BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation, partially in cross section of a prior art graft implanter adaptable in accordance with the principles of this invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram, partially in cross section showing a graft implanter of the type shown in FIG. 1 adapted for operation in accordance with the principles of this invention;
FIGS. 3-5 are schematic illustrations of the sequence of positions of the components of the implanter of FIG. 2 during operations; and
FIGS. 6-8 are schematic illustrations of the sequence of positions of components of an alternative embodiment in accordance with the principles of this invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THIS INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation, partially in cross section of apparatus 10 adaptable in accordance with the principles of this invention. The apparatus comprises an elongated rod 11 secured to the housing 12 in a fixed position during operation of the apparatus.
The apparatus also comprises a sheath 13 which is of reduced dimension to form a cutting edge such as a needle point (or a punch) at its distal end which is directed at a skin area indicated at 14. The sheath is hollow as is clear from the figure and forms a hollow needle which has an axis with which rod 11 is aligned. The axis of the needle and rod is indicated by dashed line 15
Operation of the apparatus is in response to vacuums applied in the alternative or in concert at opening 17 and 18 in housing 12. The vacuums move pistons 19 and 20 in a manner to move the hollow needle into a sequence of positions described in connection with FIGS. 3 through 6.
The operation of the apparatus in response to vacuum inputs is fully described in the above-noted patent application and lends itself to robotic operation under automated control. But the entire operation can be operated manually from an initial positioning of the apparatus as shown in FIG. 2. The operation depends on the movement of sheath 30, (and thus the hollow needle) from position aligned with the distal end 31 of rod 32. Manual operation is achieved by the movement downward, as view in FIG. 2, of piston 30 by a handle indicated at 33. The movement of the handle is along a slot (not shown) in housing 34. The sheath is returned to the position shown in FIG. 2 by springs 35.
FIG. 3 shows the position of the sheath (or hollow needle) partially inside an implant site 36 in skin 37, a position achieved by the lowering of sheath 30. FIG. 2 also shows a channel 39 in rod 32 for the delivery of adhesive to the area where a graft touches the skin surface at an implant site.
FIG. 4 shows the needle in a withdrawn position with the rod remaining in place closely abutting the implant site. The withdrawal of the needle is achieved illustratively by the release of handle 33 and the action of spring 35 of FIG. 2. An adhesive dot 40 is conveniently applied at this juncture in the operation as indicated in FIG. 5.
Channel 39 is coupled to an adhesive reservoir 42 via a pump 43 activated under the control of user-operated (or preprogrammed) controller 44 as shown in FIG. 2. The delivery of an adhesive dot may be timed to the insertion of the needle into an implant site or to the removal of the needle from the implant site. The timing is conveniently responsive to a signal from a sensor 47, shown in FIG. 2, indicating the position of the sheath (or hollow needle).
FIGS. 2-5 relate to apparatus which includes an adhesive channel within rod 32. FIGS. 6 through 9 relate to an embodiment of this invention where the adhesive delivery system has a conduit 50 external to the rod (32) and may even be external to the housing of the apparatus.
With specific reference to FIG. 6, the rod (32) and the needle (30) are in an initial position as also shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 also shows an adhesive conduit 50. FIG. 7 corresponds to FIG. 4 showing a hair graft 51 positioned within an implant site and FIG. 8 shows the needle withdrawn from the implant site with the rod and the adhesive conduit properly positioned to deliver an adhesive dot.
FIG. 8 shows adhesive dot 55 properly positioned as the rod is removed from a position abutting the skin.
A variety of adhesives lend themselves for use in accordance with the principles of this invention. Adhesives illustratively found useful include 2-Octyl Cyanoacrylate or topical thrombin or clotting factor or starch based adhesives.
The quantity of adhesive supplied in each instance as well as the time required for curing of the adhesive determines the window for the placement of another near-neighbor implant.
As is clear from the foregoing discussion, ultra violet hardening of UV responsive adhesive permits very fast hardening to be achieved. But other substances with adhesive like properties harden on contact and others air dry relatively quickly. Such is the case with Biological implantable adhesives which may be placed in the wound and activate upon contact with biological wounds. These adhesives have a different mechanism and timing for placement.
What has been described herein is merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and it is clearly within the purview of one skilled in the art to produce variations thereof within the spirit and scope of the invention as encompassed by the following claims. For example, vacuum and spring loaded activation have been described herein. But compressed air or electric solenoids may also be used. Also, implant site may be prepared prior to the insertion of a graft herein as well as being formed by the advancement of the needle as described herein, and the graft may even be inserted by tweezers.
Patent Application
20080051816
