Abstract: The present invention relates to a syringe (1) for use in spectroscopy to identify drugs within the syringe (8). The syringe comprises a optical window section (8) either integral with or attached to the syringe (1). The optical window section (8) has predetermined physical and optical properties that allows radiation to pass through in a known manner to facilitate spectroscopy.

Abstract: A system for treating a target tissue includes (a) an instrument head sized and shaped for insertion into a hollow organ of a living body, the instrument head including a working chamber movable between an open position in which the working chamber is exposed to an exterior of the head and a closed position in which the working chamber is substantially sealed with respect to an exterior of the instrument head, the instrument head including a first imaging device having a field of view extending distally of a distal end thereof and a second imaging device having a field of view within the working chamber; (b) a handle which, during use, remains outside the living body, the handle including an actuator; (c) a steering mechanism coupled to the actuator for steering the instrument head within the hollow organ based on actuation of the actuator; and (d) a controller coupled to the first and second imaging devices for processing the image data received from the first and second imaging devices and providing images

Abstract: A device and method for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, is provided. The tensioning device comprises at least one body surface grabber capable of engaging the body surface, and the tensioning device is configured to be able to create tension on a body or skin surface by simply displacing the tensioning device as a whole in one general direction. The tensioning device may be secured, for example, to a patient chair.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for hair removal surgery includes an extraction module, a visualization component and a bridging component. The extraction module includes independently controllable coring and clipping devices. The visualization component acts to align a target hair follicle with the extraction module. The extraction module also includes at least one independently controllable suction port. The instrument also includes a dissection module having a tissue separating device.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin are provided, for example, for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin. The devices and methods may incorporate suction, and/or barbs or microbarbs. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions or substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: An artificial hair transplantation method for implanting, directly or indirectly, artificial chemically synthesized filaments into the epidermal layer and the dermal layer of the human scalp features painless incisions and allows hair restoration to be attained in a short period of time, such as a few hours.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting follicular units (FUs) into a body surface while suppressing expulsion of previously-implanted FUs. The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are implanted in a body surface from an implant tool or needle that may be incorporated within an automated or robotic system, or may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. An anti-popping member prevents expulsion of the FUs adjacent to the location at which an FU is being implanted. The anti-popping member may be carried on the implant device, or may be a flexible membrane applied to the body surface. If on the device, the anti-popping member may be arranged near the distal tip thereof and may be shaped and mounted so as to conform to uneven body surfaces.

Abstract: An artificial hair transplantation method for implanting, directly or indirectly, artificial chemically synthesized filaments into the epidermal layer and the dermal layer of the human scalp features painless incisions and allows hair restoration to be attained in a short period of time, such as a few hours.

Abstract: A hair implant anchor usable with a hair implant anchor deployment device for inserting one or more hairs into a tissue portion is provided. The hair implant anchor includes a holder configured to grip one or more hairs and one or more selectably deployable leaves formed with the holder. When the anchor is in its first configuration prior to implantation of the hairs, the leaves are constrained by the deployment device in a position generally parallel to an insertion axis, and in a second configuration, subsequent to implantation of the hair, the leaves adopt a position extended away from the insertion axis, thereby securing the holder and hair gripped thereby within the tissue portion. The invention also provides a method for use of the anchor, a hair implantation system, a multi-hair implantation system and a hair implantation assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting follicular units (FUs) into a body surface while suppressing expulsion of previously-implanted FUs. The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are implanted in a body surface from an implant tool or needle that may be incorporated within an automated or robotic system, or may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. An anti-popping member prevents expulsion of the FUs adjacent to the location at which an FU is being implanted. The anti-popping member may be carried on the implant device, or may be a flexible membrane applied to the body surface. If on the device, the anti-popping member may be arranged near the distal tip thereof and may be shaped and mounted so as to conform to uneven body surfaces.

Abstract: The present application is directed to apparatus, systems and methods for automated delivery of fluids. According to one aspect, it is especially useful in providing a restricted flow of fluid to a tool, for example, a cannula or a needle used in hair transplantation. According to another aspect, the systems and methods provided herein enable the hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool to be cleaned, flushed or lubricated.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which enable quantitative information to be extracted regarding automated procedures, including those performed at a high speed that may require a user input, without having to interrupt the procedure. In addition, these systems and methods serve to provide information on one or more parameters of the automated procedure, whereby they may be modified, if required, to improve the automated procedure or the results from such a procedure. The systems and methods provided are especially useful in automated hair transplantation procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological units, in particular hair follicular units (FUs). The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are harvested from a body surface, either attached to a patient or in a strip of removed tissue, and shuttled into a cartridge having a plurality of receptacles. The receptacles are open in a distal direction toward a removal tool, but a cover over the proximal ends of the receptacles prevents the FUs from continuing out of the cartridge. The cover is made of a permissible medium, which may be fluid permeable and/or puncturable. One way to shuttle the FUs is to provide a pressure differential, such as by applying suction to the proximal end of a receptacle. The shuttle subsystem may be incorporated within an overall automated or robotic system, or the shuttle subsystem may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining the need to change and/or changing orientation of a tool relative to an object on a body in at least partially automated procedure. Also, systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre-determined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skin models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.

Abstract: A system and method for harvesting, storing, and implanting biological unit delivery tools, particularly useful to facilitate robotic hair transplant procedures. A storage device includes a lower module having a plurality of receptacles for containing delivery tools, for example small tubular follicular unit implant needles. The receptacles may contain liquid for maintaining hydration of the biological unit. The lower module may be manipulated by an automated system which includes a pick and placed collet that handles the delivery tools one at a time in an implant procedure. An upper module registers with the lower module and provides guide bores leading to the delivery tools in the receptacles. A biological unit removal tool, such as a follicular unit harvesting needle, can be carried by the collet and used to deposit biological units through the guide bores and into each delivery tool.

Abstract: A multi-part tool assembly for harvesting and implanting follicular units, comprising an outer cannula having an open, tissue-piercing distal end, and an inner cannula coaxially positioned in a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having an open, tissue-coring distal end sized to engage and retain single hair follicular units. An obturator may be positioned in the lumen of the second cannula, wherein at least one of the first cannula, second cannula, and obturator are movable relative to the other ones.

Abstract: A system for planning transplantation of follicular units in a body surface of a patient includes a user interface comprising a software-controlled processor, a monitor, and an input device, wherein the system is configured for acquiring images of the body surface, processing the images to produce a three-dimensional model of the body surface, displaying a graphic rendering of the body surface model on the monitor, and displaying on the body surface model a proposed recipient area for implanting follicular units based at least in part on an actual or desired physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: A direct hair transplanting device enabling sequential harvesting of single hair follicles from a donor region and implantation of the same at a recipient zone of the scalp comprising a tubular housing (30) with a forwardly projecting tubular needle (2) with an outermost end being formed with a conical obliquely cut knife edge cutting surface. A hair follicle is extracted through rotation of the cutting surface of the needle around a selected hair follicle at the target donor region of the scalp and implantation of the same at a selected recipient locus of the scalp being effected through initiating a forward stroke of a push rod (7) slidable within the interior of tubular needle (2) to implant the hair follicle into the scalp.

Abstract: A hair transplant apparatus and a method for placing hair grafts into pre-made wounds capture a hair graft into a hair graft chamber readily aligned for implantation into the human scalp. The hair graft can be placed into the hair graft chamber manually or mechanically (e.g., by vacuum). A hair transplant apparatus includes a housing and a sliding rod within the housing. When the sliding rod is away from an open distal end of the housing in a first position, a hair graft can be placed into the spacing between an end of the rod and the open distal end of the housing. In a second position, the rod is advanced so the end of the rod becomes substantially flush with the distal end of the housing, thereby pushing the hair graft out of the housing and into the pre-made wound. Advantageously, the housing is aligned with the direction of the pre-made wound allowing the hair graft to slide easily into the pre-made wound without damage.

Abstract: An automated system for harvesting or implanting follicular units, including a moveable arm; a harvesting and/or implantation tool mounted on the moveable arm; one or more cameras mounted on the moveable arm; a processor configured to receive and process images acquired by the one or more cameras; and a controller operatively associated with the processor and configured to position the moveable arm based, at least in part, on processed images acquired by the one or more cameras, wherein the moveable arm is positionable such that the tool may be positioned at a desired orientation relative to an adjacent body surface.

Abstract: A device and method for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and/or implantation in a hair transplantation procedure, is provided. The tensioning device comprises at least one body surface grabber capable of engaging the body surface, and the tensioning device is configured to be able to create tension on a body or skin surface by simply displacing the tensioning device as a whole in one general direction. The tensioning device may be secured, for example, to a patient chair.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.

Abstract: Method and devices for the prevention or treatment of hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness (MPB), are provided. The pressure on the hair follicles is reduced.

Abstract: Method of direct hair implantation consisting in sequentially harvesting single hair follicles from a donor region and directly implanting the same at a recipient region of the scalp, wherein the method employs a hair harvesting instrument with a sterile disposable punch of appropriately small diameter adapted to successively perform cutting of a single hair follicle when it is brought in contact with the root of the hair follicle and is manually rotated around the perimeter of the same. A micro gripper means is thereafter used for the extraction of the cut hair follicle and for loading a forwardly projecting tubular needle of a hair implanting instrument with the extracted hair follicle. A hair implanting instrument is then employed for a selective placement of said hair follicle in the appropriate direction and at an appropriate position on a demarcated recipient region of the scalp.

Abstract: A system for planning transplantation of follicular units in a body surface of a patient includes a user interface comprising a software-controlled processor, a monitor, and an input device, wherein the system is configured for acquiring images of the body surface, processing the images to produce a three-dimensional model of the body surface, displaying a graphic rendering of the body surface model on the monitor, and displaying on the body surface model a proposed recipient area for implanting follicular units based at least in part on an actual or desired physical characteristic of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for orienting a hair harvesting tool relative to a follicular unit to be harvested. Further, systems and methods of implanting follicular units are provided, which are based on the orientation of the existing follicular units or based on pre-determined insertion angle. The provided systems and methods use image processing and image-generated topological skill models. In some embodiments surface fit is performed using, for example, a planar fit, quadric fit, cubic fit, mesh fit and parametric fit.

Abstract: An improved tool for coring a portion of one or more hair follicles incorporates a mechanism that translates distal pushing forces that are applied to its handle to concomitant rotational movement of a hollow coring needle. Preferably, the force translation mechanism is realized by a helical threaded interface or a helical square rod interface between a handle and a rotating member that supports the needle. In another aspect, the tool includes a member that supports the hollow coring needle, the member having a cut-out that provides user access to the open proximal end of the needle. The tool can be made disposable by the use of injection molded plastic materials. The hollow coring needle is preferably realized from stainless steel and an anti-wear coating (such as a titanium nitride coating, a zirconium coating, or a diamond coating). In disposable applications, the tool is packaged in a sterilized manner, which avoids the need for the practitioner to sterilize the tool before use.

Abstract: Devices and methods for applying tension to an area of skin, in particular for follicular unit removal and implant in a hair transplantation procedure are provided. The devices may include a frame with at least two skin contact members that hold to the skin. Also disclosed are various ways to apply a force displacing the skin contact members apart, thus creating tension in the skin therebetween. The devices and methods may incorporate suction that helps the skin contact members securely hold to the skin. Barbs or microbarbs also may be used to help secure the skin contact members to the skin. The frame may surround the skin area with tensile forces applied outward in multiple directions, or the frame may be a bifurcated pair of fingers that applies tension substantially uni-directionally. Adjusting members and indicators may be provided to control and display the magnitude of tensile force applied to skin. The tensioning devices and methods may be incorporated into a robotic hair transplantation system.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a cannulated needle, a first knotting element portion releaseably engaged with the needle, a second knotting element portion also releaseably engaged with the needle, a knotting element deployment actuator that abuts the second knotting element portion, and an anchor deployment actuator in communication with the interior of the needle, wherein the knotting element deployment actuator and anchor actuator are slidably manipulable from a proximal handle of the device, and held in a coaxial relationship with each other. The first knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including shearing posts and adhesives, and the second knotting element portion may be releaseably engaged by means including detents and adhesives.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting follicular units (FUs) into a body surface while suppressing expulsion of previously-implanted FUs. The system is particularly useful to facilitate hair transplant procedures. FUs are implanted in a body surface from an implant tool or needle that may be incorporated within an automated or robotic system, or may form part of a semi-automated or even manual apparatus. An anti-popping member prevents expulsion of the FUs adjacent to the location at which an FU is being implanted. The anti-popping member may be carried on the implant device, or may be a flexible membrane applied to the body surface. If on the device, the anti-popping member may be arranged near the distal tip thereof and may be shaped and mounted so as to conform to uneven body surfaces.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy device is provided which allows for the recovery of a biopsy of tissue flat in shape, particularly suitable for lymph node biopsy. The device includes twin opposing primary blades preferably aligned in parallel planes, to cut the upper and lower surfaces of the biopsy. A detachment blade is provided to cut the side walls and distal ends of the biopsy. In a preferred embodiment, each primary blade has a sharpened tip set at an angle with a sharpened point to assist tissue penetration. The detachment blade, preferably has inwardly curving flexible sharpened tips at its distal end, and is attached to the handle at its proximal end by a slider such that when in a retracted position, the detachment blade is retracted from the tip of the twixt blades; and when in an advanced position, the tip of the detachment blade abuts the tip of the twin blades.

Abstract: A multi-part tool assembly for harvesting and implanting follicular units, comprising an outer cannula having an open, tissue-piercing distal end, and an inner cannula coaxially positioned in a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having an open, tissue-coring distal end sized to engage and retain single hair follicular units. An obturator may be positioned in the lumen of the second cannula, wherein at least one of the first cannula, second cannula, and obturator are movable relative to the other ones.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying follicular units based on the number of hairs in a follicular unit of interest comprises acquiring an image of a body surface having a follicular unit of interest, processing the image to calculate a contour of the follicular unit and an outline profile which disregards concavities in the contour, and determining the number of defects in the outline profile to determine the number of hairs in the follicular unit. The system and method may also adjust for hairs which converge beneath the skin and for images which appear as a single wide hair but which are actually multiple hairs. In another aspect, a system and method for determining the end points of a follicular unit comprises generating a skeleton of a segmented image and identifying the end points from the skeletonized image.

Abstract: A multi-part tool assembly for harvesting and implanting follicular units, comprising an outer cannula having an open, tissue-piercing distal end, and an inner cannula coaxially positioned in a lumen of the first cannula, the second cannula having an open, tissue-coring distal end sized to engage and retain single hair follicular units. An obturator may be positioned in the lumen of the second cannula, wherein at least one of the first cannula, second cannula, and obturator are movable relative to the other ones.

Abstract: A method of transplanting a hair follicular units includes aligning a longitudinal axis of a harvesting cannula of a tool assembly with a longitudinal axis of a selected follicular unit, advancing the harvesting cannula relative to the body surface so that a tissue coring distal end of the harvesting cannula penetrates the body surface surrounding the selected follicular unit to a depth sufficient to substantially encapsulate the follicular unit, withdrawing the harvesting cannula distal end from the body surface with the follicular unit retained in an interior lumen of the harvesting cannula, advancing an implanting cannula of the tool assembly over the harvesting cannula relative to the body surface so that a tissue piercing distal end of the implanting cannula punctures the body surface and forms an implantation cavity therein, and displacing the follicular unit from the harvesting cannula lumen into the implantation cavity.

Abstract: A tissue graft holder comprising a tray having a plurality of compartments for supporting tissue grafts and a hydrating solution, a channel connecting each compartment to an edge of the tray. The tray is rotatably mounted to a support which in turn is adapted for attachment to an appendage of a user. A dissecting cutting board to accommodate the graft trays and maintain tissue hydration during graft dissection.

Abstract: A system and method for classifying follicular units based on the number of hairs in a follicular unit of interest comprises (i) acquiring a digital image of a body surface having a follicular unit of interest; (ii) selecting a region of interest with the digital image which contains the follicular unit; (iii) segmenting the selected image to produce a binary image wherein the binary image defines a contour of the follicular unit; (iv) calculating an outline profile of the binary image which disregards concavities in the contour; and (v) determining the number of defects in the outline profile to determine the number of hairs in the follicular unit. The system and method may also adjust for hairs which converge beneath the skin and for images which appear as a single wide hair but which are actually multiple hairs.

Abstract: The stabilization of the dermal area around a follicular unit of hair for harvesting comprises the introduction of a small volume of fluid into the dermal area around a target follicular unit in order to stabilize the dermal area and initiate a limited time period during which the harvesting of the target follicular unit can occur.

Abstract: A hair transplant apparatus and method capture a hair graft into a hair graft chamber readily aligned for implantation into the human scalp. The hair graft can be placed into the hair graft chamber manually or mechanically (e.g., by vacuum). A hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable stopper for utilizing gas flow to load and/or implant a hair graft. Another hair transplant apparatus includes a gas-permeable rod inside a housing. Vacuum may be utilized to load a hair graft into the hair graft chamber. The rod may be advanced toward an open distal end of the chamber so the end of the rod becomes substantially flush with the distal end, thereby pushing the hair graft out of the chamber and into the pre-made wound. Advantageously, the chamber is aligned with the direction of the pre-made wound allowing the hair graft to slide easily into the pre-made wound without damage.

Abstract: Device and method for harvesting and implanting hair follicular units is provided. A combined harvesting and implanting tool or tool assembly provides a harvesting cannula portion detachably coupled to an implanting cannula portion. The harvesting and implanting cannula portions may be coupled by a connector that could be designed to allow for multiple uses of the tool assembly, or alternatively may be designed for single use and rendered non-functional when the implanting cannula portion of the tool is separated from the harvesting cannula portion of the tool.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for delivery of a therapeutic or cosmetic substance into cutaneous, subcutaneous or intramuscular tissue, wherein an automated (e.g., robotic) arm is maneuvered to position a delivery device proximate a targeted location (e.g., an existing hair follicle, a location for implanting a skin filler, or a location for intradermal tattoo ink injection) on a patient's skin surface; and a substantially automated process is used to cause the delivery device to puncture the skin surface and penetrate to a desired depth into the tissue at the targeted location, and deliver the substance therein.

Abstract: Apparatus for implanting single hair grafts in implant sites in a skin is adapted to apply a tiny adhesive dot in a manner to secure the implanted graft to the skin surface. The quick hardening of the adhesive allows the placement of implants in closely spaced, neighboring sites without causing dislodgment of previously implanted grafts. Illustrative apparatus for providing such implants comprises a hollow needle with a coaxial solid rod in a fixed position. The needle is moved along its axis for implanting a graft and a channel in the rod is positioned to deliver the adhesive dot.

Abstract: A micro-implanter for hair follicle includes a plunger and a hair follicle holding tube coaxially fitted around the plunger. A hair follicle may be positioned in the hair follicle holding tube below the plunger. The plunger is provided at a lower end with a stopper for limiting a depth by which the hair follicle is implanted into a mini implanting slit cut on a bald scalp. The hair follicle holding tube has a lower end formed into a tapered and narrowed section to facilitate easy insertion of the hair follicle holding tube into the mini implanting slit. When the hair follicle holding tube has been inserted into the mini implanting slit on the scalp, the plunger may be pushed forward to implant the hair follicle into the mini implanting slit.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus and method useful for surgical removal of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus and method useful for surgical removal of mammalian tissue.

Abstract: A hair implantation instrument herein employs a simple means for capturing a hair graft in a needle in a position for implantation into a scalp and an escapement mechanism for withdrawing the needle in a manner to leave the graft in the scalp. The needle is moved with respect to a rod which positions an implanted graft properly when the needle is withdrawn. The apparatus also defines a sheath over the needle for properly positioning a graft during a graft capture operation. The escapement mechanism is vacuum controlled in one embodiment and spring controlled in a second embodiment.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.

Abstract: A hair transplantation method and apparatus utilizes a robot, which includes a robotic arm, having a hair follicle effector associated with the robotic arm.