Devices for harvesting a skin graft
Inventors
Sabir, Sameer Ahmed • Cerier, Jeffrey • Ziegler, Andrew
Assignees
MOMELAN Inc • Momelan Technologies Inc • Solventum Intellectual Properties Co
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Publication Number
US-9173674-B2
Publication Date
2015-11-03
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present invention generally relates to devices for harvesting a skin graft(s). The present invention provides a blister raising device integrated with a member for cutting the blister.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for obtaining a skin graft that includes a head having a mechanism for raising at least one blister and a hollow body configured for placement on a skin surface. The device integrates at least one plate member within the body comprising at least one hole through which the blister is raised, and includes a cutting member integrated within the body for cutting the blister. The head is configured for removable coupling with the hollow body and for coupling to a vacuum source for generating a negative pressure within the hollow body for forming the blister.
The device integrates at least one viewing window within the head for monitoring blister formation, so that blister formation can be visually monitored during operation. The document describes viewing-window structures that enable monitoring, including transparent or translucent distal surfaces and viewing windows formed with materials and coatings for optical performance such as anti-fog, anti-scratch, and anti-glare characteristics. Additional optical monitoring features described include magnification lenses and calibration marks to support visual observation of blister formation.
To improve blister handling and transfer, the document describes improvements involving a removable chamber and/or a removable substrate, together with a movable substrate compression mechanism. The compression mechanism includes an actuator and a compression member that is configured for movable coupling of the compression member onto the substrate so that a blister is attached to the substrate upon cutting the blister. The described structural examples include a micrograft device and a single-graft hollow body with a removable head, in which blister capture and transfer are supported by the removable coupling and compression arrangement.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides one independent claim (clm-00001). The independent claim covers a suction-blister skin-graft device with five inventive features: blister-raising head with removable coupling, integrated viewing window, hollow body with distal skin placement and blister-hole plate, integrated cutting member, and vacuum-coupled negative-pressure blister formation.
Blister-raising head with removable coupling
A head comprising a mechanism for raising at least one blister, wherein the head is configured for removable coupling with a hollow body.
Integrated viewing window for monitoring blister formation
At least one viewing window integrated within the head for monitoring blister formation.
Hollow body with distal skin placement and blister-hole plate
A hollow body having a distal end configured for placement on a skin surface, and at least one plate member integrated within said body comprising at least one hole through which said blister is raised.
Integrated cutting member for cutting the blister
A cutting member integrated in said body for cutting said blister.
Vacuum-coupled negative-pressure blister formation
The head is configured for coupling to a vacuum source for generating a negative pressure within the hollow body for forming the blister.
Across the independent claim, the core inventive concept is a removable head blister-raising system integrated with a hollow body that places on skin, forms blisters using a vacuum-generated negative pressure, provides integrated viewing-window monitoring, and cuts the raised blisters using an integrated cutting member.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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