Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for harvesting small portions of tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts can be provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, where a distal end of the hollow tube can have two or more points or extensions to facilitate separation of the micrografts from the surrounding tissue. The exemplary apparatus can be provided that includes a plurality of such tubes for simultaneous harvesting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, or less than about 0.3 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue. The micrografts can be approximately cylindrical or strip-shaped, and can be placed in a biocompatible matrix to form a graft or directly into tissue at the recipient site. Such exemplary micrografts can be obtained from skin or other types of tissue, e.g., various internal organs.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A method for treating vascular diseases is provided. The method includes fabricating a sterile ice slurry including water and ice particles, cooling the sterile ice slurry to a predetermined temperature, and injecting the sterile ice slurry into a desired tissue region. The desired tissue region includes perivascular adipose tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., microparticles comprising a core, a metal shell, and a metal/dielectric interface) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., nanoparticles comprising a silica core and a gold shell) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application. This delivery is facilitated by application of mechanical agitation (e.g. massage), acoustic vibration in the range of 10 Hz-20 kHz, ultrasound, alternating suction and pressure, and microjets.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a hair transplant using a hair transplant device. The hair transplant device comprises an extraction unit including a coring needle configured to extract at least one hair follicle from a donor site, an implanting unit removably coupled to the extraction unit, the implanting unit including a splitting needle configured to create an opening in a recipient site, a housing coupled to the extraction unit, and a user interface extending from the housing and moveable relative to the housing. The user interface includes a pin movable within the coring needle relative to the housing.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide method and apparatus for facilitating stretching of a biological tissue by forming a plurality of micro-slits in the tissue. Each micro-slit can be less than about 2 mm or less than about 1.5 mm long, or even less than about 1 mm, such that small gaps that can heal quickly can be formed when the tissue is stretched. The micro-slits can be formed using a plurality of cutting arrangements or an ablative laser. The micro-slits can be formed in various patterns, including staggered rows, circular or spiral patterns, or random patterns.

Abstract: A method for treating vascular diseases is provided. The method includes fabricating a sterile ice slurry including water and ice particles, cooling the sterile ice slurry to a predetermined temperature, and injecting the sterile ice slurry into a desired tissue region. The desired tissue region includes perivascular adipose tissue.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising, and methods for using, biocompatible cold slurries and methods of administering the same to provide reversible inhibition of peripheral nerves in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a slurry comprising: a plurality of sterile ice particles having a largest cross-sectional dimension less than about 1.5 mm; and a biocompatible surfactant. Another aspect of the invention provides a slurry including: a plurality of sterile ice particles having a largest cross-sectional dimension less than about 1.5 mm; a biocompatible surfactant; and a foam comprising a plurality of gas bubbles. Another aspect of the invention provides a slurry including: a plurality of sterile ice particles having a largest cross-sectional dimension less than about 1.5 mm; and a biocompatible excipient. Another aspect of the invention provides a slurry including: a plurality of sterile ice particles having a largest cross-sectional dimension less than about 1.5 mm; and a lipolytic agent.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improving the infection-healing behavior of a biological wound are disclosed. The device can comprise: a matrix; a light-emitting layer comprising a plurality of light sources; a controller in electrical communication with the light sources, the controller being configured to execute a program stored in the controller to activate the light sources to irradiate the wound or a region adjacent the wound with light for a period of time when the device is placed over the wound; and an antimicrobial adjuvant present as part of the device in an amount effective to synergistically potentiate antimicrobial activity of the light with respect to microbes on or adjacent the wound. The wound may include microbes in a biofilm. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial adjuvant comprises a substituted naphthalene, such as menadione. In one embodiment, the antimicrobial adjuvant comprises near infrared radiation.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a hair transplant using a hair transplant device. The hair transplant device includes a coring needle, a housing, and a user interface. The coring needle forms a coring lumen configured to extract a hair follicle from a donor site of a donor. The coring needle has a distal cutting end configured to move between an opened position and a closed position based on a heat memory of a material of the distal cutting end. The housing at least partially surrounds the coring needle, and the user interface extends from the housing and is movable relative to the coring needle to push the hair follicle from the coring lumen into a recipient site of a subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods that allow for treating sleep apnea by removing adipose tissue and increasing collagen production in a patient's upper airways by injecting ice slurry comprising ingredients such as sterile water, a biocompatible surfactant such as glycerol, and saline into the target area.

Abstract: A method for treating vascular diseases is provided. The method includes fabricating a sterile ice slurry including water and ice particles, cooling the sterile ice slurry to a predetermined temperature, and injecting the sterile ice slurry into a desired tissue region. The desired tissue region includes perivascular adipose tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for performing a hair transplant using a hair transplant device. The hair transplant device comprises a coring needle, a splitting needle, a housing, and a user interface. The coring needle forms a coring lumen configured to extract a hair follicle from a donor site. The splitting needle is configured to create an opening in a recipient site. The housing at least partially surrounds one of the coring needle and the splitting needle. The user interface extends from the housing and is movable relative to the coring needle to push the hair follicle from the coring lumen into the opening in the recipient site formed by the splitting needle.