Follicular unit extraction device
US9095368B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 4, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2017/00752
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A follicular unit extraction device comprises a handpiece for holding a follicle punch at its distal end which extends from the handpiece and terminates distally in a cutting edge. The punch is releasably coupled to a motor-driven drive shaft within the handpiece for rotation therewith. A portion of the driveshaft is tubular, and houses a piston that can move towards and away from the punch. An ejector pin is also supported within the tubular portion of the driveshaft distally of the ejector piston and is positioned to move towards the cutting edge of the punch when pushed by the piston. The handpiece and driveshaft have respective fluid inlet ports. The clearance between the piston and driveshaft interior, and the clearance between the ejector pin and punch interior, define a fluid path for conducting fluid entering the handpiece and drive shaft via inlet ports so that the fluid exits the punch at its cutting edge. The clearances limit the quantity of fluid exiting the punch to the small amount needed to protect the follicle to be extracted. Means are provided for selectively increasing the flow rate of the fluid entering the handpiece beyond the limit imposed by said clearances t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.