Device for collecting a biological sample and for preparing an extract, method for implementing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a collection device intended for collecting a biological sample (20) by suction and for preparing an extract, the device comprising a closed vessel (3) comprising: rigid walls (13, 14, 2) defining an internal volume, upstream (10) and downstream (11) holes provided in at least one of the walls so as to open into the internal volume, which holes can be connected to upstream (18) and downstream (19) pipes, the upstream (10) and downstream (11) holes being arranged in a top part of the vessel (3). The vessel (3) further comprises an extract outlet (17) arranged in the bottom part of the vessel (3) and equipped with a valve (9) that can be actuated between an open position and a closed position, and one of the walls, referred to as the movable wall (2), is movable relative to the other walls (13, 14) under the effect of an operating member, in order to vary the internal volume of the vessel (3).

Description

[0001] TITLE: Device for collecting biological samples and preparing an extract, implementation method

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of medical equipment for collecting biological material, particularly tissue, and more specifically to a closed device for collecting a biological sample by aspiration and preparing an extract of said sample. A method for implementing the present invention completes the invention. It may find applications in the fields of human or veterinary surgery, particularly cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.

[0005] Technological background

[0006] In the field of medical equipment intended for performing biological tissue and / or fluid sampling by aspiration, we know of jars intended to be inserted into an aspiration circuit and to collect within them, for collection, the tissues and / or fluids from a subject.

[0007] These jars can be used in particular in "lipofilling" operations where they may be known as "collection jar", "grease trap", "collection pot" or "recovery jar".

[0008] These tissues and / or fluids can then be analyzed or reinjected into the same person (i.e., autologous reinjection) or into a third person (i.e., heterologous reinjection). They are therefore used, for example, in the case of a lipofilling procedure.

[0009] These reinjections generally require the preparation of an extract from the collected tissues and / or fluids, and jars have been proposed in which this preparation can be carried out. In the case of tissues, this preparation may consist of centrifugation, allowing the collected sample to be separated into different phases and the useful cells of the tissue to be concentrated to obtain the extract to be reinjected, which is then collected in the jar.

[0010] Because of the reuse of tissues and / or fluids, aseptic conditions must be respected and these jars must be airtight and their implementation is therefore complex, particularly when preparing an extract and retrieving it from the jar.

[0011] Indeed, in standard jars with a constant volume, at least the removal of the prepared extract requires subtracting some of the jar's contents, while the jar must be airtight. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures to manage the pressure between the inside of the jar and the external environment. Furthermore, in constant-volume jars, it is necessary to insert a cannula-type device into the jar, and this must be done repeatedly if there are multiple washing steps. These repeated insertions of the cannula into the container present a significant risk, as they can introduce germs into the preparation.

[0012] In this field we know the following documents: US 8172832 B1, WO 2017194386 A1, US 8366694 B1 and CN 117100921 A.

[0013] Description of the invention

[0014] The invention proposes a biological sample collection jar that is simpler to use than known collection jars. It eliminates the need for pressure equalization between the inside and outside of the jar and the insertion of a cannula-type element. The proposed jar has a variable internal volume, and the contents can be recovered by adjusting the internal volume, thus maintaining a relatively stable pressure balance between the inside and outside. The same principle applies to the introduction of any product into the jar during the preparation of a sample extract.

[0015] A device for collecting a biological sample by aspiration and preparing an extract of said biological sample is therefore specifically proposed, comprising a closed jar containing:

[0016] - rigid walls delimiting an internal volume for receiving the sample,

[0017] - an upstream opening made in one of the walls to open into the internal volume and adapted to be connected to an upstream tube through which the sample arrives,

[0018] - a downstream opening provided in one of the walls to open into the internal volume and adapted to be connected to a downstream tube connected to an air suction pump, and in which the upstream opening and the downstream opening are arranged in an upper part of the jar so that the biological sample entering the internal volume of the jar falls by gravity into a lower part of said jar.

[0019] According to the invention, the jar further comprises an extract outlet arranged in the lower part of the jar and equipped with a valve that can be operated between an open position allowing the flow of the sample (or the extract once the latter has been prepared, or more generally of a content of the jar) outside the jar and a closed position retaining the sample (or the extract, or more generally of a content of the jar) inside the jar, and in that one of the walls, called the movable wall, is movable relative to the other walls under the effect of an operating member, so as to vary the internal volume of the jar.

[0020] Other advantageous features of the device according to the invention, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations, are as follows:

[0021] - the closed jar is airtight,

[0022] - the internal volume of the closed jar is variable by moving one of the jar's walls, called the movable wall, the other walls being fixed; the movable wall moves while remaining in contact by its periphery against one or more of the fixed walls of the jar.

[0023] - the jar is configured so that the movable wall moves by tilting,

[0024] - the jar, configured so that the movable wall moves by tilting, is of the bellows type.

[0025] - the jar is configured so that the movable wall moves by sliding,

[0026] - the jar, configured so that the movable wall moves by sliding, is of the piston type.

[0027] - the jar is configured so that the movement of the movable wall is a sliding motion, and the jar is in the shape of a straight circular cylinder or respectively ovoid and comprises a cylindrical wall of circular tubular shape or respectively ovoid with two opposite ends, an upper end and a lower end, a circular or respectively ovoid wall in the upper part of the jar constituting a lid closing the jar from the top, a circular or respectively ovoid wall in the lower part of the jar constituting a base closing the jar from the bottom, and in which the movable wall is either the lid or the base, said movable wall being able to slide along the cylindrical wall in the manner of a piston, - the internal volume is delimited by a cylindrical wall which, in operation, has a substantially vertical axis and which is closed, in the upper part, by an upper wall forming a lid and, in the lower part, by a lower wall forming a base,and in which the movable wall is constituted by the lid or by the bottom, said movable wall being able to slide within the cylindrical wall along its axis in the manner of a piston,

[0028] - the jar is in the shape of a straight circular cylinder and has a cylindrical wall of circular tubular shape, a circular wall at the top of the jar forming a lid closing the jar from the top and a circular wall at the bottom of the jar forming a base closing the jar from the bottom,

[0029] - the cylindrical wall is fixed,

[0030] - the cylindrical wall has a lower part and the extract outlet is lateral and arranged in a lower part of the cylindrical wall,

[0031] - the extract outlet is located in the bottom,

[0032] - the extract outlet is vertical and located in the bottom,

[0033] - the extract outlet is provided in the bottom, through said bottom,

[0034] - the lid is almost flat,

[0035] - The upstream and downstream ports have keying devices designed to prevent the upstream and downstream tubing from being reversed.

[0036] - the base is configured in the shape of a cone of revolution with the point facing downwards,

[0037] - in the base, which is configured in the shape of a cone of revolution with the point facing downwards, the extract outlet is arranged at the tip of the cone,

[0038] - the movable wall consists of the base and includes the extract outlet, the lid being fixed,

[0039] - the movable wall is formed by the lid, the base being fixed.

[0040] - the movable wall includes at least one locking sub-assembly for said movable wall to at least one of the fixed walls with which the movable wall remains in contact during its movements, said at least one locking sub-assembly being configurable between a locked state and an unlocked state and allowing, in the locked state, said movable wall to be locked in a fixed position in which the internal volume of the jar is maximized,

[0041] - in the case where the movable wall is the lid, the device includes at least one sub-assembly for locking the lid to the cylindrical wall, actuable between a locked state in which sliding of the lid in the cylindrical wall is prohibited, the lid being held in a raised position defining a maximum internal volume, and an unlocked state in which the lid can slide in the cylindrical wall,

[0042] - in the case where the movable wall is the bottom, the bottom includes at least one sub-assembly for locking said bottom to the cylindrical wall, actuable between a locked state in which sliding of the bottom in the cylindrical wall is prohibited, the bottom being held in a lower position defining a maximum internal volume, and an unlocked state in which the bottom can slide in the cylindrical wall,

[0043] - the movable wall has an external surface on the outside of the jar,

[0044] - the locking sub-assembly comprises a bolt including, on the one hand, a sliding tongue forming a bolt mounted externally on the movable wall and, on the other hand, a notch forming a strike plate formed in one of the fixed walls with which the movable wall remains in contact during its movements, one end of the sliding tongue engaging in the notch in the locked state, - the lid has an external surface on the outside of the jar,

[0045] - in the case where the movable wall is the lid, the locking sub-assembly comprises a bolt including, on the one hand, a sliding tongue forming a bolt mounted externally on the lid and, on the other hand, a notch forming a strike plate in the cylindrical wall, one end of the sliding tongue engaging, in the locked state, in the locked state,

[0046] - in the case where the movable wall is the bottom, the locking sub-assembly comprises a bolt including, on the one hand, a sliding tongue forming a bolt mounted externally under the bottom and, on the other hand, a notch forming a strike plate made in the cylindrical wall, one end of the sliding tongue coming, in the locked state, into contact with the notch,

[0047] - the notch cut into the cylindrical wall does not go all the way through the cylindrical wall,

[0048] - the sliding tab includes a sliding locking mechanism allowing the tab to be locked in the locked position,

[0049] - The means for locking the sliding tab is removable to allow the tab to pass through in the unlocked state.

[0050] - the jar has at least two latches,

[0051] - the jar has two latches,

[0052] - in the case where the movable wall can slide along the cylindrical wall like a piston, the two latches are arranged at two opposite points on the edge of said movable wall,

[0053] - in the case where the movable wall is the cover, the cover locking sub-assembly comprises at least two latches, each comprising, on the one hand, a sliding tab forming a bolt mounted externally on the cover and, on the other hand, a notch forming a strike plate formed in the cylindrical wall, the sliding tabs being arranged on the cover so that in the unlocked state the upstream and downstream ports are at least partially covered by the two sliding tabs and prevent the connections of the respective tubes to the upstream and downstream ports, and that in the locked state the upstream and downstream ports are uncovered to allow the connections of the respective tubes to the upstream and downstream ports,

[0054] - where the movable wall is the lid, the jar includes at least one stop mechanism designed to prevent the lid from sliding upwards beyond its upper locking position,

[0055] - in cases where the movable wall is the base, the jar includes at least one stop mechanism designed to prevent the base from sliding downwards beyond its lower locking position,

[0056] - the stop element is a rim at the end of the cylindrical wall,

[0057] - the stop element is a lug fixed to the end of the cylindrical wall, the lug being extended in a radial direction towards the central axis of revolution of the cylindrical wall,

[0058] - the jar has at least four lug-type stop devices, the lugs being equally spaced angularly along the end of the cylindrical wall,

[0059] - The operating mechanism of the movable wall consists of an operating rod accessible externally to the jar,

[0060] - the movable wall has an operating rod accessible externally to the jar, arranged perpendicular to the movable wall, and allowing said movable wall to slide along the cylindrical wall, - the operating rod has a handle,

[0061] - the operating rod is a single piece with the movable wall,

[0062] - the operating rod is attached to the movable wall and is removable from the movable wall,

[0063] - The removable operating rod can be screwed and unscrewed from the movable wall,

[0064] - The removable operating rod can be clipped and unclipped from the movable wall,

[0065] - In cases where the movable wall is the lid, the operating rod is a single piece with the lid.

[0066] - In cases where the movable wall is the lid, the operating rod is attached to the lid and is removable from the lid.

[0067] - In cases where the movable part is the lid, the removable operating rod can be screwed and unscrewed from the lid.

[0068] - In cases where the movable part is the lid, the removable operating rod can be clipped and unclipped from the lid.

[0069] - In the case where the movable wall is the bottom, the operating rod is a single piece with the bottom.

[0070] - In cases where the movable wall is the bottom, the operating rod is attached to the bottom and is removable from the bottom.

[0071] - In cases where the movable wall is the base, the removable operating rod can be screwed and unscrewed from the base.

[0072] - In cases where the movable wall is the base, the removable operating rod can be clipped and unclipped from the base.

[0073] - the jar also includes at least one or more of the following elements: - a pierceable and self-sealing upstream stopper arranged in the upstream orifice, - a pierceable and self-sealing downstream stopper arranged in the downstream orifice, - an upstream non-return valve, in particular of the "duckbill" type, arranged in the upstream orifice, - a downstream non-return valve, in particular of the "duckbill" type, arranged in the downstream orifice, - an anti-overflow valve arranged in the downstream orifice and intended to prevent the passage of the biological sample towards the downstream tubing, - a peripheral sealing gasket disposed around the periphery of the moving wall to ensure a seal between the moving wall and the fixed wall(s) with which the moving wall remains in contact during its movements,

[0074] - As an alternative to pierceable and self-sealing plugs, the upstream and downstream ports have closing valves configured to open when the tubing is installed on the nipples and to close when the tubing is not installed.

[0075] - the closing valves are non-return,

[0076] - the closing flaps are of the "duckbill" type,

[0077] - In the case where the movable wall is the lid, the peripheral sealing gasket is positioned around the periphery of the lid.

[0078] - In the case where the movable wall is the bottom, the peripheral sealing gasket is positioned around the periphery of the bottom.

[0079] - the jar is specially designed to be centrifuged,

[0080] - a biological sample is a tissue sample,

[0081] - a biological sample is a fluid sample

[0082] - The biological sample is a mixed tissue and fluid sample.

[0083] - the biological sample is a sample of adipose tissue

[0084] - the jar is intended to be used during liposuction,

[0085] - The jar is intended for use during lipofilling (i.e., liposuction followed by reinjection of adipose tissue extracts). A method for implementing the device according to the invention with its jar of variable internal volume is also proposed. More specifically, the method for implementing the device according to the invention comprises the following steps:

[0086] - a step involving the collection of a biological sample by aspiration into a jar,

[0087] - a preparation step of an extract of said sample resulting in the formation in the jar of several stratified phases in layers, one layer of which contains the extract,

[0088] - a step of recovering the extract through the extract outlet orifice following the opening of the actuation valve (9) and by changing the internal volume of the jar. Advantageously, the process further comprises at least one step of washing the biological sample in which a washing product is introduced into the jar and a washing residue is removed from the jar through the extract outlet orifice and by changing the internal volume of the jar.

[0089] Thanks to this invention, there is no need for a vent through the walls of the container. Such a vent is generally equipped with a filter with a pore diameter of 0.22 µm, which eliminates most of the bacteria, viruses, and fungi present in the ambient air but has the drawback of significantly limiting the permissible airflow. As a result, the flow rate of substances exiting a traditional container is low, which increases the duration of the procedure and the intervention.

[0090] Thanks to the invention, we have a medical device that allows us to keep all the steps of the sampling and reinjection protocol in a closed circuit, particularly during the steps of a "lipofilling".

[0091] Brief description of the drawings

[0092] [Fig. 1] shows a vertical cross-sectional diagram of a jar according to the invention, [Fig. 2] shows a top view diagram of the jar of figure 1, the lid of the jar being locked in a fixed upper position in the cylindrical wall of the jar,

[0093] [Fig. 3] represents a top view diagram of the jar in Figure 1, with the jar lid unlocked and able to slide like a piston along the cylindrical wall of the jar,

[0094] [Fig. 4] represents a diagram illustrating a first step in the implementation of the jar in Figure 1,

[0095] [Fig. 5] represents a diagram illustrating a second step in the implementation of the jar in Figure 1,

[0096] [Fig. 6] represents a diagram illustrating a third step in the implementation of the jar in Figure 1,

[0097] [Fig. 7] represents a diagram illustrating a fourth step in the implementation of the jar in Figure 1, and

[0098] [Fig. 8] represents a diagram illustrating a sixth step in the implementation of the jar in Figure 1.

[0099] Detailed description of an example of implementation

[0100] The description that follows, with regard to the attached drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be carried out.

[0101] As shown in the figures, particularly Figure 1, the device according to the invention comprises a jar 3 formed by several walls delimiting a closed internal volume: a cylindrical wall 13, a lower wall forming a base 14, and an upper wall forming a lid 2. This internal volume of the jar allows for the collection of the sample and also the preparation of an extract from this sample. The cylindrical wall 13 (or more precisely, tubular wall, since it has a certain thickness) is generally in the shape of a straight cylinder with an axis that, in the device's operating position, is substantially vertical. The base of this cylindrical shape can be of any shape. In the illustrated example, it is circular.

[0102] The cylindrical wall 13 has two opposite ends: an upper end and a lower end. The lower end of the cylindrical wall 13 is connected to the base 14. The cylindrical wall 13 and the base 14 are fixed to each other and preferably are one-piece. The lid 2 is movable relative to the other walls and can slide against / along the cylindrical wall 13, inside it. As a result, the internal volume of the jar 3 varies between a maximum internal volume when the lid 2 is in the upper position and a smaller volume when the lid is lowered, closer to the base 14.

[0103] As can be seen more clearly in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the cover 2 has a flexible peripheral seal 4 located around its periphery. This seal is designed to provide a seal between the cover 2 and the cylindrical wall 13, ensuring the cover remains in contact with the cylindrical wall 13 during movement. This peripheral seal 4, which is integral with the cover 2, has a lip for scraping the inner face of the cylindrical wall 13 and is positioned towards the bottom of the cover 2. Alternatively, this peripheral seal can be located in a circular groove formed on the vertical circumference of the cover. In another variant, the cover 2 has two superimposed / staggered peripheral seals 4, an upper seal and a lower seal, in their respective grooves.

[0104] The lid 2, which has a certain thickness, has an upstream opening 10 for connection to a flexible upstream tube 18 through which the sample to be collected in the jar 2 is delivered. The lid 2 also has a downstream opening 11 for connection to a downstream tube 19 connected to an air suction pump. Each of the upstream and downstream openings has a self-sealing, pierceable plug 16 for inserting an adapter 24 to ensure fluid continuity between the corresponding flexible tube 18 or 19 and the internal volume of the jar 3.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment, instead of pierceable plugs, non-return closing valves are used, for example of the "duckbill" type.

[0106] The cover 2 has on its upper face, in its center, a blind hole 5 having a female thread intended to receive and fix by screwing the male threaded end of an operating rod 1 having a handle 15. This operating rod 1 which is removable is intended to push down or pull up the cover 2. The operating rod 1 can be made removable / detached and connectable / attached to the cover 2 in a way other than by screwing / unscrewing.

[0107] On the upper face of the cover 2 is arranged a sub-assembly for locking the cover 2 to the cylindrical wall 13 with two latches (7, 8). Each latch has, on the cover 2 side, two slides 6 in which a sliding tab 7 can slide, and on the cylindrical wall 13 side a notch 8 intended to receive one end of the sliding tab 7 in the locked position.

[0108] In Figure 2, the cover 2 is in the locked position, the sliding tabs 7 having been pushed radially outwards so that their ends engage / are locked into a corresponding tab notch 8. In this locked position, where the cover 2 is in a fixed upper position, the upstream 10 and downstream 11 ports of the cover 2 are accessible. In Figure 3, the cover 2 is in the unlocked position, the sliding tabs 7 having been pushed radially inwards to disengage their ends from the corresponding tab notch 8. In this unlocked position, where the cover 2 can be moved like a piston, the upstream 10 and downstream 11 ports of the cover are no longer accessible.

[0109] It should be noted that in other embodiments, the tab notches 8, instead of being individual, are replaced by a single circular groove all around the cylindrical wall 13. This latter option avoids having to correctly position the cover 2 in rotation so that the ends of the sliding tabs 7 are precisely aligned with the corresponding tab notches 8. With the circular groove, the cover can be rotated in any direction and locked in place. To prevent the cover 2 from dislodging, four tab-type stop elements 12 are arranged at the top of the cylindrical wall 13, these tabs 12 being equally spaced at an angle along the upper end, i.e., the top edge, of the cylindrical wall 13. Alternatively, the tabs can be replaced by a continuous circular rim.

[0110] The tabs 12 and / or the notches 8 of the tabs (or the circular groove replacing the notches) can be arranged on a crown piece which is attached and fixed to the upper edge of the cylindrical wall 13 after the cover 2 has been slid somewhat down along the cylindrical wall 13.

[0111] The base 14 of the jar 3 has an extract outlet 17 with an operable valve 9 for opening and closing. Advantageously, the extract outlet 17 is located in the lower part of the base 14, which has a generally conical shape with the point downwards and the base upwards, connecting to the cylindrical wall 13. This extract outlet 17 is intended to allow the introduction of useful substances into the jar 3 and to allow the removal of substances contained in the jar, in particular the desired extract 21, which is prepared from the sample 20 collected by aspiration. Advantageously, the jar has a maximum internal volume of 300 ml, but the maximum internal volume can be larger to suit the type of surgery being performed, or even smaller, but preferably not below 50 ml.

[0112] The material used to make the base 14 and the cylindrical wall 13 is preferably transparent in order to be able to visualize the different phases / layers contained in the jar 2.

[0113] The material of the base 14 and the cylindrical wall 13 is preferably made of rigid plastic, typically a thermoplastic polymer of the type PP / polypropylene or PE / polyethylene.

[0114] The material of the cover 2, excluding peripheral sealing gasket 4, is preferably made of PE / polyethylene type plastic.

[0115] The cover 2, which has a certain thickness, can be solid or, preferably, hat-shaped with tubing and raised sections on its underside corresponding to the upstream orifices 10 and downstream orifices 11, and to the blind hole 5 with a female thread. Ribs on the underside of the cover 2 can reinforce it. The material of the operating rod 1 and its handle 15 is preferably a rigid plastic, typically a thermoplastic polymer such as PP / polypropylene or PE / polyethylene.

[0116] We will now describe step by step an example of the implementation of the jar of the invention by a user for the collection and preparation of adipose tissue. - 1st step in relation to figure 4.

[0117] The user can receive the jar ready for use, that is, with its lid in the raised and locked position, thus maximizing the internal volume of the jar. If the lid 2 of the received jar 3 is not locked, the user must raise lid 2 to the raised position if it had dropped, and then lock the lid.

[0118] To bring the cover 2 back to the upper position, the user can advantageously put in place the operating rod 1 to pull the cover 2 upwards. This operating rod 1 is put in place and removed by screwing and unscrewing respectively, the end of the operating rod 1 having a male thread and the cover having a blind hole 5 having a corresponding female thread arranged in the center of the cover 2.

[0119] This locking is achieved by acting on the two sliding tabs 7 arranged on the external surface of the cover 2 by bringing their ends into the two notches 8 of corresponding tabs (or the circular groove replacing them) arranged in the cylindrical wall 13, internal side of the latter, towards the upper end of said cylindrical wall.

[0120] The sliding tabs 7 can therefore slide in the guides 6 of the upper surface of the cover 2. In the locked position, the upstream 10 and downstream 11 holes of the cover 2 are accessible because the sliding tabs 7 no longer cover them.

[0121] The user also ensures that the valve that can be operated by opening and closing the extract outlet is closed, and if not, closes said valve. Next, the user connects the upstream tubing 18, preferably flexible tubing, to the upstream opening 10 located in the lid 2 using an adapter 24, typically a needle or trocar, which pierces and passes through the self-sealing, piercable stopper 16 located in the upstream opening 10. This stopper 10 may be pre-drilled at the factory, but it remains self-sealing and is therefore always leak-proof upon receipt of the jar and during its use (except when the adapter 24 passes through it).

[0122] However, as mentioned previously, it is advantageous to implement check valves instead of plugs, which also eliminates the need for needles or trocars for the adapter.

[0123] The upstream tubing 18 is connected to a suction cannula or a handpiece of a mechanical sampling device.

[0124] The user connects the downstream tubing 19, preferably flexible tubing, to the downstream port 11 in the cover 2 using an adapter 24, typically a needle or trocar, which pierces and passes through the self-sealing, pierceable plug 16 (or advantageously the non-return valve) located in the downstream port 11. This plug 16 may optionally be pre-drilled at the factory. The downstream tubing 19 is connected to a vacuum cleaner or vacuum pump.

[0125] - 2nd step in relation to figure 5.

[0126] The user starts the vacuum or pump and proceeds to collect the adipose tissue which is aspirated and settles by gravity in the bottom of the jar 3, on the base 14 of the jar, forming a sample 20. The filling of the jar 3 can be more or less pronounced and an anti-overflow valve (not shown) is advantageously provided on the side of the downstream orifice 11 to prevent the adipose tissue sample 20 from passing into the downstream tubing 19.

[0127] If the user anticipates that they will later need to wash the adipose tissue sample 20 collected in jar 3, they can ensure that jar 3 is not completely filled in order to add a washing agent. Note that in some cases, a subsequent washing may be necessary even if the jar is completely full of adipose tissue sample 20 if it is planned to remove some of its contents from the jar before washing, for example, a liquid phase 22 that is not needed.

[0128] In a variant where it is desired that the washing start immediately, the jar is not completely filled and the washing product is added inside the jar through the extract outlet orifice 17 with an actionable valve 9. This washing product is typically a sterile physiological composition.

[0129] Regardless of the stage at which the washing is to take place, the introduction of the washing product into the jar (or any other useful product) is carried out through the extract outlet orifice 17 with an actuation valve 9. For this purpose, the flexible bag or syringe containing the washing product is connected to the actuation valve 9 of the extract outlet orifice 17.

[0130] At this stage 2, in which the upstream tubing 18 and downstream tubing 19 are in place on the container 3, and the suction is still active, the washing product can enter the container through the open valve 9, either by suction (created by the pump) and / or by pressure on the bag or by pressing on the syringe. Once the desired quantity of washing product has passed into the container, the valve 9 is closed.

[0131] At more advanced stages where the upstream and downstream tubing has been removed from jar 3, it will be seen that the introduction of the washing product can be carried out by modifying the internal volume of jar 3 by moving the lid, i.e. sliding the lid 2 against / along the cylindrical wall 13 in the manner of a piston.

[0132] At the end of stage 2, the user removes / disconnects the upstream and downstream tubing, which causes the pierceable and self-sealing plugs arranged in the upstream and downstream orifices of the cover to close.

[0133] - 3rd step in relation to figure 6.

[0134] This 3 èmeThis step corresponds to the preparation, carried out in jar 3, of an extract from the collected adipose tissue sample 20. Jar 3 is preferably configured to allow for centrifugation in order to rapidly separate the components of the collected adipose tissue sample 20 into different stratified phases, one layer of which contains the concentrated useful adipose tissue extract 21. However, the possibility of natural decantation (i.e., without centrifugation) to obtain the useful extract is also considered.

[0135] We understand that in this 3 ème step, the actuation valve 9 of the extract outlet 17 is closed.

[0136] Preferably, the extract outlet 17 and its actuation valve 9 are configured to balance the jar in order to reduce as much as possible the vibrations and stresses that may occur during centrifugation.

[0137] In practice, two phases / layers are obtained in the jar, the upper phase being mainly composed of concentrated adipose tissue 21 (this is the useful extract) while the lower phase / layer, denser, is aqueous 22.

[0138] - Step 4, related to Figure 7. The objective of this 4 ème The next step is to remove the aqueous phase 22 from the jar as it is not used for reinjection into a subject.

[0139] This aqueous phase 22 is at the bottom of the jar and the user will use the possibility of varying the internal volume of the jar to expel / evacuate the liquid phase out of the jar through the operable valve 9 of the extract outlet orifice 17.

[0140] To do this, the user installs the operating rod 1 onto the lid 2 by screwing it in place and unlocks the two-latch locking sub-assembly (7, 8) of the lid 2 to the cylindrical wall 13 of the jar. For this last operation, the user slides the two sliding tabs 7 of the lid in their guides so that the ends of the two sliding tabs 7 protrude from the two corresponding tab notches 8.

[0141] It should be noted that in the unlocked position, the upstream 10 and downstream 11 ports of the lid 2 are inaccessible because the sliding tabs cover them, at least partially. It should also be noted that as long as the upstream 18 and downstream 19 tubing are installed on the lid 2, the tabs and the upstream 10 and downstream 11 ports are configured so that the lid cannot be unlocked. The user then opens the actuation valve 9 of the extract outlet port 17 and pushes the lid 2 down 14 by applying pressure to the operating rod 1 to expel the aqueous phase from the jar 3. This results in a reduction of the jar's internal volume.

[0142] During this step, the lid 2 behaves like a piston by moving inside the cylindrical wall 13, towards the bottom 14 which has the extract outlet 17.

[0143] - 5th step.

[0144] This step is optional.

[0145] The user may determine that the adipose tissue in the upper phase needs to be washed to remove certain undesirable elements, such as blood cells still present within the adipose tissue. In this case, one or more washes may be performed.

[0146] To perform the washing, the user connects, via the operable valve 9 on the extract outlet 17, a flexible tube connected to a syringe or a bag filled with a washing solution, usually physiological saline. To transfer the physiological saline into the jar to fill it, the user has two options: either apply pressure to the physiological saline side or aspirate the saline. With the first option, by pressing on the syringe plunger or the flexible bag, the operator will force the saline into the jar, which will push upwards the unlocked lid. With the second option, the user will pull on the operating rod 1 to pull upwards the lid 2, which will create suction and increase the internal volume of the jar 3.This procedure of filling the jar with physiological fluid can be facilitated by combining the two possibilities mentioned above.

[0147] The lid 2 will therefore slide up along the cylindrical wall 13 of the jar during this filling and in all cases, this upward movement will stop when the lid comes into contact with the stops 12.

[0148] Once the desired volume is reached, the user closes the valve on the extract outlet and disconnects the flexible tubing connected to the syringe or saline bag. The container with the added saline can then be shaken / vibrated to mix the saline with the adipose tissue. After mixing, steps 3 and 4 must be repeated to separate the upper adipose tissue phase from the aqueous phase.

[0149] - 6 èmestep related to figure 8.

[0150] Once any washing has been carried out and the aqueous phase 22 has been removed, the upper phase of concentrated adipose tissue 21 settles at the bottom 14 of the jar. This concentrated adipose tissue 21, which is the extract to be reinjected into the subject, can then be recovered via the openable valve 9 of the extract outlet 17.

[0151] To this end, the user connects a flexible tube 24 to the actuated valve of the extract outlet. The flexible tube 24 is connected to a reinjection syringe 23, which is then used on the subject. In an alternative, the actuated valve 9 is connected to a female Luer-lock connector of an injection instrument, e.g., a needle, allowing direct reinjection by actuating the operating rod 1 mounted on the lid 2. The jar 3 is then used as a syringe. Other methods of collecting and using the adipose tissue extract are possible.

[0152] In the case of the use of a reinjection syringe 23, the transfer of the adipose tissue extract from the jar 3 to the reinjection syringe 23 can be achieved by pulling / pulling the piston of the reinjection syringe 23 (i.e. aspiration by the reinjection syringe 23) and / or by pushing the operating rod 1 in order to push down the lid 2, which brings it closer to the bottom and causes a reduction in the internal volume of the jar 3.

[0153] - 7th step.

[0154] This step is optional.

[0155] If the quantity of adipose tissue extract is insufficient, the user can proceed with a new collection of 20 samples of adipose tissue from the same subject.

[0156] The user may optionally rinse the jar with physiological fluid before this reuse by implementing steps 4 and 5 except that in this case, all residual contents of the jar are removed in step 4 and centrifugation or decantation is not necessary after introduction of the physiological fluid into the jar.

[0157] To perform a new collection, the user raises the lid 2 to its upper position corresponding to the maximum internal volume of the jar 3 and locks the lid to the cylindrical wall by sliding the two sliding tabs 7 of the lid so that their ends enter the two notches 8 of the corresponding tabs of the cylindrical wall 13. The user also ensures that the actuation valve 9, which opens and closes the extract outlet orifice 17, is closed and if not, he closes said valve 9.

[0158] Once the cover 2 is locked, the upstream 10 and downstream 11 ports become accessible again and it is therefore possible to connect the upstream 18 and downstream 19 tubes to the corresponding upstream and downstream ports of the cover.

[0159] Steps 1 through 7 can be repeated as many times as needed.

[0160] It is understood that the implementation methods of the jar of the invention can be adapted to particular needs. In addition, it is provided that the sliding tab 7 is constrained by a spring or an elastic tab in the locked position, that is to say that the spring or elastic tab pushes the sliding tab 7 so that its end is forced into the corresponding tab notch 8 of the cylindrical wall, unlocking requiring an action by the user to counteract the action of the spring or elastic tab.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Device for collecting a biological sample (20) by aspiration and for preparing an extract of said biological sample, comprising a closed jar (3) comprising: - rigid walls (13, 14, 2) delimiting an internal volume for receiving the sample, - an upstream orifice (10) provided in one of the walls to open into the internal volume and adapted to be connected to an upstream tube (18) through which the sample (20) arrives, - a downstream orifice (11) formed in one of the walls to open into the internal volume and adapted to be connected to a downstream tube (19) connected to an air suction pump, and wherein the upstream orifice (10) and the downstream orifice (11) are arranged in an upper part of the jar (3) so that the biological sample (20) entering the internal volume of the jar falls by gravity into a lower part of said jar (3), characterized in that the jar (3) further comprises an extract outlet orifice (17) arranged in the lower part of the jar (3) and equipped with a valve (9) actuable between an open position allowing the sample to flow outside the jar and a closed position retaining the sample inside the jar (3), and in that one of the walls, called the movable wall (2), is movable relative to the other walls (13, 14) under the effect of a operating device, so as to vary the internal volume of the jar (3).

2. Device according to claim 1, in which the internal volume is delimited by a cylindrical wall (13) which, in service, has a substantially vertical axis and which is closed, in the upper part, by an upper wall (2) forming a lid and, in the lower part, by a lower wall (14) forming a bottom, and in which the movable wall (2) is constituted by the lid or by the bottom, said movable wall (2) being able to slide in the cylindrical wall (13) along the axis of the latter in the manner of a piston.

3. Device according to claim 2, in which the extract outlet orifice (17) is provided in the bottom (14).

4. Device according to any one of claims 2 and 3, wherein the movable wall is constituted by the cover (2), the bottom (14) being fixed.

5. A device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising at least one locking subassembly (7, 8) of the cover (2) to the cylindrical wall (13), actuable between - a locked state in which sliding of the cover (2) within the cylindrical wall is prohibited, the cover being held in a raised position defining a maximum internal volume, and - an unlocked state in which the cover can slide into the cylindrical wall.

6. Device according to claim 5, wherein the locking sub-assembly comprises a bolt including, on the one hand, a sliding tongue (7) forming a bolt mounted externally on the cover and, on the other hand, a notch (8) forming a strike plate provided in the cylindrical wall (17), one end of the sliding tongue (7) coming, in the locked state, into contact with the notch (8).

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the lid locking subassembly (2) comprises at least two latches, each comprising, on the one hand, a sliding tab (7) forming a bolt mounted externally on the lid and, on the other hand, a notch (8) forming a strike plate formed in the wall cylindrical (17), the sliding tabs (7) being arranged on the cover (2) so that in the unlocked state the upstream orifice (10) and the downstream orifice (11) are at least partially covered by the two sliding tabs (7) and prevent the connections of the tubes (18, 19) respectively to the upstream orifice (10) and the downstream orifice (11), and that in the locked state the upstream orifice (10) and the downstream orifice (11) are uncovered to allow the connections of the tubes (18, 19) respectively to the upstream orifice (10) and the downstream orifice (11).

8. Device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the jar (3) includes at least one stop member (12) intended to prevent the lid from sliding upwards, beyond its upper locking position.

9. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 8, wherein the operating member of the movable wall (2) consists of an operating rod (1) accessible externally to the jar (3).

10. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one or more of the following elements: - a pierceable and self-sealing upstream plug (16) arranged in the upstream orifice (10), - a pierceable and self-sealing downstream plug (16) arranged in the downstream orifice (11), - an upstream non-return valve, in particular of the "duckbill" type, arranged in the upstream orifice (10), - a downstream non-return valve, in particular of the "duckbill" type, arranged in the downstream orifice (11), - an anti-overflow valve arranged in the downstream orifice (11) and intended to prevent the passage of the biological sample (20) towards the downstream tubing (19), - a peripheral sealing joint (4) disposed at the periphery of the movable wall (2) to ensure a seal between the movable wall (2) and the fixed wall(s) (14) with which the movable wall (2) remains in contact during its movements.

11. A method for implementing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising the following steps: - a step of preparing an extract from a biological sample (20) collected in the jar (3) resulting in the formation in the jar of several stratified phases in layers, one layer (21) of which contains the extract, - a step of recovering the extract (21) through the extract outlet orifice (17) following the opening of the actuation valve (9) and by modifying the internal volume of the jar (3).

12. A method according to claim 11, further comprising at least one step of washing the biological sample (20) in which a washing product is introduced into the jar (3) and a washing residue is removed from the jar (3) through the extract outlet orifice (17) and by modifying the internal volume of the jar (3).

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