Back to results
US 8,298,246 B2Granted
Follicular unit removal tool with pivoting retention member
AssigneeRestoration Robotics, Inc.
InventorClifford A. Oostman, Jr.
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Tools and methods are provided for removing follicular units from a body surface while improving retention of the follicular units in the removal tool. The removal tool is configured to accommodate a retention member. The retention member may comprise pivotally movable elements which retain the follicular unit in the removal tool. The described tools and methods are especially useful for harvesting follicular units from a body surface in a hair transplantation process.
Claims28
A follicular unit removal tool, comprising:
- an elongated body having a lumen and distal end with a tip configured to penetrate a body surface, the lumen of the elongated body being configured and having a capacity to receive one or more follicular units;
- a retention member positioned proximal to the tip of the elongated body and configured to be accommodated by the elongated body and to be pivotally movable relative to the elongated body from a retracted position to a retention position about a depression in the elongated body which provides a pivotal axis for the retention member, wherein in the retention position at least a portion of the retention member projects into the lumen of the elongated body;
- and
- an actuator configured to cause the retention member to pivot from the retracted to the retention position and/or from the retention to the retracted position;
- wherein, when the retention member is in the retracted position, a size of an outer and an inner cross-sectional profile of a portion of the removal tool comprising the retention member is substantially the same as if the retention member was not present.
2 more elements
A follicular unit removal tool, comprising:
- an elongated body having a lumen and distal end with a tip configured to penetrate a body surface, the lumen of the elongated body being configured and having a capacity to receive one or more follicular units;
- a retention member comprising a distal end and a proximal end, the retention member accommodated by the elongated body and pivotally movable relative to the elongated body between a retracted position and a retention position;
- wherein, as the distal end of the retention member is urged inward in a radial direction into the retention position to project into the lumen of the elongated body, the proximal end of the retention member is urged radially outward in an opposite direction;
- and
- wherein in the retracted position the retention member is configured without substantially increasing a cross-section of a portion of the follicular unit removal tool that enters the body surface when the tool is in use, and without compromising the capacity of the lumen available to receive the one or more follicular units.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.