Abstract: One or more systems for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a base unit, a cartridge assembly containing a cup, and a tissue disaggregator. The system may also include related tools. The system executes one or more sequences wherein a first motor actuates the pestle against a tissue sample that is disposed along a screen within the cup while the tissue sample is in contact with, in sequence, an enzyme solution, a first buffer solution, and then a second buffer solution. To transition between fluidic contact stages or steps, the tissue disaggregator engages with and lifts the cup into a raised position within a processing area of the cartridge while a base plate motor rotates the appropriate well into alignment under the cup for each processing step. Once the sequence is complete, a user may draw up a regenerative epidermal suspension through an opening in the cartridge top cover.

Abstract: One or more methods for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a processor receiving an initiation signal that indicates that a cartridge that has a cover, a cup containing a tissue sample, and a well plate situated beneath the cover that has a first well containing an enzyme solution and a second well containing a buffer solution, has been placed on a sensor, executing a sequence that actuates a tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the cup positioned in the first well, raises the cup to an upper position, rotates the well plate to position the second well beneath the cup, lowers the cup to a position within the second well, and actuates the tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the second well.

Abstract: One or more methods for treating a tissue site comprises collecting a tissue sample that has keratinoytes and placing the tissue sample in a cartridge that has a well plate, positioning the cartridge within a base unit that has a tissue disaggregator, activating the base unit to rotate the well plate to align wells in the well plate with the tissue sample and the tissue disaggregator, operate the tissue disaggregator to separate the tissue sample to form a regenerative epidermal suspension, and provide the regenerative epidermal suspension to a tissue site to enhance healing of the tissue site.

Abstract: One or more systems for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a base unit, a cartridge assembly containing a cup, and a tissue disaggregator. The system may also include related tools. The system executes one or more sequences wherein a first motor actuates the pestle against a tissue sample that is disposed along a screen within the cup while the tissue sample is in contact with, in sequence, an enzyme solution, a first buffer solution, and then a second buffer solution. To transition between fluidic contact stages or steps, the tissue disaggregator engages with and lifts the cup into a raised position within a processing area of the cartridge while a base plate motor rotates the appropriate well into alignment under the cup for each processing step. Once the sequence is complete, a user may draw up a regenerative epidermal suspension through an opening in the cartridge top cover.

Abstract: One or more methods for treating a tissue site comprises collecting a tissue sample that has keratinoytes and placing the tissue sample in a cartridge that has a well plate, positioning the cartridge within a base unit that has a tissue disaggregator, activating the base unit to rotate the well plate to align wells in the well plate with the tissue sample and the tissue disaggregator, operate the tissue disaggregator to separate the tissue sample to form a regenerative epidermal suspension, and provide the regenerative epidermal suspension to a tissue site to enhance healing of the tissue site.

Abstract: One or more cartridges for preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a cover with a raised processing opening, a cup that can be received within the raised processing opening and has a screen, and a well plate that is positioned under the cover, has a well, and rotates relative to the cover such that the well aligns with the raised processing opening. One or more cartridges for preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a cover with an opening that can receive a tissue sample.

Abstract: One or more methods for automated preparation of a regenerative epidermal suspension comprises a processor receiving an initiation signal that indicates that a cartridge that has a cover, a cup containing a tissue sample, and a well plate situated beneath the cover that has a first well containing an enzyme solution and a second well containing a buffer solution, has been placed on a sensor, executing a sequence that actuates a tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the cup positioned in the first well, raises the cup to an upper position, rotates the well plate to position the second well beneath the cup, lowers the cup to a position within the second well, and actuates the tissue disaggregator against the tissue sample in the second well.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, methods, systems and kits adapted for vitrification and/or reanimation of oocytes, embryos or blastocysts. The device includes a straw and a filter, wherein the straw comprises a lumen traversing through the straw and has a proximal section, a middle section and a distal section and wherein the filter is affixed in the straw and comprises a plurality of pores having a diameter smaller than the diameter of said oocytes, embryos or blastocysts but large enough to allow the passage of a fluid composition therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing mitral valve chordal repair on a patient include attaching at least one filament to a mitral valve leaflet and to a papillary muscle. A first end of a filament can be attached to the mitral valve leaflet and the length of the filament can be adjusted by adjusting the tension of the filament in a catheter. The second end of the filament can be attached to an attachment site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing mitral valve chordal repair on a patient include attaching at least one filament to a mitral valve leaflet and to a papillary muscle. A first end of a filament can be attached to the mitral valve leaflet and the length of the filament can be adjusted by adjusting the tension of the filament in a catheter. The second end of the filament can be attached to an attachment site.

Abstract: A method of surgery including bending a multi-purpose surgical implement handle that has proximal and distal ends. A gripping section is located toward the proximal end, and an attachment section is located toward the distal end. An adjusting section is interposed between the gripping section and the attachment section. The adjusting section may be bent by a human user at virtually any discrete location along the section. The adjusting section may include an increased-adjustability portion which is easier to bend than other portions of the adjusting section. The method includes attaching a surgical implement to the attaching section of the handle, and bending the adjusting section at least once prior to inserting the implement through a surgical opening to a surgical field. The method further may include bending the adjusting section more than once to form multiple bends therein.

Abstract: A multi-purpose surgical implement handle has proximal and distal ends. A gripping section is located toward the proximal end, and an attachment section is located toward the distal end. An adjusting section is interposed between the gripping section and the attachment section. The adjusting section may be bent by a human user at virtually any discrete location along the section. The adjusting section may include an increased-adjustability portion which is easier to bend than other portions of the adjusting section.