Hair follicle unit extraction device and method of use

Abstract

A hair follicle unit extraction device controls the operating speed of a punch of the device for cutting and obtaining a graft based on skin contact with a cutting tip of the punch. The apparatus uses one or more parameters associated with rotation of the punch, such as rotational speed or motor voltage, which are affected when the punch contacts the skin of the patient. Skin contact and one or more thresholds associated with the parameter are used to trigger rotation of the motor at an operating speed such that the device is available for hair follicle unit extraction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The hair follicle unit extraction device includes a motor control unit that allows the device's punch to rotate at idle speed when not used for hair follicle unit extraction, and then switches to operating speed based on the cutting tip of the punch contacting the skin and subsequent changes in parameters associated with the device due to skin contact. Background Technology

[0002] Follicular unit extraction ("Fue") is a surgical hair transplant technique that involves moving skin containing hair follicles from one part of the body (the donor site) to a balding or thinning area (the recipient site). Hair grows naturally in groups of follicles containing 1 to 4 hairs, and the transplant technique typically moves a "follicular unit" of 1-4 hairs from the donor site to the recipient site.

[0003] Follicular units (sometimes called "grafts") are typically removed from the donor site using a punch with a diameter between 0.7 mm and 1.25 mm. The punch is usually a tubular object with a skin-contact cutting edge. The tubular object is typically mounted in a handheld power tool, which rotates or vibrates the punch when the cutting device contacts the donor site. Sometimes the tubular object is used manually.

[0004] During removal, hair follicles are very prone to rupture, and it is unlikely that ruptured follicles will be successfully transplanted. One of the main reasons for the low yield in follicular unit extraction (FUE) can be attributed to the desiccation force applied to the graft after it has been detached from its tissue investment; more specifically, it is placed in a physiological preservation solution such as saline or Ringer's lactate when it is pulled from the donor site for subsequent transplantation at the recipient site.

[0005] A known follicular unit extraction device uses a suction mechanism to immediately aspirate the graft after dehydration and pneumatically propel it through a tube into a collection container containing physiological media. When the extracted graft is aspirated from the donor site with high force and speed and passes through a narrow tube, it is subjected to traumatic forces as it is pushed into the container, angulating against the tube wall. Furthermore, when the graft is extracted and pulled during cutting from the donor site, the rotating cutting device generates similar rotation within the extracted graft, while the graft is tethered to surrounding tissue at the donor site, leading to a risk of transverse cutting due to the combined vectors of pulling and rotation. In addition, the suction effect strips some of the graft's protective tissue covering, further eliminating protection against dehydration and trauma.

[0006] Another known follicular unit extraction device is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,095,368 to Umar, and that patent is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This follicular unit extraction device relates to eliminating or at least significantly reducing the dehydration forces experienced by the extracted follicular units during the extraction process, thereby increasing the yield of successfully transplantable hair follicles harvested from the donor site.

[0007] The hair follicle unit extraction device includes a handheld component configured to securely hold the hair follicle punch and utilizes a fluid flushing and pumping mechanism to deliver fluid to the cutting edge of the punch during the cutting and extraction of the hair follicle unit. In its preferred embodiment, the fluid is delivered through the lumen of the punch. As a further feature, the fluid is selectively delivered in a larger quantity through the punch lumen to remove impacted hair follicles and / or debris from the punch. The fluid can be applied to the cutting edge in any of a variety of ways. For example, the fluid can be delivered through the lumen of the punch and guided outward toward the cutting edge at the skin contact end of the punch, or delivered to the punch via a conduction path outside the punch.

[0008] Any number of different types of fluids can be used, including physiological solutions or other solutions. These fluids may also be fluids that have been proven or have not yet been proven to prolong or maintain the viability of grafts or tissues. In addition, the handpiece is preferably configured to cause the punch to rotate during at least the cutting phase of the extraction process.

[0009] Currently, the method for harvesting all hair follicle units for transplantation requires the use of a punch mounted on a drill to cut a circular path around each or multiple hair follicles to separate them from the surrounding tissue held on the scalp. After completing the circular cutting or notching step, the hair follicles that appear are called grafts.

[0010] The hair follicle unit extraction device requires a punch mounted on the handpiece to start rotating for cutting purposes when the button is pressed by the user's hand or finger or the foot pedal is pressed down by the user's foot.

[0011] The device, known as the Trivellini system, is a more user-friendly and efficient system for rotating punches where the user does not need to press a button to initiate the punch's rotation. In the Trivellini system, the punch rotates once it contacts the skin. This is achieved by combining a suction vacuum, which continuously draws air through an opening / mouth at the distal end of the punch. As the vacuum is drawn through the punch, the opening at the distal end closes; that is, when the punch is applied to the skin, the increased vacuum pressure is sensed, the punch rotation mechanism is activated, and the punch begins to rotate to obtain the graft.

[0012] Because some follicular unit extraction devices employ vacuum, they utilize devices that easily enable the use of vacuum to initiate the rotation of the punch. However, not all follicular unit extraction devices use vacuum; see, for example, the device in the aforementioned Umar patent, which uses fluid as part of the graft acquisition process. Therefore, modifying this type of device and other devices that do not use a vacuum system to acquire grafts would be complex.

[0013] It is also known to initiate the movement of a tool (such as a knife) by using an electrically grounded circuit, where contact with the knife completes the circuit closure, allowing the knife to begin moving. The problem with these types of devices is that some patients have electrical devices such as pacemakers or automated cardiac defibrillators on or inside their bodies. Therefore, when using a hair follicle unit extraction device on such patients, using an electrically grounded circuit could potentially interfere with the device in those patients, making any such system an undesirable option.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to improve follicle unit extraction devices that require additional manipulation by the device user to initiate the rotation of the device's punch or that require the use of a vacuum. This invention addresses this need by providing an improved follicle unit extraction device and method of use, wherein the follicle unit extraction device does not require separate control to rotate the device punch at its operating speed for graft removal or to provide a vacuum source. Summary of the Invention

[0015] This invention provides an improvement to a hair follicle unit extraction device for obtaining hair follicle units for transplantation. One aspect of the invention is a practical apparatus for performing the cuts necessary to obtain grafts for transplantation. The hair follicle unit extraction device includes a housing, i.e., a handheld component, that will be held in the user's hand. The handheld component includes a punch having a portion extending from the handheld component, the punch including a cutting tip at its distal end. The handheld component also includes a motor that cooperates with the punch for its rotation.

[0016] The handheld device also includes means for obtaining grafts using a punch and a cutting tip, wherein these means are any known type commonly used in hair follicle unit extraction devices.

[0017] The handheld device also includes a means for rotating the punch at idle speed when it is not in contact with the patient's skin and then rotating it at operating speed based on the cutting tip of the punch being in contact with the patient's skin to deliver the graft.

[0018] A controller is provided as a component of a device for rotating a punch in an idle speed state and then in an operating speed state. The controller is configured to rotate the punch between an idle speed state and an operating speed state, wherein the idle speed state rotates the punch at a first rotational speed, and the operating speed state rotates the punch at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed. The second rotational speed is designed for cutting skin and obtaining a graft. The operating speed state is triggered by a cutting tip contacting the patient's skin, and a change in parameters associated with a handpiece indicates contact with the skin and triggers the motor to enter the operating speed state. Examples of such parameters include one or both of the following: a decrease in the first rotational speed in the idle speed state below a predetermined threshold speed, and an increase in the voltage of the motor in the idle speed state above a predetermined threshold voltage. The control includes setting one or more thresholds for limiting the triggering of the motor to enter the operating speed state.

[0019] In a more preferred mode, both the reduction of the punch's rotational speed and the increase of the motor's voltage are used to establish the operating speed state.

[0020] The device may also include features or means wherein the second rotation speed can be determined by the user of the device by selecting from a plurality of predetermined second rotation speeds or by changing the second rotation speed once the hair follicle unit extraction device is in an operating speed state.

[0021] Another option for this device is to include a delay function before the start of the operating speed state. This delay can be a default condition of the device or a variable condition controlled by the user.

[0022] When the idling speed and the operating speed can vary, the typical range of the idling speed is between 0.5 RPM and 3 RPM, more preferably between 0.5 RPM and 1 RPM. Similarly, the operating speed can be between 12,000 RPM and 15,000 RPM, more preferably between 12,000 RPM and 14,000 RPM. The delay can also be between 0.2 ms and 2 ms, and preferably between 0.2 ms and 0.5 ms.

[0023] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for cutting skin and obtaining grafts from a patient using a follicular unit extraction device. The method of the present invention is superior to prior art methods due to the use of the aforementioned follicular unit extraction device for cutting skin and obtaining grafts. After obtaining the graft, the punch is switched to an idle speed state because it is no longer in contact with the skin and remains in the idle speed state until skin contact initiates another process for cutting and obtaining the graft. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of the hair follicle unit extraction device of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 shows an exemplary flowchart of one operating mode of the hair follicle unit extraction device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The follicular unit extraction device of the present invention offers significant improvements compared to other types of devices currently used in the field of hair transplantation. Using the device of the present invention, the need for a vacuum arrangement as part of the handpiece to trigger the rotation or oscillation of the punch is eliminated. Similarly, systems requiring some form of electrical grounding to trigger the rotation of the punch can be avoided. Since the control of the punch rotation is independent of the means by which the handpiece retrieves the graft from the patient, the control system for the punch rotation can be used in any type of follicular unit extraction device.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a hair follicle unit extraction device indicated by reference numeral 10, as many features of these types of hair follicle unit extraction devices are well known, and is schematically shown in contrast to the detailed manner shown in the aforementioned Umar patent.

[0028] As is known in the art, these types of devices include a handpiece 1 and a punch 3 with a cutting tip 5. Since the handpiece is shown schematically, features allowing it to be held are not shown. Such features can be gleaned from the handpieces disclosed in the aforementioned Umar patent.

[0029] The handheld device can be powered by a battery, or by alternating current (AC) or direct current (DV) voltage. Since the electrical connections of the handheld device and its components are also well known, details of these connections are not necessary for understanding the invention.

[0030] The handheld component 1 includes a motor 7, which is designed to rotate the punch 3 for cutting to obtain a graft. Details of how the motor rotates the punch are well known, thus only a schematic diagram of the motor and punch is required to understand the invention. The term "rotation" as used herein also includes the oscillating motion of the punch.

[0031] The device 10 also includes a graft removal device 9, which is schematically shown, and the graft removal device associated with this device can be of any known type available in the prior art. As mentioned above, the graft removal device 7 can be a vacuum system in which the graft is drawn into a punch and deposited into a container once it has been removed using a cutting tip. Another graft removal device can be of the fluid-assisted type disclosed in the Umar patent. Since these kinds of systems are well known as part of a hair follicle unit extraction device, a detailed explanation of them is not necessary for understanding the present invention.

[0032] Referring again to motor 7, and as noted above in the discussion of prior art devices, the operation of the motor in prior art devices is controlled by a button on the handpiece 1, or a foot pedal connected to the housing, or by a vacuum system that operates the motor once the cutting tip 5 contacts the skin to block the opening at the cutting tip and increase the vacuum pressure, thereby providing a signal that the motor should start rotating to obtain the graft.

[0033] In the device 10 of the present invention, the controller 11 is provided with multiple functions as part of the device operation. In one function, once power is supplied to the handpiece via an activation switch (not shown), the controller is configured to operate the motor 7 at an idle speed or at a slow punch rotation speed (e.g., a rate of 0.5-10 revolutions per minute (rpm)). Other rotation speeds can be used to rotate the punch in an idle state.

[0034] The second function involves increasing the rotational speed of the punch, so that the handpiece is in an operational state where no operator action is required to obtain the graft unless the punch of the follicular unit extraction device comes into contact with the patient's skin. This second function is achieved by including in the controller a device configured to measure parameters associated with the follicular unit extraction device and to evaluate changes in these parameters due to contact between the slowly rotating cutting tip of the punch and the skin.

[0035] One parameter that can be monitored and used to determine when to trigger the motor to the operating speed of a hair follicle extraction device is the rotational speed of the slow-rolling punch in its idle speed state. When the punch contacts the skin, friction causes the punch's rotational speed to decrease. The controller includes a speed sensor 13 that senses the rotational speed of the motor and the punch. The controller also knows the idle speed state speed and a predetermined speed threshold, which is used as part of triggering the motor to enter the operating speed state. The decrease in speed from the idle speed state speed will then be an indication that the punch is in contact with the skin. The rotational speed of the punch is then compared to the predetermined speed threshold. If the speed is below the speed threshold, this is an indication that the motor should be triggered to the operating speed state.

[0036] The operating speed can be a preset value. Alternatively, the controller can have an input device 15 on the handheld device that allows the user to select different operating speeds based on the conditions of cutting and graft retrieval. This input device can take any form (analog or digital) to allow the handheld device user to select the rotational speed of the punch used in the cutting and graft retrieval procedure. The input device 15 can allow selection of an operating speed from multiple preset operating speeds. Alternatively, the input device can be variable speed control, where once the handheld device is in an operating speed state, the user can determine the operating speed based on user preference and manipulation of the input device 15, rather than using a preset speed.

[0037] Another parameter that can be measured as part of the contact between the slow-rolling punch and the skin is the voltage at the motor. When the cutting tip contacts the skin, a load is applied to the motor in the idle speed state (idle speed voltage), resulting in a voltage increase compared to the motor's voltage. Due to friction in contact with the skin, the cutting tip encounters resistance to rotation, and this resistance translates into a voltage increase sensed by voltmeter 17. A predetermined voltage threshold is also established as part of the voltage monitoring aspect. When the voltage increase exceeds the predetermined voltage threshold, confirming that the cutting tip 5 is in sufficient contact with the skin for cutting and graft retrieval, the controller can then trigger the motor to increase the punch's rotational speed to the operating speed, i.e., revolutions per minute (RPM), which is one example value. The threshold setting limit is a sufficient voltage increase to confirm sufficient contact between the punch and the skin, thereby triggering the motor to rotate at the operating speed.

[0038] It should be understood that either voltage sensing mode or speed sensing mode can be used to trigger the motor to rotate the punch at the operating speed. These two parameters can also be combined so that when the motor's sensed speed is less than a speed threshold and the motor's sensed voltage is greater than a voltage threshold, the controller knows that the motor should rotate the punch at the operating speed to cut and obtain the graft.

[0039] While punch rotation and motor voltage are examples of two parameters that can be used to monitor conditions when the cutting tip of the punch contacts the patient's skin, another parameter (e.g., current), which is related to the motor, can also be used and measured as an indication of the cutting tip's contact with the skin, indicating that the motor should be triggered to rotate at the set operating speed.

[0040] The choice of idle speed, speed threshold, and voltage threshold can be left to the equipment manufacturer. Alternatively, the controller can be configured so that the user can change the idle speed and the thresholds for speed and / or voltage if specific program conditions indicate a need to change the default idle speed and default thresholds.

[0041] Device 10 may also employ a delay feature. That is, a delay can be added between the time it takes for the voltage to increase above a voltage threshold limit and / or the speed to decrease below a speed threshold limit for rotational speed, and the time it takes for the cutting punch to begin rotating to the operating speed (e.g., 500-1000 ms). The delay can be a default condition for the device, where a fixed delay cannot be adjusted by the user of device 10. In an alternative embodiment, the handheld device may include another input device 19 indicating that the user can select a specific delay between meeting the controller's threshold requirements and the device entering the operating speed state as needed by the user.

[0042] As described above, the hair follicle unit extraction device may also include a function to select the operating speed for a given procedure by selecting a speed from a menu of predetermined speeds or by having variable speed control. This function allows the user to set the operating speed to the conditions of a given procedure. This function is indicated by reference numeral 19 on the handheld component 1 in Figure 1. The typical operating speed range of the punch rotation in the hair follicle unit extraction device is 12,000 to 15,000 RPM. The operator of the hair follicle unit extraction device determines the desired speed in a given procedure, allowing the actual rotational speed of the punch to vary within this range.

[0043] Figure 2 shows a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the device in both idle and operating speed states. In this example, changes in the punch's rotational speed and the motor's voltage are monitored and used to trigger the motor to increase the punch's rotational speed to the operating speed. However, as mentioned above, only speed changes or voltage changes can be used alone to trigger the punch's rotational speed to increase to the operating speed.

[0044] The first step, indicated by reference numeral 20, signifies the power supply to device 1 during use. The device is typically in idle speed mode by default when powered on. In idle mode, motor 7 slowly rotates the punch 3 to the RPM set by controller 11; a delay may occur between the power supply to the device and the slow rotation of the punch.

[0045] In the second step 25, with the motor 7 slowly rotating the punch 3, for example between 0.5 and 3 RPM, the operator holds the device and brings the cutting tip 5 into contact with the patient's skin. This contact between the cutting tip of the punch and the skin causes two things to happen: one is that the motor's measured voltage increases to a level higher than that measured in the idle state, and the other is that the punch's rotational speed decreases to a level lower than that in the idle state. Figure 2 In the control scheme shown, both the reduction of the punch rotation speed and the increase of the motor voltage are used to trigger the motor, thereby causing the punch to rotate at the operating speed for cutting and obtaining the graft.

[0046] The effects of speed reduction were addressed in step 30. Here, controller 11 has a predetermined threshold rotational speed for the punch, indicating that the punch and cutting tip are ready for cutting operations. For example, if the idle speed state rotation is 5 RPM, the threshold speed will be set below the idle speed state rotation, such as 2 RPM. If the speed threshold is exceeded, for example, the punch rotational speed is 4 RPM, controller 11 takes no action. If the punch rotational speed is less than the threshold (e.g., 1 RPM), the controller sends a signal indicating that the punch should rotate at the operating speed. The speed threshold can also be the idle speed, such that when the cutting tip contacts the skin and the punch rotation drops below the idle speed, the trigger motor can be activated to the operating speed state.

[0047] A similar control scheme is associated with step 35 for monitoring the motor voltage. For example, for rotation at idle speed, the motor voltage will have a certain value, such as 0.5 V. A threshold voltage will be set higher than the voltage associated with the idle state, for example, 20% higher than the motor voltage at idle speed. Taking 0.5 volts as an example for the voltage measured at idle speed, the voltage threshold could be 0.55 volts. If the voltage threshold is not exceeded, for example, if the motor voltage is sensed as an increase of less than 20%, i.e., less than 0.55 volts, controller 11 takes no action. If the measured voltage of the motor exceeds the 0.55 volt threshold, the controller sends a signal indicating that the punch should rotate at the operating speed. The voltage threshold can be a value slightly larger than the idle voltage, or, if necessary, it can be a value much larger than the idle voltage; for example, the exemplary idle voltage could be 0.5 volts, and the threshold voltage could be a value greater than 20%, or 0.55 volts. It should be understood that the 0.5 volt measurement for idling speed is merely an example of a typical voltage for a given idling speed. Since idling speeds can vary from 0.5 RPM to 10 RPM, typical voltage measurements can also vary accordingly, as the voltage is related to the RPM of the punch.

[0048] When both speed and voltage are used to trigger the motor to operate at the operating speed, a combined step 40 is included. In this step, if the sensed speed of the punch is less than a speed threshold and the sensed voltage of the motor is greater than a voltage threshold, the controller triggers the motor to operate at the operating speed for cutting and obtaining the graft; the cutting operation corresponds to step 45. In a mode where only a single parameter associated with the handheld device 1 is affected by skin contact—for example, the punch's rotational speed decreasing from an idle speed state or the motor's voltage increasing from an idle speed state to initiate the operating speed state—receiving a "No" signal in step 30 or a "Yes" signal in step 35 triggers the motor to reach the operating speed state, and it is not necessary to combine them to ensure that both steps 30 and 45 are completed to initiate the operating speed step.

[0049] Once the cutting operation is complete and the cutting tip is removed from the skin, the punch's rotational speed will increase beyond a speed threshold, and the measured voltage of the motor will decrease below a voltage threshold. In this case, the controller will return the handpiece to idle speed until another cycle of cutting and graft retrieval begins. This return to idle speed is indicated by step 50 and arrow 55 indicating a return to idle speed. In other words, after the work cycle is completed—that is, the motor is triggered to run at the operating speed—and then returns to idle speed when the cutting tip is no longer in contact with the skin, the follicle unit extraction device is ready to initiate another work cycle via skin contact that meets one or more thresholds, initiating the punch's operating speed state. Once the cutting operation is complete and the cutting tip of the punch is removed from the skin, the work cycle is terminated again.

[0050] Specific details relating to the controller, such as the speed control device 15, the delay control device 19, the speed sensor 13, and the voltage sensor 17 associated with the motor 9, are not essential for understanding the present invention. Furthermore, providing the necessary means to monitor the motor speed at a speed threshold, to monitor the motor voltage based on a voltage threshold used to set the operating state of the hair follicle unit extraction device, and to provide delay functions and speed variation options for the operating speed are well understood by those skilled in the art; therefore, describing these necessary electrical connections, etc., is not essential for understanding the present invention.

[0051] While any motor functioning in a hair follicle unit extraction device can be used as a component of the device of the present invention, an example of such a motor is a precision DC stepper motor. Similarly, an example of a speed sensor that allows determination of the reduction in rotational speed from an idle speed state could be an encoder capable of monitoring physical RPM. An example of a voltage sensor that allows determination of the voltage increase from an idle speed state could be a device that measures current consumption on the system and displays the voltage increase in volts. These components are merely examples, and other types of motors and sensors with the ability to monitor changes in the rotational speed of the punch and the voltage / current of the motor can be used as part of the hair follicle unit extraction device of the present invention and its method of use. For example, an encoder-type device could be used to monitor changes in voltage associated with a slowing of the punch rotation due to skin contact.

[0052] The present invention also includes a method for using a hair follicle unit extraction device when seeking to obtain grafts from a patient for transplantation. This method is an improvement upon known methods using prior art devices that require some type of on / off switch to bring the device into an operational state for program execution or require the use of a vacuum to achieve an operational state. Using the device of the present invention, a user can manipulate the device from its slow, idling speed state to contact the cutting tip of the punch with the patient's skin, wherein when changes occur in parameters associated with the handpiece relative to one or more thresholds of the device (e.g., changes in the punch's rotational speed, voltage, and / or current), these changes trigger the device's motor, causing the punch to rotate at an operational speed, enabling the execution of skin cutting and graft retrieval procedures.

[0053] Therefore, the present invention has been disclosed according to preferred embodiments thereof, which satisfies each of the objectives of the invention as described above and provides a new and improved hair follicle unit extraction device and method of use.

[0054] Of course, various changes, modifications, and variations based on the teachings of this invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the intended spirit and scope of the invention. This invention is intended to be limited only by the terminology of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A hair follicle unit extraction device, comprising: Handheld component, the handheld component comprising: A punch having a portion extending from the handpiece and including a cutting tip at the distal end of the punch. A motor, which cooperates with the punch to rotate the punch. Device for obtaining a graft using the punch and the cutting tip, and A device for rotating the punch at idle speed when it is not in contact with the patient's skin and then rotating it at operating speed based on the cutting tip of the punch being in contact with the patient's skin to which the graft is being delivered.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating device further includes a controller configured to rotate the punch between an idle speed state and an operating speed state, the idle speed state rotating the punch at a first rotational speed, and the operating speed state rotating the punch at a second rotational speed greater than the first rotational speed, the second rotational speed being designed for cutting skin and obtaining a graft, the operating speed state being triggered by the cutting tip in contact with the patient's skin, resulting in one or both of the following: The first rotational speed in the idling speed state decreases to below the speed threshold speed, and Compared to the idle speed state, the voltage of the motor increases to above the voltage threshold.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, Compared to the idle speed state, the decrease in the first rotational speed and the increase in the motor voltage are used to establish the operating speed state.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, further comprising means for selecting the second rotational speed from a plurality of predetermined second rotational speeds, and / or means for changing the second rotational speed to cut and obtain the graft.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, further comprising means for providing a delay before the start of the operating speed state.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, For the punch, the idle speed range is 0.5 to 10.0 rpm, preferably 0.5 to 3 rpm.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The operating speed range of the punch is 12,000 to 15,000 revolutions per minute.

8. The device according to claim 5, wherein the delay time ranges from 0.2 ms to 2 ms.

9. A method for cutting skin and obtaining a graft from a patient using a follicular unit extraction device, an improvement thereof comprising providing the follicular unit extraction device of claim 1 for cutting skin and obtaining the graft.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein after obtaining the graft, the punch returns to the idle speed state until another procedure begins to cut and obtain the graft.

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