring 210, a seal 220, and a cap connector 130. In alternative
embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.
[70] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 slides inside an
internal passage of the collet assembly 205. The front end of the collet assembly
205 is slotted. The adjusting nut 120 can press against the front end of the collet
assembly 205, thereby compressing the front end of the collet assembly 205
around the coring tube 115 and clamping the coring tube 115 and the collet
assembly 205 together such that the coring tube 115 and the collet assembly 205
rotate together.
[71] In an illustrative embodiment, the securing ring 215 presses the retainer
ring 210 against the collet assembly 205, thereby maintaining the collet
assembly 205 within the housing 125. The securing ring 215 can be secured to
the housing 125 using any suitable means, such as via threads. In an illustrative
embodiment, the securing ring 215 presses the seal 220 against the retainer ring
210 and the cap connector 130 against the seal 220, thereby creating a sealed
fluidic pathway from the front end of the coring tube 115 to the rear end of the
cap connector 130 (which can be attached to and fluidly connected with the graft
collection tube 135).
[72] Fig. 3 is an exploded view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Fig. 4 is an illustration of an assembled collet assembly
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of
a collet assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative
collet assembly 205 includes a collet 305, bearings 310, a gear 315, a washer
320, and bearings 325. An illustrative collet 305 includes at least one collet arm
505 and a collet body 510. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer,
and/or different elements may be used. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 3-
5, the collet 305 has four collet arms 505. In alternative embodiments, any
suitable number of collet arms 505 may be used. Bearings 310 and bearings 325
can be any suitable bearings such as needle bearings, ball bearings, thrust
bearings, journal bearings, self-lubricated bushing bearings, contactless
magnetic bearings, etc.
[73] Fig. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. An illustrative rotor head 105 includes a coring tube
115, a collet assembly 205, an adjusting nut 120, a housing 125, bearings 310, a
gear 315, bearings 325, a retainer ring 210, a securing ring 215, a seal 220, a cap
connector 130, a graft collection tube 135, a shaft 605, and shaft teeth 610. In
alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be
used.
[74] In an illustrative embodiment, the adjusting nut 120 can be fixed to the
collet assembly 205. For example, the adjusting nut 120 can screw onto the
collet assembly 205 via threads on the front end of the collet assembly 205. In
an illustrative embodiment, the adjusting nut 120 threads onto the collet body
510. As the adjusting nut 120 is threaded onto the collet body 510, the one or
more collet arm 505 are compressed, thereby gripping the coring tube 115. The
adjusting nut 120 can be unscrewed from the collet assembly 205, thereby
loosening the grip of the collet arm 505 on the coring tube 115. The coring tube
115 can slide inside the collet assembly 205 allowing adjustment of the length of
the coring tube 115 that protrudes from the end of the collet assembly 205.
[75] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 extends through the
collet assembly 205 and through the seal 220. The seal 220 creates a seal around
the coring tube 115 as the coring tube 115 rotates. The securing ring 215
presses the cap connector 130 against the seal 220,thereby sealing an internal
lumen of the cap connector 130 with the internal lumen of the coring tube 115.
Thus, if vacuum is applied to the cap connector 130 (e.g., via the graft collection
tube 135), then vacuum is also applied to the front end of the coring tube 115.
Accordingly, when the front end of the coring tube 115 is inserted into skin of a
patient, a tubular piece of skin is suctioned from the front end of the coring tube
115 through the cap connector 130 (and the graft collection tube 135).
[76] In an illustrative embodiment, the shaft 605 is rotated by the drive motor
110 at one end (e.g., the end not illustrated in Fig. 6A). On the opposite end of
the shaft 605 are shaft teeth 610. The shaft teeth 610 engage teeth of the gear
315. Thus, when the shaft 605 rotates, the gear 315 and, thus, the coring tube
115 rotate. In an illustrative embodiment, the shaft 605 is perpendicular to the
coring tube 115. In alternative embodiments, any suitable angle can be used
between the shaft 605 and the coring tube 115. In alternative embodiments, any
suitable gearing and/or transmission can be used such as a bevel gear, a worm
gear, a helical gear, a combination thereof, etc.
[77] In an illustrative embodiment, the graft collection tube 135 connects to
the cap connector 130 using a barbed connection, as illustrated in Fig. 6. In
alternative embodiments, any suitable connection method can be used. For
example, a threaded fitting, a snap connection, a quick disconnect, etc. may be
used.
[78] Fig. 6B is an isometric view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Fig. 6C is an isometric view of a rotor head with a collet
latch in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6B, in an
illustrative embodiment the adjusting nut 120 is spaced apart from the housing
125 that exposes a portion of the collet assembly 205. The collet assembly 205
includes a flat portion 615. As illustrated in Fig. 6C, a collet latch 625 can be
placed between the adjusting nut 120 and the housing 125. The collet latch 625
engages the flat portion 615 of the collet assembly 205. The collet latch 625 can
rotationally secure the collet assembly 205 such that the adjusting nut 120 can
be securely screwed (or unscrewed) onto the collet assembly 205, thereby
securing the coring tube 115 to the collet assembly 205.
[79] As shown in Fig. 6B, in some embodiments the coring tube 115 can
include graduated markings 620. Although Fig. 6B illustrates six graduated
markings 620, any suitable number of graduated markings 620 can be used.
Also, the graduated markings 620 can be spaced apart in any suitable manner.
The graduated markings 620 can be used to measure the depth of the coring
tube 115 into the skin of the patient. For example, a clinician can use the
graduated markings 620 to help ensure that the coring tube 115 is inserted to
the proper depth to harvest a graft and to not cause unnecessary damage to the
patient. In an illustrative embodiment, the graduated markings 620 are colored
differently to facilitate quick identification of the depth of the coring tube 115.
[80] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head with a quick-disconnect
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In an illustrative
embodiment, a rotor head 700 includes a coring tube 115 attached to a quickdisconnect
fitting 705, a groove 710, a quick-disconnect receiver 715, bearings
310, bearings 325, a seal 720, a seal 730, a cap connector 130, a shaft 605, and a
housing 725. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different
elements may be used.
[81] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 is secured to the quickdisconnect
fitting 705. The quick-disconnect fitting 705 can slide into and out of
the quick-disconnect receiver quick-disconnect receiver 715 when pushed or
pulled. The outside surface of the quick-disconnect fitting 705 that slides into
the quick-disconnect receiver 715 contains splines that are received by
respective splines on the inside surface of the quick-disconnect receiver 715.
The splines rotationally secure the quick-disconnect fitting 705 and the quickdisconnect
receiver 715. The quick-disconnect fitting 705 is secured in place
within the housing 725 with the groove 710. The quick-disconnect fitting 705
has a respective slot configured to receive the groove 710. In an illustrative
embodiment, the housing 725 includes multiple grooves 710 thereby allowing
the quick-disconnect fitting 705 (and, therefore, the coring tube 115) to be
secured at one of multiple positions along the housing 725. In alternative
embodiments, the quick-disconnect fitting 705 has a groove 710 and the housing
725 has a slot that receives the groove 710.
[82] The bearings 310 and the bearings 325 facilitate rotation of the quickdisconnect
receiver 715. In an illustrative embodiment, bearings 310 and
bearings 325 are not used. Similar to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 6A, the
shaft 605 has shaft teeth 610 (not illustrated in Fig. 7) that engage respective
teeth on the quick-disconnect receiver 715. Thus, rotational movement of shaft
605 is transferred to the quick-disconnect receiver quick-disconnect receiver
715, which is rotationally connected to the quick-disconnect fitting 705 and
coring tube 115.
[83] Fig. 8 is an illustration of a quick-disconnect fitting in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. The quick-disconnect fitting 705 is secured to the
coring tube 115 using any suitable method. For example, the quick-disconnect
fitting 705 can be secured to the coring tube 115 via friction, a glue, an epoxy,
etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the quick-disconnect fitting 705 and the
coring tube 115 are a single piece. The quick-disconnect fitting 705 has a slot
805 that receives the groove 710. The quick-disconnect fitting 705 has splines
810 that are received by respective splines of the quick-disconnect receiver
quick-disconnect receiver 715 thereby rotationally securing the quickdisconnect
fitting 705 and the quick-disconnect receiver 715. In alternative
embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.
[84] Referring back to Fig. 7, in an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube
115 extends through the quick-disconnect fitting 705, the quick-disconnect
receiver 715, and the seal 720. The seal 720 is fixed to the housing 725 and
creates a seal between the coring tube 115 and the housing 725. The coring tube
115 can rotate within the seal 720 while maintaining the seal. The seal 730
creates a seal between the housing 725 and the cap connector 130. The seal 730
can be any suitable seal, such as an O-ring. For example, the seal 730 (or any
other seal) can be made of bio-compatible materials such as Buna-N (Nitrile),
ethylene-propylene, silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, one or more fluorocarbon
materials, etc. Thus, vacuum applied to the internal lumen of the cap connector
130 applies vacuum to the front end of the coring tube 115.
[85] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a rotor head in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a rotor head in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative rotor head 900
includes a coring tube 115, bearings 310, a magnet 910, windings 905, a housing
925, bearings 325, a seal 915, a cap connector 130, and a graft collection tube
135. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements
may be used. The illustrative rotor head 900 includes the drive mechanism that
rotates the coring tube 115. In some instances, the rotor head 900 is relatively
small and lightweight, which improves maneuverability of the rotor head 900
and creates less fatigue of the clinician.
[86] The magnet 910 is secured to the coring tube 115 and the windings 905
are secured to the housing 925. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube
115 is removably secured to the magnet 910 such that the coring tube 115 can
be removed from the rotor head 900. The windings 905 can be any suitable
windings such as copper windings. An electrical current passing through the
windings 905 can cause the magnet 910 to rotate using any suitable method.
That is, the magnet 910 and the windings 905 create a motor.
[87] In an illustrative embodiment, the bearings 325 include one or more ball
bearings 935 between a bearing seal 930 and a bearing cover 940. The bearings
310 and the bearings 325 can facilitate rotation of the magnet 910 and the coring
tube 115 within the rotor head 900. The cap connector 130 presses the seal 915
against the bearing cover 940 to create a seal. The bearing seal 935 can create a
seal with the coring tube 115. Thus, vacuum applied to the cap connector 130
(e.g., via the graft collection tube 135) applies vacuum pressure to the front end
of the coring tube 115.
[88] In an illustrative embodiment, a rotor head, such as rotor head 900,
includes a linear actuator that can move the coring tube 115 into and out of the
rotor head. The linear actuator can be used to adjust the amount of the coring
tube 115 that extends from the rotor head. Thus, the linear actuator can allow
the clinician to limit the depth that the coring tube 115 can extend into the skin
of the patient. In an illustrative embodiment, the rotor head and the coring tube
115 can be placed against the skin of the patient. The linear actuator can cause
the coring tube 115 to extend from the rotor head and into the skin of the patient
while the rotor head remains stationary. The linear actuator can retract the
coring tube 115 from the skin of the patient, for example, after the graft has been
removed from the skin.
[89] Fig. 11 is an illustration of a rotor head with a sleeve in accordance with
an illustrative embodiment. The rotor head 105 can be fitted with a sleeve 1105.
The sleeve 1105 can slide over the coring tube 115 and attach to the coring tube
115 and/or the adjusting nut 120. Thus, the sleeve 1105 can rotate with the
coring tube 115 and the adjusting nut 120. In alternative embodiments,
additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.
[90] The length of the sleeve 1105 can be used to limit the depth that the
coring tube 115 is inserted into the patient's skin. For example, the coring tube
115 can be inserted into skin until the sleeve 1105 touches the surface of the
patient's skin (e.g., the skin around the graft that is harvested). As illustrated in
Fig. 11, the sleeve 1105 can have a bevel 1110. In some instances, the coring
tube 115 is inserted into the skin at an angle (e.g., the angle of hair follicle
growth). The coring tube 115 can be inserted into the skin at an angle between
0° and 30°. For example, the coring tube 115 can be inserted at an angle of 0°, 5°,
10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, etc. In alternative embodiments thecoring tube 115 can
be inserted at angles greater than 30°. Thus, when the coring tube 115 is
inserted into the skin, the bevel 1110 touches the skin of the patient. In some
embodiments, the bevel 1110 can be any suitable shape, such as rounded or
squared.
[91] The sleeve 1105 can be made of any suitable substance. For example, the
sleeve 1105 can be made of a soft elastomeric material. In an illustrative
embodiment, the sleeve 1105 is made of silicon. The sleeve 1105 can be
relatively soft with a hardness of between 20Shore Ato 80 Shore A.
[92] Fig. 12 is an illustration of a rotor head with a depth adjuster in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, a
depth adjuster 1205 is attached to a rotor head 105. An illustrative depth
adjuster 1205 has latches 1210, a front face 1215, a grip 1220, and notches 1225.
In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be
used.
[93] In an illustrative embodiment, the portion of the housing 125 that the
depth adjuster 1205 clips to is circular. Thus, the depth adjuster 1205 can be
rotated about the housing 125 to a position chosen by the clinician operating the
graft extraction module 100. The latches 1210 clip the depth adjuster 1205 to
the housing 125. When the coring tube 115 is inserted into the skin of the
patient, the front face 1215 can touch the surface of the skin, thereby limiting the
depth that the coring tube 115 is inserted. The notches 1225 allow a selectable
position of the front face 1215 along the length of the coring tube 115. For
example, the grip 1220 can be used to slide the front face 1215 to one of the
positions defined by the notches 1225.
[94] The depth adjuster 1205 can be made of any suitable material. For
example, the depth adjuster 1205 can be made of a transparent (or translucent)
material allowing the clinician to view the coring tube 115 and the skin of the
patient through the depth adjuster 1205. In an illustrative embodiment, the
depth adjuster 1205 is made of polycarbonate.
[95] The length that the coring tube 115 extends beyond the depth adjuster
1205 can be determined based on the desired length of the graft. The length of
the grafts can be determined by the thickness of the skin from which the grafts
are harvested. In an illustrative embodiment, the length of the grafts can be
between 6 mm and 8 mm. For example, the grafts can be 6 mm long, 6.5 mm
long, 7 mm long, 7.5 mm long, 8 mm long, etc. In alternative embodiments, the
grafts can be shorter than 6 mm or longer than 8 mm. In embodiments in which
the graft includes a hair follicle, hair can protrude from the graft. The length of
the hair can be as long as a hair can grow. In some instances, the hair is shaven
close to the skin. In other embodiments, the hair is trimmed prior to extraction
to be approximately 2 mm to 5 mm above the surface of the skin.
[96] Fig. 13 is an isometric view of a cable driven graft extraction module in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a
cable driven graft extraction module in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment. An illustrative graft extraction module 1400 includes a coring tube
115, an adjusting nut 120, a collet drive assembly 1410, a securing ring 215, a
seal 220, a cap connector 130, and a housing 1405. A cable assembly 1415
attaches to the graft extraction module 1400 via the cable fastener 1420. In
alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be
used. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 is rotationally
connected to a remote motor via the cable assembly 1415. Thus, the graft
extraction module 1400 is relatively small and lightweight, making the graft
extraction module 1400 easy to work with for a clinician.
[97] In an illustrative embodiment, the cable assembly 1415 is a coaxial cable
with a central cable and a sheath. The central cable can spin within the sheath. A
remote motor can be used to spin the central cable. The central cable can be
used to spin the collet drive assembly 1410 and the coring tube 115. The coring
tube 115 is secured to the collet drive assembly 1410 via the adjusting nut 120.
In an illustrative embodiment, the cable assembly 1415 attaches to the graft
extraction module 1400 via the cable fastener 1420, which can be a threaded
nut. In alternative embodiments, any suitable fastener can be used, such as a
quick-disconnect fitting. In an illustrative embodiment, a motor is mounted to
the graft extraction module 1400 and the cable assembly 1415 is not used.
[98] Fig. 15 is an exploded view of a collet assembly in accordance with an
illustrative embodimentFig. 16 is an isometric view of a collet assembly in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative collet assembly
1500 includes a collet 1505, bearings 310, a collet gear 1510, a washer 1515, and
bearings 325. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different
elements may be used.
[99] Similar to the collet 305, the collet 1505 has collet arms 1520, threads
1525, and a flat portion 615. The threads 1525 are used to thread the adjusting
nut 120 onto the collet 1505. As the adjusting nut 120 is threaded onto the collet
1505, the adjusting nut 120 squeezes the collet arms 1520, which grip the coring
tube 115(which passes through the collet 1505). The bearings 310 slide onto the
collet 1505 and facilitate smooth rotation of the collet 1505. The collet gear
1510 slides onto the collet 1505 and is rotationally secured to the collet 1505
such that the collet 1505 and the collet gear 1510 spin together. The bearings
325 slide onto the washer 1515 which, in turn, slides onto the collet 1505.
[100] Fig. 17 is an exploded view of a cable drive assembly in accordance with
an illustrative embodimentFigs. 18 and 19 are isometric views of a cable drive
assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative cable
drive assembly 1700 includes bearings 1705, a cable drive gear 1710, bearings
1715, and a cable drive axle 1720. As illustrated in Fig. 19, a rear end of the cable
drive axle 1720 is configured to receive the cable of the cable assembly 1415
such that when the cable rotates, the cable drive assembly 1700 rotates.
[101] Fig. 20 is an isometric view of an assembled collet drive assembly in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Teeth of the cable drive gear 1710
fit with teeth of the collet gear 1510 such that when the cable drive assembly
1700 rotates, the collet assembly 1500 rotates. Any suitable gear ratio between
the cable drive gear 1710 and the collet gear 1510 can be used to facilitate
appropriate rotational speed of the collet 1505 and, therefore, the coring tube
115.
[102] Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of a cable driven graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 21, the
cable assembly 1415 attaches to the graft extraction module 1400 via the cable
fastener 1420. The cable of the cable assembly 1415 spins, thereby spinning the
cable drive axle 1720, the collet gear 1510, the collet 1505 (and the adjusting nut
120), and the coring tube 115. The seal 220 creates a seal between an internal
lumen of the cap connector 130 and the coring tube 115 such that applying
suction to the cap connector 130 applies suction to the front end of the coring
tube 115. Any suitable sealing mechanism can be used.
[103] Fig. 22 is an isometric view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction
module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative graft
extraction module 2200 has a rotor head 2305, a cap connector 2310, a coring
tube 115, and a quick-disconnect fitting 705. The rotor head 2305 has a control
knob 2350. Removably connected to the cap connector 2310 is a pneumatic tube
2205 and a graft collection tube 135. In alternative embodiments, additional,
fewer, and/or different elements may be used. In an illustrative embodiment, the
graft extraction module 2200 is made of primarily light-weight materials. Thus,
the graft extraction module 2200 is relatively small, compact, and light, making
the graft extraction module 2200 easy to work with and handheld.
[104] In an illustrative embodiment, the pneumatic tube 2205 is used to
provide pneumatic power that rotates the coring tube 115. In some
embodiments, the pneumatic power is provided using suction. In alternative
embodiments, positive pressure can be used. The amount of airflow passing
through the pneumatic tube 2205 is controlled using the control knob 2350,
thereby controlling the speed of the coring tube 115.
[105] Fig. 23 is an exploded view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction
module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative graft
extraction module 2200 has a rotor head 2305 with a rotary coring tube3100, a
seal 2315, bearings 310, a turbine 2320, bearings 325, a retainer ring 2325, a
seal 2340, a spring 2345, and a control knob 2350. The graft extraction module
2200 also includes a seal 2330, a cap connector 2310, and a channel 2335. In
alternative embodiments, the graft extraction module 2200 includes additional,
fewer, and/or different elements.
[106] In an illustrative embodiment, bearings 310 and bearings 325 slide over
opposite ends of the turbine 2320, which is housed within the rotor head 2305.
The retainer ring 2325 threads into the rotor head 2305 and contains the turbine
2320 within the rotor head 2305. The rotary coring tube3100removably
connects to the turbine 2320 such that the turbine 2320 and the rotary coring
tube3100 rotate together. In alternative embodiments, any suitable means can
be used to secure a coring tube to the turbine 2320. Suction from the graft
collection tube 135 provides vacuum within an internal lumen of the turbine
2320 and the rotary coring tube3100.
[107] In an illustrative embodiment, pneumatic power (e.g., air) from the
pneumatic tube 2205 is transmitted through the channel 2335 to rotate the
turbine 2320. Figs. 24A and 24B are cross-sectional views of a pneumatically
operated graft extraction module in accordance with an illustrative
embodimentArrows depicted in Figs. 24A and 24B illustrate airflow from the
pneumatic tube 2205. In alternative embodiments, the airflow can be reversed.
[108] In an illustrative embodiment, air flows through the channel 2335,
through veins of the turbine 2320, and through the pneumatic port 2405. The
control knob 2350 (and the seal 2340 and the spring 2345) is located at the
pneumatic port 2405 to control the amount of air that flows through the
pneumatic port 2405 (and, therefore, through the channel 2335 and the veins of
the turbine 2320). In an illustrative embodiment, the pneumatic port 2405 is
tangential to the pitch circle of the turbine 2320. Fig. 24A illustrates the control
knob 2350 in an open position and Fig. 24B illustrates the control knob 2350 in
the closed position. The control knob 2350 can be controlled between the open
and closed position to regulate the amount of air that passes through the
pneumatic port 2405 and, therefore, regulate the speed of the turbine 2320 and
the rotary coring tube3100. For example, a finger (or thumb) of a clinician can
operate the control knob 2350 to control the speed of the rotary coring
tube3100 as the rotary coring tube3100 is inserted into skin of the patient.
[109] In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 24A and 24B, the control knob
2350 operates by being pressed into the pneumatic port 2405 to restrict airflow
and by being released to allow airflow. The spring 2345 presses the control
knob 2350 out of the pneumatic port 2405. In an alternative embodiment,
positive pressure from the channel 2335 can force the control knob 2350 out of
the pneumatic port 2405 when the clinician does not press in the control knob
2350. In alternative embodiments, any suitable control knob 2350 can be used,
such as a control knob that threads into the pneumatic port 2405.
[110] Fig. 25 is a side view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodimentFig. 26 is a cross-sectional view of
a pneumatically operated graft extraction module in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. A graft collection channel 2605 runs through the graft
extraction module 2200 and is fluidly connected to a lumen of the coring tube
115. Thus, suction from the graft collection tube 135 travels through the graft
collection channel 2605 and the lumen of the coring tube 115.
[111] As illustrated in Fig. 26, in an illustrative embodiment, the diameter of the
graft collection channel 2605 is wider than the lumen of the coring tube 115. In
an illustrative embodiment, the inside diameter of the coring tube 115 is
between 0.8 mm and 1.2 mm. For example, the inside diameter of the coring
tube 115 can be 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, etc. In alternative
embodiments, the inside diameter of the coring tube 115 can be less than 0.8 mm
or greater than 1.2 mm. For example, the inside diameter of the coring tube 115
can be 0.5 mm.
[112] In an illustrative embodiment, the inside diameter of the graft collection
channel 2605 is about 50% wider than the inside diameter of the coring tube
115. For example, the inside diameter of the graft collection channel 2605 can be
35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, etc. wider than the inside diameter of the
coring tube 115. In an alternative embodiment, the inside diameter of the graft
collection channel 2605 can be 1%, 2%, 5%, 7%, 10%, etc. wider than the inside
diameter of the coring tube 115. In other embodiments, the inside diameter of
the graft collection channel 2605 is the same size as the inside diameter of the
coring tube 115. In some embodiments, the inside diameter of the graft
collection tube 135 is the same as the inside diameter of the graft collection
channel 2605.
[113] Fig. 27 is a side view of a pneumatically operated graft extraction module
in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view
of a pneumatically operated graft extraction module in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Fig. 29 is a cut-away view of a pneumatically operated
graft extraction module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In an
illustrative embodiment, the pneumatic tube 2205 and the graft collection tube
135 are contained in a single connector 2705.
[114] In some instances, to harvest a graft that has a hair follicle, the clinician
can position the coring tube 115 such that the lumen of the coring tube 115 is
aligned with the hair follicle. That is, the length of the hair follicle can be
substantially parallel or coaxial with the center axis of the coring tube 115. The
clinician can press the coring tube 115 into the skin surrounding the hair follicle,
thereby cutting the graft containing the hair follicle from the skin of the patient.
Thus, in some instances, the clinician can be skilled enough to insert the coring
tube 115 into the skin to cut around the hair follicle and not through the hair
follicle. That is, if the coring tube 115 is not properly aligned with the length of
the hair follicle, the hair follicle can be damaged. In some instances, multiple hair
follicles are harvested consecutively. Thus, if the clinician becomes fatigued, the
chance of damaging the hair follicle increases.
[115] Fig. 30A is a cross-sectional view of a graft extraction module with a
linearly actuated coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An
illustrative graft extraction module 3000 includes a coring tube 3010, a housing
3015, a linear actuator 3020, a cap connector 130, a graft collection tube 135, a
power source 140, and a seal 220. In alternative embodiments, additional,
fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Fig. 30B is a side view of a graft
extraction module with a linearly actuated coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. Fig. 30C is an isometric view of a graft extraction
module with a linearly actuated coring tube in accordance with an illustrative
embodiment. In alternative embodiments, any suitable graft extraction module
3000 can be used. For example, the shape of the housing 3015 can be an
ergonomic, convenient, and/or comfortable shape to hold.
[116] An illustrative graft extraction module 3000 can slide the coring tube
3010 in and out of the housing 3015. For example, a button or other controller
can be used to activate the linear actuator 3020 such that the coring tube 3010
moves in and out of the housing 3015. Thus, coring of a graft can be simplified
such that the clinician can be less skilled and can become less fatigued when
using a graft extraction module 3000. For example, the front end of the coring
tube 3010 can be placed against the surface of the skin of the patient (e.g.,
around a hair follicle). The coring tube 3010 can be inserted into the skin of the
patient while the housing 3015 remains stationary with respect to the skin of the
patient. The coring tube 3010 can be retracted from the skin of the patient
without moving the housing 3015. Thus, once the coring tube 3010 and the
housing 3015 are initially placed in a position to harvest a graft, the graft can be
harvested without the clinician moving the housing 3015 towards and away
from the skin of the patient. Accordingly, in some instance, using a graft
extraction module 3000 (or similar) can simplify the procedure for harvesting a
graft.
[117] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3010 extends from the
housing 3015 when the button or other controller is pressed or otherwise
actuated. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3010 extends from the
housing 3015 when a first button or controller is actuated and retracts into the
housing 3015 when a second button or controller is actuated. In some
embodiments, the coring tube 3010 extends as long as the button is pressed.
[118] In an alternative embodiment, when the button is pressed, the coring tube
3010 extends from the housing 3015 by a length and automatically retracts into
the housing 3015. In such an embodiment, the length that the coring tube 3010
extends from the housing 3015 is the same as the length of the graft that is
harvested. That is, the coring tube 3010 extends into the skin far enough to free
the graft from the skin. In some embodiments, the coring tube 3010 extends
slightly farther than the length of the graft. In such embodiments, the coring
tube 3010 extends far enough into the skin of the graft to ensure that coring tube
3010 cuts completely through the skin of the patient. In such embodiments, the
coring tube 3010 can extend from the housing 3010 by up to 110% of the length
of the graft. For example, the coring tube 3010 extends from the housing 3010
by 100%, 102%, 104%, 106%, 108%, 110%, etc. longer than the length of the
graft. In alternative embodiments, the coring tube 3010 extends from the
housing 3010 by greater than 110% of the length of the graft.
[119] In some embodiments, the linear actuator 3020 is configured to limit the
length that the coring tube 3010 can extend from the housing 3010. For
example, the linear actuator 3020 is configured to limit the coring tube 3010 by
the length of the graft. In alternative embodiments, the linear actuator 3020
limits the coring tube 3010 from extending from the housing 3010 by up to
110% of the length of the graft. For example, the linear actuator 3020 limits the
coring tube 3010 from extending from the housing 3010 by 100%, 102%, 104%,
106%, 108%, 110%, etc. longer than the length of the graft. In alternative
embodiments, the linear actuator 3020 limits the coring tube 3010 from
extending from the housing 3010 by greater than 110% of the length of the graft.
[120] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3010 has threads 3025. In
an illustrative embodiment, the threads 3025 are a helical groove along the
outside surface of the coring tube 3010. Although not illustrated in Fig. 30A, the
threads 3025 can engage one or more threads, posts, tongues, etc. of the housing
3015. Thus, as the coring tube 3010 rotates in a first direction, the coring tube
3010 slides out of the housing 3015 toward the front end of the graft extraction
module 3000. As the coring tube 3010 rotates in a second direction (opposite
the first direction), the coring tube 3010 slides into the housing 3015 toward the
back end of the graft extraction module 3000, thereby retracting into the housing
3015.
[121] In an illustrative embodiment, the linear actuator 3020 can be configured
to cause the coring tube 3010 to move in and out of the housing 3015. For
example, the linear actuator 3020 can be configured to rotate the coring tube
3010 in a first direction to slide the coring tube 3010 out of the housing 3015
and to rotate the coring tube 3010 in a second direction to slide the coring tube
3010 into the housing 3015. For example, the linear actuator 3020 can be
windings, similar to the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 9.In such an example, the
linear actuator 3020 can be a stepper motor. In an illustrative example, the
linear actuator 3020 and the coring tube 3010 are a stepper motor with the
coring tube 3010 as the rotor. In alternative embodiments, any suitable linear
actuator 3020 can be used.
[122] The power source 140 can be any suitable power source configured to
provide power to the linear actuator 3020. For example, the power source 140
can provide electrical power to controllably rotate the coring tube 3010. An
illustrative seal 220 can provide a vacuum seal between the internal lumen of the
coring tube 3010 and the cap connector 130. Thus, as vacuum is applied to the
cap connector 130 via the graft collection tube 135, vacuum is applied to the
front end of the graft collection tube 3010. The back end of the coring tube 3010
can be long enough such that as the coring tube 3010 slides out of the housing
3010, the seal 220 maintains a seal between the coring tube 3010 and the cap
connector 130.
[123] In an alternative embodiment, the coring tube 3010 does not have
threads 3025. In such an embodiment, the coring tube 3010 can have multiple
rings along the length of the coring tube 3010 in place of the threads 3025. The
linear actuator 3020 can have a gear with teeth that engage the rings of the
coring tube 3010. For example, as the gear rotates, the teeth can "walk" along
the rings. In such an example, the gear is stationary with respect to the housing
3015. Thus, as the gear rotates, the coring tube 3010 slides in or out of the
housing 3015, depending upon the direction of rotation of the gear. In such an
embodiment, the coring tube 3010 can rotate using any suitable method (e.g., the
embodiments illustrated in Figs. 6A,7, 9, 21, 26, etc.) without causing the coring
tube 3010 to move in or out of the housing 3015. That is, the location of the
coring tube 3010 can be controlled independently from the rotation of the coring
tube 3010.
[124] Fig. 31 is an isometric view of a rotary coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. As illustrated in Fig. 26, in an illustrative embodiment,
the rotary coring tube3100 is attached to the turbine 2320 via a quickdisconnect
connection, similar to the quick-disconnect connection illustrated in
Figs. 7 and 8. The ridge 2610 is received by the groove 3105 to hold the rotary
coring tube3100 within the turbine 2320. In an illustrative embodiment, the
rotary coring tube3100 includes teeth 3110 that engage respective teeth within
the turbine 2320, thereby rotationally coupling the rotary coring tube3100 to
the turbine 2320.
[125] Fig. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring tube 3200 can be used in, for
example, the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2. The coring tube 3200 has a
sharpened front end 3205. In an embodiment, the end opposite the front end
3205 is blunt. In alternative embodiments, any suitable coring tube can be used.
In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3200 can be 20 mm to 50 mm
long. For example, the coring tube 3200 can be 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm,
40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, etc. long. In alternative embodiments, the coring tube
3200 can be shorter than 20 mm or longer than 50 mm.
[126] The coring tube 3200 illustrated in Fig. 31is cylindrical with a circular
cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the grafts harvested by the coring tube 3200
can be cylindrical in shape. In alternative embodiments, the grafts can have a
square or rectangular shape. In such embodiments, the coring tube 3200 can
have a corresponding square or rectangular shape.
[127] Fig. 33A is a cross-sectional view of the front end of a double-tapered
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring
tube 3300 has a doubled-tapered front end 3305. The front end 3305 is tapered
from the outer surface inward and from the inner surface outward. The angle of
the taper can range between 0° and 45°. For example, the angle of the taper can
be 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, etc. In alternative embodiments,
the taper can have an angle greater than 45°.
[128] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3200 is made of, for
example, stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the coring tube3200 is
made of aluminum, titanium, or other metals. In some embodiments, the coring
tube 3200 includes an outer coating such as titanium nitride that is used to
facilitate gripping of the coring tube 3200 by a collet. In some embodiments, the
coring tube 3200 includes an inner coating that prevents the graft or other
material from sticking to the inner wall of the coring tube 3200. In some
embodiments, the inner coating can be a hydrophobic or hydrophilic coating that
reduces friction between the graft surfacecoring tube 3200.
[129] In an alternative embodiment, the coring tube 3200 is transparent (or
translucent). For example, the coring tube 3200 can be made of transparent
polycarbonate or glass. The transparency of the coring tube 3200 can allow a
clinician to view the graft when the graft is in the coring tube 3200 and as the
graft is suctioned through the coring tube 3200. In some embodiments, the
coring tube 3200 includes graduated markings that are used to indicate the
length of the graft, the depth of the coring tube 3200, etc.
[130] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3200 is made of a thin
material. Using a thin material for the coring tube 3200 allows the puncture hole
in the skin (in which the graft is harvested) to be close to the size of the graft.
That is, the thicker that the coring tube 3200 is, the larger the puncture hole in
the scalp is. A smaller puncture hole can facilitate healing of the puncture hole
after the graft is removed and can reduce scarring.
[131] The relatively thin wall of the coring tube 3200, the sharpness of the tip of
the coring tube 3200, and the geometry of the coring tube 3200 can be chosen to
optimize (e.g., reduce) the entry force for coring out the graft. The coring tube
3200 can be thick enough that the coring tube 3200 does not easily collapse or
bend. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 3200 (e.g., made of stainless
steel) is between 100 micrometers () and 200 thick. For example, the
coring tube 3200 can be 100 , 110 , 120 , 130 , 140 , 150 , 160
, 170 , 180 , 190 , 200 , etc. thick. In alternative embodiments,
the coring tube 3200 is thinner than 100 or thicker than 200 . For
example, the coring tube 3200 can be 50 thick. In some embodiments, such
as those in which the coring tube 3200 is made of a material other than stainless
steel, the hardness and strength of the material that the coring tube 3200 is
made of can be used to determine the thickness of the coring tube 3200.
[132] Fig. 33B is a cross-sectional view of the front end of a single-tapered
coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring
tube 3300 has a single-tapered front end 3305. The front end 3305 is tapered
from the outer surface inward. The single-tapered front end 3305 provides an
inner diameter that is consistent from the tip of the front end 3305 to the inner
diameter of the body portion of the coring tube 3300, which does not compress
the collected graft as the graft is suctioned through the coring tube 3300. In an
alternative embodiment, the front end 3305 is tapered from the inner surface
outward.
[133] Fig. 34 is an illustration of coring tube that is tapered along its length in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring tube 3400
has a smaller inner diameter at a front end 3405 than the inner diameter of the
body portion of the coring tube 3400. That is, the inner diameter tapers to a
smaller diameter from a larger diameter along the length of the coring tube
3400. The tapered diameter of the coring tube 3400 provides a gradual
expansion of the inner diameter to a larger diameter of, for example, the graft
collection tube 135.
[134] Fig. 35 is an illustration of a stepped coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring tube 3500 has a front end 3505
that has a smaller width than a body portion 3510. Such a coring tube 3500
allows multiple sizes of a coring tube to be used with the same sized collet, such
as collet 305. For example, differently sized grafts can be collected using the
same collet 305. That is, a collet 305 can receive the coring tube 3500 and a
coring tube such as coring tube 3200 if both coring tube 3500 and coring tube
3200 have the same (or similar) outside diameter at the body portion of the
respective coring tube (e.g., at body portion 3510). In such an example, the
inside diameter of the coring tube 3500 is smaller than the inside diameter of the
coring tube 3200.
[135] Fig. 36 is an illustration of a serrated coring tube in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment. In an illustrative embodiment, a coring tube 3600 has a
serrated front end 3605. The serrated front end 3605 has crests and troughs.
Using a serrated front end 3605 can facilitate cutting of the skin of the patient.
[136] Fig. 37 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube with an embedded spiral
in accordance with an illustrative embodimentAn illustrative coring tube 3700
has spirals 3710 along the inside surface of the coring tube 3700. The spirals
3710 facilitate drawing the graft into the coring tube 3700. For example, when
the coring tube 3700 is rotating and is inserted into skin of a patient, the graft
may remain partially attached to the skin. As the coring tube 3700 spins, the
graft does not spin because the graft is still partially attached to the skin. Thus,
the spinning of the spirals 3710 can pull the graft into the coring tube 3700. In
some embodiments, the spirals 3710 extend along the entire length of the coring
tube 3700. In alternative embodiments, the spirals 3710 extend along only a
portion of the inner surface of the coring tube 3700. As illustrated by reference
numeral 3715, the spirals 3710 are formed within the inside surface of the
coring tube 3700 and are recessed.
[137] Fig. 38 is a cross-sectional view of a coring tube with a raised spiral in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An illustrative coring tube 3800
has spirals 3810 along the inside surface of the coring tube 3800. As illustrated
by reference numeral 3815, the spirals 3810 are raised and are formed onto the
inner surface of the coring tube 3800. In an alternative embodiment, the coring
tube 3800 has raised spirals 3810 and recessed spirals 3710.
[138] The various components of the graft extraction module 100 can be made
of any suitable materials. For example, the various components can be made of
bio-compatible materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, glass, etc. For example,
such substances include thermoplastics, polycarbonate, polyurethane, poly
ethylene, poly phenyl sulphone, nylon, stainless steel, glass, polyether ether
ketone (PEEK), ceramic, etc. Other such substances can be composite materials
such as glass reinforced plastic, carbon composites, etc.
[139] Fig. 39A is a cross-sectional view of a graft extraction module with an
adjustable coring tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An
illustrative graft extraction module 3900 includes a coring tube 115, bearings
310, a gear 315, bearings 325, a housing 135, a cap connector 130, a securing
ring 215, a shaft 605, shaft teeth 610, a front cap 3905, a depth locker 3910, and
a receiver 3915. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different
elements.
[140] An illustrative graft extraction module 3900 allows the coring tube 115 to
be quickly and easily replaced. When the depth locker 3910 is in a secured
position, the coring tube 115, the front cap 3905, the depth locker 3910, the
receiver 3915, and the gear 315 rotate together. When the depth locker 3910 is
in an unsecured position, the coring tube 115 can slide in and out of the housing
125, as illustrated by arrow 3920. Also, when the depth locker 3910 is in the
unsecured position, the coring tube 115 can rotate freely within the depth locker
3910. As the shaft 605 rotates, the shaft teeth 610 engage teeth of gear 315. The
gear 315 is rotationally secured to the receiver 3915. Thus, as the shaft 605
rotates, the coring tube 115 rotates when the depth locker 3910 is in the secured
position.
[141] In an illustrative embodiment, the front end of the receiver 3915 has a
space that houses a portion of the depth locker 3910. Another portion of the
depth locker 3910 can protrude from the receiver 3915. The front cap 3905 can
be screwed or otherwise secured to the front end of the receiver 3915 thereby
retaining the depth locker 3910 within the retainer 3915.
[142] Figs. 39B and 39C are diagrams illustrating adjustment of a coring tube in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 39B illustrates the depth
locker 3910 in the unsecured position. Fig. 39C illustrates the depth locker 3910
in the secured position. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 can
have hash marks 3935 that are configured to facilitate grip between the depth
locker 3910 and the coring tube 115.In some embodiments, the hash marks 3935
are circular ridges around the outside surface of the coring tube 115. In such
embodiments, the depth locker 3910 can securely engage the coring tube 115 at
any one of the multiple ridges. In alternative embodiments, the hash marks 3935
can include checkered crosshatches. In some embodiments, the hash marks
3935 are a roughened surface of the coring tube 115.
[143] In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 has graduated
markings 620. As illustrated in Figs. 39A-39C, in an illustrative embodiment, the
front end of the coring tube 115 has a bevel 3950. The cutting edge of the front
end of the coring tube 115 has an angle that is less than 90° to the length of the
coring tube 115. In alternative embodiments, any suitable coring tube 115 can
be used.
[144] In an illustrative embodiment, the depth locker 3910 has a front hole
3940 and a rear hole 3945 through which the coring tube 115 slides. In an
illustrative embodiment, the rear end of the coring tube 115 is slid into the
housing 125, the front hole 3940, and the rear hole 3945. In an illustrative
embodiment, the rear hole 3945 is elongated and the front hole 3940 is circular.
In alternative embodiments, the front hole 3940 and the rear hole 3940 can have
any suitable shape (e.g., triangular, square, rectangular, octagonal, etc.). The
depth locker 3910 can be made of a stiff spring material such that the depth
locker 3910 can be flexed. In such embodiments, the depth locker 3910 retains
its shape when released. For example, the depth locker 3910 can be made of
stainless steel. In alternative embodiments, the depth locker 3910 can be made
of any suitable material. In an illustrative embodiment, the depth locker 3910 is
between 0.2 mm and 1 mm thick. For example, the depth locker 3910 can be 0.2
mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.8 mm, 1 mm, etc., thick. In alternative embodiments, the
depth locker can be thinner than 0.2 mm or thicker than 1 mm. In alternative
embodiments, any suitable depth locker 3910 can be used.
[145] In an illustrative embodiment, when the top end of the depth locker 3910
is pressed in, as illustrated by arrow 3925 in Fig. 39B, the rear hole 3945 is
positioned such that the depth locker 3910 does not grip the coring tube 115.
When the top end of the depth locker 3910 is pressed in, the coring tube 115 can
slide in and out of the housing 125, through the front hole 3920, and through the
rear hole 3925, as illustrated by arrow 3920. When the top end of the depth
locker 3910 is released, as illustrated by arrow 3930 in Fig. 39C, the rear hole
3945 is positioned such that the depth locker 3910 grips the coring tube
115,such that the coring tube 115 does not slide in and out of the housing 125,
through the front hole 3920, and through the rear hole 3925, and such that the
coring tube 115 is rotationally secured to the depth locker 3910. For example,
an edge of the rear hole 3945 is pressed against the hash marks 3935. Thus, in
an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube 115 can be adjustably positioned
such that the front end of the coring tube 115 is any suitable distance from the
front end of the housing 135.
[146] Fig. 40 is a flow chart of a method of using a graft extraction module in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments,
additional, fewer, and/or different operations may be performed. Also, the use
of arrows and a flow chart are not meant to be limiting with respect to the order
or flow of operations.
[147] In an operation 4005, a coring tube is attached to a graft extraction
module. In embodiments in which a collet is used, the coring tube is inserted
into the front end of a rotor head of the graft extraction unit. The amount of the
coring tube protruding from the graft extraction unit can be adjusted as desired
by sliding the coring tube. An adjusting nut is tightened around the collet, which
grips the coring tube in place. In embodiments in which a quick-disconnect type
coring tube is used, operation 4005 can include inserting the coring tube into the
front end of the graft extraction unit such that the coring tube snaps into place.
In alternative embodiments, any suitable method of attaching the coring tube to
the graft extraction module can be used.
[148] In an operation 4010, suction is applied to the graft extraction module.
For example, a vacuum hose can be attached to the graft extraction module and a
vacuum pump can provide vacuum pressure through the vacuum hose. Applying
suction can include applying suction to a front end of a coring tube of the graft
extraction module.
[149] In an operation 4015, the coring tube is rotated. Rotating the coring tube
can be performed in any suitable manner. For example, electrical power can be
applied to a motor, a cable can be spun (e.g., by a motor), pneumatic power can
be passed through a turbine, etc. In some embodiments, rotating the coring tube
includes modulating or adjusting the speed at which the coring tube rotates. For
example, the frequency or current of electrical power can be modulated, the
amount of airflow passing through a turbine can be modulated, etc.
[150] In an operation 4020, a depth adjuster of the graft extraction module is
adjusted. In embodiments in which the graft extraction module includes a sleeve
1105, operation 4020 includes selecting the size of the sleeve 1105. In
embodiments in which a depth adjustor 1205 is used, operation 4020 includes
sliding the front face 1215 along the length of the coring tube. In some
embodiments, operation 4020 is not performed.
[151] In an operation 4025, the coring tube of the graft extraction module is
inserted into skin of the patient. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube is
inserted around one or more hair follicles in the skin. In an illustrative
embodiment, inserting the coring tube includes inserting the graft extraction
module until the graft extraction module (e.g., the sleeve 1105 or the depth
adjustor 1205) touches a surface of the skin. In embodiments in which the graft
extraction module includes a linear actuator, operation 4025 can include
extending the coring tube out of the graft extraction module and into the skin of
the patient.
[152] In an operation 4030, a graft is suctioned through the graft extraction
module. As the coring tube rotates and is inserted into the skin of the patient,
the graft is cut away from the skin of the patient. Once free, suction applied to
the graft extraction module can pull the graft through the graft extraction
module. In an illustrative embodiment, the graft is transported to a graft storage
module that is connected to the graft extraction module by a graft collection
tube.
[153] In an operation 4035, the coring tube is removed from the skin of the
patient. For example, the coring tube (and the graft extraction module) can be
pulled away from the skin. In embodiments in which the graft extraction module
includes a linear actuator, operation 4035 can include retracting the coring tube
out of the skin and into the graft extraction module, for example, while the graft
extraction module is stationary.
[154] Fig. 41 is a flow chart of a method of using a graft extraction module with
a linear actuator in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative
embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different operations may be performed.
Also, the use of arrows and a flow chart are not meant to be limiting with respect
to the order or flow of operations.
[155] In an operation 4105, a coring tube is attached to a graft extraction
module. In embodiments in which a collet is used, the coring tube is inserted
into the front end of a rotor head of the graft extraction unit. The amount of the
coring tube protruding from the graft extraction unit can be adjusted as desired
by sliding the coring tube. An adjusting nut is tightened around the collet, which
grips the coring tube in place. In embodiments in which a quick-disconnect type
coring tube is used, operation 4105 can include inserting the coring tube into the
front end of the graft extraction unit such that the coring tube snaps into place.
In alternative embodiments, any suitable method of attaching the coring tube to
the graft extraction module can be used.
[156] In an operation 4110, suction is applied to the graft extraction module.
For example, a vacuum hose can be attached to the graft extraction module and a
vacuum pump can provide vacuum pressure through the vacuum hose. Applying
suction can include applying suction to a front end of a coring tube of the graft
extraction module.
[157] In an operation 4115, the coring tube is actuated. For example, the
collection tube can be aligned with a hair follicle that is in skin of the patient.
The collection tube can be placed against the skin of the patient. In an
illustrative embodiment, actuating the collection tube includes causing the
coring tube to extend from the body of the graft extraction module and into the
skin of the patient while the housing is held steady with respect to the skin of the
patient. In some embodiments, the coring tube is rotated as the coring tube is
inserted into the skin of the patient.
[158] In an operation 4120, the graft is suctioned through the graft extraction
module. As the coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient, the graft is cut
away from the skin of the patient. Once free, suction applied to the graft
extraction module can pull the graft through the graft extraction module. In an
illustrative embodiment, the graft is transported to a graft storage module that is
connected to the graft extraction module by a graft collection tube.
[159] In an operation 4125, the coring tube is removed from the skin of the
patient. For example, the coring tube can be retracted back into the housing of
the graft extraction module. In an illustrative embodiment, the coring tube is
removed from the skin of the patient while the housing of the graft extraction
module is held in place with respect to the skin of the patient. In some
embodiments, operations 4115, 4120, and 4125 are performed while the
housing is held in the same place with respect to the skin of the patient. In some
embodiments, operations 4115, 4120, and 4125 are performed in response to
pressing a button, or otherwise actuating an actuator.
EXAMPLE # 1
[160] In an illustrative example, a graft extraction module includes a rotor head
attached to a drive motor. Electrical power is applied to the drive motor that
spins a shaft of the rotor head. The shaft, in turn, rotates a coring tube that
protrudes from the front end of the rotor head. The back end of the rotor head
has a cap connector that is connected to a vacuum source. Suction from the
vacuum source causes suction at the front end of the coring tube. The vacuum
pressure at the cap connection is 500 mm Hg.
[161] The coring tube rotates at 1500 rpm. As the coring tube rotates, the front
end of the coring tube is inserted into skin of the patient. The front end of the
coring tube is sharpened and includes a taper from the outside surface of the
coring tube inward. The coring tube has a consistent inside diameter along the
length of the coring tube.
[162] The coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient until a depth
adjuster of the graft extraction module touches the skin of the patient. The
length that the coring tube extends beyond the depth adjuster is adjustable by
sliding the depth adjuster closer or farther away from the rotor head. As the
coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient, a graft is cored out of the skin.
Suction from the vacuum source causes the graft to travel through the coring
tube and through the cap connector.
[163] The coring tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 thick. The coring
tube has an internal diameter of 0.9mm. Astainless steel collet and adjusting nut
is used to hold the coring tube in place. Stainless steel shafts, gears, and ball
bearings are used. The cap connector is made of nylon. Seals are made of
polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module
are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.
EXAMPLE #2
[164] In an illustrative example, a graft extraction module includes a permanent
magnet attached to a coring tube. In the housing of the graft extraction module
and surrounding the permanent magnet are copper windings. Electrical power
is applied to the copper windings that causes the permanent magnet and the
coring tube to spin. The coring tube protrudes from the front end of the graft
extraction module. The back end of the rotor head has a cap connector that is
connected to a vacuum source. Suction from the vacuum source causes suction
at the front end of the coring tube. The vacuum pressure at the cap connection is
500 mm Hg.
[165] The coring tube rotates at 1500 rpm. As the coring tube rotates, the front
end of the coring tube is inserted into skin of the patient. The front end of the
coring tube is sharpened and includes a taper from the outside surface of the
coring tube inward. The coring tube has a consistent inside diameter along the
length of the coring tube.
[166] The coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient until a depth
adjuster of the graft extraction module touches the skin of the patient. The
length that the coring tube extends beyond the depth adjuster is adjustable by
sliding the depth adjuster closer or farther away from the graft extraction
module. As the coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient, a graft is cored
out of the skin. Suction from the vacuum source causes the graft to travel
through the coring tube and through the cap connector.
[167] The coring tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 thick. The coring
tube has an internal diameter of 0.9mm. Stainless steel ball bearings are used.
The cap connector is made of nylon. Seals are made of polyurethane. The
various other components of the graft implantation module are made of
polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.
EXAMPLE #3
[168] In an illustrative example, a graft extraction module has a coring tube
protruding from the front end. From the back end, the graft connection module
has a cap connector that is connected to a vacuum source and a cable. The cable
rotates within a sheath. The cable is rotationally connected to the coring tube
such that when the cable rotates, the coring tube rotates. Suction from the
vacuum source causes suction at the front end of the coring tube. The vacuum
pressure at the cap connection is 500 mm Hg.
[169] The coring tube rotates at 1500 rpm. As the coring tube rotates, the front
end of the coring tube is inserted into skin of the patient. The front end of the
coring tube is sharpened and includes a taper from the outside surface of the
coring tube inward. The coring tube has a consistent inside diameter along the
length of the coring tube. The coring tube can be snapped into the front end of
the graft extraction module by pressing in the coring tube. Similarly, the coring
tube can be snapped out of the front end of the graft extraction module by
pulling on the coring tube.
[170] The coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient until a depth
adjuster of the graft extraction module touches the skin of the patient. The
length that the coring tube extends beyond the depth adjuster is adjustable by
sliding the depth adjuster closer or farther away from the rotor head. As the
coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient, a graft is cored out of the skin.
Suction from the vacuum source causes the graft to travel through the coring
tube and through the cap connector.
[171] The coring tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 thick. The coring
tube has an internal diameter of 0.9 mm. Stainless steel shafts, gears, coring tube
receiver, and ball bearings are used. The cap connector is made of nylon. Seals
are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft
implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.
EXAMPLE #4
[172] In an illustrative example, a graft extraction module has a coring tube
protruding from the front end. From the back end, the graft extraction module
has a cap connector that is connected to a vacuum source and a connection for a
pneumatic power source. The pneumatic power source provides positive
pressure to the graft extraction module. Airflow from the pneumatic power
source travels through a channel in the graft extraction module, through veins of
a turbine, and out an exhaust port on the graft extraction module. The exhaust
port includes a button. When pressed, the button prevents air from flowing
through the veins of the turbine and, thus, prevents the turbine from rotating.
When released, the button allows air to flow through the veins of the turbine
and, thus, allows the turbine to spin. The amount that the button is pressed
modulates the speed at which the turbine spins. Suction from the vacuum
source causes suction at the front end of the coring tube. The vacuum pressure
at the cap connection is 500 mm Hg.
[173] The coring tube is inserted into the turbine and is rotationally coupled to
the turbine. The coring tube rotates at 1500 rpm. As the turbine and the coring
tube rotate, the front end of the coring tube is inserted into skin of the patient.
The front end of the coring tube is sharpened and includes a taper from the
outside surface of the coring tube inward. The coring tube has a consistent
inside diameter along the length of the coring tube. The coring tube can be
snapped into the front end of the graft extraction module by pressing in the
coring tube. Similarly, the coring tube can be snapped out of the front end of the
graft extraction module by pulling on the coring tube.
[174] The coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient until a depth
adjuster of the graft extraction module touches the skin of the patient. The
length that the coring tube extends beyond the depth adjuster is adjustable by
sliding the depth adjuster closer or farther away from the rotor head. As the
coring tube is inserted into the skin of the patient, a graft is cored out of the skin.
Suction from the vacuum source causes the graft to travel through the coring
tube and through the cap connector.
[175] The coring tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 thick. The coring
tube has an internal diameter of 0.9 mm. Stainless steel springs and ball
bearings are used. The cap connector is made of nylon. Seals are made of
polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module
are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.
EXAMPLE #5
[176] In an illustrative example, a graft extraction module has a coring tube
protruding from the front end. From the back end, the graft extraction module
has a cap connector that is connected to a vacuum source. The vacuum pressure
at the cap connection is 500 mm Hg. The front end of the coring tube is
sharpened and configured to cut skin. The graft extraction module has a linear
actuator that moves the coring tube in and out of the graft extraction module.
[177] The coring tube is placed on skin of the patient. The linear actuator is
actuated and the coring tube extends from the graft extraction module and into
the skin of the patient. The coring tube extends until the end of the coring tube is
through the skin of the patient and frees the graft from the skin. The linear
actuator is actuated by pressing a button. The linear actuator rotates the coring
tube. Atongue of the graft extraction module rides within a helical groove of the
coring tube as the coring tube is rotated. The sharpened end of the coring tube
cuts around the graft and frees the graft from the skin. Once the graft is free
from the skin, the graft is suctioned through the coring tube and through the cap
connector. The coring tube is retracted from the skin of the patient and into the
graft extraction module.
[178] The coring tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 thick. The coring
tube has an internal diameter of 0.9 mm. The cap connector is made of nylon.
Seals are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft
implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.
[179] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different
components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It
is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and
that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the
same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to
achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired
functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to
achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other
such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also
be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so
associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to
achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting
components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting
components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable
components.
[180] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms
herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular
and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or
application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set
forth herein for sake of clarity.
[181] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used
herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended
claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should
be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as
"includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those
within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is
intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to
understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the
introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim
recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply
that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an"
limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim
includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite
articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted
to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of
definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the
art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at
least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without
other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more
recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to
"at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but
not be limited to systems that have Aalone, Balone, Calone, Aand Btogether, A
and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those
instances where a convention analogous to "at least one ofA, B, or C, etc." is used,
in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or
C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C
alone, A and B together, A and Ctogether, B and Ctogether, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually
any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms,
whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to
contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or
both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." Further, unless otherwise noted, the use
of the words "approximate," "about," "around," "substantially," etc., mean plus or
minus ten percent.
[182] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented
for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive
or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from
practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the
invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
CLAIMS :
1. Adevice comprising:
a coring tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end
comprises a sharp edge configured to cut around a graft, and wherein the coring
tube comprises a lumen;
a collar that surrounds a first portion of the coring tube, wherein the
coring tube and the collar are rotationally secured to one another;
a cap connector with a vacuum source connection, wherein a vacuum
pressure of the vacuum source is configured to draw the graft into the lumen of
the coring tube and through the cap connector; and
a housing that surrounds a second portion of the coring tube and a
portion of the collar, wherein the housing and the cap connector are secured to
one another.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a depth control member
that at least partially surrounds a third portion of the coring tube, wherein a first
end of the depth control member abuts a surface of skin of a patient.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the graft has a length of a first
distance, and wherein the coring tube extends from the depth control member
by at least the first distance.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein the collar comprises a collet that is
configured to cause, via a clamping force, the collar and the coring tube to be
rotationally secured to one another.
5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a clamping nut that is
configured to provide the clamping force.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein a second end of the depth control
member abuts the clamping nut, and wherein the depth control member
completely surrounds the third portion of the coring tube.
7. The device of claim 2, wherein the depth control member is
mounted to the housing.
8. The device of claim 2, wherein the depth control member is
removably mounted to the housing.
9. The device of claim 2, wherein the depth control
membercomprises a mounting piece that is configured to be mounted to the
housing and a sliding piece that is configured to slidably engage the mounting
piece, and wherein the mounting piece and the sliding piece are configured to be
selectably locked together.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the sliding piece is configured to
slidably engage the mounting piece along a direction parallel to a center axis of
the coring tube.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein an outside surface of the coring
tube is tapered inwards at the first end and an inside surface of the coring tube is
tapered outwards at the first end.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein an outside surface of the coring
tube is tapered inwards at the first end.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein an inside surface of the coring tube
is tapered outwards at the first end.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first end of the
coring tube is less than a diameter of the second end of the coring tube.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein a diameter of the first end of the
coring tube is the same as a diameter of the second end of the coring tube.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of an inside
surface of the coring tube comprises a helical ridge configured to draw the graft
along a central axis of the coring tube.
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the coring tube is adjustable along a
length of the coring tube.
18. The device of claim 1, wherein the cap connector is rotationally
secured to the housing, and wherein the collar rotates with respect to the
housing.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein the graft comprises at least one hair
follicle.
20. The device of claim 1, wherein the coring tube comprises
gradations configured to indicate an insertion depth of the coring tube.
21. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar comprises gear teeth
extending in a radial direction, wherein the gear teeth are configured to engage a
drive gear, and wherein rotational movement of the drive gear is configured to
cause rotational movement of the coring tube.
22. The device of claim 21, wherein the drive gear is rotationally
connected to an electric motor.
23. The device of claim 22, wherein the electric motor is mounted to
the housing.
24. The device of claim 21, wherein the drive gear is perpendicular to
a center axis of the collar.
25. The device of claim 21, wherein the drive gear is rotationally
connected to a cable such that the drive gear and the cable rotate together, and
wherein the housing comprises a connector configured to receive the cable.
26. The device of claim 1, wherein the collar comprises turbine vanes,
wherein the housing comprises a pneumatic connection and an exhaust port, and
wherein pneumatic pressure supplied by a pneumatic source connected to the
pneumatic connection is configured to cause the collar to rotate.
27. The device of claim 25,wherein the exhaust port comprises a
controller configured to control an amount of flow through the exhaust port.
28. The device of claim 1, further comprising:
a seal that creates a fluidic seal between the cap connector and the coring
tube; and
bearings that surround a fourth portion of the coring tube.
29. The device of claim 1, further comprising a harmonic actuator
configured to vibrate the coring tube at ultrasonic frequencies.
30. Adevice comprising:
a coring tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end
comprises a sharp edge configured to cut around a graft, and wherein the coring
tube comprises a lumen;
a securing mechanism with a first hole and a second hole, wherein the
securing mechanism is configured to secure the coring tube to the securing
mechanism in a first position, and wherein the securing mechanism is configured
to not secure the coring tube to the securing mechanism in a second position;
a cap connector with a vacuum source connection, wherein a vacuum
pressure of the vacuum source is configured to draw the graft into the lumen of
the coring tube and through the cap connector; and
a housing that surrounds a portion of the coring tube and that is secured
to the cap connector.
31. The device of claim 30, wherein an edge of the second hole presses
against the coring tube in the first position.
32. The device of claim 31, wherein the second hole is oblong in shape.
33. The device of claim 30, wherein the securing mechanism is flexible.
34. The device of claim 30, wherein the coring tube is configured to
slide with respect to the securing mechanism in the second position.
35. The device of claim 30, wherein the securing mechanism is
configured to rotationally and linearly secure the coring tube to the securing
mechanism in the first position.
36. Adevice comprising:
a coring tube with a first end, a second end, and a body portion between
the first end and the second end, wherein the first end comprises a sharp edge
configured to cut around a graft, wherein the coring tube comprises a lumen, and
wherein the body portion comprises a helical groove on an outside surface of the
coring tube;
a cap connector with a vacuum source connection, wherein a vacuum
pressure of the vacuum source is configured to draw the graft into the lumen of
the coring tube and through the cap connector;
a housing that surrounds a portion of the coring tube, wherein the
housing comprises a tongue that engages the helical groove of the coring tube;
and
an actuator configured to rotate the coring tube.
37. The device of claim 36, wherein the coring tube is configured to
extend from the housing when rotated in a first direction and is configured to
retract towards the housing when rotated in a second direction.
38. The device of claim 37, wherein the coring tube is configured to
extend from the housing when rotated in a first direction by a first length,
wherein the graft has a second length, and wherein the first length is at least as
long as the second length.
39. The device of claim 38, wherein the first length is equal to the
second length.
40. The device of claim 39, wherein the coring tube is configured to
extend from the housing by a distance no longer than the first length.
41. Amethod comprising:
applying suction to a lumen of a coring tube of a graft extraction module,
wherein the suction is applied via a vacuum source connected to a cap
connector;
causing a coring tube to rotate;
inserting the coring tube into skin of a patient until a depth control
member of the graft extraction module abuts a surface of the skin of the patient;
suctioning a graft of the skin of the patient through the lumen and the cap
connector; and
removing the coring tube from the skin of the patient.
42. The method of claim 41, further comprising attaching the vacuum
source to the cap connector of the graft extraction module.
43. The method of claim 41, further comprising attaching a power
source to the graft extraction module, wherein the power source is configured to
cause the coring tube to rotate.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the power source comprises
electrical power, and wherein an electrical motor causes the coring tube to
rotate.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein the power source comprises a
cable that has a rotating flexible shaft.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the cable is a coaxial cable.
47. The method of claim 41, wherein the power source comprises a
pneumatic power source.
48. The method of claim 47, the method further comprising regulating
a rotational speed of the coring tube via an actuator.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein regulating the rotational speed of
the coring tube comprises altering a vent area of the graft extraction module via
the actuator.
50. The method of claim 41, further comprising setting an insertion
distance of the coring tube by sliding the depth control member relative to a
housing of the graft extraction module.
51. The method of claim 41, wherein the graft comprises at least one
hair follicle.
52. Amethod comprising:
applying suction to a lumen of a coring tube of a graft extraction module,
wherein the suction is applied via a vacuum source connected to a cap
connector;
inserting the coring tube into skin of a patient, wherein a housing of the
graft extraction module does not move with respect to the skin of the patient
when the coring tube is inserted;
suctioning a graft of the skin of the patient through the lumen and the cap
connector; and
removing the coring tube from the skin of the patient.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein a housing of the graft extraction
module does not move with respect to the skin of the patient when the coring
tube is removed from the skin of the patient.
54. The method of claim 52, further comprising attaching the vacuum
source to the cap connector of the graft extraction module.
55. The method of claim 53, further comprising actuating a controller,
wherein said inserting the coring tube and removing the coring tube are in
response to said actuating the controller.
56. Adevice comprising:
a coring tube with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end
comprises a sharp edge configured to cut around a graft, and wherein the coring
tube comprises a lumen;
a collar that surrounds a first portion of the coring tube, wherein the
coring tube and the collar are rotationally secured to one another;
a cap connector with a vacuum source connection, wherein a vacuum
pressure of the vacuum source is configured to draw the graft into the lumen of
the coring tube and through the cap connector;
a housing that surrounds a second portion of the coring tube and a
portion of the collar, wherein the housing and the cap connector are secured to
one another; and
a depth control member that at least partially surrounds a third portion of
the coring tube, wherein a first end of the depth control member abuts a surface
of skin of a patient.
57. The device of claim 56, wherein a second end of the depth control
member abuts the clamping nut, and wherein the depth control member
completely surrounds the third portion of the coring tube.
58. The device of claim 56, wherein the depth control member
comprises a mounting piece that is configured to be mounted to the housing and
a sliding piece that is configured to slidably engage the mounting piece, and
wherein the mounting piece and the sliding piece are configured to be selectably
locked together.