Apparatus and method for dispensing and aspirating high viscosity materials

An apparatus for dispensing and aspirating high viscosity materials, comprising:

• a pair of cartridges disposed in axial alignment with one another, each of said cartridges having an open proximal end and a nozzle formed in its distal end;
• each cartridge of said pair of cartridges containing a thixotropic material;
• said cartridges disposed with their respective open proximal ends in facing relation to one another and with their respective nozzles pointing away from one another;
• a pair of movably mounted plungers, each plunger of said pair of plungers being disposed in alignment with an associated cartridge of said pair of cartridges and being reciprocal therewithin;
• means for preventing radial expansion of each cartridge o f said pair of cartridges as said plunger drives high viscosity material through their respective nozzles;
• said means for preventing radial expansion including a nonexpandable metallic sleeve member that ensleeves each cartridge of said pair of cartridges in closely spaced relation thereto;
• a common plunger rod for interconnecting said plunger
• means for imparting a reciprocating linear motion to said plunger rod so that each plunger oscillates within its associated cartridge when said apparatus is operating;
• a drain bag for collecting aerosols of the type produced during a liposuction process;
• a vacuum canister for collecting fatty material of the type produced during a liposuction process;
• a fluid-carrying line means extending from a patient to said vacuum canister, from said vacuum canister to said apparatus, and from said apparatus to said drain bag so that liquid and gaseous fluid flows through said line means when said plungers are reciprocating within their associated cartridges;
• a plurality of one-way valves disposed at predetermined positions in said line means for allowing air flow through said line means in a first direction, said first direction being from said patient toward said vacuum canister and toward said drain bag, said plurality of one-way valves preventing flow of fatty deposits and aerosols into said cartridges, and for blocking air flow through said line in a second direction opposite to said first direction;
• and
• control means for controlling said apparatus;
• whereby a liposuction procedure is performed by said apparatus.