Bone chip collection and processing device

Abstract

The device for collecting and processing bone fragments includes a housing and a filter element disposed within the housing. The filter element at least partially defines a collection chamber for collecting a composition including bone fragments. An inlet cap is removably coupled to either the housing or the filter element and configured to receive the composition. The inlet cap includes a body, an inlet port extending from the body and configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument, and a spout extending from the body opposite the inlet port. The spout includes an injection port extending into the collection chamber of the filter element. An outlet cap is removably coupled to the housing and configured to be coupled to a suction source.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] In standard medical and surgical procedures, systems and tools are routinely used by surgeons to remove bone. Such systems often result in the creation of bone fragments, often by drills. These removed bone fragments, collectively referred to as bone grafts, are then used for reimplantation. Indeed, bone grafts are particularly beneficial in a variety of surgical procedures because they fill in the voids between bone sections and act as a scaffold for bone growth, resulting in subsequent bone union.

[0002] In some surgical procedures, it is common practice to necessarily cut and harvest bone, and then use all of the harvested bone as a bone graft in the same surgical procedure. For example, spinal surgery (specifically spinal fusion surgery) requires the removal of various vertebrae by drilling, and then the resected bone is used as a bone graft. As another example, joint reconstruction and joint restoration surgery also requires the removal of various bones by drilling, and then the resected bone is used as a bone graft.

[0003] In other surgical procedures, bone fragments used in procedures requiring bone grafts may be purposely harvested from bones in other areas of the body. Still other procedures may use bone grafts or synthetic bone material made from bone from other patients or cadavers. Bone grafts made from natural bone, especially bone harvested from the same patient (typically referred to as autografts or autogenous bone) for use in the patient, are favored by surgeons for their osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic properties and are considered the gold standard for bone union procedures. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Although bone collection and processing systems have generally performed well for their intended uses, there is a need to maximize bone fragment recovery and process the bone fragments in a sterile, efficient manner.

[0005] The advantages of many of the examples disclosed herein will become readily apparent when the following description is better understood by reading it in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which it is understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and are not necessarily to scale. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus for collecting a composition including bone particles. [Figure 2A-2B] 2A is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A, and FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the distal end of the device of FIG. 2A. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3. [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional side view of an isolated filter element of the device of FIG. 1 showing the tapered sidewalls. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the device of FIG. 1. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the disassembled device shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the shaft and piston of the device of FIG. 1 alone, the shaft and piston being configured to be releasably coupled to each other. [Figure 7A-7C] 7A is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the step of loading a composition comprising bone particles through the inlet cap of FIG. 2B; FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7A with the collection chamber approximately half full, further showing the step of loading a composition comprising bone particles; and FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7B with the collection chamber nearly full, further showing the step of loading a composition comprising bone particles. [Figure 7D] A cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7C showing the inlet cap removed, the filter element with the collection chamber filled, and the shaft removed and then connected to the piston, thereby allowing a force to be applied to the shaft to move the piston from a first position to a second position and expel the composition from the device. [Fig. 7E-7F]Figure 7E is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 7D showing the inlet cap removed to allow access, thereby connecting the detached shaft to the piston and applying a force to the shaft to move the piston from a first position to a second position and expelling the composition from the device, and Figure 7F is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 7E with the shaft connected to the piston in the first position. [Figure 7G] 7F shows a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7F with the shaft coupled to the piston in a first position. [Figure 8A-8B] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an inlet cap and an outlet cap coupled together to restore suction airflow to a surgical instrument after removal from the apparatus, and FIG. 8B is an exploded view of the coupled caps of FIG. 8A. [Figure 9A-9B] 9A is a cross-sectional view of the interconnected caps of FIG. 8A taken along line 9A-9A, and FIG. 9B is an exploded view of the caps of FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A-10B] FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of an example of device AA having an inlet cap that cuts off the suction airflow once the collection chamber is filled with composition, and FIG. 10B is a close-up of the distal end of the device of FIG. 10A. [Figure 11A-11B] FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of another example of a device having an inlet cap with a secondary fluid communication passage that maintains suction airflow when the collection chamber is filled with composition, and FIG. 11B is an enlarged view of the distal end of the device of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative isolated example of a shaft and piston configured to be releasably coupled to one another. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus including an inlet cap releasably connectable to a first end of a filter element. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Referring to the drawings, a device for collecting and processing bone fragments is shown at 10 throughout the drawings. It should be noted that like numerals refer to like structures in the various drawings. The device 10 of the present disclosure is configured to collect and process bone fragments in connection with various medical and / or surgical procedures. More specifically, the device 10 is configured to process and collect a composition 38 including bone fragments and other components from a patient. The composition is shown at 38 throughout the drawings. The composition 38 is intended to be broadly construed to include all bone components, e.g., bone, tissue such as stem and progenitor cells, etc., regardless of their form. For purposes of this disclosure, the terms "bone fragment," "bone dust," and "composition" are used interchangeably and share the broad configuration described for the composition 38. Once processed, the composition 38 is typically used to form a bone graft. In some procedures, composition 38 includes bone particles, irrigation fluid such as saline or water, blood, and one or more soft tissue particles.

[0008] In an additional aspect, the present disclosure further provides a system for use in collecting and processing bone fragments. The system includes a surgical instrument 54. The surgical instrument 54 is configured to collect the composition 38 and is configured to couple with an inlet tube 84. In some examples, the surgical instrument 54 is configured to process, e.g., grind, cut, scrape, or abrade, bone to generate bone fragments. In such examples, the system includes a surgical instrument 54 configured to generate bone fragments and collect, e.g., aspirate, the composition 38. The system may also include an inlet tube 84 that conveys the composition 38 from the surgical instrument 54 to an apparatus 10 for collecting and processing bone fragments. Typically, the composition 38 is aspirated from a patient using the surgical instrument 54, and the aspirated composition 38 is collected in the apparatus 10. A suction source 64 is in communication with the apparatus 10 and the surgical instrument 54 via one or more tubes.

[0009] A representative example of the device 10 is shown throughout the drawings. Referring to the external view of FIG. 1, the device 10 includes an inlet cap 48, a housing 12 with a filter element 22 disposed therein, and an outlet cap 60. Generally, the outlet cap 60 is coupled to the proximal side of the device 10, and a suction source 64 is coupled to the outlet cap 60 via an outlet tube 86. The outlet cap 50 is in fluid communication with the housing 12, thereby carrying an aspiration airflow. The aspiration airflow aspirates the composition 38 from the patient, which then collects within the device 10. The inlet cap 48 is coupled to the distal side of the device 10, and a surgical instrument 54, e.g., a cutting device, is connected to the inlet cap 48 via an inlet tube 84. In some examples, the surgical instrument 54 produces the composition 38, which then aspirates the composition 38. However, it should be understood that the system may also include a dedicated handheld aspirator associated with the cutting tool 54. In such a configuration, the surgical instrument 54 shown in FIG. 1 is a suction device that aspirates the composition from the surgical site, and a cutting device (not shown separately) is used to separately produce the composition from the patient.

[0010] 2A, the inlet cap 48 is in fluid communication with the device 10 to receive the composition 38. The composition 38 is then deposited / injected into the collection chamber 36, which is partially defined by the filter element 22, and then collected in the collection chamber 36. Once the composition 38 has been collected in the collection chamber 36, the end caps 48, 60 are removed from the housing 12 and / or the filter element 22, and the composition 38 is then harvested for use as a bone graft. Specifically, a shaft 78 is coupled to the piston 42, and a force is applied to the piston 42 via the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46, expelling the composition collected in the collection chamber 36, and thus harvesting the composition 38. Additionally, the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 are configured to be coupled to each other once removed. Thus, the removed inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 can be coupled together to restore suction airflow to the surgical instrument 54.

[0011] In many instances, the collection chamber is approximately 15 cm 3 About 30cm from 3 , alternatively, about 20cm 3 Approximately 25cm from 3 Such collection chamber volume allows for collection of an appropriate amount of composition 38 while facilitating easy operation (handling) and collection (with minimal force) of device 10. In various non-limiting examples, all numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, including the numerical values ​​recited above and intermediate values ​​therebetween, are expressly contemplated for use throughout this specification.

[0012] 1-12, various examples and embodiments of the device 10A are generally shown. Referring to FIG. 2A, the device of this example includes a housing 12 and a filter element 22 at least partially disposed within the housing 12. The housing 12 includes a distal end 14, a proximal end 16, and an outer wall 18. The outer wall 18 has an outer surface 19 and an inner surface 20 and extends between the distal end 14 and the proximal end 16. For purposes of this disclosure, the distal end 14 is generally proximal to the patient, and the proximal end 16 is generally distal to the patient and proximal to the suction source 64. In a typical example, the housing 12 is cylindrical and defines a space. Of course, the housing 12 (and associated filter element 22) need not necessarily be cylindrical, but may have a cross-sectional profile other than circular, for example, an oval, elliptical, or polygonal cross-sectional profile. Housing 12 is typically open at both ends, unless caps 48, 60 are coupled to distal and proximal ends 14, 16, respectively. Filter element 22 is partially disposed within the space of housing 12. In other words, at least a portion of filter element 22 is located within the lumen of housing 12.

[0013] 4, filter element 22 includes a first end 24, a second end 26, and a sidewall 28 connecting first and second ends 24, 26. First end 24 is located closer to distal end 14 of housing 12 than second end 26, and second end 26 is located closer to proximal end 16 of housing 12 than first end 24. In the illustrated form, filter element 22 is open at both first end 24 and second end 26.

[0014] In the illustrated example, the filter element 22 is coupled or secured within the housing 12 by a "snap-fit" arrangement. One specific example of a snap-fit ​​arrangement is shown in FIG. 5A. In this example, the first end 24 of the outer circumferential surface 32 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 includes two posts 90 disposed opposite one another, and the outer wall 18 of the housing 12 includes two corresponding holes 91 into which the two posts 90 are snap-fit ​​or secured. Additionally, the first end 24 of the outer circumferential surface 32 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 includes a collar 82 that extends radially around the distal end 14 of the housing 12 for alignment and sealing. Of course, many different mechanisms may be used to couple the filter element 22 to the housing 12, and this arrangement is merely one non-limiting example.

[0015] For example, the collar 82 may be utilized to secure the filter element 22 within the housing 12. In one such example, the inner surface of the L-shaped collar 82 includes a radially extending groove and the outer wall of the housing 12 includes a corresponding radially extending rib. In such an example, the collar 82 may be integral with the housing 12 or the filter element 22, or may be a separate component that couples the housing 12 to the filter element 22. Of course, the housing 12 and the filter element 22 may be sealed mechanically (such as by an interference fit as described above) or by using an elastomeric sealing member (e.g., silicone rubber). One example of the use of an elastomeric sealing member includes an O-ring seated between the housing 12 and the filter element 22 in combination with a groove and / or flange (on the housing 12 and / or the filter element 22).

[0016] In various examples, the housing 12, filter element 22, inlet cap 48, and / or outlet cap 60 are sealed via an elastomeric sealing member (e.g., silicone rubber). One use of an elastomeric sealing member includes a combination of an O-ring seated between the housing 12 and filter element 22 and a groove and / or flange (on the housing 12 and / or filter element 22). Another use includes a sealing member on the inner surface of the outlet cap 60. This sealing member of the outlet cap 60 acts as a rigid seal when the outlet cap 60 engages the device 10 and also acts as a rigid seal when the outlet cap 60 engages the inlet cap 48 (upon suction recovery as described above).

[0017] 4, 5A, and 5B, sidewall 28 of filter element 22 defines an inner circumferential surface 30 and an outer circumferential surface 32 and has a plurality of openings 34. Sidewall 28 of filter element 22 at least partially defines a collection chamber 36 for collecting composition 38. Outer circumferential surface 32 of sidewall 28 and inner surface 20 of outer wall 18 of housing 12 are spaced apart from one another and define an outer radial space 40. Openings 34 may take any suitable form, such as perforations, slots, etc.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A, the outer peripheral surface 32 of the sidewall 28 may include one or more ribs 88 extending longitudinally from the first end 24 to the second end 26 of the filter element 22. The ribs 88 abut against the inner surface 20 of the outer wall 18 of the housing 12 and function to strengthen the outer wall 18 and support the outer radial space 40. The ribs 88 may be continuous or intermittent. Intermittent ribs 88 are sometimes referred to as fins. The example of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5A includes a rib 88 consisting of three fin groups. In some examples where the ribs 88 are continuous, the ribs 88 provide separate fluid passageways within the outer radial space 40.

[0019] Alternatively, in some examples, ribs 88 may be formed on the inner surface 20 of the housing 12, again similar to the ribs 88 previously described.

[0020] In many instances, the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 also includes at least one bypass hole 70 in fluid communication with the outer radial space 40. Of course, more than one hole may be provided, and the hole may have various shapes and sizes. In one typical example, the at least one bypass hole 70 has a diameter or area larger than the diameter or area of ​​the plurality of openings 34 in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. The at least one bypass hole 70 is positioned such that suction airflow is maintained when the inlet cap 48 is removed. The bypass hole 70 maintains suction airflow because it provides a fluid communication path from the outer radial space 40 (the space between the outer peripheral surface 32 of the filter element 22 and the inner surface 20 of the outer wall 18 of the housing 12) through the at least one bypass hole 70 to the outside of the outlet cap 60, i.e., a fluid communication path that does not result in excessive drying of the composition 38. In some configurations, it is advantageous to avoid excessively reducing the moisture content of the composition 38. This is because maintaining sufficient moisture has been shown to be beneficial for cell viability.

[0021] To this end, the filter element 22 is partially disposed within the space defined by the housing 12. Additionally, a partially defined collection chamber 36 (a secondary defined space) is located within the filter element 22, and an outer radial space 40 (another defined space) is located between the filter element 22 and the housing 12. The composition 38 typically enters the collection chamber 36 along a main communication path through the inlet cap 48, and excess fluid is drawn through the multiple openings 34 into the outer radial space 40 and out of the outlet cap 60. It should be understood that once the composition 38 is drawn into the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22, the filtered liquid is drawn out of the outlet cap 60 through the multiple openings 34 in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. The filter element 22 then functions as a filter to further remove filtrate (liquid) components from the composition 38 and alter the composition 38. Thus, the components of composition 38 captured by system 10 (e.g., irrigation fluid, blood, excess soft tissue, etc.) and their characteristics, the residence time of composition 38 within filter element 22, the surface area and pattern of plurality of openings 34, and the strength of suction will all affect the physical characteristics of the “plug” of composition 38 formed within filter element 22.

[0022] In some examples, the aperture ratio of the plurality of apertures 34 to the total surface area of ​​the inner circumferential surface 30 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 is in the range of about 0.5% to about 25%, alternatively about 0.6% to about 10%, alternatively about 0.6% to about 5%, alternatively about 0.7% to about 2%, alternatively about 0.8% to about 1.2%, to optimize hydration of the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36 (to prevent dehydration or overhydration). In some such examples, the plurality of apertures 34 are uniformly spaced from one another around the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. In other examples, the plurality of apertures 34 are group-patterned or multi-line-patterned to optimize hydration of the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36. An example of such an optimized plurality of apertures 34 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B. In some examples, each aperture may be circular, with the aperture diameter ranging from about 0.2 mm to about 2.00 mm, alternatively from about 0.4 mm to about 1.5 mm, alternatively from about 0.6 mm to about 1.2 mm. In some examples, the outer periphery 32 of the sidewall 28 may include from about 40 to about 200 apertures 34, alternatively from about 80 to about 140 apertures, alternatively from about 100 to about 120 apertures 34. The apertures may have shapes other than round, such as oval, elliptical, or polygonal. In various non-limiting examples, all numerical values ​​and numerical ranges, including the numerical values ​​recited above and intermediate values ​​therebetween, are expressly contemplated for use throughout this specification.

[0023] In some examples, the plurality of openings 34 are arranged in a multi-line pattern to optimize hydration of the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36. FIG. 4 shows the plurality of openings 34 arranged in a multi-diagonal line pattern or a multi-spiral line pattern on the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. Of course, the plurality of openings 34 may also be arranged in a multi-perpendicular line pattern (not shown) on the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. In such examples, each line may have about 2-12 holes, alternatively about 2-4 holes. The (e.g., multi-line) plurality of openings 34 may be relatively uniformly distributed across the filter element 22, e.g., relatively uniformly spread, or may be gradually distributed from the first end 24 to the second end 26 in the longitudinal direction of the filter element 22 so as to be gradually denser or sparser.

[0024] A piston 42 is movably disposed within the filter element 22. The piston 42 includes a piston face 43 and a piston shaft attachment 44. The piston face 43 is adapted to push the mass of the composition 38 out of the collection chamber 36. The piston shaft attachment 44 is disposed outside the collection chamber 36 opposite the piston face 43 and adapted to cooperate with and be connected to an attachment element 77 on the shaft 78. Typically, the piston shaft attachment 44 and the attachment element 77 are configured to snap fit together. Of course, it should be understood that the piston shaft attachment 44 and the attachment element 77 may be configured in any form suitable for releasably connecting to one another.

[0025] The piston 42 is movable between a first position 45 and a second position 46. In the first position 45, the piston 42 at least partially defines the collection chamber 36. When the piston 42 is in the first position 45, the piston 42 cooperates with the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 to define the end and side walls of the collection chamber 36. In other words, the piston 42 functions as a movable end wall of the collection chamber 36. In the first position 45, the piston 42 is located near the second end 26 of the filter element 22, at which time the volume defined by the collection chamber 36 is at a maximum. In the second position 46, the piston 42 may be located near the first end 24 of the filter element, at which time the volume defined by the collection chamber 36 is at a minimum. In some instances, a flange (not shown) extends radially around the inner circumferential surface 30 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 at the second end 26 of the filter element 22 such that the piston 42 abuts against the flange when in the first position 45. In other instances, as shown in FIG. 2A, the piston 42 is contoured to include a radial protrusion that abuts the second end 26 (having a tapered portion 80 that tapers radially inward) of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. The tapered portion 80 increases the exterior radial space 40 at the proximal end of the device 10, allowing debris (e.g., blood clots, etc.) to be expelled from the device 10 if such debris forms between the filter element 22 and the housing 12. Additionally, tapered portion 80 allows for a smooth fit onto piston 42 when piston 42 is in first position 45 or assembled within device 10, so that piston 42 seats precisely within filter element 22 and does not get caught on tapered portion 80, which functions as a flange.

[0026] In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the piston 42 includes a piston face (second radial projection) having a flat rounded surface that is slidably engaged within the collection chamber 36 to force the composition 38 through the collection chamber 36. This second radial projection provides a second barrier for the composition 38 as it is forced through the collection chamber 36, stabilizing the piston 42 and shaft 78. In various examples, an additional distal projection extending radially around the piston 42 (behind the first projection) may be provided and used to secure the piston 42 distally within the device 10 during shipping and handling. Such a projection may extend beyond the clearance radius.

[0027] The inlet cap 48 is configured (or shaped) to be releasably coupled to either the distal end 14 of the housing 12 or the first end 24 of the filter element 22. In the example shown throughout the figures, the inlet cap 48 is releasably coupled to the first end 24 of the filter element 22. However, it should be understood that in various alternatives, the inlet cap 48 may be releasably coupled (or configured to be releasably coupled) to the distal end 14 of the housing 12. The inlet cap 48 includes a body 50, an inlet port 52 extending from the body 50 and configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument 54, and a spout 56 extending from the body 50 opposite the inlet port 52. The spout 56 includes an injection port 58 that extends beyond the first end 24 of the filter element 22 into the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22. Of course, the inlet cap 48 is configured to receive the composition 38. More specifically, the inlet cap 52 is typically connected to the surgical instrument 54 via an inlet tube 84. The composition is drawn from the surgical instrument 54 through the inlet tube 84 and into the inlet port 52 of the inlet cap 48. The composition 38 travels through the body 50 and the spout 56 of the inlet cap 48 from the injection port 58 into the collection chamber 36. In particular, the injection port 58 of the spout 56 extends into the collection chamber 36 at the first end 24 of the filter element 22, and in some instances, the injection port 58 of the spout 56 extends into the collection chamber 36 at the first end 24 of the filter element 22 such that it is proximal to (or beyond) where the initial opening 34 is located in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. In other instances, the spout 56 extends into the collection chamber 36 at the first end 24 of the filter element 22 such that the injection port is distal to (or before) where the initial opening 34 is located in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. The spout 56 (and a first collar 67 disposed on either the spout 56 or the suction spacer 66) ensures that the composition 38 is delivered into the filter element 22, thereby minimizing dislodging of the composition 38 when the inlet cap 48 is removed.The spout 56 aids in the forward loading of the composition 38 within the filter element 22 towards the piston 42 .

[0028] In some instances, the spout 56 also aids in stopping the suction airflow during filling. If the end of the spout 56 becomes clogged with the composition 38, the suction flow will gradually decrease below an acceptable level.

[0029] The outlet cap 60 is configured (or shaped) to be releasably coupled to either the proximal end 16 of the housing 12 or the second end 26 of the filter element 22. In the example shown throughout the figures, the outlet cap 60 is releasably coupled to the proximal end 16 of the housing 12. However, it should be understood that in various alternative examples, the outlet cap 60 may be releasably coupled to the second end 26 of the filter element 22. Additionally, the outlet cap 60 includes an outlet port 62 configured to be coupled to a suction source 64. Typically, the outlet port 62 is connected to the suction source 64 via an outlet tube 86. This places the outlet cap 60 in fluid communication with the device 10.

[0030] A cross-sectional view of the exemplary device of FIG. 1 taken along line 2A-2A is shown in FIG. 2B. In the example of FIG. 2B, the inlet cap 48 includes a body 50, an inlet port 52 extending from the body 50, and a spout 56 extending from the body 50 opposite the inlet port 52. In the example of FIG. 2A, the inlet cap 48 is adapted to cooperate with a suction spacer 66 disposed around the outer periphery of the spout 56. Simply put, the spout 56 resembles a finger, and the suction spacer 66 resembles a ring worn on the finger. Furthermore, the radially outer surface of the spout 56 is shaped to cooperate with the radially inner surface of the suction spacer 66. The suction spacer 66 includes two collars 67, 68. The first collar 67 extends radially around the spout 56 and abuts against the inner periphery of the inlet cap 48 when the inlet cap 48 is coupled to the distal end 14 of the housing 12 or the first end 24 of the filter element 22. The second collar 68 extends radially around the spout 56 but does not abut against the inner circumferential surface 30 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 when the inlet cap 48 is coupled to the distal end 14 of the housing 12 or the first end 24 of the filter element 22.

[0031] In some examples, the inlet cap 48 and the spout 56 are molded as one piece, and the suction spacer 66 with collars 67, 68 is molded as another piece and is mechanically (e.g., by press fit) or adhesively bonded (e.g., by adhesive) to the annulus of the spout 58. This design reduces concerns about joints needing to be airtight and simplifies molding and assembly of the inlet cap 48. That is, the suction spacer 66 allows for efficient molding of the inlet cap 48 and efficient assembly of the device 10.

[0032] The first collar 67 partially defines the collection chamber 36 and functions to prevent the device 10 from collecting the composition 38 substantially distal to the injection port 58, thereby minimizing loss of the composition 38 and allowing for cleaner removal of the inlet cap 48. In this example, the device 10 may also include a second collar 68 spaced apart from the first collar 67. The second collar 68 is located closer to the inlet port 52 than the first collar 67. The second collar 68 extends radially around the injection port 58 but does not abut the inner circumferential surface 30 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22. The second collar 68 ensures that once the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22 is filled with the composition 38, suction on the device 10 is discontinued and prevents the composition 38 from entering between the collars 67, 68 and into the second fluid communication passage, thereby preventing loss of the collected composition 38 through the at least one bypass hole 70 when the inlet cap 48 is connected to the filter element 22.

[0033] The secondary fluid communication path is a path extending from at least one bypass hole 70 between the inner surface 20 of the housing 12 and the outer peripheral surface 32 of the filter element 22 through the outer radial space 40 and out of the outlet cap 60 .

[0034] In the example of Figure 2A, at least one bypass hole 70 is disposed in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 such that it is located between the first and second collars 67, 68 of the suction spacer 66 when the inlet cap 48 is coupled to the filter element 22. The at least one bypass hole 70 (and in the example of Figure 2A, multiple bypass holes 70) between the collars 67, 68 allows for suction airflow to be restored when the inlet cap 48 is removed from the device 10 filled with the composition 30. That is, the at least one bypass hole 70 provides a secondary fluid communication path once the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22 of the device is filled and the inlet cap is removed. The secondary fluid communication path between the outer peripheral surface 32 of the filter element 22 and the collection chamber 36 of the housing 22 passes around the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22, ensuring that the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22 is not overly dried out when the inlet cap 48 is removed from the device 10 but the outlet cap 60 is still applying a vacuum. A further advantage of the at least one bypass hole 70 is that the suction airflow created again via the secondary fluid communication path allows any liquid trapped between the housing 12 and the filter element 22 to be easily evacuated from the device 10 through the outlet cap 60.

[0035] It should be understood that some examples of the device 10 may not include the suction spacer 66 and may include only two collars 67, 68. In such examples, the first collar 67 extends radially around the spout 56 and abuts against the inner circumferential surface of the inlet cap 48 when the inlet cap 48 is coupled to the distal end 14 of the housing 12 or the first end 24 of the filter element 22, and the second collar 68 extends radially around the spout 56 but does not abut against the inner circumferential surface 30 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 when the inlet cap 48 is coupled to the distal end 14 of the housing 12 or the first end 24 of the filter element 22.

[0036] 10A, 10B and 11A, 11B show two different examples of the device 10 without the suction spacer 66 and with only two collars 67, 68. FIGS. 10A, 10B show an example of a device 210 with an inlet cap 248 without the suction spacer 66, where the suction airflow will cease if the collection chamber 236 is filled with the composition 38. In contrast, FIGS. 11A, 11B show an example of a device 310 with an inlet cap 348 without the suction spacer 66, where the suction airflow will be maintained by the overflow of the composition 38 when the collection chamber 336 is filled with the composition 38.

[0037] With particular reference to the example of FIG. 10B, the illustrated device 210 includes an inlet cap 248 having a first collar 267 extending radially around the spout 256. The first collar 267 abuts the inner circumferential surface 228 of the sidewall 228 of the filter element 222 when the inlet cap 248 is coupled to either the distal end 214 of the housing 212 or the first end 224 of the filter element 222. The first collar 267 partially defines the collection chamber 236 and functions to prevent the device 10 from collecting the composition 38 substantially distal to the outlet of the injection port 258, thereby minimizing loss of the composition 38 and allowing for a cleaner removal of the inlet cap 248. In this example, the device 210 may also include a second collar 268 spaced apart from the first collar 267. The second collar 268 is located closer to the inlet port 252 than the first collar 267. Similar to the first collar 267, the second collar 268 also extends radially around the spout 256 and abuts the inner circumferential surface 230 of the sidewall 228 of the filter element 222 when the inlet cap 248 is coupled to either the distal end 214 of the housing 212 or the first end 224 of the filter element 222. In the example of FIG. 10, at least one bypass hole 270 is disposed in the sidewall 228 of the filter element 222 such that the at least one bypass hole 270 is located between the first and second collars 266, 268 of the spout 256 when the inlet cap 248 is coupled to the filter element 222. The at least one bypass hole 270 disposed in the sidewall 228 of the filter element 222 is distinct from the plurality of openings 234 found in the sidewall 228 of the filter element 222. Thus, the at least one bypass hole 270 is inoperative until the inlet cap 248 is removed, causing the aspiration airflow to cease once the collection chamber 236 is filled with the composition 38 .

[0038] With particular reference to the example of FIG. 11B, the illustrated device 310 includes an inlet cap 348 having first and second collars 367, 368 that extend radially around the spout 356. The first and second collars 367, 368 abut an inner circumferential surface 330 of the sidewall 328 of the filter element 322 when the inlet cap 348 is coupled to the distal end 314 of the housing 312. In the example of FIG. 11, at least one bypass hole 370 is disposed in the sidewall 328 of the filter element 322 such that the at least one bypass hole 370 is located between the first and second collars 367, 368 of the spout 352 when the inlet cap 348 is coupled to the filter element 322. The at least one bypass hole 370 located in the sidewall 328 of the filter element 322 is distinct from the plurality of openings 334 found in the sidewall 328 of the filter element 322. Additionally, the inlet port 358 of the spout 356 includes at least one corresponding bypass hole 372. The at least one corresponding bypass hole 372 is located between the first and second collars 367, 368 of the spout 356 and communicates with at least one bypass hole 370 located in the sidewall 328 of the filter element 322 when the inlet cap 348 is coupled to the filter element 322, thereby providing a secondary fluid communication path. The overflow path is a passageway that extends through the corresponding bypass hole 372 between the first and second collars 367, 368 and the at least one bypass hole 370 into the outer radial space 340 and out of the outlet cap 360. The overflow path provides an overflow path for the composition 38 and maintains an aspirating airflow when the filter element 322 is filled with the composition 38. In this manner, the inlet cap 348 is designed to maintain an aspirating airflow even when the collection chamber 336 is filled with the composition 38.

[0039] It should be understood that the device 10 including the suction spacer 66 may also include, in some examples, a suction spacer including a third bypass hole that allows for maintaining suction airflow even when the collection chamber 36 is filled with the composition 38.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device 10 of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the filter element 22 alone having a sidewall 28. The sidewall 28 has a taper 74 such that the diameter 76 and cross-sectional area of ​​the collection chamber 36 increases in the longitudinal direction of the filter element 22 as it moves from the second end 26 to the first end 24 of the filter element 22. Further referring to FIG. 4, both the taper 74 of the sidewall 28 and the decrease in the diameter 76 and cross-sectional area of ​​the collection chamber 36 are shown. For example, the diameter 76a of the collection chamber 36 at the second end 26 of the filter element 22 is smaller than the diameter 76b of the collection chamber 36 at the first end 24 of the filter element 22. In the example of FIG. 4, the taper is achieved by the thickness of the sidewall 28 decreasing as the sidewall 28 moves from the second end 26 to the first end 24 of the filter element 22. In such an example, the force required to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 is minimized when the collection chamber 36 is filled with the composition 38. That is, the taper 74 of the sidewall 28 facilitates the ejection of the composition 38 from the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22. In other words, the increased cross-sectional area facilitates the movement of the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46, which does not require the application of large forces through the shaft 78 and eliminates malfunction of the device 10. Additionally, as a secondary gain, the device optimizes the hydration of the "plug" of the composition 38 in the collection chamber 36, which makes it easier to eject because the composition 38 does not flow around or into the gap between the face of the piston 42 and the sidewall 22 of the filter element 22. The size of this gap increases as the piston 42 moves from the first position 45 to the second position 46. Additionally, composition 38 is sufficiently hydrated to increase the effective dimension of the bone particles in at least one direction sufficiently so that composition 38 does not flow around or into the gap between the face of piston 42 and sidewall 28 of filter element 22. The size of the gap increases as piston 42 moves from first position 45 to second position 46.It should be appreciated that the cross-sectional area of ​​the piston 42 and / or the cross-sectional area of ​​the filter element 22 can be adjusted so that the size of the gap is small enough to prevent bone particles from passing therethrough.

[0041] Figure 5A is an exploded perspective view of the device 10 of Figure 1, and Figure 5B is an exploded cross-sectional view of the device 10 of Figure 5A. Figure 5B also shows the taper 74 of the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 in the example of Figure 1.

[0042] The device 10 includes a shaft 78 configured to be releasably coupled to the piston 42 for moving the piston 42 between the first and second positions 45, 46. The shaft 78 includes a shaft attachment element 77 and a press pad 79. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the shaft 78 and piston 42 of the device of Figure 1 in isolation, configured to be releasably coupled to one another by a "snap fit."

[0043] Of course, the shaft mounting element 77 of the shaft 78 and the piston mounting element 44 of the piston 42 are configured to be releasably coupled to one another by a variety of interfaces, including but not limited to, threadable interfaces having bayonet couplings, snap-fit ​​interfaces, and the like.

[0044] Figure 12 shows a shaft 178 and piston 142 configured to be threadably coupled to one another. In the example of Figure 12, the attachment element 177 of the shaft 178 and the attachment element 144 of the piston 178 are both threaded. Once coupled, the press pad 179 of the shaft 178 is pressed, which displaces the piston 142 and causes the piston face 143 to push the mass of composition 38 out of the device 10.

[0045] In various examples, once the collection chamber 36 is filled with the composition 38 and the caps 48, 60 are removed, the shaft 78 is coupled to the piston 42. A force can then be applied to the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38 from the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22. The shaft 78 can also be used to move the piston 42 back to the first position 45, i.e., retract the piston position, and then the shaft 78 can be disengaged from the piston 42. Once the shaft 78 is disengaged from the piston 42, the caps 48, 60 can be removed and the process of collecting and expelling additional composition 38 can be repeated.

[0046] In many instances, the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 are configured to be coupled together such that the composition 38 can be drawn through the inlet port 52, collected in the collection chamber 36, and then after the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 38 are removed from the filter element 22 and / or the housing 12 to harvest the composition 38, the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 can be coupled together to restore suction airflow to the surgical instrument 54. Figures 8A, 8B and 9A, 9B show the coupling of the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60.

[0047] 8A and 8B, the suction spacer 66 includes a J-notch post 110 as well as first and second collars 67, 68. Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 can be coupled together by inserting the J-notch post 110 of the suction spacer 66 on the spout 56 of the inlet cap 48 into the J-notch 112 of the outlet cap 60 and then rotating the inlet cap 48 to releasably couple the inlet cap 48 to the outlet cap 60. At this time, the indicia 116 on the outlet cap 60 aligns with the indicia 106 on the inlet cap 48, indicating that the outlet cap 60 and the inlet cap 48 are fully engaged. The suction spacer 66 ensures that when the two end caps 48, 60 are coupled together and suction airflow is restored, a seal is provided between the caps 48, 60 to prevent fluid retention, and the spout 56 provides a bridging lumen between the two end caps 48, 60. It should be appreciated that in various examples, the inlet cap 48 (body 50 and / or spout 56) can also include a first collar 67, a second collar 68, and / or a J-notch post 110. For example, the first and second collars 67, 68 can extend radially around the spout 56, and the J-notch post 110 can be located on the spout 56 or the body 50.

[0048] As previously discussed, inlet cap 48 and outlet cap 60 are configured (or shaped) to be releasably coupled to filter element 22 and / or housing 12. Inlet cap 48 and outlet cap 60 may be coupled to device 10 by mechanisms well known in the art (e.g., snap fits, J-notches, and other mechanical connections).

[0049] 1, inlet cap 48 is releasably coupled to first end 24 of filter element 22. A J-notch post 104 on the first end of filter element 22 cooperates with a J-notch 102 on inlet cap 48 to couple inlet cap 48 to apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, when inlet cap 48 is fully engaged with apparatus 10, indicia 106 on inlet cap 48 aligns with indicia 108 on housing 12, indicating that inlet cap 48 is fully engaged with apparatus 10.

[0050] 13, an example of the device 10 is shown having an alternative inlet cap 48 releasably coupled to the first end 24 of the filter element 22. In the example of FIG. 13, a "tear drop" shaped J-notch post 105 is shown at the first end 24 of the filter element 22. The J-notch post 105 can increase contact with the J-notch 102 and a rigid engagement / connection between the inlet cap 48 and the filter element 22. In various examples, the device includes a J-notch post with various cross-sectional profiles, for example, round, oval, elliptical, polygonal, or tear drop shaped as shown in FIG. 13. Additionally, a friction button 103 is shown at the first end 24 of the filter element 22 in the exemplary device 10 of FIG. 13. When the inlet cap 48 is engaged with the filter element 22, the friction button 103 seats in the mouth of the J-notch 102 and prevents movement of the inlet cap 48, thereby ensuring that the inlet cap 48 maintains full engagement with the device 10 (i.e., preventing loosening of the inlet cap 48 during use).

[0051] 1, the outlet cap 60 is releasably coupled to the proximal end 16 of the housing 12. The outlet cap 60 has a J-notch 112 and the proximal end of the outer wall 18 of the housing 12 has a J-notch post 114. Referring again to FIG. 1, when the outlet cap 60 is fully engaged with the device 10, a mark 116 on the outlet cap 60 and a mark 118 on the housing 12 will align, indicating that the outlet cap 60 and housing 12 are fully engaged.

[0052] Also disclosed herein is a method for collecting and processing bone fragments with the device 10. The method utilizes various embodiments of the device 10 described above and includes the following steps: preparing the device 10, capturing the composition 38 through the inlet cap 48, collecting the composition 38 in the filter element 22, disengaging the inlet cap 48 from the housing 12 or the filter element 22, disengaging the outlet cap 60 from the housing 12, applying a force in a first direction to the piston 42 to move the piston 42 from a first position 45 to a second position 46 to expel the composition 38 from the filter element 22, and applying a force in a second direction to allow additional composition 38 to be collected using the device 10.

[0053] 7A-7G show various steps involved in a method of collecting and processing bone fragments with device 10. FIG.

[0054] 7A-7C are cross-sectional views of the device 10 of FIG. 1 during the steps of loading the composition 38 through the inlet cap 48. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 showing the beginning of collection of the composition 38. FIG. 7B shows the stage where the composition 38 has begun to collect in the collection chamber 36 of the device. FIG. 7C shows the final stage of collection where the composition 38, including the bone particles 38, is nearly filled in the collection chamber 36.

[0055] 7D is a cross-sectional view of the device 10 of FIG. 7C showing the inlet cap 48 disengaged, the filter element 22 in the housing 12 filled with the filtered composition 38, the outlet cap 60 connected to the housing 12, and the shaft 78 disengaged. The shaft 78 is then connected to the piston 42, which allows a force to be applied to the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38 from the device 10. In FIG. 8, once the step of disengaging the inlet cap 48 from the filter element 22 has been performed, the step of disengaging the outlet cap 60 from the housing 12 is then performed, which allows the piston 42 to move from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38 from the device 10.

[0056] Of course, in many instances, as shown in Figures 7E-7G, the method further includes the step of coupling the shaft 78 to the piston 42 once the outlet cap 60 has been removed from the housing 12, thereby allowing a force to be applied to the piston 42 via the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36 of the filter element 22 into the container 120. Figure 7E is a cross-sectional view of the device of Figure 7D showing the inlet cap 48 removed to allow access, thereby connecting the disengaged shaft 78 to the piston 42 and applying a force to the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position to the second position and expel the composition 38 from the device 10. Figure 7F shows the device 10 of Figure 7E showing the shaft 78 coupled to the piston 42 in the first position. A force is then applied to shaft 78, causing the piston to move from first position 45 to second position 46, causing composition 38 to be expelled from device 10, as shown in FIG. 7G.

[0057] In many instances, the method further includes disengaging shaft 78 from piston 42. In such instances, the method may further include coupling inlet cap 48 to housing 12 or filter element 22 and coupling outlet cap 60 to housing 12. The following steps are then repeated at least once to collect additional composition 38 using device 10: capturing the composition, collecting the composition, disengaging inlet cap 48, disengaging outlet cap 60, and applying a force in a first direction to piston 42 to move piston 42 from first position 45 to second position 46 and expel composition 38 from filter element 22.

[0058] Of course, with reference to Figures 8A-9B, the method may further include, once the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 have been removed, i.e., following the steps of capturing, collecting, removing the inlet cap 48, and removing the outlet cap 60, connecting the inlet cap 48 and the outlet cap 60 to one another and restoring suction airflow to the surgical instrument 54.

[0059] With reference to Figure 1, there is shown an example of an apparatus 10. With particular reference to Figure 1, the apparatus 10 includes a housing 12 having (1) a piston shaft attachment 92, (2) a grip 94, and (3) a clip attachment 96 (e.g., for a drape clip).

[0060] The piston shaft fitting 92 is configured to hold the piston shaft 78 when not in use. In the illustrated example, the piston shaft fitting 92 includes first and second clamps 98, 100 configured to mechanically engage the piston shaft 78. The clamps may be configured in a C-shape. FIG. 7C shows the piston shaft 78 engaged with the piston shaft fitting 92, and FIG. 7D shows the piston shaft 78 removed from the piston shaft fitting 92. The clamps may take the form of any suitable coupling configured to engage the piston shaft 78 when the piston 42 is not in use.

[0061] The shaft 78 of the exemplary device of FIG. 1 is configured to releasably couple to the housing 12 of the device 10. FIG. 1 shows the shaft 78 removed from the device 10. FIG. 2A shows the shaft 78 attached to the device 10 via a piston shaft attachment 92 disposed on the outer surface 19 of the outer wall 18 of the housing 12. The piston shaft attachment 92 is configured to cooperate with the shaft 78 to releasably engage the shaft 78. In some such examples, the outer wall 18 of the housing 12 includes a shaft attachment 92 that includes one or more (two in the example of FIG. 1) features configured to releasably engage the shaft 78. This allows the user, once the composition 38 has been collected and the outlet cap 60 of the device 10 has been removed, to simply remove the shaft 78 from the piston shaft attachment 92 without having to search for the shaft 78, and couple the shaft 78 to the piston 42, thereby allowing the composition 38 to be expelled from the collection chamber 36 of the device 10 and ultimately collected.

[0062] 7F and 7G, when the piston shaft 78 is in use, i.e., when the piston shaft 78 is disengaged and coupled to the piston 42, thereby applying a force to the piston 42 via the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36, the grip 94 disposed on the outer wall 18 of the housing 12 can be used. That is, when applying a force to the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 from the first position 45 to the second position 46 and expel the composition 38, the user can hold the housing 12 steady with one hand gripping the grip 94 and actuate the shaft 78 with the other hand, i.e., apply a force to the shaft 78 to move the piston 42 and collect the composition 48. Various examples of the grip 94 are contemplated herein, e.g., grips 94 (which may or may not have finger grips) constructed from various "grip friendly" materials including elastomers or foams. Grip 94 facilitates convenient two-handed operation for a user of device 10, specifically, one hand being placed around grip 94 and the other hand grasping piston shaft 78.

[0063] The device may also include a grip 94. The grip may be part of the piston shaft attachment 92 or may be independently located on the outer wall 18 of the housing 12. The grip 94 provides the user with improved control of the device 10 during collection of the composition 38. In the example of FIG. 1, as an added benefit, once the shaft 78 is removed from the piston shaft attachment 92, the grip 94 (which is part of the piston shaft attachment 92 in this example) is exposed, allowing the user to better hold the device 10 during application of force to the shaft 78 and ensure that the composition 38 is expelled from the collection chamber 36 of the device 10 when connecting the piston 42 to the shaft 78 and applying force to the shaft 78 by utilizing the grip 94.

[0064] 1 and 2, the device may include a drape clip attachment 96. A drape clip is a clip configured to be releasably coupled to various surfaces and fabrics in an operating room. In the illustrated example, a spring-loaded V-clip is used, although various other clip configurations known in the art may be used in place of the spring-loaded V-clip shown. This allows the device 10 to be conveniently stored (attached) and easily positioned and accessible.

[0065] 4 is a perspective view of the filter element 22 of the device 10 of FIG. 1 in isolation. In this example, the plurality of apertures 34 are patterned in a multi-diagonal fashion in the sidewall 28 of the filter element 22 to optimize the hydration of the composition 38 collected in the collection chamber 36. The (e.g., multi-linear) plurality of apertures 34 are relatively uniformly discrete, e.g., spread across the filter element 22. In this example, the perimeter surface 32 of the sidewall 28 includes two three-fin groups 88 that extend longitudinally from the first end 24 toward the second end 26 of the filter element 22.

[0066] The device 10 of FIG. 1 includes an inlet cap 48 having a J-notch 102 (first rotary coupler), and the outer circumferential surface 32 of the sidewall 28 at the first end 24 of the filter element 22 has a J-notch post (second rotary coupler) 104. Thus, the inlet cap 48 has a female configuration, and the first end 24 of the filter element 22 has a male configuration. The J-notch post 104 (second rotary coupler) at the first end 24 of the filter element 22 is inserted into the J-notch 102 (first rotary coupler) of the inlet cap 48 and then rotated to releasably couple the filter element 22 to the inlet cap 48. At this point, the mark 106 on the inlet cap 48 and the mark 108 on the housing 12 align to indicate that the inlet cap 48 and the housing 12 are fully engaged (i.e., the two have been sufficiently rotated relative to one another to be fully engaged). In particular, the inlet cap 48 of this example is adapted to cooperate with a suction spacer 66 having a J-notch post 110 .

[0067] 1 in conjunction with FIGs. 5A and 5B, device 10 includes outlet cap 60 having a J-notch 112 and a proximal end of outer wall 18 of housing 12 having a J-notch post 114. Outlet cap 60 has a female configuration and proximal end 16 of housing 12 has a male configuration. J-notch post 114 on the proximal end of outer wall 18 of housing 12 is inserted into J-notch 112 of outlet cap 60 and then rotated to releasably couple housing 12 to outlet cap 60. At this point, mark 116 on outlet cap 60 and mark 118 on housing 12 align to indicate that outlet cap 60 and housing 12 are fully engaged.

[0068] The J-notches and J-notch posts shown throughout this disclosure may have other suitable geometries that are coupled to facilitate a rotational connection between the caps 48, 60 and the housing 12 and between the caps 48 and 60. In other words, any form of rotational connection may be substituted for the various J-notch and post configurations described above, so long as one component has a male rotational connection configuration and the other component has a female rotational connection configuration. Frictional engagement between the caps 48, 60 and the housing 12 and between the caps 48 and 60 is also contemplated.

[0069] The rotational engagement of the caps 48,60 to the housing 12, and particularly the inlet cap 48 to the housing 12, facilitates intuitive disengagement, particularly when the assembly is under suction.

[0070] It should be understood that the terms "include," "includes," and "including" have the same meaning as the terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising," and that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used herein to distinguish certain structural features and components for non-limiting illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

[0071] A number of examples have been discussed above. However, it should be understood that the examples discussed herein are not exhaustive, i.e., are not intended to limit the device to any particular form. The terminology that has been used is intended to be descriptive rather than limiting. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the device may be practiced in ways other than as specifically described.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for collecting and processing bone fragments, comprising: a housing including an outer wall having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end; a filter element disposed at least partially within the housing, A first end; a second end, the first end being closer to the distal end of the housing than the second end; and a sidewall joining the first end and the second end, the sidewall defining an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, the sidewall having a plurality of openings, the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall at least partially defining a collection chamber for collecting a composition including bone particles, the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the outer wall being spaced apart from one another and defining an exterior radial space; a piston movably disposed within the filter element, the piston being movable between a first position and a second position, the piston at the first position at least partially defining the collection chamber; a filter element comprising: an inlet cap configured to receive the composition including bone chips and releasably coupled to either the distal end of the housing or the first end of the filter element, The main body, an inlet port extending from the body and configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument; a spout extending from the body opposite the inlet port, the spout including an injection port extending beyond the first end of the filter element into the collection chamber of the filter element; an inlet cap comprising: an outlet cap releasably coupled to the proximal end of the housing, the outlet cap including an outlet port configured to be coupled to a suction source; An apparatus comprising:

2. a first collar extending radially around the spout and abutting the inner circumferential surface of the side wall of the inlet cap or the filter element when the inlet cap is coupled to the distal end of the housing or the first end of the filter element; a second collar spaced from the first collar and positioned closer to the inlet port than the first collar, the second collar extending radially around the spout toward the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall of the filter element when the inlet cap is coupled to the distal end of the housing or the first end of the filter element; and / or at least one bypass hole in fluid communication with the outer radial space; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising:

3. 3. The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sidewall of the filter element tapers such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the collection chamber increases in a longitudinal direction of the filter element as the sidewall progresses from the second end toward the first end.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first end of the filter element comprises a tapered portion, the tapered portion tapering radially inwardly for cooperating with a radial protrusion of the piston when the piston is in the first position.

5. 5. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet cap and the outlet cap are configured to be coupled to each other to allow the composition to be taken in through the inlet cap, collected in the collection chamber, and after removing the inlet cap and the outlet cap from the filter element and / or the housing to harvest the composition, the inlet cap and the outlet cap can be coupled to each other to restore suction airflow to the surgical instrument.

6. 1. An apparatus for collecting and processing bone fragments, comprising: a housing including an outer wall having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end; a filter element disposed at least partially within the housing, A first end; a second end, the first end being closer to the distal end of the housing than the second end; and a sidewall joining the first end and the second end, the sidewall defining an inner periphery and an outer periphery, the sidewall having a plurality of openings, the inner periphery of the sidewall at least partially defining a collection chamber for collecting a composition including bone particles, the outer periphery of the sidewall and the inner surface of the outer wall being spaced apart from one another and defining an outer radial space, a portion of the sidewall tapering such that a cross-sectional area of ​​the collection chamber increases in a longitudinal direction of the filter element as the sidewall progresses from the second end toward the first end; a piston movably disposed within the filter element, the piston being movable between a first position and a second position, the piston at the first position at least partially defining the collection chamber; A filter element comprising: an inlet cap releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing and / or the first end of the filter element, the inlet cap comprising an inlet port configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument to receive the composition including bone particles; an outlet cap releasably coupled to the proximal end of the housing, the outlet cap including an outlet port configured to be coupled to a suction source; Equipped with wherein a force is applied to the piston to move the piston from the first position to the second position such that the composition is drawn through the inlet port and collected in the collection chamber, and upon removal of the inlet cap and the outlet cap, the tapered sidewalls facilitate expulsion of the composition from the filter element.

7. 1. A surgical system for collecting and processing bone fragments with a bone collection device, comprising: a housing including an outer wall having a distal end, a proximal end, and an inner surface extending between the distal end and the proximal end; A filter element disposed within the housing, A first end; a second end, the first end being closer to the distal end of the housing than the second end; and a sidewall joining the first end and the second end, the sidewall defining an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, the sidewall having a plurality of openings, the inner circumferential surface of the sidewall at least partially defining a collection chamber for collecting a composition including bone particles, the outer circumferential surface of the sidewall and the inner surface of the outer wall being spaced apart from one another and defining an exterior radial space; a piston movably disposed within the filter element, the piston being movable between a first position and a second position; a filter element comprising: a shaft coupled to the piston and configured to move the piston between the first position and the second position, the piston at least partially defining the collection chamber in the first position; and an inlet cap releasably coupled to the distal end of the housing or the first end of the filter element, the inlet cap comprising an inlet port configured to be coupled to a surgical instrument to receive the composition including bone particles; an outlet cap releasably coupled to the proximal end of the housing and in fluid communication with the housing, the outlet cap including an outlet port configured to be coupled to a suction source; Equipped with The inlet cap and the outlet cap are configured to be coupled to each other to allow the composition to be taken in through the inlet cap and collected in the collection chamber, and after removing the inlet cap and the outlet cap from the housing to harvest the composition, the inlet cap and the outlet cap can be coupled to each other to restore suction airflow to the surgical instrument.

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