Automated Delivery of Fluid

• US 20120184969A1
• Filed: 01/18/2011
• Published: 07/19/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 01/18/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Venus Concept, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Restoration Robotics, Inc. (Venus Concept, Inc.)
• Inventors: Oostman, Clifford A., Tippett, Brian E., Meléndez, Tomas
• Granted Patent: US 8,747,427 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 606/133
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3468 for implanting or removing devices, e.g. prostheses, implants, seeds, wires devices for implanting seeds A61M37/0069
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00752 Hair removal or transplantation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00476 Hair follicles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/30 Surgical robots
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/70 Cleaning devices specially adapted for surgical instruments

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.

Claims

1. An apparatus for dispensing fluid, the apparatus comprising:

an adapter configured to restrict a volume of fluid provided to a tool, the adapter including;

a first opening configured to receive a distal end of the tool,

a second opening configured to receive fluid from a fluid dispenser, and

a pathway disposed between the first opening and the second opening, the pathway configured to restrict a flow of fluid from the second opening to the first opening; and

an actuation mechanism configured to cause fluid delivery to the second opening of the adapter when the distal end of the tool is disposed within or at the first opening of the adapter.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fluid dispenser, the fluid dispenser including a syringe having a plunger, and wherein the actuation mechanism actuates the syringe plunger.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a sensor configured to indicate a location of the plunger, and/or if less than a predetermined amount of fluid is disposed within the syringe.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the actuation mechanism is actuated by a pressure differential to cause fluid flow.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a holder configured to accommodate fluid dispensers of various length and diameters.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the holder is a spring clip.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pathway comprises at least two axially off-set portions.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the pathway comprises a barrier configured to restrict a flow of fluid between the first opening and the second opening of the adapter.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the barrier comprises a perforated wall.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is operatively attached to a cart of a robotic system, the robotic system further comprising a robotic arm, a tool mounted on the robotic arm and a processor configured to position a distal end of the tool within or at the first opening of the adapter.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the robotic system is a hair transplantation system, and the tool is a hair harvesting or a hair implanting tool.

12. A method for automatically dispensing fluid, the method comprising:

positioning a distal end of a tool within or at a first opening of an adapter;

actuating an actuation mechanism to cause fluid to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser and into a second opening of the adapter; and

restricting the flow of fluid along a pathway from the second opening to the first opening of the adapter.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising creating a pressure differential within a lumen of the tool to assist movement of fluid in the lumen in a proximal direction.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the positioning of the distal end of the tool at the first opening actuates the actuation mechanism to dispense fluid.

15. The method of claim 12, further comprising acquiring an image to identify if the distal end of the tool is at the first opening of the adapter, and wherein identification of the distal end at a predetermined distance from the adapter actuates the actuation mechanism to dispense fluid.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising using a sensor to identify if the distal end of the tool is within or at the first opening of the adapter, and wherein the actuation mechanism is actuated based on results of sensing.

17. The method of claim 12, wherein positioning the distal end of a tool comprises an automated positioning with a robotic arm or positioning by a user holding the tool.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein restricting the flow of fluid comprises using a barrier to restrict fluid flow.

19. The method of claim 12, wherein restricting the flow of fluid comprises offsetting at least two portions of the pathway.

20. The method of claim 12, further comprising rotating the tool.