Fat cell size classifier and liposuction system including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a size classifier (12) for dividing adipocytes into specific size fractions, the size classifier including a carousel (14) rotatably mounted in a classifier container (12v) so as to rotate about a classifier axis (Z12). The carousel (24) is divided into a plurality of compartments (14.1 to 14.n) separated from one another by partition walls having a transverse wall portion traversing the radial direction of the carousel wall (14w) and including a mesh of a first opening (Ri). The transverse wall portion separating the i-th compartment (14.i) from the (i + 1)-th compartment (14.(i + 1)) has a mesh of an i-th opening (Ri) smaller than the (i - 1)-th opening (R(i - 1)) of the transverse wall portion separating the (i - 1)-th compartment (14.(i - 1)) from the i-th compartment (14.i) (i.e., R(n - 1) < R(n - 2)... < Ri <... < R1). The present invention also relates to a set of components and an assembly for liposuction including the size classifier defined above for liposuction and treatment of liposuction aspirates.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a size classifier for dividing fat cells collected from liposuction aspirates into specific size fractions. The present invention also relates to a kit and assembly for an apparatus for liposuction of adipose tissue, including a size classifier. The kit or assembly, including the size classifier of the present invention, is configured to extract adipose tissue from a location on a patient, wash it, and isolate it into selected size-range fractions that are ready or nearly ready for further use, such as further processing the fat cells or reinjecting the fat cells from the adipose tissue into another location on the patient (or another patient). In particular, the kit or assembly includes (A) a liposuction device configured to extract adipose tissue, and (B) a size classifier in fluid communication with and downstream of the liposuction device. Preferably, one or both of a separation unit and a mobilization unit are provided in fluid communication with both the liposuction device and the size classifier, positioned between the two in that order.

[0002] The size classifier of the present invention allows fat cells from liposuction aspirates to be divided into specific size ranges optimal for localized applications, including reinjection applications or other further processing. The assembly ensures sterile conditions for the fat cells from the extraction site to the reinjection site. [Background technology]

[0003] "Adipose tissue" or (body) "fat" is loose connective tissue composed mostly of adipocytes or "adipocytes." Liposuction is the removal of adipose tissue from a location on the body. It can be performed for therapeutic reasons to treat obesity, which is an excess of adipose tissue, or it can be performed for cosmetic reasons to improve a person's appearance. It can also be used to harvest cells for autologous fat grafting in reconstructive surgery. In liposuction, a hollow cannula, which includes an opening at or near its free end, is inserted into the area of ​​the body to be treated through a small incision in the epidermis. Adipocytes and other matter, including fibrous connective tissue present in the fat deposit and fluids such as blood, oil, and tumescent fluid, are sucked through the lumen of the cannula, which is connected to a vacuum source, thus driving it into the vessel. Examples of liposuction devices are described, for example, in WO 9844966, U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,180, WO 2011146924, and U.S. Pat. No. 85911700.

[0004] Adipocytes comprise numerous cells, including unilocular white adipocytes, which together represent parenchymal tissue, multilocular brown adipocytes, and the stromal vascular cells of adipose tissue, including fibroblasts, macrophages, blood and endothelial cells, and other cells that constitute mesenchymal stem cells. Unilocular white adipocytes account for approximately 95% of adipose tissue and are generally 100–150 μm in diameter. While their cytoplasm is entirely dominated by triglycerides, their nuclei are located peripherally relative to the membrane. White adipocytes secrete numerous peptides ("adipokines"), such as resistin, leptin (an appetite-suppressing hormone), and apelin, which regulate appetite and satiety. White adipocytes are responsible for the synthesis, storage, and release of lipids.

[0005] Multilocular brown adipocytes are cells with a diameter of the order of 30 μm. They contain numerous lipid droplets. They are hibernating cells involved in thermogenesis, achieved by fatty acid phosphorylation in numerous cytochrome-rich mitochondria, giving the cells their brown color. These cells are connected to beta-adrenergic nerve endings. The existence of brown adipocytes in adult humans has been documented since 2009.

[0006] The stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of cells contains preadipocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and various immune cells present in liposuction aspirates. Far from inert, adipose tissue is well established as a rich source of CD34+ cells capable of producing hormones. CD34+ cells are a mixture of stem cells, progenitor cells, and leukocytes of various degrees of maturity.

[0007] In the past, liposuction aspirates were discarded after collection, but more and more applications are being developed to reuse the valuable components that make up such aspirated adipose tissue. For example, in reconstructive surgery, autologous fat cells can be transplanted. In cosmetic surgery, improving a person's appearance is not limited to removing fat cells from locations where they are believed to be in excess, but can also include adding volume to areas of the body where volume is believed to be deficient. It has quickly been proposed to reinject a portion of adipose tissue extracted from one location of excess body fat into another location where adipose tissue is deficient, such as the lips, cheeks, or breasts. This solution is attractive because it eliminates the risk of the patient's own cells being rejected. While the extraction of adipose tissue is often referred to as "liposuction," the reinjection of fat cells is referred to as "lipoinjection." In cosmetic applications, liposuction followed by fat injection is often artistically referred to as "liposculpture."

[0008] Before being reused in any application, the adipose tissue must, of course, first be separated from other unwanted matter. This is accomplished by filters that retain the solid fat cells and some other solid foreign matter while removing the liquid and small debris as a filtrate. Examples of such filters are described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 8,858,518 and EP 3,596,196.

[0009] Reinjection or reuse of portions of adipose tissue extracted by liposuction is gaining increasing interest in therapeutic applications, particularly the recovery of stromal vascular fraction (SVF), which has great value in medicine, as discussed above. As discussed above, the different components of adipose tissue that form liposuction aspirates have very different size ranges. Therefore, fractions of interest of specific components can be separated based on their size.

[0010] International Publication No. 2011146924 describes a system for extracting fat cells through a cannula subjected to ultrasonic vibrations. The fat cells collected in the vessel can be filtered to separate larger fat cells from the remainder of the sample. Several successive filters ranging in size from 200 to 800 μm can be placed in series to optimize the separation process. When extracting adipose tissue using ultrasound-assisted liposuction, fat cells, and particularly white and brown fat cells, are often extracted as large aggregates of various cells, which are often damaged after extraction and cause necrosis of many cells.

[0011] Chinese Utility Model Registration No. 207659440U, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0037866, and Belgian Patent Application No. 1024139 describe size classifiers for separating fat cells by size fractionation. The size classifiers include a housing in which filters of different sizes are arranged in a serial sequence. The driving force for driving the flow of adipose tissue through the various filters is a vacuum provided by a vacuum pump, generally the same as the vacuum pump used to drive the aspiration of adipose tissue through the cannula. The driving force for filtration is therefore limited by the power of the vacuum pump and, in any event, limited to -1 bar.

[0012] It has been observed that when adipose tissue is treated for extended periods under constant vacuum to drive its flow through various units to separate, wash, mobilize, and isolate specific fat cells for liposculpture or other reuse applications, they tend to dry out and become more difficult to handle. Adding saline (or physiological serum) to the fat cells has improved the situation. However, it is difficult to add fluid to adipose tissue with a constant vacuum applied. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, there remains a need in the art for a device that allows for accurate sizing of pre-cleaned adipose tissue and, at the same time, allows for the addition of fluid to the adipose tissue to maintain a substantially constant water content of the adipose tissue during processing operations to preserve the integrity of the adipose tissue and facilitate its handling and flow. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The present invention proposes a size classifier for use in an assembly for aspirating adipose tissue, processing them, and separating adipocytes by size fractionation, with high precision, reproducibility, and in a sterile environment, before reuse in the same or different patients of adipocytes or before further processing. This and other advantages of the present invention are presented in the continuing application.

[0015] The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. In particular, the present invention relates to a set of parts for a size classifier for dividing adipocytes into specific size fractions. The size classifier includes a classifier container, a carousel, a classifier inlet opening and a classifier outlet opening, and a drive coupling element.

[0016] The classifier container has a classifier floor, a classifier wall having a rotation geometry centered on a classifier axis (Z12), and an open end that is closed by a classifier lid and defines a classifier volume. The carousel is rotatably mounted in the classifier volume so as to rotate about the classifier axis (Z12), and · a carousel floor, a carousel wall having a rotation geometry centered on the classifier axis (Z12), and a carousel container having an open end that is preferably sealed by a membrane and defines a carousel volume including · The carousel volume is divided into a plurality of compartments separated from each other by partition walls, and each partition wall includes a transverse wall portion that traverses the radial direction of the carousel wall (14w).

[0017] The transverse wall portion separating the first compartment from the second compartment includes the mesh of the first opening (R1). The transverse wall portion separating the i-th compartment from the (i + 1)-th compartment) (where i = 2 to (n - 1)), and the i-th opening (Ri) smaller than the (i - 1)-th opening (R(i - 1)) of the transverse wall portion separating the (i - 1)-th compartment from the i-th compartment includes the mesh (i.e., R(n - 1) < R(n - 2)... < Ri <... < R1). The carousel floor of the n-th compartment includes an opening in fluid communication with the classifier floor and the outlet opening.

[0018] A classifier inlet opening is provided in the classifier lid aligned with the carousel and configured to give the needles direct access to the compartments through an optional membrane. A classifier outlet opening is provided in the classifier bed and configured to drain the liquid. A drive coupling element is configured to drive rotation of the carousel relative to the classifier vessel when coupled to a drive motor.

[0019] The first opening (R1) may have a first diameter comprised between 200 and 1000 μm, preferably between 400 and 800 μm, and more preferably between 500 and 700 μm. The (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) may have an (n-1)th diameter comprised between 10 and 200 μm, preferably between 20 and 100 μm, and more preferably between 40 and 80 μm.

[0020] The compartment walls can have different geometries. For example, they can extend substantially radially from the central hub and then turn to meet the carousel wall at a position transverse to the radial direction of the carousel wall, forming an angle (α) with the radial direction, preferably comprised between 45 and 120°, more preferably between 60 and 120°. The change in direction can form an angle defining a partitioned compartment wall, or it can be smooth, defining a curved compartment wall. Alternatively, the compartment wall can be a cylindrical wall of different radius, coaxial with the classifier axis (Z12), defining an annular compartment.

[0021] The opening in the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) is No floor, or A grid or mesh larger than the (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) in the cross-wall portion of the (n-1)th compartment wall, or Holes in the floor It can be formed by:

[0022] The drive coupling element may include a pinion of a rack and pinion mechanism, the pinion being configured to be coupled to a rotation transmission cable to a motor. Alternatively, the drive coupling element may include a magnet forming an electric motor whose stator is formed by the classifier wall and whose rotor is formed by the carousel wall.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a kit for an apparatus for liposuction of adipose tissue. The kit of the present invention includes a liposuction device, a transfer tube, a vacuum source, and a size classifier as defined above. The liposuction device has a cannula that is substantially linear, hollow, and elongated and includes an internal lumen extending along a cannula axis (X2) from an inlet end (2i) with one or several openings for drawing adipose tissue into the lumen to an outlet end located at the opposite end of the cannula. The liposuction device also includes a handpiece including a cannula coupling unit configured to couple to the outlet end of the cannula. The transfer tube is flexible and hollow and includes an outlet end and an inlet end configured to be fluidly coupled to the cannula outlet end.

[0024] The kit may also include a separation unit including a separator vessel, a filter carousel, a filter inlet opening, a filtrate outlet opening, and a retentate outlet opening. The separator vessel includes a separator wall defining a geometry of rotation about a separator axis (Z22) that defines a separator volume closed by a separator lid. The filter carousel is mounted in the separator volume and includes a filter bed and a filter wall having a geometry of rotation about the separator axis (Z22). The filter bed and / or filter wall include one or more filter elements that divide the separator volume into a retentate volume and a filtrate volume. The filter inlet opening is provided in the separator lid and opens to the retentate volume. The filtrate outlet opening is in fluid communication with the filtrate volume and configured to discharge liquid and fines that have passed through the filter element. The retentate outlet opening is in fluid communication with the retentate volume and configured to discharge a coarse fraction retained by the filter element.

[0025] The filter carousel may be rotatably mounted in the separator volume, including a drive coupling element configured to drive rotation of the filter carousel about the separator axis (X22) relative to the separator container when coupled to a motor. Rotation of the filter carousel generates centrifugal force that drives the flow of liquid and fine particles present in the aspirate during liposuction through the filter elements. Alternatively, the filter carousel may be stationary relative to the separator container, and the flow of liquid and fine particles present in the aspirate during liposuction through the filter elements may be driven by a vacuum source. A vacuum source may also be used with the rotating filter carousel, although in this case, a vacuum is not required.

[0026] The separation unit preferably includes a scraping unit including a scraping blade configured to scrape the filter wall and / or filter floor upon rotation of the scraping unit relative to the separator wall (22w). The relative rotation of the scraping blade relative to the filter wall prevents the accumulation of coarse material on the filter element, which would cause a pressure drop across the filter element and block access of liquid and fine particles present in the aspirate to the filter element during liposuction. The relative rotation can be achieved by rotating the scraping blade relative to a stationary filter carousel. Blocking the rotation of the scraping blade with a rotating filter carousel or rotating the scraping blade at a rotational speed different from that of the filter carousel. The scraping unit can be coupled to a clutch release mechanism configured to move from a coupled configuration to a disengaged configuration, In the coupled configuration, the scraping unit (26) is coupled to the filter carousel such that the scraping unit does not rotate relative to the filter carousel; In the decoupled configuration, the scraping unit is decoupled from the filter carousel and can rotate relative to the filter carousel about the filter axis (X22), such that the scraping unit can scrape the surfaces of one or more filter elements as it rotates relative to the filter carousel.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the size classifier is stacked on top of the separation unit with the classifier floor replacing the separator lid, thus forming a compact assembly with a reduced footprint in the operating room. The drive coupling element of the classifier unit also drives the rotation of the filter carousel. A clutch release mechanism can be provided, allowing the drive coupling element to drive the carousel, filter carousel and scraping unit independently or in combination of two.

[0028] The kit may also include a mobilization unit including a first chamber for mobilizing adipose tissue, a second chamber separated from the first chamber by a filtering member, and first and second piston pumps for driving the flow of liposuction aspirate back and forth between the first and second chambers. The first piston pump is fluidly coupled to the first chamber through a first bore. Similarly, the second piston pump is fluidly coupled to the second chamber through a second bore. The first and second piston pumps are configured to be operated in opposite phases to force the adipose tissue to flow back and forth from one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers through the filtering unit to mobilize the adipose tissue.

[0029] The filtering element preferably includes at least two filters, with the first filter having a larger opening than the second filter, etc. In this embodiment, the at least two filters are mounted in separate windows of a support frame (32s) configured to allow them to be successively brought into position separating the first chamber from the second chamber. For example, the support frame can be moved to bring each window carrying one of the at least two filters into position separating the first chamber (31c) from the second chamber by rotating or translating the support frame.

[0030] The invention also relates to a liposuction assembly obtained by assembling the above-defined kit of components connected to one another by a transfer tube.

[0031] In a first embodiment, the liposuction assembly includes a filtering unit and a size classifier near the liposuction device; the transfer tube is coupled in fluid communication with the cannula outlet and the filter inlet opening of the liposuction unit; the transfer tube is coupled in fluid communication with the concentrate outlet opening of the concentrate unit and the classifier inlet opening; The rotational transmission cable extends to the liposuction unit and is optionally coupled to the carousel of the size classifier and / or to the filter carousel of the filtration unit.

[0032] It should be noted that the size classifier carousel must rotate, and this can be driven by a motor via a rotation transmission cable, or by magnets applied to the classifier wall, which forms the stator, and the filter carousel wall, which forms the rotor of the electric motor. The filter carousel can be rotated or stationary relative to the filtration vessels. If it rotates, the same mechanisms as described above for the size classifier carousel can be applied to the filter carousel.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the liposuction assembly also includes a fluidization unit as discussed above located between the filtering unit and the size classifier; the transfer tube is coupled in fluid communication with the cannula outlet and the filter inlet opening of the liposuction unit; the transfer tube is coupled in fluid communication with the concentrate outlet opening of the concentrate unit and the first piston pump; a transfer tube coupled in fluid communication with the second piston pump to the classifier inlet opening of the size classifier; The rotational transmission cable extends to the liposuction unit and is optionally coupled to the carousel of the size classifier and / or to the filter carousel of the filtration unit.

[0034] The liposuction assembly includes first and second mobilization valves located upstream and downstream of the mobilization unit (32) to allow the mobilization unit (32) to be isolated from the rest of the assembly and to allow the adipose tissue surrounded by the first and second valves to flow back and forth.

[0035] For a full understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1(a) shows an embodiment of a liposuction assembly including a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1(b) shows an alternative embodiment of a liposuction assembly including a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2(a) shows a top view of an embodiment of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2(b) shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 3a] FIG. 3(a) shows a top view of an alternative embodiment of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 3b] FIG. 3(b) shows a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 4a] FIG. 4(a) shows a top view of a further embodiment of a size classifier according to the alternative invention. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4(b) shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a size classifier according to the alternative invention. [Figure 5a] FIG. 5(a) shows an exploded view of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 5b] FIG. 5(b) shows a side cutaway view of a size classifier according to the present invention. [Figure 6a] FIG. 6(a) shows an exploded view of a separation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6(b) shows two side cutaway views of the separation unit of FIG. 6(a) with the engagement tabs of the scraping blade engaged to drive rotation of the filtration unit. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6(c) shows two side cutaway views of the separation unit of FIG. 6(a) with the engagement tabs of the scraping blade disengaged so as not to drive rotation of the filtration unit. [Figure 7a] FIG. 7(a) shows an exploded assembly view of a size classifier stacked on a separation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 7b]FIG. 7(b) shows a side cutaway view of a size classifier stacked on top of a separation unit according to the present invention. [Figure 8a] FIG. 8(a) shows an exploded view of a fluidization unit suitable for assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8(b) shows a cutaway side view of a fluidization unit suitable for assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 8c] Figure 8(c) shows one embodiment of a fluidisation unit suitable for assembly according to the invention. [Figure 8d] Figure 8(d) shows another embodiment of a fluidisation unit suitable for assembly according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the present invention relates to a set of parts and an assembly forming an apparatus for liposuction of adipose tissue and size separation of liposuction aspirates, including: (A) a liposuction device (2); (B) a transfer tube (6t) that is flexible and hollow and includes an outlet end and an inlet end configured to be fluidly coupled to the liposuction device (2); (C) a vacuum source (7) in fluid communication with the extraction tube for driving the extraction of the adipose tissue (2); and (D) a size classifier (12) according to the present invention, discussed in more detail below and configured to separate the liposuction aspirate into fractions of specific size ranges.

[0038] The liposuction device (2) includes a cannula (2c) that is substantially linear, hollow, and elongated and includes an internal lumen extending along a cannula axis (X2) from an inlet end (2i) with one or more openings for drawing adipose tissue into the lumen to an outlet end located at the opposite end of the cannula. A transfer tube (6t) is coupled to and in fluid communication with the outlet end of the cannula. The liposuction device also includes a handpiece (2h) that includes a cannula coupling unit configured to couple to the outlet end of the cannula.

[0039] The gist of the present invention is a size classifier (12) configured to separate fat cells into specific size fractions and including a classifier vessel (12v), a carousel (14), a classifier inlet opening (12i), a classifier outlet opening (12o), and a drive coupling element (16c) configured, when coupled to a motor (M), to drive rotation of the carousel (14) relative to the classifier vessel (12v).

[0040] The classifier vessel (12v) has a classifier floor (12f), a classifier wall (12w) with a geometry of revolution about a classifier axis (Z12), and an open end that is closed by a classifier lid (13) and defines a classifier volume.

[0041] The carousel (14) is rotatably mounted in the classifier volume so as to rotate about the classifier axis (Z12); a carousel container (14v) comprising a carousel floor (14f), a liquid-tight carousel wall (14w) having a geometry of rotation about a classifier axis (Z12), and an open end sealed by a membrane (14m) and defining a carousel volume; The carousel volume is divided into a number of compartments (14.1 to 14.n) separated from each other by compartment walls, each of which includes a transverse wall portion that extends radially across the carousel wall (14w).

[0042] The carousel wall (14w) is preferably cylindrical (i.e., formed by rotating a straight line about the classifier axis (Z12)), or it may have any other geometry of rotation formed by rotating a curved or segmented line. Any geometry of rotation is acceptable as long as the carousel (14) can rotate freely inside the classifier vessel (12v). For manufacturing reasons, it is preferable to have a cylindrical carousel wall (14w) that is coaxial with and inscribed within the cylindrical classifier wall (12w).

[0043] A classifier inlet opening (12i) is provided in the classifier lid (13) aligned with the carousel and configured to give the needle direct access to the membrane (14m), and a classifier outlet opening (12o) is located in the classifier floor (12f) and configured to discharge the liquid.

[0044] The cross-wall section separating the first compartment (14.1) from the second compartment (14.2) includes a mesh of the first opening (R1). The cross-wall section separating the ith compartment (14.i) from the (i+1)th compartment (14.(i+1)) includes a mesh of the ith opening (Ri), where i=2 to (n-1), that is smaller than the (i-1)th opening (R(i-1)) of the cross-wall section separating the (i-1)th compartment (14.(i-1)) from the ith compartment (14.i) (i.e., R(n-1)). <R(n-2)...<Ri<...<R1)。

[0045] During use, fat cells are deposited into the first compartment (14.1) through the classifier inlet (12i). The carousel (14) is rotated relative to the classifier vessel (12v) about the classifier axis (Z12). The centrifugal force thus generated presses the fat cells against the mesh of the first hole (R1) in the transverse wall separating the first compartment (14.1) from the second compartment (14.2). Particles larger than the first hole (R1) are retained in the first compartment (14.1) as retentate, while smaller particles and liquid pass through the first mesh and into the second compartment (14.2) as filtrate. This is repeated for each successive compartment (14.i), with particles larger than the i-th mesh of the i-th hole (Ri) being retained in the i-th chamber (14.i) as retentate, and smaller particles and liquid driven by centrifugal force across the i-th mesh to enter the (i+1)-th compartment as filtrate. This is repeated until the nth section (14.n) is reached.

[0046] The carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) includes an opening in fluid communication with the classifier floor (12f) and the outlet opening (12o). Filtrate, formed by liquid and particles small enough to penetrate across the (n-1)th mesh into the nth compartment, is discharged through the classifier outlet opening (12o). The nth cross wall, separating the nth compartment (14.n) from the first compartment (14.1), is impermeable to liquid and forces all cells and liquid that reach the nth compartment (14.n) to be discharged through the classifier outlet opening (12o).

[0047] Size Classifier(12) As discussed above and shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) through 5(a), the classifier vessel (12v) with its classifier floor (12f) and classifier walls (12w) and topped by the classifier lid (13) defines the volume of the classifier vessel (12v) and the outer boundary of the size classifier (12) of the present invention. The classifier walls (12w) are preferably cylindrical with a substantially circular floor (12f) whose central axis of rotation is defined by the classifier axis (Z12). The classifier floor (12f) includes a classifier outlet opening for discharging all liquid and very small particles that have reached the nth compartment (14.n) from the size classifier.

[0048] Within the classifier container (12v), the carousel (14) is mounted, for example, to rotate freely within the volume around the classifier axis (Z12). The carousel (14) is formed by a carousel container (14v) that defines a volume separated into multiple compartments separated by compartment walls. The volume of the carousel container (14v) is defined by a carousel wall (14w) substantially at the axis of rotation formed by the classifier axis (Z12), a carousel floor (14f), and preferably a membrane (14m) sealing the free end of the cylindrical wall (14v) opposite the carousel floor (14f). The carousel wall (14w) is impermeable to liquids contained in the liposuction aspirate.

[0049] The compartments (14.i, i = 1-n) are separated from one another by compartment walls, each of which includes at least one section forming a transverse wall portion transverse to, preferably perpendicular to, the radial direction of the carousel (14). The transverse wall portion separating the ith compartment (14.i) from the (i+1)th compartment (14.(i+1)) has a mesh of i-th opening (Ri) that is smaller than the (i-1)th opening (R(i-1)) of the transverse wall portion separating the (i-1)th compartment (14.(i-1)) from the ith compartment (14.i), with the first compartment (14.1) having the largest opening (Ri) (i.e., R(n-1)). <R(n-2)...<Ri<...<R1)。

[0050] As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) and 3(a) and 3(b), the compartment walls can extend substantially radially from the central hub and then turn to meet the carousel wall (14w) that is transverse to the radial direction of the carousel (14), forming an angle (α) with the radial direction preferably comprised between 45 and 120°, more preferably between 60 and 90°. As shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b), the change in direction can form an angle that defines a partitioned compartment wall. Alternatively, the change in direction can be smooth, defining a curved compartment wall, as shown in Figures 3(a) and 3(b).

[0051] In an alternative embodiment shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), the compartment walls are cylindrical walls of different radii coaxial with the classifier axis (Z12) that define annular compartments. This embodiment has the advantage that for any angular position of the carousel relative to the position of the classifier inlet (12i), fat cells can be introduced into the first compartment (14.1) through the classifier inlet (12i). This means that as the carousel is rotated, one or more compartments (14i) can be filled with fat cells of the required size range and new material can be supplied to the first compartment (14.1) until they have to be emptied.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) and 3(a) and 3(b), which includes a compartment wall (14i) extending from the central hub of the carousel (14) to the carousel wall (14w), a transverse wall portion separates the nth compartment (14.n) from the first compartment (14.1). The transverse wall portion of the nth compartment wall is impermeable to liquids, preventing the passage of any liquids or solids from the nth compartment (14.n) to the first compartment. The carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) includes an opening to allow any material reaching the nth compartment to fall into the classifier floor (12f) and be discharged through the exit opening (12o). The opening in the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) may be formed by no floor, by a grid or mesh larger than the (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) in the cross wall portion of the (n-1)th compartment wall, or by a hole in the floor large enough to discharge material that has reached the nth compartment (14.i).

[0053] In the embodiments shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) and 3(a) and 3(b), the carousel (14) can include several successive n compartments (14.1-14.n) distributed around the classifier axis (Z12). For example, in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), a carousel including two successive n compartments is shown. Depending on the compartment volume relative to the size of the carousel, the volume of the carousel (14) can be divided into one, two, three, four, or five or more successive n compartments distributed around the classifier axis (Z12). If the carousel includes more than two successive n compartments, care must be taken to supply adipocytes to the first compartment (14.1) of each series before size separation begins.

[0054] In the embodiment shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), in which the compartments (14i) are separated from one another by coaxial compartment walls of increasing radius, the nth compartment wall is formed by a carousel wall (14w), which may or may not be permeable to liquid. On the other hand, if the carousel wall (14w) is not permeable to liquid, the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) contains openings or is formed by a grid or mesh larger than the nth opening (Rn), allowing any material that reaches the nth compartment to fall into the classifier floor (12f) and be discharged through the exit opening (12o). On the other hand, if the carousel wall (14w) is formed by a mesh, the liquid will be discharged by centrifugal force through the carousel wall (14w) into the carousel vessel (12v) and out through the classifier exit opening (12o). In this latter case, the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) may or may not contain openings and may be formed by a grid or mesh.

[0055] The drive coupling element 16c, when coupled to the motor M, is configured to drive rotation of the carousel 14 relative to the classifier receptacle 12v. Any drive coupling element 16c capable of driving rotation of the carousel 14 may be used in the size classifier of the present invention. For example, as shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the drive coupling element 16c may be formed by a drive gear bearing whose position is fixed relative to the classifier receptacle 12v engaged with a rack 16r whose position is fixed relative to the carousel 14. The drive gear bearing and rack form a rack and pinion system configured to rotate the carousel 14 relative to the classifier receptacle 12v. As shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), the racks may form a circle centered on the size classifier axis (Z12) provided on the carousel lid (14L) fixed to the free end of the carousel wall (14w). The drive gear bearing (16c) may be fixed to the size classifier lid (12L). Alternatively, the rack (16r) may surround the outer periphery of the carousel wall, and the drive gear bearing (16c) may be fixed to the size classifier wall (12w). In an alternative embodiment, magnets, such as induction magnets, permanent magnets, or a combination of both, may be provided on the size classifier wall (12w) to form the stator of an electric motor and on the carousel wall (14w) to form the rotor of the electric motor. This embodiment has the advantage that the size classifier may form the motor itself, eliminating the need for a rotation transmission cable (5m) connected to an external motor (M). This embodiment also facilitates maintaining a sterile environment in the volume of the size classifier 12, since no contact is required between the rotor and stator magnets to drive the rotation of the carousel 14. The carousel 14 may be rotated at a rotational speed comprised between 100 and 5000 rpm, preferably between 500 and 3000 rpm, and more preferably between 700 and 2000 rpm.

[0056] During use, the first compartment (14.1) must face the classifier inlet opening (12i). Depending on the design of the classifier carousel, this must always be the case in the annular compartment shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) or the classifier carousel must be rotated in the case of partially radial compartment walls as shown in Figures 2(a) and 2(b) and 3(a) and 3(b). Fat cells are deposited into the first compartment (14.1) through the classifier inlet (12i). If a membrane (14m) seals the volume of the carousel (14), a needle can be used to pierce it. The carousel (14) is rotated relative to the classifier vessel (12v) about the classifier axis (Z12). The centrifugal force thus generated drives the fat cells against the mesh of the first hole (R1) in the transverse wall portion separating the first compartment (14.1) from the second compartment (14.2). Particles larger than the first hole (R1) are retained in the first compartment (14.1) as retentate, while smaller particles and liquid cross the first mesh and enter the second compartment (14.2) as filtrate. This is repeated for each successive compartment (14.i), with particles larger than the i-th mesh of the i-th hole (Ri) being retained in the i-th chamber (14.i) as retentate, and smaller particles and liquid, driven by centrifugal force, cross the i-th mesh and enter the (i+1)-th compartment as filtrate. As the carousel (14) rotates, this mechanism is continuously repeated until the n-th compartment (14.n) is reached. If each compartment contains adipocytes of a corresponding size range, a large amount of adipose tissue of a given size range can be collected with a syringe through the classifier inlet opening (12i), which then serves as the outlet. Again, if the compartments (14.i) extend from the central hub to the classifier wall as shown in 2(a) and 3(a), the carousel must be rotated until the corresponding compartment faces the classifier outlet opening (12i).On the other hand, if the compartments are coaxial annular compartments, a single classifier inlet opening (12i) that is elongated and extends radially across the first to (n-1) compartments or a series of (n-1) openings distributed radially across each annular compartment is sufficient to have access to all size fractions of adipose tissue (see Figure 4(a)).

[0057] The carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) includes an opening in fluid communication with the classifier floor (12f) and the exit opening (12o). Filtrate, formed by liquid and particles small enough to penetrate across the (n-1)th mesh into the nth compartment, is discharged through the classifier exit opening (12o). If the compartment walls extend from the central hub of the carousel (14) to the carousel wall (14w), the nth cross wall separating the nth compartment (14.n) from the first compartment (14.1) is impermeable to liquid, and all cells and liquid reaching the nth compartment (14.n) are forced to exit through the classifier exit opening (12o).

[0058] The first opening R1 may have a first diameter comprised between 200 and 1000 μm, preferably between 400 and 800 μm, and the (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) may have a (n-1)th diameter comprised between 10 and 200 μm, preferably between 20 and 100 μm, more preferably between 30 and 70 μm. The (n-1)th transverse wall section has the smallest opening (R(n-1)). The number n of a series of compartments may be comprised between 3 and 6 (i.e., n=3 to 6), and is preferably equal to 4 or 5 (i.e., n=4 or 5).

[0059] As discussed above, the partition walls may have any geometry, provided that they include transverse wall portions that traverse the radial direction from the classifier axis (Z12) and that they divide the volume of the carousel (14) into partitions (14i) that are arranged successively relative to the direction of rotation of the carousel (14), such that it is not possible to pass from the (i-1)th partition (14.(i-1)) to the (i+1)th partition (14.(i+1)) without first passing through the i-th partition (14.i).

[0060] The size classifier (12) of the present invention is advantageously used in a liposuction assembly comprising a liposuction device (2), a size classifier (12) according to the present invention, and one or more transfer tubes (6t) in (indirect) fluid communication between the liposuction device and the size classifier.

[0061] Liposuction parts set and liposuction assembly The present invention also relates to a kit and assembly for extracting adipose tissue from the body and processing the adipose tissue to separate the adipocytes into specific size fractions for further local use. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the kit and assembly comprises a liposuction device (2), a size classifier (12) as defined above, and one or more transfer tubes (6t) in (indirect) fluid communication between the liposuction device and the size classifier. It preferably also comprises a separation unit (22) and a mobilization unit (32) in fluid communication with each other by the transfer tubes (6t) shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b).

[0062] Liposuction Devices(2) The liposuction device (2) includes a cannula (2c) and a handpiece (2h) and is connected to a vacuum pump (7). As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the liposuction device includes a substantially linear, hollow, elongated cannula (2c) with an internal lumen extending along a cannula axis X2 from a first inlet end (2i) with one or more openings for drawing adipose tissue into the lumen to a second outlet end located at the opposite end of the elongated body. The cannula is coupled to the handpiece (2h) by a fastening means to the handpiece (2h).

[0063] The present invention is not limited by the choice of any particular liposuction device. However, it is preferred that the liposuction device preserve the integrity of the fat cells extracted thereby. For example, a powered handpiece (2h) capable of imparting a vibratory motion to the inlet end (2i) of the cannula, including at least a linear component of a reciprocating motion back and forth along the cannula axis X2, at a frequency of 1-500 Hz, preferably 20-70 Hz, and more preferably 50-55 Hz, is preferred. To preserve the integrity of the fat cells thus aspirated, it is preferred that the vibratory motion also include an orbital component about the cannula axis X2. The orbital component of the vibratory motion may be substantially elliptical. The combination of longitudinal and orbital components of the vibratory motion is often referred to as a nutation motion. When using manual or other (non-nutation) powered liposuction devices, it has been observed that adipose tissue is collected in the form of a mass formed by a significantly larger number of fat cells. It has been concluded that with a nutation-driven powered handpiece, adipose tissue is extracted in the form of a mixture of substantially smaller masses and individual cells, which is advantageous for the survival of the extracted fat cells. Examples of liposuction devices (2) that impart a nutation movement to the tip of the cannula are described in WO 9844966, US 6336925 or WO 2021144602, where their use in the assembly of the present invention is preferred.

[0064] In the case of a powered handpiece (2h), it may be pneumatically powered, for example, as described in WO 9844966. Alternatively and preferably, an external motor (M) coupled to the liposuction device (2) by a rotational transmission cable (5m) configured to transmit rotational torque to the liposuction device may be used instead, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b). In this embodiment, the liposuction device must include a mechanism configured to convert the rotational torque transmitted by the rotational transmission cable (5m) into reciprocating, preferably nutating, vibrations to the tip of the cannula (2c). An example of such a mechanism is described in WO 2021144602.

[0065] Prior to transferring the adipose tissue extracted by the liposuction device (2) to the size classifier (12), it is preferable to pre-treat and wash the liposuction aspirate to remove all undesirable tissue, e.g., fibrous connective tissue, and fluid, e.g., oil and blood, and to break down aggregates into individual fat cells or aggregates of substantially smaller size. This can be accomplished by including a processing unit between the liposuction device (2) and the size classifier (12), which are fluidly connected to each other by a transfer tube (6t). The transfer tube (6t) is flexible and hollow, and includes an inlet end and an outlet end configured to be fluidly coupled to the two components of the assembly. The processing unit can include, for example, a separation unit (22) and a fluidization unit (32), as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), 6(a)-6(c), and 7(a) and 7(b).

[0066] Separation unit (22) A separation unit (22) may be provided directly downstream of the liposuction device (2) to remove most unwanted tissue and fluid. As shown in Figures 6(a)-6(c), the separation unit (22) may include a separator container (22v), a filter carousel (24) containing a mesh or grid of predetermined opening sizes, and a filter filter (24) for filtering the liposuction aspirate to allow it to flow through the separation unit (22). a filter inlet opening (22i) for allowing lipoaspirate to enter the separation unit (22); a filtrate outlet opening (22 of) for discarding the liquid and other unwanted material that has passed through the filter carousel (24); and A concentrate outlet opening (22or) for passing the fat cells retained in the filter carousel (24) to the next processing unit in the assembly. will be established.

[0067] Tissue separation in the separation unit can be driven by a vacuum pump (7), preferably the same as that used to drive suction through the cannula (2c) of the liposuction device (2). In this embodiment, the carousel may rotate relative to the separator container (22v), but need not rotate. A vacuum opening for coupling the vacuum pump (7) to the volume of the separator container (22v) should preferably be provided in the classifier lid (13). Alternatively, separation can be driven by centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the filter carousel (24) relative to the separator container (22v). To drive the rotation of the filter carousel, a drive coupling element (16c) coupled to a motor by a rotation transmission cable (5m) or formed by a magnet (not shown) can be attached to the separation unit (22). The magnet can be an induction magnet or a permanent magnet.

[0068] The separator vessel (22v) may be a beaker provided with a separator lid (23) sealed thereto by welding or adhesive. The separator vessel (22v) has an open end that is closed by a separator floor (22f), a separator wall (22w), and the separator lid (23) to define a separator volume. If separation is driven by vacuum, the geometry of the separator wall (22w) is not limited. On the other hand, if separation is driven by centrifugal force generated by rotation of the filter carousel (24), the separator wall (22w) should preferably have a geometry of rotation about the separator axis (Z22), preferably a cylindrical shape. A filter inlet opening (22i) is preferably provided in the separator lid (23).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 6(a), the filter carousel (24) is housed in the volume of the separator vessel (22v). The filter carousel (24) may include a filter frame (24f) supporting one or more filter elements (25e) that divide the retentate volume into a retentate volume (22r) upstream of the filter element (25e) and a filtrate volume (22f) downstream of the filter element (25e). The filter element (25e) has a given opening for retaining solids larger than the given opening in the retentate volume. The filter carousel may include a filter bed and preferably a filter wall (24w) that surrounds the filter bed and thus forms a basket that is inclined or defines the retentate volume with the filter element (25e) forming at least a portion of the filter bed and / or filter wall. If separation is driven by vacuum, the filter elements (25e) are preferably concentrated in the filter bed. A vacuum pump (7) may be coupled to the volume of the separation unit at an opening in the separator lid (23), as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b).

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, separation is driven by centrifugal force generated by rotation of the filter carousel (24) about the separator axis (X22). Rotation can be driven by a drive coupling element (16c) configured to drive rotation of the filter carousel (24) about the separator axis (X22) relative to the separator vessel (22v) when coupled to a motor (M), or to form an electric motor with a stator and rotor. In this embodiment, the presence of filter element (25e) at the filter wall (24w) is essential because the liposuction aspirate is pushed against the filter wall by centrifugal force, and solids larger than the openings in the filter element remain in the retentate volume, while liquid and small tissue pass through the filter element (25e) and enter the filtrate volume. In this embodiment, the filter wall is preferably cylindrical (i.e., formed by rotating a straight line about the separator axis (Z22)), but can have any other geometry of rotation formed by rotating a curved or segmented line. Any rotational geometry is acceptable as long as the filter carousel 24 can rotate freely within the separator vessel 22v. For manufacturing reasons, it is preferable to have a cylindrical filter wall 24w that is coaxial with and inscribed within the cylindrical separator wall 22w. As discussed above with reference to the rotation of the size classifier carousel 14, magnets may be provided in the separator wall 22w to form the stator of an electric motor, and in the filter carousel wall 24w to form the rotor of the electric motor. This embodiment has the advantage that the separation unit 22 can form the motor itself, eliminating the need for a rotational transmission cable 5m to be connected to an external motor M.

[0071] The filter bed preferably includes a concentrate outlet opening (22or), preferably located at the bottom of the slope. For example, the bed may be cone-shaped to form a funnel, as shown in Figures 6(b) and 6(c). The concentrate opening may be: A closed position for retaining the concentrate in the concentrate volume during the separation process, allowing the discharge of the concentrate towards the next processing unit in the assembly. from an open position to allow the passage of fat cells retained by the filter element (25e) when all liquid and small debris are considered to have passed through the filter element (25e) into the filtrate volume, and the retentate can therefore be passed to the next processing unit; The separator valve (22v) communicates with the tube which is provided with a separator valve (22v) which can be moved to

[0072] The liquid and small debris forming the filtrate can be discharged from the separation unit (22) through a filtrate opening (22of) provided in the separator bed (22f) as can be clearly seen in Figures 6(b) and 6(c).

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the separation unit 22 includes a scraping unit 26 including a scraping blade 26b configured to scrape the filter walls 24w and the filter floor upon rotation of the scraping unit 26 relative to the filter carousel 24. The scraping unit 26 is configured to rotate about a separator axis X22 relative to the filter carousel 24. When the filter carousel is stationary relative to the separator vessel 22v during separation, scraping of the filter carousel is achieved by rotating the scraping unit 26 about the separator axis X22. On the other hand, if the filter carousel is configured to rotate about the separator axis (X22) relative to the separator container (22v), scraping of the filter carousel can be obtained by blocking the scraping unit (26) while the filter carousel (24) is still rotating or by changing the rotation speed of the scraping unit (26) about the separator axis (X22).

[0074] The scraping unit (26) can be coupled to a clutch disengagement mechanism configured to move from a coupled configuration to a disengaged configuration to allow the scraping unit (26) to rotate or be stationary relative to the filter carousel (24) when scraping is desired or not; In the coupled configuration, the scraping unit (26) is coupled to the filter carousel (24) such that the scraping unit (23) does not rotate relative to the filter carousel (24); In the decoupled configuration, the scraping unit (26) is decoupled from the filter carousel (24) and can rotate about the filter axis (X22) relative to the filter carousel (24) such that the scraping unit (26) can scrape the surface of one or more filter elements (25e) as it rotates relative to the filter carousel (24).

[0075] As shown in Figures 6(a)-6(c), the clutch release mechanism may include an engagement tab (26e) that may or may not engage with a mating element of the filter carousel (24) by moving the scraping unit (26) along the separator axis (X22).

[0076] The assembly of the present invention may include additional processing units including, for example, a fluidization unit (32) as shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b) and 8(a) and 8(b).

[0077] Fluidization Unit (32) The fluidization unit (32) is configured to break up clumps of fat cell aggregates by producing a more homogenous aspirate formed of individual fat cells that are loosely held together by secondary forces (such as hydrogen bonding, London, or Keeton forces) and therefore have substantially smaller aggregates and enhanced fluidity. As shown in Figures 8(a)-8(d), the fluidization unit (32) includes first and second chambers (31c, 32c) separated from each other by a filtering element (32fi). The first and second piston pumps (301, 302) are configured to drive the passage of the liposuction aspirate back and forth between the first and second chambers (31c, 32c) through the filtering element (32fi).

[0078] The first chamber (31c) includes a first bore (31a) fluidly coupled to a first piston pump (301), and the second chamber (32c) includes a second bore (32a) fluidly coupled to a second piston pump (302). During the mobilization operation, the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) are configured to operate in opposite phases, forcing the adipose tissue to flow back and forth from one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers through the filtering element (32f) to mobilize the adipose tissue by breaking up the liposuction aspirate mass into a mixture of individual fat cells and smaller-sized fat cell clusters. Controlling the operation of the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) in opposite phases is known to those skilled in the art. Figures 1(a) and 1(b) illustrate an example using rotating cams coupled to the pistons of the first and second piston pumps (301, 302). The rotation of the rotating cam may be driven by an external motor (M) coupled to it by a rotation transmission cable (5 m). The same motor (M) used to rotate the carousel (14) and the filter carousel (24) or the scraping unit (26) is used to drive the rotation of the rotating cam. Another processor may control any actuation mechanism to ensure that the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) are operated in opposite phases when required.

[0079] As shown in Figure 8(c), liposuction aspirate can be introduced into and maintained within the fluidization unit (32) by first and second three-way fluidization valves (31v, 32v) coupled to first and second piston pumps (301, 302). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 8(d), entry into the fluidization unit (32) is controlled by a single three-way fluidization valve (31v) providing access to the first chamber and maintained in the fluidization unit by closing the three-way fluidization valve (31v) and activating the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) to drive the liposuction aspirate back and forth between the first and second chambers (31c, 32c). It will be apparent that the three-way valve can be replaced by two or more sequential two-way valves to achieve the same effect.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the filtering member (32fi) comprises at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4), the first filter (32f1) having larger openings than the second filter (32f2), etc., and the filtering member (32fi) is mounted so that each of the at least two filters can be brought successively into a position where it alone separates the first chamber (31c) from the second chamber (32c).

[0081] As shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b), at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4) can be attached to separate windows in the support frame (32s), and the support frame can be moved to bring each window, carrying one of the at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4), into a position separating the first chamber (31c) from the second chamber (32c). This can be achieved by rotating the support frame (32s) as shown in Figures 8(a) and 8(b). Alternatively, this can be achieved by translating the support frame (32s), or a combination of translations.

[0082] Fluidization of liposuction aspirate in the fluidization unit (32) of the present invention may proceed as follows: Adipose tissue is forced into the first chamber (31c) of the fluidization unit (32). This may be accomplished by drawing a vacuum by opening the first fluidization valve (31v) and retracting the piston of the first piston pump (301). Once the cylinder of the first piston pump (301) is filled with adipose tissue, the first fluidization valve is closed, and the adipose tissue is forced into the first chamber (31c) by pushing the piston of the first piston pump (301) while retracting the piston of the second piston pump (302) and entering the second chamber (32c) through the first filtering element (32f1). With each and every one of the first and second fluidization valves (31v, 32v) in their closed positions, the adipose tissue may be driven back and forth between the first and second chambers (31c, 32c) through the first filtering element (32f1). Once the adipose tissue is deemed to have traversed the first filter element 32f1 a sufficient number of times, a second filter element 32f2 with smaller openings replaces the first filter element 32f1. In a preferred embodiment, this is easily accomplished by rotating or translating the support frame 32s as shown in FIG. 8(b). The adipose tissue is flowed back and forth through the second filter element 32f2 as described above for the first filter element 32f1, a third filter element 32f3 can replace the second filter element 32f2 as described above, and so on. The interval of time the same filter material is used before being replaced by the next filter element with a smaller opening can be determined by a predetermined number of back-and-forth movements of adipose tissue through a given filter element. Alternatively, this can be determined in response to the development of pressure required to depress a piston to drive flow through the filter elements. A processor may be provided that is configured to instruct an operator based on the pressure values ​​measured in the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) or to manage that a next filter element should replace the previous filter element.

[0083] If the adipose tissue has not passed through the last (finest) filter element (32f4) sufficiently, the corresponding fluidization valves (31v, 32v) are opened to allow the thus fluidized adipocytes to exit the fluidization unit (32). In the embodiment of Figure 8(c), the first fluidization valve (31v) remains closed and the second fluidization valve (32v) is open. In the embodiment of Figure 8(d), the first fluidization valve (31v) is open.

[0084] The first filter element (32f1) is the coarsest filter with openings of a size that can be comprised between 1 mm and 5 mm. The sequence of filter elements (32f1-32f4) from the first filter element (32f1) to the nth (=last) filter element (32f4) is characterized by a decrease in the opening size of successive filter elements. The nth (=last) filter element (32f4) is the finest filter element with openings of a size that can be comprised between 10 μm and 1 mm.

[0085] As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the thus mobilized fat cells can flow from the fluidization unit (32) to the size classifier (12) through a transfer tube (6t). The flow can be driven by one of the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) or a vacuum pump. It is preferable not to use a vacuum pump downstream of the separation unit (22) to preserve the integrity and humidity of the fat cells and to allow for the addition of saline to the cells if necessary.

[0086] Stack of size classifiers (12) and separation units (22) To reduce the number of separate processing units assembled and deployed in an operating room, some of the processing units can be combined by stacking them. For example, as shown in Figures 1(a) and 7(a) and 7(b), a size classifier 12 and a separation unit 22 can be stacked one on top of the other to form a compact assembly. These two processing units are interesting to combine because they both contain rotating elements that may need to be coupled to a motor M via a 5 m rotary transmission cable. By combining them, a single 5 m rotary transmission cable can be used to rotate the rotating elements of both the size classifier 12 and the separation unit 22. To avoid having to rotate the rotating elements of a processing unit that is not in use, a clutch release mechanism can be provided to engage or disengage the rotating elements of each of the size classifier 12 and the separation unit 22. Wherein the rotation of the carousel (14) and filter carousel (24) is driven by an arrangement of electromagnets and optionally permanent magnets that can be independently controlled by a processor in the controller (C).

[0087] The size classifier 12 is stacked on top of the separation unit 22, with the classifier floor 12f replacing the separator lid 23. Stacking the size classifier 12 on top of the separation unit 22 is preferred because free access to the individual compartments 14i from above after size separation is required to recover fat cells of the desired size range. For mechanically controlled rotation, the drive coupling element 16c of the classifier unit 12, forming, for example, a rack-and-pinion system, also drives the rotation of the filter carousel 24 and / or the scraping unit 26. A clutch release mechanism can be provided to allow the drive coupling element 16c to drive the carousel 14, the filter carousel 24, and the scraping unit 26 independently or in a combination of the two. Due to the electrical control of rotation (with magnets), the rotation of the carousel 14 and the filter carousel 24 (if it rotates) can be controlled independently. In the case of a stationary filter carousel 24, the scraping unit 26 can be reversibly coupled to the carousel 14 so that it either rotates or does not rotate with it.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1(a), liposuction aspirate is flowed from the liposuction device 2 into the separator inlet opening 22i through a tube that is isolated from and bypasses the size classifier 12 and enters directly into the retentate volume of the separation unit 22. The flow is driven by a vacuum pump 7. In embodiments where the separation unit 22 is separate from the size classifier, the separation units operate independently. Undesired debris and liquid are separated from the fat cells by passing the undesired debris and liquid through a filter carousel 24, which is driven either by the vacuum pump 7 with a stationary carousel 24, or by centrifugal force generated by rotation of the carousel 24 relative to the separator vessel 22v, or a combination of both. If needed, the scraping unit (26) can be rotated relative to the filter carousel (24) (i.e., the scraping blades (26b) either stop rotating with or at a different speed than the rotating filter carousel (24), or they start rotating relative to the stationary filter carousel (24)) to prevent tissue buildup on the filter elements (25e) which would increase the pressure drop across the filter elements (25e).

[0089] The liquid and undesirable small debris are discharged through the filtrate outlet opening (22of), and the adipose tissue retained in the retentate volume is driven out through the retentate outlet opening (22or) by opening the separator valve (22v) towards the next processing station, e.g., a fluidization unit (32) or directly to a size classifier (12).

[0090] Liposuction assembly in use After extraction by the liposuction device (2), the liposuction aspirate is separated in the separation unit (22) as described above. The separation unit (22) can be stacked below the size classifier (12) to form a compact assembly as shown in FIG. 1(a), or it can be separated from the size classifier (12) as shown in FIG. 1(b). Liquid and small debris are removed from the liposuction aspirate in the filter carousel (24) by either vacuum or centrifugal force, or both, as discussed above. The retentate flows out of the separation unit (22) for further processing.

[0091] The adipose tissue preferably flows into the fluidization unit (32) driven by the first piston pump (301). Once a sufficient volume of adipose tissue has been drawn into the first chamber (31c) by the first piston pump (301), the fluidization process begins as described above. At the end of the fluidization process, the thus-fluidized fat cells may flow into the first compartment (14.1) of the size classifier (12). The flow may be driven by one of the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) of the fluidization unit (32) or by the vacuum pump (7).

[0092] To avoid the liposuction aspirate drying out too quickly, it is preferable not to use a vacuum downstream of the separation unit (12) to drive the flow of liposuction aspirate. Without a vacuum, it is also easier to provide a humidification station, where saline can be added to the liposuction aspirate to both clean it and humidify it, thus increasing its fluidity. The flow of liposuction aspirate downstream of the separation unit (22) can be driven by a first or second piston pump (301, 302).

[0093] When the adipocytes are in the first compartment, the carousel (14) can be rotated to separate the adipocytes into size ranges by passing them through a mesh of continuous cross-wall sections separating two adjacent compartments (14i). Once the adipocytes are separated into size fractions in the corresponding compartments, the adipocytes or desired size fractions can be collected using a needle for further use. The adipocytes can be used for liposculpture by injecting them into a location on the patient's body with a fat injection device (not shown), which is similar to an unpowered liposuction device with a cannula that is generally thinner than that used in liposuction. Alternatively, adipocytes of the desired size fraction can be obtained for further processing, such as stem cell isolation and culture.

[0094] The size classifier (12) of the present invention is highly effective in reproducibly and easily separating adipocytes into predetermined size ranges that are particularly suitable for topical applications, including fat injection in liposculpting applications or further processing and culturing of cells, particularly stem cells. The assembly of the present invention allows specific size fractions of viable adipocytes to be extracted, washed, and isolated in a single device that is completely sterile and completely free of human contact.

Claims

1. A size classifier (12) for dividing fat cells into specific size fractions, said size classifier comprising: a classifier vessel (12v) having a classifier floor (12f), a classifier wall (12w) with a geometry of revolution about a classifier axis (Z12), and an open end closed by a classifier lid (13) and defining a classifier volume; a carousel (14) rotatably mounted in said classifier volume for rotation about said classifier axis (Z12); a carousel container (14v) comprising a carousel floor (14f), a carousel wall (14w) having a geometry of rotation about said classifier axis (Z12), and an open end preferably sealed by a membrane (14m) and defining a carousel volume, a carousel (14) in which the carousel volume is divided into a plurality of compartments (14.1 to 14.n) separated from one another by compartment walls, each compartment wall comprising a transverse wall portion radially transverse to the carousel wall (14w); a classifier inlet opening (12i) in the classifier lid aligned with the carousel and configured to give needles direct access to the compartments (14i), preferably through the membranes (14m); a classifier outlet opening (12o) in said classifier bed (12f) configured to discharge liquid; a drive coupling element (16c) configured, when coupled to a motor (M), to drive rotation of the carousel (14) relative to the classifier vessel (12v); In a size classifier (12) comprising: the transverse wall portion separating the first compartment (14.1) from the second compartment (14.2) comprises a mesh of first openings (R1); the transverse wall section separating the i-th section (14.i) from the (i+1)-th section (14.(i+1)), where i=2 to (n-1), comprises a mesh of i-th opening (Ri) smaller than the (i-1)-th opening (R(i-1)) of the transverse wall section separating the (i-1)-th section (14.(i-1)) from the i-th section (14.i) (i.e., R(n-1)<R(n-2)...<Ri<...<R1); A size classifier (12) characterized in that the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) includes an opening in fluid communication with the classifier floor (12f) and the outlet opening (12o).

2. 2. A size classifier (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first opening (R1) has a first diameter comprised between 200 and 1000 μm, preferably between 400 and 800 μm, and the (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) has an (n-1)th diameter comprised between 10 and 200 μm, preferably between 20 and 100 μm.

3. 3. A size classifier (12) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the partition walls have one of the following geometries: the compartment walls extend substantially radially from a central hub and change direction to reach the carousel wall (14w) transverse to the radial direction of the carousel wall (14w), forming with the radial direction an angle (α) preferably comprised between 45 and 120°, more preferably between 60 and 120°, the change in direction being able to form an angle defining a partitioned compartment wall or being smooth defining a curved compartment wall, or The partition wall is a cylindrical wall of different radii coaxial with the classifier axis (Z12) and defines an annular compartment. A size classifier (12).

4. 4. A size classifier (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening in the carousel floor of the nth compartment (14f.n) is - No floor, or A grid or mesh of openings larger than or equal to the (n-1)th opening (R(n-1)) in the cross wall portion of the (n-1)th partition wall, or - Holes in the floor A size classifier (12) characterized in that it is formed by

5. 5. The size classifier (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the drive coupling element (16c) is a pinion of a rack and pinion mechanism, the pinion being configured to be coupled to a rotation transmission cable (5m) to a motor (M), or an electric motor, the stator of which is formed by the classifier wall (12w) and the rotor of which is formed by the carousel wall (14w), and which includes magnets forming an electric motor.

6. 1. A set of parts for a device for liposuction of adipose tissue, comprising: A liposuction device (2), a cannula (2c) that is substantially linear, hollow and elongated and includes an internal lumen extending along a cannula axis (X2) from an inlet end (2i) provided with one or several openings for drawing adipose tissue into said lumen to an outlet end located at the opposite end of said cannula; a handpiece (2h) including a cannula coupling unit configured to couple to the outlet end of the cannula; a liposuction device (2) comprising: a transfer tube (6t) that is flexible and hollow and includes an outlet end and an inlet end configured to be fluidly coupled to the cannula outlet end; a vacuum source (7) in fluid communication with the extraction tube for driving the extraction of the adipose tissue (2); In a set of parts including Kit of parts, characterized in that the kit further comprises a size classifier (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 7. The kit of claim 6, comprising a separation unit (22) a separator vessel (22v) including a separator wall (22w) defining a geometry of rotation about a separator axis (Z22) that defines a separator volume closed by a separator lid (23); a filter carousel (24) mounted in the separator volume and comprising a filter bed and a filter wall (24w) having a geometry of rotation about the separator axis (Z22), the filter bed and / or the filter wall (24w) comprising one or more filter elements (25e) dividing the separator volume into a retentate volume (22r) and a filtrate volume (22f); a filter inlet opening (22i) in the separator lid (23) opening into the concentrate volume (22r); a filtrate outlet opening (22of) in fluid communication with the filtrate volume (22f) and configured to discharge liquid and fines that have passed through the filter element (25e); a retentate outlet opening (22or) in fluid communication with said retentate volume (22r) and configured to discharge the coarse fraction retained by said filter element (25e); The kit further comprises a separation unit (22) comprising:

8. 8. The kit of claim 7, wherein the filter carousel (24) is rotatably mounted in the separator volume including a drive coupling element (16c) configured to drive rotation of the filter carousel (24) about the separator axis (X22) relative to the separator vessel (22v) when coupled to a motor (M).

9. 9. The kit of claim 7 or 8, wherein the separating unit (22) comprises a scraping unit (26) including a scraping blade (26b) configured to scrape the filter wall (24w) and / or the filter floor upon rotation of the scraping unit (26) relative to the separator wall (22w), the scraping unit (26) being coupled to a clutch release mechanism configured to move from a coupled configuration to a decoupled configuration, In the coupled configuration, the scraping unit (26) is coupled to the filter carousel (24) in such a way that the scraping unit (23) does not rotate relative to the filter carousel (24); a set of parts, characterized in that in the decoupled configuration, the scraping unit (26) can be decoupled from the filter carousel (24) and rotated about the filter axis (X22) relative to the filter carousel (24) such that the scraping unit (26) can scrape the surface of the one or more filter elements (25e) as it rotates relative to the filter carousel (24).

10. 10. A kit according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the size classifier (12) is stacked on top of the separation unit (22) with the classifier floor (12f) replacing the separator lid (23), the drive coupling element (16c) of the classifier unit (12) also drives the rotation of the filter carousel (24), and a clutch release mechanism enables the drive coupling element (16c) to drive the carousel (14), the filter carousel (24) and the scraping unit (26) independently or in a combination of two.

11. A kit according to any one of claims 7 to 10, comprising a mobilisation unit (32) for mobilising adipose tissue, the unit comprising: a first chamber (31c) comprising a first hole (31a) and a second chamber (32c) comprising a second hole (32a), said first chamber being separated from said second chamber by a filtering element (32fi, i=1 to 4); a first piston pump (301) fluidly coupled to the first chamber (31) via the first hole (31 a) and a second piston pump (302) fluidly coupled to the second chamber via the second hole (32 a), wherein the first and second piston pumps (301, 302) are configured to be operated in opposite phases, allowing adipose tissue to be forced to flow back and forth from one of the first and second chambers to the other of the first and second chambers through the filtration unit (32fi) to mobilize the adipose tissue; 10. The kit of parts, comprising a fluidization unit (32) comprising:

12. 12. A kit according to claim 11, characterized in that the filtering element (32fi) comprises at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4), a first filter (32f1) having larger openings than a second filter (32f2), etc., the filtering element (32fi) is mounted such that each of the at least two filters can be successively brought into a position separating the first chamber (31c) from the second chamber (32c), the at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4) being mounted in separate windows of a support frame (32s), the support frame being movable, preferably by rotation or translation of the support frame (32s), to bring each window carrying one of the at least two filters (32f1, 32f2, 32f3, 32f4) into said position separating the first chamber (31c) from the second chamber (32c).

13. A liposuction assembly, characterised in that it is obtained by assembling the components of the kit according to any one of claims 6 to 12, which are connected to each other by a transfer tube (6t).

14. 14. A liposuction assembly according to claim 13, wherein the kit is according to claim 7, a transfer tube (6t) coupled in fluid communication with the cannula outlet and the filter inlet opening (22i) of the liposuction unit (2); a transfer tube (6t) is coupled in fluid communication with the concentrate outlet opening and the classifier inlet opening (12i) of the concentrate unit (22); - A liposuction assembly characterized in that a rotational transmission cable (5 m) is connected to the liposuction unit and, optionally, to the size classifier (22) of the size classifier and / or to the filter carousel of the filtration unit.

15. 14. The liposuction assembly according to claim 13, comprising a fluidization unit (32) as defined in claim 11 or 12, located between the filtering unit (22) and the size classifier (22), a transfer tube (6t) coupled in fluid communication with the cannula outlet and the filter inlet opening (22i) of the liposuction unit (2); a transfer tube (6t) coupled in fluid communication with the concentrate outlet opening (22or) of the concentrate unit (22) and the first piston pump (301); a transfer tube (6t) is coupled in fluid communication with the second piston pump (302) to the classifier inlet opening (12i) of the size classifier (12); a rotation transmission cable (5 m) connected to the liposuction unit and, optionally, to the size classifier (22) of the size classifier and / or to the filter carousel of the filtration unit; The liposuction assembly is characterized in that it includes first and second mobilization valves (31v, 32v) located upstream and downstream of the mobilization unit (32) to allow the latter to be isolated from the rest of the assembly and to allow adipose tissue surrounded by the first and second valves to flow back and forth.

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