Tissue collection and delivery device and methods of use thereof
Inventors
Torrie, Paul Alexander • Krause, Kenneth W.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-12364486-B2
Publication Date
2025-07-22
Expiration Date
2039-01-09
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Abstract
A system and method for harvesting autologous tissue, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measurable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need to directly touch the tissue. During the same surgical procedure, the tissue can be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into the repair site.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for harvesting autologous tissue from a patient, mincing it into fragments that are visible and measurable when filtered, and delivering a portion of the tissue back into the patient without the need for direct handling of the tissue. This is accomplished during a single surgical procedure, allowing the tissue to be mixed with a biocompatible agent before introduction into a repair site. The system includes a resection system with a handpiece and cannulated shaft to cut tissue and aspirate fragments to a filter assembly that collects and compresses the tissue for measurement and delivery.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from the difficulty in treating cartilage damage that does not heal naturally and often requires multiple surgical procedures. Conventional techniques, such as mosaicplasty or autologous chondrocyte implantation, involve harvesting tissue and then delivering repair cells in separate surgeries, which can prolong treatment and lead to suboptimal long-term outcomes. There is also a risk of tissue contamination and immune responses with direct handling of tissue fragments. The disclosed system solves these issues by enabling harvesting, processing, and delivery of autologous tissue in one surgery, reducing contamination risk and improving recovery.
The invention further provides specific components including a filter assembly detachably coupled to the handpiece, allowing direct visualization and measurement of the collected tissue fragments via a compressing mechanism. Additional features include internal structures within the handpiece to prevent contamination, a shearing member to remove tissue from the filter without direct contact, and deformable mixing wires to combine the tissue with biocompatible agents. The delivery device is designed to couple with the filter assembly, facilitating controlled tissue delivery to the repair site without human contact.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes one independent claim focusing on a tissue collection assembly comprising several inventive features.
Tissue collection assembly with detachable filter and handpiece
The assembly comprises a handpiece with a passageway, a cannulated shaft attached to the distal end configured to receive tissue fragments, and a filter assembly removably attached to the proximal end of the handpiece in fluid communication via a tube. The filter assembly includes a housing allowing direct visualization of its internal volume and a filter disposed within that collects tissue fragments on its surface.
The claims focus primarily on the physical structure and fluid communication of the tissue collection assembly components, emphasizing the detachable filter assembly and visualization features for collection and handling of tissue fragments.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates the need to directly touch the tissue, reducing risks of disease transmission and immune response.
Allows harvesting, processing, and implantation of autologous tissue during a single surgical procedure, thus reducing the need for multiple surgeries.
Enables direct visualization and measurement of tissue fragments to ensure controlled delivery volume.
Facilitates mixing the collected tissue with biocompatible agents during the same surgical procedure to improve the attachment and repair process.
Includes internal structures in the device design to prevent contamination of the harvested tissue.
Documented Applications
Harvesting autologous tissues such as cartilage, bone, fat, meniscus, tendon, and ligament tissue for surgical repair.
Repairing cartilage lesions and tissue defects arthroscopically by collecting, mincing, filtering, and delivering autologous tissue mixed with biocompatible agents in a single surgery.
Use in a range of surgical or cosmetic applications involving tissue collection and delivery.
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