Sensor systems for skin graft harvesting
First Claim
1. A device for obtaining a skin graft, the device comprising:
- a body configured for placement on a patient'"'"'s skin;
a head configured for coupling to the body, the head comprising a sealing surface configured to engage with a mating surface on the body such that when the head is engaged with the body on the patient'"'"'s skin, a sealed chamber is formed over a target region of the patient'"'"'s skin between the head and the body;
a negative pressure conduit connected to the sealed chamber, the negative pressure conduit being configured to apply a negative pressure within the sealed chamber to raise at least one skin blister within the chamber;
a sensor configured to monitor formation of the at least one skin blister;
a controller configured to receive information regarding the formation of the at least one skin blister from the sensor; and
a cutter mechanism within the body, the cutter mechanism being configured for cleaving the at least one skin blister after formation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Skin graft harvesting systems and methods are disclosed that utilize sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The invention is particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.
137 Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for obtaining a skin graft, the device comprising:
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a body configured for placement on a patient'"'"'s skin; a head configured for coupling to the body, the head comprising a sealing surface configured to engage with a mating surface on the body such that when the head is engaged with the body on the patient'"'"'s skin, a sealed chamber is formed over a target region of the patient'"'"'s skin between the head and the body; a negative pressure conduit connected to the sealed chamber, the negative pressure conduit being configured to apply a negative pressure within the sealed chamber to raise at least one skin blister within the chamber; a sensor configured to monitor formation of the at least one skin blister; a controller configured to receive information regarding the formation of the at least one skin blister from the sensor; and a cutter mechanism within the body, the cutter mechanism being configured for cleaving the at least one skin blister after formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification