Autologous tissue collection device and components and method of use of same

Abstract

Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to collect tissue harvested from a patient during a surgical procedure and deliver the harvested tissue back into the patient's body without transferring the harvested tissue to a different tool or chamber between the collection and delivery. Specifically, embodiments of a tissue collection device are disclosed that include a housing, a scaffolding, and a plunger. The housing having lumen extending therethrough, the scaffolding positioned within the lumen, and the plunger positioned within and translatable with respect to a tubular body of the scaffolding. Also disclosed are methods of tissue collection using the tissue collection device and methods of assembly of the tissue collection device.

Description

AUTOLOGOUS TISSUE COLLECTION DEVICE AND COMPONENTS AND METHOD OF USE OF SAMECROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 608,740, filed on December 11, 2023, this patent application also claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 660,738, filed on June 17, 2024, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Autologous tissue is generally known as tissue (e.g., skin, fat, ligament, bone, cartilage, etc.) that is harvested from a patient’s body and then reimplanted into the same patient’s body. Autologous bone, for example, is typically referred to as the gold standard graft choice in the management of a range of orthopedic and sports medicine pathologies. It has osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties making it an excellent graft choice to both enhance biological healing and stabilize surrounding bony anatomy. Autologous bone is an inexpensive, harvestable and reliable bony substrate that is adaptable to a number of surgical situations. Because the implanted material was previously harvested from the same body into which it is being implanted, a number of potential complications (e.g., compatibility, disease transmission, etc.) are avoided.

[0003] This disclosure relates to tissue collection systems and related methods, and more particularly, to devices that both collect and deliver autologous tissue without the step of transferring the collected autologous tissue between the collection and delivery phases.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments described herein provide a tissue collection device that collects and retains tissue harvested from a patient during a surgical procedure, and that expels the harvested tissue from the tissue collection device and delivers the harvested tissue to a location within the patient’s body. Additional embodiments described herein include components of the tissue collection device, a system that includes the tissue collection device, and methods of use and assembly of the tissue collection device.

[0005] One of the limiting factors in the use of autologous tissue is the total volume which can be harvested from a patient. Accordingly, it is desirable to limit and / or prevent any loss of harvested autologous tissue during a surgical procedure. One source of potential loss of harvested autologous tissue is the transfer of the harvested autologous tissue from one chamber (e.g., within which the autologous tissue is initially collected) to another chamber(e.g., within which the autologous tissue is combined with other substances such as platelet rich plasma (PRP), for example, to form a mixture).

[0006] Embodiments of the tissue collection device described herein enable collection, mixing, and delivery of harvested tissue (e.g., autologous tissue) all within one vessel / chamber (i.e. , without transferring the harvested autologous tissue from a collection chamber to a separate mixing chamber and / or a delivery chamber. The tissue collection device may include features that permit collection of autologous tissue (e.g., in the form of a syringe that avoids any manual transfer of the autologous tissue). The use of the tissue collection device described herein effectively increases tissue collection by preventing waste and reduces procedure time by avoiding the additional step(s) of transferring the autologous tissue from one chamber to another.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a tissue collection device comprises a scaffolding, a plunger, and a sieve. The scaffolding includes an inner wall defining a chamber extending through an entry opening in a first end of the scaffolding, and an outer wall facing away from the chamber. A plurality of openings extends through the scaffolding inner and outer walls. The plunger includes a head disposed inside the chamber, and a rod that extends from the head. The plunger is slidable with respect to the scaffolding along an axis that passes through the entry opening. The sieve defines a plurality of mesh openings extending through the sieve, and the sieve is disposed within the chamber between the head of the plunger and the scaffolding such that at least one of the plurality of mesh openings is aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings of the scaffolding with respect to a radial ray extending perpendicularly from the axis.

[0008] An embodiment of a method of collecting tissue comprises applying suction to a proximal opening of a housing, the proximal opening having a rod of a plunger positioned therein. The method further includes moving tissue particulates through a distal opening of the housing into a lumen of the housing, the distal opening in fluid communication with the proximal opening. The tissue particulates are collected within a chamber that is formed by an inner wall of a scaffolding and a head of the plunger positioned within a chamber of the scaffolding, and the scaffolding is positioned within the lumen such that an outer wall of the scaffolding faces towards the inner wall of the housing.

[0009] Fluid is withdrawn from the chamber by passing the fluid through a sieve that is positioned within the chamber and that abuts the inner wall of the scaffolding. Then the fluid passes through one or more of a plurality of openings that each extend from the inner wall of the scaffolding to the outer wall of the scaffolding to enter a channel formed between the outer wall of the scaffolding and the inner wall of the housing. The fluid then passes through the proximal opening of the housing while the rod of the plunger is positioned therein. Thecollected tissue particulates are expelled from the chamber by advancing the head of the plunger towards the entry opening of the housing.

[0010] An embodiment of a method of assembly of a tissue collection device comprises inserting a sieve into a scaffolding chamber of a scaffolding. The scaffolding chamber extends through the scaffolding along an axis. The method further comprises aligning the sieve with the scaffolding such that respective ones of a plurality of openings extending through the scaffolding are aligned with respective pluralities of openings of the sieve with respect to a radial ray that extends perpendicularly from the axis. According to the method, the aligned sieve and scaffolding are secured relative to one another such that an outer surface of the sieve contacts an inner wall of the scaffolding, thereby forming a filter assembly.

[0011] The method further comprises inserting the filter assembly into a housing lumen of a housing, wherein the lumen extends through the housing along the axis. The filter assembly and the housing are secured relative to one another such that an outer wall of the scaffolding faces an inner wall of the housing thereby forming a channel therebetween, such that an entry opening of the housing is in fluid communication with an exit opening of the housing via the channel. According to the method a head of a plunger is positioned within the scaffolding lumen such that the sieve is between the head and the scaffolding with respect to the radial ray, and such that a rod of the plunger that is coupled to the head is positioned outside the scaffolding lumen.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0013] Figure 1 is a side, elevation view of a tissue collection device coupled to a surgical tool.

[0014] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the tissue collection device and the surgical tool illustrated in Figure 1 in use during a drilling phase of a surgical procedure.

[0015] Figure 3 is an isometric view of the tissue collection device and the surgical tool illustrated in Figure 2 in use during a deployment phase of the surgical procedure.

[0016] Figure 4 is an isometric view of the tissue collection device and the surgical tool illustrated in Figure 3 in use during a reaming phase of the surgical procedure.

[0017] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 4 in use during a delivery phase of the surgical procedure.

[0018] Figure 6 is an isometric view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 5 in a harvesting configuration.

[0019] Figure 7 is an exploded, isometric view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 6.

[0020] Figure 8 is a side, cross-sectional, exploded view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 6, taken along line 8-8.

[0021] Figure 9 is a side, cross-sectional view of a scaffolding of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 8, taken along line 8-8.

[0022] Figure 10 is a side, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 6, taken along line 8-8.

[0023] Figure 11 is a top, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 6, taken along line 11-11.

[0024] Figure 12 is a side, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 10, taken along line 8-8.

[0025] Figure 13 is a side, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 10, taken along line 8-8, with a portion of a plunger extended away from a remainder of the plunger and through an end cap.

[0026] Figure 14 is a side, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 10, taken along line 8-8, with the plunger positioned so as to form a bucket portion.

[0027] Figure 15 is a side, cross-sectional view of the tissue collection device illustrated in Figure 14, taken along line 8-8, with the portion of the plunger extended away from the remainder of the plunger and into the bucket portion.

[0028] Figure 16 is a side, cross-sectional view of a scaffolding of a tissue collection device.

[0029] Figure 17 is a side, cross-sectional view of the scaffolding illustrated in Figure 16, a sieve within a chamber of the scaffolding, and a plunger having a head positioned within a lumen of the sieve.

[0030] Figure 18 is a front, elevation view of the scaffolding, sieve, and plunger illustrated in Figure 16, and an anti-rotation component within the chamber of the scaffolding.

[0031] Figure 19 is a side, cross-sectional view of the scaffolding, sieve, and plunger illustrated in Figure 16, positioned within a housing that defines a fluid path extending therethrough.

[0032] Figure 20 is a side, cross-sectional view of the scaffolding, sieve, plunger, and housing illustrated in Figure 19, with the housing in an open configuration with discreet components separated from one another.

[0033] Figure 21 is a side, cross-sectional view of the scaffolding, sieve, and plunger illustrated in Figure 17, the plunger being actuated to expel harvested tissue from the chamber.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] As noted above, conventional tissue collection devices are known and are effective in harvesting autologous tissue. Because the amount of autologous tissue that can be harvested from a patient is medically limited, preventing loss of harvested tissue during a surgical procedure is generally desirable (e.g., during harvesting and / or implanting). As one example, harvested autologous tissue loss may detrimentally occur during the transfer of the harvested autologous tissue from the collection chamber to another vessel (e.g., a mixing vessel within which the autologous tissue is combined with PRP).

[0035] Autologous tissue loss can be advantageously reduced or eliminated by employing the disclosed tissue collection devices, which enable collection and subsequent mixing and / or delivery of harvested tissue (e.g., autologous tissue) all within one vessel / chamber - without the need to transfer the harvested autologous tissue from a collection chamber to a mixing chamber and / or a delivery chamber. The disclosed tissue collection devices beneficially provide for the collection of autologous tissue and lessen or avoid transfer of the autologous tissue (and the potential waste associated therewith). Thus, the tissue collection devices described herein effectively increase tissue collection by preventing waste. By doing this, the tissue collection devices advantageously reduce procedure time by avoiding transfer steps.

[0036] In an embodiment, the disclosure relates to a tissue collection device that includes a housing, a scaffolding, and a plunger. The scaffolding is secured relative to the housing to define a fluid path through the tissue collection device, for collecting tissue therein. The plunger is slidable within a lumen of the scaffolding so as to eject the collected tissue from the lumen and deliver the collected tissue to a desired location within a patient’s body. The scaffolding is porous to fluids that are collected along with the tissue and has a rigid construction that resists radial expansion due to pressure applied by a head of the plunger as it moves through the lumen. The pressure applied by the head of the plunger is sufficientto dislodge the collected tissue from interior walls of the tissue collection device that the plunger contacts.

[0037] As the size of the collected tissue decreases, the size of the openings that filter / separate the collected fluids from the collected tissue also decreases. Eventually, the smaller openings may result in a structure that is unable to resist radial expansion due to the pressure applied by the head of the plunger. In these embodiments, the tissue collection device may include a sieve that further facilitates separation of the collected tissue from the collected fluids. The sieve has openings that are smaller than the expected size of the collected tissue particulates to prevent their passage through the sieve, but large enough to allow passage of the collected fluids. The sieve is reinforced by positioning the sieve inside the lumen (e.g., such that an outer wall of the sieve abuts the inner wall of the scaffolding). This reinforcement prevents deformation of the sieve resulting from radial pressure applied by the head of the plunger as the head of the plunger moves through a lumen of the sieve, scraping along an inner wall of the sieve to release any of the collected tissue that is lodged against the inner wall of the sieve.

[0038] In some embodiments, a method includes mixing the collected tissue with an additive (e.g., PRP) that would flow through the openings in the sieve and / or the scaffolding. Thus, to enable mixing within the tissue collection device a portion of the scaffolding and / or the sieve may define a bucket that is devoid of any openings that extend radially therethrough. When the plunger is advanced to the bucket (e.g., to define a “floor” or proximal wall) the additive may be inserted into the bucket (e.g., via a distal opening) to combine with the collected tissue that is also positioned within the bucket to form a mixture. The lack of radial openings and the floor defined by the head of the plunger prevents any of the additive and / or mixture from exiting the bucket (other than through the distal opening on its way to the desired location).

[0039] With these configurations, collection of autologous tissue and subsequent mixing and / or delivery thereof can beneficially be performed all within one vessel / chamber.

[0040] Referring now to the drawings, and specifically to Figures 1 to 5, many surgical procedures (e.g., an ACL reconstruction) involve the harvesting of tissue (e.g., skin, fat, ligament, bone, cartilage, etc.) from a patient (e.g., during bone removal, such as by a drill / reamer). Harvested tissue includes autologous tissue that is to be delivered / reinserted into the patient’s body (e.g., to fill in one or more holes formed during the bone removal). A tissue collection device 100 may be used to collect the harvested autologous tissue and then later deliver the harvested autologous tissue back into the patient’s body.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1 , the tissue collection device 100 may be connected inline to a source of suction 10 (e.g., a pump, vacuum, etc.) and a surgical tool 12 (e.g., anarthroscopic shaver as shown in the illustrated embodiment). According to one embodiment, an entry 102 of the tissue collection device 100 may be connected to the surgical tool 12 (e.g., via tubing 104), and an exit 106 of the tissue collection device 100 may be connected to the source of suction 10 (e.g., via tubing 108). The tissue collection device 100 may be part of a system or kit that includes the surgical tool 12, the tubing 104, the tubing 108, or any combination thereof.

[0042] The surgical procedure may include removal of tissue from the patient. As shown in Figure 2, the tissue removal may include forming a hole 16 in a bone 18 of the patient. In an ACL reconstruction, the hole 16 may be a tibial or femoral tunnel. The hole 16 may be formed via a drill bit 20 attached to a bone drill 22. For some surgical procedures a size (e.g., a diameter) of at least a portion of the hole 16 may be increased after it is formed. To increase the size of at least a portion of the hole 16, a retrograde reamer 24 of the bone drill 22 may be deployed (e.g., when a tip 26 of the bone drill 22 that carries the retrograde reamer 24 is protruding through the bone 18, as shown in Figure 3).

[0043] As shown in Figure 4, the size of at least a portion 17 of the hole 16 may be increased (e.g., by the retrograde reamer 24) during withdrawal of the bone drill 22 from the hole 16. During removal of any of the patient’s tissue (e.g., drilling the bone 18 to form the hole 16, reaming the bone 18 to increase the size of the hole 16, both drilling the bone 18 and reaming the bone 18, etc.) the tissue collection device 100 may collect the harvested tissue 14.

[0044] To collect the harvested tissue 14, suction (e.g., produced via the source of suction 10) may be applied to the exit 106 (e.g., via the tubing 108, which may be secured to and form an air-tight coupling with a fitting 110 of the tissue collection device 100). The entry 102 may be fluidly connected to the exit 106 such that when suction is applied to the exit 106 the suction motivates the harvested tissue 14 to pass through the entry 102 (e.g., via the surgical tool 12) thereby entering the tissue collection device 100.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the entry 102 may be coupled to the surgical tool 12 such that when suction is applied to the exit 106 the suction moves the harvested tissue 14 through a distal tip 30 of the surgical tool 12 and subsequently through the entry 102 thereby entering the tissue collection device 100 (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiments). Alternatively, the tissue collection device 100 may be used as a standalone collection device that has the entry 102 positioned proximate the bone 18 to collect the harvested tissue 14 directly (e.g., without first passing through the surgical tool 12).

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the harvested tissue 14 or a mixture 34 that includes the harvested tissue 14 may be delivered (e.g., implanted, injected, reinserted, etc.) back into the patient’s body. According to one embodiment, the harvested tissue 14 may be deliveredto the bone 18 (e.g., the hole 16) from which the tissue was originally harvested. For example, after formation of the hole 16, an implant (e.g., a GraftLink® construct) may be fully or partially positioned within the hole 16. The harvested tissue 14 may be delivered to the hole 16 prior to, during, and / or after the implant is fully or partially inserted in the hole 16.

[0047] Prior to delivery, the harvested tissue 14 may be combined with one or more additives (e.g., demineralized bone matrix (DBM), PRP, bone marrow aspirate (BMA), etc.) to form the mixture 34 (e.g., as shown in Figure 5). As will be described in greater detail below, the mixture 34 may be formed within the tissue collection device 100 without transferring the harvested tissue 14 to another chamber or vessel that is external to the tissue collection device 100. Similarly, the mixture 34 may be delivered (e.g., injected) to a delivery site (e.g., the hole 16) without transferring the harvested tissue 14 and / or the mixture 34 to another chamber or vessel that is external to the tissue collection device 100.

[0048] Referring to Figures 6 to 15, the tissue collection device 100 may include a housing 120 having a tubular body 122 and a lumen 124 extending therethrough (e.g., from a first opening 126 of the housing 120 formed in a distal portion 128 of the tubular body 122 to a second opening 130 of the housing 120 formed in a proximal portion 132 of the tubular body 122. As shown, the proximal portion 132 may be opposite the distal portion 128 with respect to a first direction D1.

[0049] The tubular body 122 may include an inner wall 134 and an outer wall 136 that each extend between the distal portion 128 and the proximal portion 132 (e.g., from the first opening 126 to the second opening 130) along the first direction D1. According to one embodiment, the tubular body 122 may be elongated along the first direction D1. The inner wall 134 may face the lumen 124 (e.g., such that the inner wall 134 at least partially defines the lumen 124), and the outer wall 136 may be opposite (e.g., face away from) the inner wall 134 with respect to a radial direction R1 , that is perpendicular to the first direction D1.

[0050] The housing 120 may further include a third opening 138 that extends from the inner wall 134 to the outer wall 136 thereby providing passage from the lumen 124 through the tubular body 122. According to one embodiment, the third opening 138 is formed in an intermediate portion 142 of the tubular body 122. The intermediate portion 142 may be located between the distal portion 128 and the proximal portion 132 with respect to the first direction D1, as shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0051] The tissue collection device 100 may include a scaffolding 150 including a tubular body 152 and a lumen 154 extending therethrough (e.g., from a first opening 156 of the scaffolding 150 formed in a distal portion 158 of the tubular body 152 to a second opening 160 of the scaffolding 150 formed in a proximal portion 162 of the tubular body 152). The tubular body 152 may include a scaffolding inner wall 164 that faces the lumen 154 (e.g.,such that the scaffolding inner wall 164 at least partially defines the lumen 154), and a scaffolding outer wall 166 that faces away from the lumen 154 (e.g., is opposite the scaffolding inner wall 164 with respect to the radial direction R1).

[0052] The scaffolding 150 may include a plurality of openings 168 that each extend (e.g., radially) from the scaffolding inner wall 164 to the scaffolding outer wall 166 thereby providing passage from the lumen 154 through the tubular body 152. As shown, each of the plurality of openings 168 may be formed in an intermediate portion 170 of the tubular body 152, and the intermediate portion 170 may be located between the distal portion 158 and the proximal portion 162.

[0053] The plurality of openings 168 may be arranged in the form of a honeycomb. The honeycomb may be formed by adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 168 that are separated from one another by one or more ribs 176 of the tubular body 152. Each of the one or more ribs 176 may have a first length L1 measured along the first direction D1 , the adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 168 may have respective second lengths L2 measured along the first direction D1, and each of the respective second lengths L2 may be greater than the first lengths L1.

[0054] For example, the second length L2 of the plurality of openings 168 may be between 4 mm and 8 mm (e.g., about 6 mm). In some cases, the second lengths L2 may range from 4.5 mm to 7.5 mm, e.g., from 5.0 mm to 7.0 mm. In terms of lower limits, the second lengths L2 may be greater than 4.5 mm, e.g., greater than 5.0 mm, greater than 5.5 mm, greater than 6.0 mm, or greater than 7.0 mm. In terms of upper limits, the second lengths L2 may be less than 7.5 mm, e.g., less than 7.0 mm, less than 6.5 mm, less than 6.0 mm, or less than 5 mm.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the plurality of openings 168 may include “whole” shapes and “partial” shapes (e.g., whole shapes including a polygon, such as a hexagon, and partial shapes including a portion of that polygon, such as a half of a hexagon). The partial shapes may have a second length L2 that is between about one-third to about two- thirds that of the whole shapes. For example, the second length L2 of one of the plurality of openings 168 (e.g., one of the whole shapes, or hexagons) may be about 6 mm, and the second length L2 of another of the plurality of openings 168 (e.g., one of the partial shapes or half-hexagons) may be about 2.5 mm. The tissue collection device 100 is not limited to the range of values for the second lengths L2 recited above, and all the plurality of openings may have the same shape (i.e. , the plurality of openings 168 may be devoid of any partial shapes).

[0056] The honeycomb arrangement of the plurality of openings 168 has been found to perform well in testing (e.g., resisting radial expansion due to internal radial pressure whileminimizing reduction in fluid flow through the scaffolding). Without being bound by theory, it is posited that this is due to the excellent physical characteristics (e.g., high strength, shear rigidity, crush stress, etc.) of honeycombs (e.g., hexagonal honeycombs) relative to their weight and material usage.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the plurality of openings 168 may include a subset that are aligned along the first direction D1. For example, the plurality of openings 168 may multiple subsets arranged in adjacent rows (e.g., in rows spaced radially from one another). Each of the subset of the plurality of openings 168 may be identical in size, shape, or both. In some cases, they may differ. As shown, the subset of the plurality of openings may each have a hexagonal shape. But the shape is not limited in this regard, other shapes are contemplated for the plurality of openings 168 and / or the subset of the plurality of openings. For example, one or more of the plurality of openings 168 may have polygonal shapes, circular shapes, or irregular shapes.

[0058] Although shown in the illustrated embodiments in a honeycomb arrangement, other positions / arrangements of the plurality of openings 168 are included within this disclosure. For example, the plurality of openings 168 may be arranged in concentric rings or columns, in a regular pattern (e.g., a grid with consistent spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 168), or in an irregular pattern (with varying spaces between adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 168).

[0059] The distal portion 158 of the scaffolding 150 may include the first opening 156 of the tubular body 152 and may extend proximally, terminating at a distal-most one 168a of the plurality of openings 168, such that the distal portion 158 is devoid of any of the plurality of openings 168. The intermediate portion 170 of the scaffolding 150 may extend proximally from the distal portion 158 and terminate just passed a proximal-most one 168b of the plurality of openings 168, such that the intermediate portion 170 includes all of the plurality of openings 168.

[0060] The proximal portion 162 of the scaffolding 150 may include the second opening 160 of the tubular body 152 and may extend proximally from the intermediate portion 170 (e.g., from the proximal-most one 168b of the plurality of openings 168) through a remainder of the tubular body 152. As shown, the proximal portion 162 may be devoid of any of the plurality of openings 168.

[0061] Alternatively, the plurality of openings 168 may extend to one or both ends of the tubular body such that the tubular body 152 is devoid of the distal portion 158 (such that the intermediate portion 170 includes the first opening 156), is devoid of the proximal portion 162 (such that the intermediate portion 170 includes the second opening 160), or is devoid of both the distal portion 158 and the proximal portion 162 (such that the plurality of openings168 are positioned along an entirety of a length of the tubular body 152 and the intermediate portion 170 includes both the first opening 156 and the second opening 160).

[0062] As shown, the distal portion 158 may have a closed outer perimeter (e.g., that is devoid of any of the plurality of openings 168). The closed outer perimeter may radially surround an axis 178 that extends through the lumen 154 (e.g., along which the tubular body 152 is elongated) within a radial plane that is normal to the axis 178. The tubular body 152 may have a total volume that is defined by the lumen 154. According to one embodiment, the total volume of the lumen 154 may be defined as a length L3 of the lumen 154 (e.g., measured from the first opening 156 to the second opening 160 along the axis 178) multiplied by an area of a circular cross-sectional shape of the lumen 154.

[0063] Embodiments of the tissue collection device 100 may be configured to harvest and deliver various amounts of tissue (e.g., depending on the surgical procedure in which the tissue collection device 100 is being used). For example, the total volume of the lumen 154 may be between 0.5 and 4 mL (e.g., about 2 mL). The tissue collection device 100 is not limited to the total volume range of values recited above, as values for the total volume of the lumen 154 greater than 4 mL are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some cases, the total volume of the lumen 154 may range from 1.0 mL to 3.0 mL, e.g., from 1.5 mL to 2.5 mL. In terms of lower limits, the total volume may be greater than 0.5 mL, e.g., greater than 1.0 mL, greater than 1.5 mL, greater than 2.0 mL, or greater than 2.5 mL. In terms of upper limits, the bucket volume may be less than 4.0 mL, e.g., less than 3.5 mL, less than 3.0 mL, less than 2.5 mL, less than 2.0 mL, or less than 1.5 mL.

[0064] The tissue collection device 100 may be larger, such that the volume of the lumen 154 is between 10 and 20 mL (e.g., about 15 mL). In some cases, the total volume of the lumen 154 may range from 12 mL to 18 mL, e.g., from 14 mL to 16 mL. In terms of lower limits, the total volume may be greater than 10 mL, e.g., greater than 12 mL, greater than 14 mL, greater than 16 mL, or greater than 18 mL. In terms of upper limits, the bucket volume may be less than 20 mL, e.g., less than 18 mL, less than 16 mL, less than 14 mL, or less than 12 mL. According to one embodiment, multiple tissue collection devices 100 (e.g., having respective lumens 154 with different total volumes) may be sold as a kit to accommodate a wide range of surgical procedures.

[0065] The distal portion 158 may have a length L4, which is at least a portion of the length L3. The length L4 of the distal portion 158 may be measured from the first opening 156 to the distal-most one 168a of the plurality of openings 168 along a direction parallel to the axis 178 (e.g., the first direction D1). According to one embodiment, the length L4 of the distal portion 158 is at least 5 percent (e.g., up to 100%) of the length L1. According to oneembodiment, the length L4 of the distal portion 158 may be between about 5 percent and about 25 percent of the length L1.

[0066] The distal portion 158 may have a bucket volume, which is at least a portion of the total volume. The bucket volume of the distal portion 158 may be measured from the first opening 156 to the distal-most one 168a of the plurality of openings 168. According to one embodiment, the bucket volume of the distal portion 158 is at least 5 percent (e.g., up to 100%) of the total volume. According to one embodiment, the bucket volume of the distal portion 158 may be between about 5 percent and about 25 percent of the total volume (e.g., about 18 percent). In some cases, the bucket volume of the distal portion 158 may range from 10 percent to 20 percent of the total volume, e.g., from 12 percent to 18 percent or from 14 percent to 16 percent. In terms of lower limits, the bucket volume may be greater than 5 percent of the total volume, e.g., greater than 10 percent, greater than 15 percent, greater than 20 percent, or greater than 25 percent. In terms of upper limits, the bucket volume may be less than 25 percent of the total volume, e.g., less than 20 percent, less than 15 percent, or less than 10 percent.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the bucket volume may be between 0.25 mL and 1.0 mL (e.g., about 0.5 mL). The tissue collection device 100 is not limited to the bucket volume range of value recited above, as values for the bucket volume greater than 1.0 mL are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some cases, the bucket volume may range from 0.25 mL to 1.0 mL, e.g., from 0.30 mL to 0.9 mL or from 0.4 mL to 0.8 mL. In terms of lower limits, the bucket volume may be greater than 0.25 mL, e.g., greater than 0.30 mL, greater than 0.4 mL, greater than 0.5 mL, or greater than 0.6 mL. In terms of upper limits, the bucket volume may be less than 1.0 mL, e.g., less than 0.8 mL, less than 0.7 mL, or less than 0.6 mL.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the bucket volume may be between 1.0 mL and 5.0 mL (e.g., about 2.5 mL). The tissue collection device 100 is not limited to the bucket volume range of value recited above, as values for the bucket volume greater than 5.0 mL are also within the scope of this disclosure. In some cases, the bucket volume may range from 1.25 mL to 4.5 mL, e.g., from 1.5 mL to 4.0 mL or from 2.0 mL to 3.0 mL. In terms of lower limits, the bucket volume may be greater than 1.5 mL, e.g., greater than 2.0 mL, greater than 2.5 mL, greater than 3.0 mL, or greater than 3.5 mL. In terms of upper limits, the bucket volume may be less than 4.5 mL, e.g., less than 4.0 mL, less than 3.5 mL, less than 3.0 mL, less than 2.5 mL, or less than 2.0 mL.

[0069] The distal portion 158 (e.g., the closed outer perimeter) may define a thickness T 1 measured along the radial direction R1. The proximal portion 162 may include a flange 163 with a thickness T2 measured along the radial direction R1. According to one embodiment,the thickness T2 of the flange 163 may be greater than the thickness T1 of the distal portion 158. In some cases, the thickness T 1 may be between 70 percent and 95 percent of the thickness T2, e.g., from 75 percent to 90 percent or from 80 percent to 85 percent. In terms of lower limits, the thickness T 1 may be greater than 70 percent of the thickness T2, e.g., greater than 75 percent, greater than 80 percent, greater than 85 percent, or greater than 90 percent. In terms of upper limits, the thickness T 1 may be less than 95 percent of the thickness T2, e.g., less than 90 percent, less than 85 percent, or less than 80 percent.

[0070] The flange 163 may assist in assembly of the tissue collection device 100. For example, the scaffolding 150 may be translated relative to the housing 120 (e.g., along the axis 178, entering the lumen 124, until the flange 163 is received and secured within a corresponding recess or pocket formed by the housing 120.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the scaffolding 150 may be secured relative to the housing 120 such that the proximal portion 162 is opposite the distal portion 158 with respect to the first direction D1 , and such that the scaffolding outer wall 166 is opposite the scaffolding inner wall 164 with respect to the radial direction R1. Additionally, the scaffolding 150 may be secured relative to the housing 120 such that the scaffolding outer wall 166 faces the inner wall 134 of the housing 120 defining a channel 172 therebetween in a portion of the lumen 124.

[0072] Thus, the scaffolding 150 may be secured relative to the housing 120 such that the lumen 154 is in fluid communication with the third opening 138 via a fluid path 174 that enters the housing 120 and the lumen 124 through the first opening 126, enters the scaffolding 150 and the lumen 154 through the first opening 156, passes through at least a portion of the lumen 154, passes through the plurality of openings 168 thereby exiting the lumen 154 and entering the channel 172, flows along the channel 172 to the third opening 138, and passes through the third opening 138 to exit the tissue collection device 100 (e.g., via the exit 106).

[0073] The tissue collection device 100 may further include a plunger 180 having a rod 182 and a head 184. As shown in Figure 10, the plunger 180 may be supported by the housing 120 such that the head 184 is positioned inside the lumen 154, and such that the plunger 180 is slidable with respect to the housing 120 and the scaffolding 150 along an axis 186. The axis 186 may be parallel to the lumen 154, which may be parallel to the first direction D1 , as shown.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the head 184 of the plunger 180 may be a one-piece (monolithic) construct. Alternatively, the head 184 of the plunger 180 may include a first portion 188 and a second portion 190 that are movable relative to each other (e.g., as shown in the illustrated embodiments and described in detail below). Similarly, the rod 182 mayinclude a primary rod 192 secured to the first portion 188 such that movement of the primary rod 192 simultaneously moves the first portion 188, and a secondary rod 194 secured to the second portion 190 such that movement of the secondary rod 194 simultaneously moves the second portion 190.

[0075] The second portion 190 may be carried by the first portion 188 such that movement of the first portion 188 (e.g., towards the first opening 156) simultaneously moves the second portion 190 towards the first opening 156. For example, the first portion 188 may include a pocket 196 that receives the second portion 190 such that movement of the second portion 190 away from the first opening 156 relative to the first portion 188 is blocked. The second portion 190 may be releasably received within the pocket 196 such that movement of the secondary rod 194 (e.g., towards the first opening 156) relative to the primary rod 192 simultaneously moves the second portion 190 towards the first opening 156 relative to the first portion 188, as shown in Figure 13, for example.

[0076] The primary rod 192 may be slidable with respect to the housing 120, the scaffolding 150, and the secondary rod 194 along a primary axis 198. Similarly, the secondary rod 194 may be slidable with respect to the housing 120, the scaffolding 150, and the primary rod 192 along a secondary axis 200. The primary axis 198, the secondary axis 200, or both may be parallel to the lumen 154, which may be parallel to the axis 178 and the first direction D1. According to one embodiment, the primary axis 198 and the secondary axis 200 may be colinear.

[0077] The primary rod 192 may a tubular member 202 having a rod lumen 204 extending therethrough. As shown, the secondary rod 194 may be positioned and slidable within the rod lumen 204. Additionally, the second portion 190 of the head 184 may be rotatable (e.g., about the secondary axis 200) relative to the first portion 188 of the head 184. As shown in Figure 15, the second portion 190 may include a main body 206 and an agitator 208 (e.g., at least one wing that extends radially from the main body 206). The agitator 208 may be deployable from the main body 206 (e.g., once the second portion 190 is extended away from the first portion 188) or may be fixed relative to the main body 206.

[0078] The tissue collection device 100 may include a sieve 220. According to one embodiment, the sieve 220 may include a tubular body 222 and a lumen 224 extending therethrough (e.g., from a first opening 226 of the sieve 220 formed in a distal portion 228 of the tubular body 222 to a second opening 230 of the sieve 220 formed in a proximal portion 232 of the tubular body 222). The tubular body 222 may include a sieve inner wall 234 that faces the lumen 224 (e.g., such that the sieve inner wall 234 at least partially defines the lumen 224), and a sieve outer wall 236 that faces away from the lumen 224 (e.g., is oppositethe sieve inner wall 234 with respect to the radial direction R1). The tubular body 222 may be in the form of a wire mesh, according to one embodiment.

[0079] The sieve 220 may include a plurality of mesh openings 238 each defined by the tubular body 222 and extending therethrough from the sieve inner wall 234 to the sieve outer wall 236. Each of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may have a mesh size. The mesh size of one of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be measured within a plane that is normal to a radial ray 240 extending perpendicularly from the axis 186 through the one of the plurality of mesh openings 238. According to one embodiment, the mesh size of each of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be the same. Alternatively, the mesh size of different ones of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be different.

[0080] The sieve 220 may be positioned within the lumen 154 (e.g., between the head 184 of the plunger 180 and the scaffolding 150 with respect to the radial ray 240). The head 184 of the plunger 180, the sieve 220 (e.g., the lumen 224), and the scaffolding 150 (e.g., the lumen 154) may be sized such that when the head 184 is positioned within the lumen 224 the head 184 abuts the tubular body 222 (e.g., the sieve inner wall 234) and exerts a radial (e.g., outward) pressure thereupon, and the scaffolding 150 abuts the tubular body 222 (e.g., the sieve outer wall 236) thereby providing support to the sieve 220 and opposing the radial pressure.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the radial pressure exerted by the head 184 of the plunger 180 may be sufficient to deform the tubular body 222 in the absence of the support provided by the scaffolding 150. Thus, the scaffolding 150 may have a yield strength greater than the radial pressure exerted by the head 184 upon the sieve 220, and the sieve 220 may have a yield strength less than the radial pressure exerted by the head 184 upon the sieve 220. These relative yield strengths allow for effective fluid / tissue separation and tissue scraping / removal via the head 184 of the plunger 180 without plastic deformation of the tissue collection device 100.

[0082] As shown in Figure 10, when the sieve 220 is positioned in the lumen 154 respective subsets of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may each be aligned with a respective one of the plurality of openings 168. For example, the sieve 220 may be positioned within the lumen 154 such that a portion of the fluid path 174 passes through one or more of the subsets of the plurality of mesh openings 238 before passing through the respective one of the plurality of openings 168 of the scaffolding 150.

[0083] The mesh size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be smaller than the size of the plurality of openings 168. According to one embodiment, the mesh size is large enough to allow passage of fluid (e.g., arthroscopic fluid, blood, etc.) and small enough to block passage of the harvested tissue 14 (e.g., bone fragments produced during the reamingprocess). The plurality of openings 168 may be sized such that the harvested tissue 14 would pass therethrough in the absence of the sieve 220 and the plurality of mesh openings 238 being radially aligned with and partially blocking the plurality of openings 168.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be between 50 microns and 200 microns (e.g., about 125 microns). In some cases, the size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may range from 75 microns to 175 microns, e.g., or from 100 microns to 150 microns. In terms of lower limits, the size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be greater than 75 microns, e.g., greater than 100 microns, greater than 125 microns, greater than 150 microns, or greater than 175 microns. In terms of upper limits, the size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be less than 175 microns, e.g., less than 150 microns, less than 125 microns, less than 100 microns, or less than 75 microns.

[0085] The tissue collection device 100 may include one or more end caps 250. Each of the one or more end caps 250 may include a cap body 252 and a cap lumen 254 extending therethrough. Each of the one or more end caps 250 may be securable relative to the housing 120 such that the cap body 252 is aligned with at least a portion of the head 184 (e.g., the first portion 188) of the plunger 180 and blocks at least the portion of the head 184 from exiting the lumen 124 via the first opening 126.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the cap body 252 may include internal threads 255, the housing 120 (e.g., the outer wall 136 in the distal portion 128) may include corresponding external threads 144, and the one or more end caps 250 are each securable relative to the housing 120 by threadedly engaging the internal threads 255 with the external threads 144. The end cap 250 may be secured to the housing 120 such that the cap lumen 254 is aligned the axis 186, the primary axis 198, the secondary axis 200, or any combination thereof.

[0087] The one or more end caps 250 may include a first end cap 250a that is secured to the housing 120 while the harvested tissue 14 is being collected (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 to 4) and a second end cap 250b that is secured to the housing 120 while the harvested tissue 14 is being delivered to the patient’s body (e.g., as shown in Figure 5). For example, the cap lumen 254 of the first end cap 250a may have a larger cross-sectional area than the cap lumen 254 of the second end cap 250b. The larger cross-sectional area may facilitate easier entry of the harvested tissue 14 and other fluids (e.g., arthroscopic fluid, blood, etc.) into the lumen 124, and the smaller cross-sectional area of the second end cap 250b may facilitate more precise delivery of the harvested tissue 14 to a desired location within the patient’s body (e.g., the hole 16 in the bone 18).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the first end cap 250a may include tubing 256, a fitting 257, or both that facilitate easier entry of the harvested tissue 14 into the tissue collection device 100 (e.g., the lumen 124). Similarly, the second end cap 250b may includetubing 258, a fitting (not shown), or both that facilitate more precise delivery of the harvested tissue 14. The tubing 256 may be more flexible than the tubing 258. The flexibility may enable allow movement of the tissue collection device 100 relative to the surgical tool 12 while maintaining the fluid-tight connection (e.g., via the fitting 257). The tubing 258 may be more rigid (e.g., the tubing may be in the form of a syringe, a cannula, etc.) to enable precise positioning within the patient’s body without being affected by contact with tissue within the patient’s body.

[0089] As an alternative to the tissue collection device 100 including a plurality of end caps 250 (e.g., the first end cap 250a and the second end cap 250b), the tissue collection device 100 may include one end cap 250 that is attachable to various other components (e.g., tubing such as the tubing 256, 258, etc.) that may be swapped depending on whether the tissue collection device 100 is collecting or delivering the harvested tissue 14. According to one embodiment, the tissue collection device 100 may be devoid of any of the end caps 250, instead having structure (e.g., the external threads 144) that facilitate connection of the tissue collection device 100 to another component (e.g., the surgical tool 12, a syringe / cannula, etc.) that is not part of the tissue collection device 100.

[0090] As shown in Figure 13, the cap lumen 254 may be sized so as to allow movement of the second portion 190 of the head 184 therethrough. As described in detail below, the cap lumen 254 and the second portion 190 may have corresponding sizes and / or shapes such that movement of the second portion 190 through the cap lumen 254 expels material (e.g., the harvested tissue 14) within the cap lumen 254 from the tissue collection device 100.

[0091] Referring to Figures 1 to 15, a method of collecting tissue may include applying suction (e.g., from the source of suction 10) to the exit 106 of the tissue collection device 100. As shown, the exit 106 may include the third opening 138 of the housing 120. The method may further include moving tissue particulates (e.g., the harvested tissue 14) into the lumen 124 (e.g., via the entry 102 of the tissue collection device 100). The entry 102 may be formed by the housing 120 (e.g., the first opening 126), or the first end cap 250a (e.g., the tubing 256 and / or the fitting 257). The entry 102 and the exit 106 may be in fluid communication such that suction applied to the exit 106 is also applied to the entry 102.

[0092] The method may further include collecting the tissue particulates within a chamber 260 that is defined by the scaffolding inner wall 164 and the head 184 of the plunger 180 positioned within the lumen 154. According to one embodiment, the scaffolding inner wall 164 forms an outer perimeter of the chamber 260 that extends along a length from the first opening 126 to the head 184. While the tissue particulates are collected, the scaffolding 150 may be positioned within the lumen 124 such that the scaffolding outer wall 166 faces towards the inner wall 134 of the housing 120. The scaffolding outer wall 166 may bespaced from the inner wall 134 of the housing 120 so as to define the channel 172 as described above.

[0093] The method of collecting tissue may include withdrawing fluid from the chamber 260. The fluid may include liquids (e.g., blood), gases (e.g., air), or both that have entered the chamber 260 (e.g., during collection of the tissue particulates / harvested tissue 14). The fluid may be withdrawn from the chamber 260 by passing the fluid through the sieve 220 (e.g., via the plurality of mesh openings 238) thereby exiting the lumen 224. The fluid may then pass through the scaffolding 150 (e.g., via the plurality of openings 168) thereby exiting the lumen 154 and the chamber 260 and entering the channel 172. The fluid may then pass through the housing 120 (e.g., via the third opening 138) thereby exiting the lumen 124 and the tissue collection device 100.

[0094] The method may further include expelling the collected tissue particulates from the chamber 260 by advancing the head 184 of the plunger 180 towards the first opening 126 of the housing 120, for example as shown in Figure 12. During the method the fluid may move along the fluid path 174 (e.g., entering the lumen 124 via the first opening 126, moving through at least a portion of the chamber 260, passing through at least some of the plurality of mesh openings 238, passing through at least one of the plurality of openings 168 thereby exiting the chamber 260 and entering the channel 172, moving along at least a portion of the channel 172, and passing through the third opening 138 thereby exiting the lumen 124).

[0095] The method may include preventing the collected tissue particulates from exiting the chamber 260 via the plurality of openings 168. According to one embodiment, passage of the collected tissue particulates through the plurality of openings 168 is blocked by the sieve 220. As shown, the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be smaller than the collected tissue particulates resulting in the passage of the collected tissue particulates being prevented. This allows efficient collection and delivery of the harvested tissue 14 by minimizing lost tissue during the collection / separation process.

[0096] The head 184 of the plunger 180 may be slidably engaged with the sieve 220 (e.g., the sieve inner wall 234) while advancing the head 184 of the plunger 180 towards the first opening 126. According to one embodiment, the head 184 exerts a radial pressure against the sieve 220 as the head 184 advances. The radial pressure is sufficient to dislodge any of the collected tissue particulates that are gathered along the sieve inner wall 234 and limit / prevent those collected tissue particulates from getting “behind” the head 184 with respect to the direction of advancement.

[0097] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, after advancing the head 184 towards the first opening 126 and before reaching the first opening 126, the method may include stopping the head 184 at a location within the lumen 154 to form a bucket portion 262. As shown, thebucket portion 262 may include a portion of the chamber 260 and may include a closed perimeter along its length (e.g., the length L4 of the distal portion 158) from the head 184 to the first opening 126. After forming the bucket portion 262, the method may include adding liquid (DBM, PRP, BMA, etc.) to the bucket portion 262 to be combined with the collected tissue particulates to form the mixture 34.

[0098] Forming the mixture 34 may include movement of the agitator 208 within the bucket portion 262 to evenly mix / distribute the collected tissue particulates and the added liquid. According to one embodiment, moving the agitator 208 may include advancing the agitator 208 towards the first opening 126 (e.g., by advancing the second portion 190 away from the first portion 188), rotating the agitator 208 about an axis of rotation relative to the housing 120 (e.g., by rotating the second portion 190 about the secondary axis 200), or both.

[0099] In accordance with an embodiment of the method, one of the end caps 250 (e.g., the first end cap 250a) may be secured to the housing 120 such that the cap lumen 254 is aligned with the first opening 126 (e.g., with respect to the first direction D1). Securing the end cap 250 to the housing 120 may include threadedly engaging the external threads 144 and the internal threads 255. With the end cap 250 secured, the collected tissue particulates may be moved through the chamber 260, towards the first opening 126, and then through the cap lumen 254 prior to exiting the tissue collection device 100.

[0100] The method may include removing and replacing one of the end caps 250 (e.g., the first end cap 250a) with another of the end caps 250 (e.g., the second end cap 250b). The removal and replacement of the end cap 250 may take place after the tissue particulates are collected within the chamber 260 and before the collected tissue particulates are expelled from the chamber 260 and delivered to the patient. The method may include expelling the collected tissue particulates from the cap lumen 254 of the end cap 250 (e.g., the second end cap 250b) by advancing the second portion 190 of the head 184 of the plunger 180 away from the first portion 188 of the head 184 of the plunger 180 and advancing the second portion 190 into and through at least a portion of the cap lumen 254.

[0101] Expelling the collected tissue particulates from the chamber 260 according to the method may include advancing the head 184 of the plunger 180 towards the first opening 126 of the housing 120 (e.g., by translating the primary rod 192 of the plunger 180 relative to the housing 120). Expelling the collected tissue particulates from the cap lumen 254 may include translating the secondary rod 194 of the plunger 180 relative to the housing 120 (e.g., independent of the first portion 188 and the primary rod 192). The secondary rod 194 may be translated within the rod lumen 204 of the primary rod 192, as shown.

[0102] Referring again to Figures 6 to 15, a method of assembly of the tissue collection device 100 may include inserting the sieve 220 into the lumen 154 of the scaffolding 150(e.g., by translating the sieve 220 relative to the scaffolding 150 along the axis 178). The method of assembly may further include aligning the sieve 220 with the scaffolding 150 such that respective ones of the plurality of openings 168 are aligned with respective pluralities of the mesh openings 238 (e.g., with respect to the radial ray 240).

[0103] The aligned sieve 220 and scaffolding 150 may be secured relative to one another such that the sieve outer wall 236 contacts the scaffolding inner wall 164. The aligned and secured sieve 220 and scaffolding 150 may form a filter assembly 264. In accordance with the method of assembly, the filter assembly 264 may be inserted into the lumen 124 of the housing 120 (e.g., by translating the filter assembly 264 relative to the housing 120 along the axis 178). The filter assembly 264 may be secured relative to the housing 120 such that the scaffolding outer wall 166 faces the inner wall 134 of the housing 120 forming the channel 172 therebetween, and such that the first opening 126 of the housing 120 is in fluid communication with the third opening 138 of the housing 120 via the channel 172.

[0104] The method of assembly may include positioning the head 184 of the plunger 180 within the lumen 154 of the scaffolding 150 such that the sieve 220 is between the head 184 and the scaffolding 150 with respect to the radial ray 240, and such that a portion of the rod 182 of the plunger 180 is positioned outside the lumen 154. According to one embodiment, the method of assembly may include securing the end cap 250 (e.g., the first end cap 250a) to the housing 120 (e.g., by threadedly engaging the external threads 144 and the internal threads 255) such that the cap body 252 blocks a portion of the first opening 126 with respect to the first direction D1. As shown, the cap lumen 254 may be aligned with a remainder of the first opening 126 with respect to the first direction D1.

[0105] The method of assembly may further include removing the first end cap 250a from the housing 120 (e.g., such that the first opening 126 is unblocked by the first end cap 250a), and then securing the second end cap 250b to the housing 120 such that the cap body 252 of the second end cap 250b blocks a portion of the first opening 126 (e.g., that is different than the portion blocked by the first end cap 250a) with respect to the first direction D1. As shown, the cap lumen 254 of the second end cap 250b may be aligned with a remainder of the first opening 126 (e.g., that is different than the remainder unblocked by the first end cap 250a) with respect to the first direction D1.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the method of assembly may further include positioning the second portion 190 of the head 184 of the plunger 180 within the pocket 196. The secondary rod 194 of the plunger 180 coupled to the second portion 190 may be positioned so as to extend through the rod lumen 204 with a portion of the secondary rod 194 positioned outside both the lumen 154 and the rod lumen 204 (e.g., in a direction opposite the first direction D1).

[0107] The tissue collection device 100 may include a plunger guide 266 and a rubber seal 268 that support the plunger 180 and form a liquid-tight barrier preventing material inside the chamber 260 from exiting the housing 120 via the second opening 130. The method of assembly may include securing the plunger guide 266 and the rubber seal 268 within the lumen 154 such that respective lumina 270, 272 of the plunger guide 266 and the rubber seal 268 are aligned along the axis 178. Positioning the head 184 of the plunger 180 within the lumen 154 may include moving the rod 182 of the plunger 180 through the aligned respective lumina 270, 272 of the plunger guide 266 and the rubber seal 268.

[0108] Referring to Figures 16 to 21, a tissue collection device 300 may be similar to the tissue collection device 100 such that the description of the tissue collection device 100 herein is applicable to the tissue collection device 300, with noteworthy differences being highlighted below. The tissue collection device 300 may include a housing 320 having a tubular body 322 and a lumen 324 extending therethrough (e.g., from a distal opening 326 (also referred to herein as an entry opening) of the housing 320 formed in a distal portion 328 of the tubular body 322 to a proximal opening 330 (also referred to herein as an exit opening) of the housing 320 formed in a proximal portion 332 of the tubular body 322. As shown, the proximal portion 332 may be opposite the distal portion 328 with respect to the first direction D1.

[0109] The tubular body 322 may include an inner wall 334 and an outer wall 336 that each extend between the distal portion 328 and the proximal portion 332 (e.g., from the distal opening 326 to the proximal opening 330) along the first direction D1. According to one embodiment, the tubular body 322 may be elongated along the first direction D1. The inner wall 334 may face the lumen 324 (e.g., such that the inner wall 334 at least partially defines the lumen 324), and the outer wall 336 may be opposite (e.g., face away from) the inner wall 334 with respect to the radial direction R1.

[0110] Unlike the housing 120, the housing 320 may be devoid of a third opening that extends from the inner wall 334 to the outer wall 336 thereby providing passage from the lumen 324 through the tubular body 322 (e.g., the third opening 138 in the scaffolding 150). Instead, fluid and the harvested tissue 14 may enter the lumen 324 through the distal opening 326 and the fluid may exit the lumen 324 through the proximal opening 330 as described in further detail below. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the distal opening 326 and the proximal opening 330 may be opposite (e.g., parallel to) one another along the length of the tubular body 322.

[0111] The tissue collection device 300 may include a scaffolding 350 including a tubular body 352 and defining a chamber 354 extending into the tubular body 352 (e.g., from a distal opening 356 also referred to herein as an entry opening of the scaffolding 350 formed in adistal portion 358 of the tubular body 352 to a proximal opening 360 of the scaffolding 350 formed in a proximal portion 362 of the tubular body 352). The tubular body 352 may include a scaffolding inner wall 364 that faces the chamber 354 (e.g., such that the scaffolding inner wall 364 at least partially defines the chamber 354), and a scaffolding outer wall 366 that faces away from the chamber 354 (e.g., is opposite the scaffolding inner wall 364 with respect to the radial direction R1).

[0112] The scaffolding 350 may include a plurality of openings 368 that each extend (e.g., radially) from the scaffolding inner wall 364 to the scaffolding outer wall 366 thereby providing passage from the chamber 354 through the tubular body 352. As shown, each of the plurality of openings 368 may be formed in an intermediate portion 370 of the tubular body 352 located between the distal portion 358 and the proximal portion 362.

[0113] The plurality of openings 368 may be sized, shaped, and / or arranged in the form of a honeycomb similar to the plurality of openings 168 of the scaffolding 150). Although shown in the illustrated embodiments in a honeycomb arrangement, other positions / arrangements of the plurality of openings 368 are included within this disclosure. For example, the plurality of openings 368 may be arranged in concentric rings or columns, in a regular pattern (e.g., a grid with consistent spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 368), or in an irregular pattern (with varying spaces between adjacent ones of the plurality of openings 368).

[0114] The distal portion 358 of the scaffolding 350 may include the distal opening 356 of the tubular body 352 and may extend proximally, terminating at a distal-most one 368a of the plurality of openings 368, such that the distal portion 358 is devoid of any of the plurality of openings 368. The intermediate portion 370 of the scaffolding 350 may extend proximally from the distal portion 358 and terminate just passed a proximal-most one 368b of the plurality of openings 368, such that the intermediate portion 370 includes all of the plurality of openings 368.

[0115] The proximal portion 362 of the scaffolding 350 may include the proximal opening 360 of the tubular body 352 and may extend proximally from the intermediate portion 370 (e.g., from the proximal-most one 368b of the plurality of openings 368) through a remainder of the tubular body 352. As shown, the proximal portion 362 may be devoid of any of the plurality of openings 368.

[0116] Alternatively, the plurality of openings 368 may extend to one or both ends of the tubular body 352 such that the tubular body 352 is devoid of the distal portion 358 (such that the intermediate portion 370 includes the distal opening 356), is devoid of the proximal portion 362 (such that the intermediate portion 370 includes the proximal opening 360), or is devoid of both the distal portion 358 and the proximal portion 362 (such that the plurality ofopenings 368 are positioned along an entirety of a length of the tubular body 352 and the intermediate portion 370 includes both the distal opening 356 and the exit opening 360).

[0117] As shown, the distal portion 358 may have a closed outer perimeter (e.g., that is devoid of any of the plurality of openings 368). The closed outer perimeter may radially surround an axis 378 that extends through the chamber 354 (e.g., along which the tubular body 352 is elongated) within a radial plane that is normal to the axis 378. The tubular body 352 may have a total volume that is defined by the chamber 354. According to one embodiment, the total volume of the chamber 354 may be defined as a length L5 of the chamber 354 (e.g., measured from the distal opening 356 to the proximal opening 360 along the axis 378) multiplied by an area of a cross-sectional shape of the chamber 354.

[0118] Embodiments of the tissue collection device 300 may be configured to harvest and deliver various amounts of tissue (e.g., depending on the surgical procedure in which the tissue collection device 300 is being used). For example, the total volume of the chamber 354 may be similar to the total volume of the lumen 154 of the scaffolding 150. According to one embodiment, multiple tissue collection devices 300 (e.g., having respective chambers 354 with different total volumes) may be sold as a kit to accommodate a wide range of surgical procedures.

[0119] The distal portion 358 may have a length L6, which is at least a portion of the length L5. The length L6 of the distal portion 358 may be measured from the distal opening 356 to the distal-most one 368a of the plurality of openings 368 along a direction parallel to the axis 378 (e.g., the first direction D1).

[0120] The distal portion 358 may have a bucket volume, which is at least a portion of the total volume (e.g., similar to the bucket volume of the distal portion 158). The bucket volume of the distal portion 358 may be measured from the distal opening 356 to the distal-most one 368a of the plurality of openings 368.

[0121] The proximal portion 362 may define a thickness T3 measured along the radial direction R1. The distal portion 358 may include a flange 363 with a thickness T4 measured along the radial direction R1. According to one embodiment, the thickness T4 of the flange 363 may be greater than the thickness T3 of the proximal portion 362 (e.g., similar to the flange 163 and the distal portion 158 of the scaffolding 150). The flange 363 may assist in assembly of the tissue collection device 300. For example, the scaffolding 350 may be translated relative to the housing 320 (e.g., along the axis 378), entering the lumen 324, until the flange 363 is received and secured (e.g., abutting a shoulder 317 or disposed within a corresponding recess or pocket formed by the housing 320).

[0122] According to some embodiments, the housing 320 may define open and closed configurations. For example, the distal portion 328 and the proximal portion 332 may bediscreet components that are separable and couplable without plastic deformation of either component. With the distal portion 328 separate from the proximal portion 332 and the housing 320 in the open configuration (e.g., as shown in Figure 20), the scaffolding 350 may be insertable into the lumen 324 (e.g., such that the flange 363 abuts the shoulder 317). When the scaffolding 350 is positioned within at least a portion of the lumen 324 (e.g., a portion of the lumen 324 defined by the proximal portion 332), the housing 320 may be transitioned to the closed configuration by coupling the distal portion 328 to the proximal portion 332 thereby enclosing the scaffolding 350 within the lumen 324 (e.g., as shown in Figure 19).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the scaffolding 350 may be secured relative to the housing 320 such that the proximal portion 362 is opposite the distal portion 358 with respect to the first direction D1 , and such that the scaffolding outer wall 366 is opposite the scaffolding inner wall 364 with respect to the radial direction R1. Additionally, the scaffolding 350 may be secured relative to the housing 320 such that the scaffolding outer wall 366 faces the inner wall 334 of the housing 320 (e.g., a portion of the inner wall 334 of the proximal portion 332) defining a channel 372 therebetween in a portion of the lumen 324.

[0124] Thus, the scaffolding 350 may be secured relative to the housing 320 such that the chamber 354 is in fluid communication with the proximal opening 330 via a fluid path 374 that enters the housing 320 and the lumen 324 through the distal opening 326. The fluid path 374 enters the scaffolding 350 and the chamber 354 through the distal opening 356, and then passes through at least a portion of the chamber 354. The fluid path 374 then passes through the plurality of openings 368 thereby exiting the chamber 354 and entering the channel 372 before flowing along the channel 372 to the proximal opening 330 passing therethrough to exit the tissue collection device 300.

[0125] The tissue collection device 300 may further include a plunger 380 having a rod 382 and a head 384. As shown in Figure 19, the plunger 380 may be supported by the scaffolding 350 such that the head 384 is positioned inside the chamber 354, and such that the plunger 380 is slidable with respect to the housing 320 and the scaffolding 350 along an axis 386. The axis 386 may be parallel to the chamber 354, which may be parallel to the first direction D1 , as shown.

[0126] As shown, the rod 382 may extend into (e.g., through) the proximal opening 330 of the housing. Accordingly, the fluid path 374 may pass through the proximal opening 330 with the rod 382 positioned therein. The rod 382 may be smaller than the proximal opening 330 such that a gap 383 (e.g., an annular, ring-shaped, or crescent gap) is formed around the rod 382 through which the fluid flows as it follows the fluid path 374. Thus, a portion ofthe fluid flow path 374 may follow the rod 382 (e.g., while passing through the proximal opening 330.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the rod 382 and the head 384 of the plunger 380 may each be respective one-piece (monolithic) constructs. Alternatively, the head 384 of the plunger 380 may include first and second portions (e.g., similar to the first portion 188 and the second portion 190 as described herein) that are movable relative to each other.Similarly, the rod 382 may include primary and secondary rods (e.g., similar to the primary rod 192 and the secondary rod 194 as described herein) that are movable independent of each other.

[0128] The tissue collection device 300 may include a mesh filter (e.g., the sieve 220). The sieve 220 may be positioned within the chamber 354 (e.g., between the head 384 of the plunger 380 and the scaffolding 350 as shown in Figure 17). The head 384 of the plunger 380, the sieve 220 (e.g., the lumen 224), and the scaffolding 350 (e.g., the chamber 354) may be sized such that when the head 384 is positioned within the lumen 224 the head 384 abuts the tubular body 222 (e.g., the sieve inner wall 234) and exerts a radial (e.g., outward) pressure thereupon, and the scaffolding 350 abuts the tubular body 222 (e.g., the sieve outer wall 236) thereby providing support to the sieve 220 and opposing the radial pressure.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the radial pressure exerted by the head 384 of the plunger 380 may be sufficient to deform the tubular body 222 in the absence of the support provided by the scaffolding 350. Thus, the scaffolding 350 may have a yield strength greater than the radial pressure exerted by the head 384 upon the sieve 220, and the sieve 220 may have a yield strength less than the radial pressure exerted by the head 384 upon the sieve 220. These relative yield strengths allow for effective fluid / tissue separation and tissue scraping / removal via the head 384 of the plunger 380 without plastic deformation of the tissue collection device 300.

[0130] As shown in Figure 19, when the sieve 220 is positioned in the chamber 354 respective subsets of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may each be aligned (e.g., radially) with a respective one of the plurality of openings 368. For example, the sieve 220 may be positioned within the chamber 354 such that a portion of the fluid path 374 passes through one or more of the subsets of the plurality of mesh openings 238 before passing through the respective one of the plurality of openings 368 of the scaffolding 350.

[0131] The mesh size of the plurality of mesh openings 238 may be smaller than the size of the plurality of openings 368. According to one embodiment, the mesh size is large enough to allow passage of fluid (e.g., arthroscopic fluid, blood, etc.) and small enough to block passage of the harvested tissue 14 (e.g., bone fragments produced during the reaming process). The plurality of openings 368 may be sized such that the harvested tissue 14would pass therethrough in the absence of the sieve 220 and the plurality of mesh openings 238 being radially aligned with and partially blocking the plurality of openings 368.

[0132] Some embodiments of the tissue collection device 100 or the tissue collection device 300 may include anti-rotation components that prevent relative rotation of components of the respective device. For example, the tissue collection device 300 may include corresponding engagement features such as a track 390 and a follower 392. The track 390 may be in the form of a projection (e.g., extending into the lumen 224 from the sieve inner wall 234) and the follower 392 may be in the form of a channel (e.g., defined by the head 384 of the plunger 380). As shown in Figure 18, the follower 392 may be receivable by the track 390 such that the follower 392 and the head 384 of the plunger 380 are slidable relative to the sieve 220 (e.g., along the first direction D1), while relative rotation of the track 390 and follower 392 (and the plunger 380 and sieve 220) is limited (e.g., prevented).

[0133] A method of collecting tissue with the tissue collection device 300 may include applying suction to the exit opening 330 of the housing 320. The suction causes fluid and harvested tissue 14 to enter the lumen 224 (e.g., through the entry opening 326). The rod 382 may be positioned within the exit opening 330 while suction is applied to the housing 320. The harvested tissue 14 is collected within the chamber 354 and the fluid is withdrawn from the chamber 354 by passing the fluid through the sieve 220 that is positioned within the chamber 354. The fluid then passes through one or more of the plurality of openings 238 and one or more of the plurality of openings 368 to enter the channel 372. The fluid then passes through the exit opening 330 (e.g., flowing around the rod 382 positioned therein) to exit the tissue collection device 300.

[0134] The method may include expelling the harvested tissue 14 from the chamber 354 by advancing the head 384 of the plunger 380 towards the distal opening 356 of the scaffolding 350, for example as shown in Figure 21. Prior to expelling the harvested tissue 14, the distal portion 328 of the housing 320 may be separated from the proximal portion 332 of the housing 320, and then the scaffolding 350 and sieve 220 may be removed from the lumen 324 of the housing 320. The method may further include moving the fluid along the fluid flow path 374. The method may further include blocking passage of the harvested tissue 14 through the plurality of openings 368 with the sieve 220, and slidably engaging the head of the plunger with the sieve while advancing the head of the plunger towards the entry opening of the housing.

[0135] A method of assembly of the tissue collection device 300 may include inserting the sieve 220 into the chamber 354 of the scaffolding 350, and aligning the sieve 220 with the scaffolding 350. The sieve 220 and the scaffolding 350 may be aligned such that respectiveones of the plurality of openings 368 are aligned with respective pluralities of mesh openings 238 of the sieve 220. The method of assembly may further include securing the aligned sieve 220 and scaffolding 350, relative to one another (e.g., such that an outer surface of the sieve 220 contacts the inner wall 364 of the scaffolding 350), thereby forming a filter assembly. The filter assembly (with or without the plunger 380 inserted / insertable into the chamber 354) may be sold as a separate / replaceable component for use with different housings. The filter assembly may be inserted into the lumen 224 of the housing 320 (e.g., when the distal portion 328 of the housing 320 is separated from the proximal portion 332 of the housing 320).

[0136] The method may include securing the filter assembly and the housing 320 relative to one another such that an outer wall 336 of the scaffolding 350 faces an inner wall 334 of the housing 320 thereby forming the channel 372 therebetween, such that the entry opening 326 of the housing 320 is in fluid communication with the exit opening 330 of the housing 320 via the channel 372. The head 384 of the plunger 380 may be disposed within the chamber 354 such that the sieve 220 is between the head 384 and the scaffolding 350, and such that the rod 382 of the plunger 380 is coupled is positioned outside the chamber 354 (e.g., within the exit opening 330).

[0137] The method may further include separating the distal portion 328 of the housing 320 from the proximal portion 332 of the housing 320 prior to inserting the filter assembly into the lumen 224 of the housing 320. The distal portion 328 and the proximal portion 332 may then be coupled after inserting the filter assembly into the lumen 224.

[0138] The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0139] Many of the methods described herein can be performed with variations. For example, many of the methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and / or perform acts in a different order than as illustrated or described.

[0140] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the abovedetailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the fullscope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A tissue collection device comprising: a scaffolding including: a scaffolding inner wall defining a chamber extending through a distal opening in a first end of the scaffolding; a scaffolding outer wall facing away from the chamber; and a plurality of openings each extending through the scaffolding inner and outer walls; a plunger including a rod and a head, the head disposed inside the chamber, and the plunger being slidable with respect to the scaffolding along an axis that passes through the distal opening; and a sieve defining a plurality of mesh openings extending through the sieve, the sieve disposed within the chamber between the head of the plunger and the scaffolding such that at least one of the plurality of mesh openings is aligned with at least one of the plurality of openings of the scaffolding with respect to a radial ray extending perpendicularly from the axis.

2. The tissue collection device of claim 1 wherein the sieve is positioned relative to the scaffolding to define a fluid path through the tissue collection device, and the fluid path enters the scaffolding through the distal opening, passes through a portion of the chamber, and exits the chamber via one of the plurality of openings and at least one of the plurality of mesh openings aligned with the one of the plurality of openings.

3. The tissue collection device of claim 2 wherein the chamber terminates at a proximal wall of the scaffolding.

4. The tissue collection device of claim 3 wherein an inner surface of the proximal wall faces the head of the plunger, and the rod of the plunger extends through a through hole defined by the proximal wall such that a portion of the rod is positioned outside of the chamber.

5. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the plunger and the sieve comprise corresponding engagement surfaces that abut to limit rotation of the plunger relative to the sieve.

6. The tissue collection device of claim 5 wherein the corresponding engagement surfaces comprise a track and a follower.

7. The tissue collection device of claim 6 wherein the track comprises a channel formed within the head of the plunger and a projection extending away from the sieve and toward the axis.

8. The tissue collection device of claim 2, further comprising a housing including: an entry opening; an exit opening; and an inner wall extending between the entry and exit openings, the inner wall defining a lumen extending through the entry opening and into the housing, wherein the scaffolding is disposed within the lumen such that the distal opening is aligned with the entry opening, and the plunger is disposed within the lumen such that the rod extends into the exit opening, and wherein the fluid path includes a channel formed between the scaffolding outer wall and the inner wall of the housing, and wherein the fluid path enters the housing through the entry opening and exits the housing through the exit opening.

9. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a housing including: an entry opening; an exit opening; and an inner wall extending between the entry and exit openings, the inner wall defining a lumen extending through the entry opening and into the housing, wherein the scaffolding is disposed within the lumen such that the distal opening is aligned with the entry opening, and the plunger is disposed within the lumen such that the rod extends into the exit opening.

10. The tissue collection device of claim 9 wherein the housing comprises a distal portion that includes the entry opening, a proximal portion that includes the exit opening, and the distal portion is separable from the proximal portion.

11. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein each of the respective plurality of mesh openings have a mesh size that is smaller than a size of the aligned one of the plurality of openings of the scaffolding.

12. The tissue collection device of claim 11 wherein the mesh size is large enough to permit passage of fluid therethrough.

13. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 12 wherein the head of the plunger exerts a radial pressure against the sieve, and the scaffolding abuts the sieve providing support that opposes the radial pressure.

14. The tissue collection device of claim 13 wherein the scaffolding has a yield strength greater than the radial pressure exerted by the head against the sieve, and the sieve has a yield strength less than the radial pressure exerted by the head against the sieve.

15. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein the sieve includes a wire mesh defining the plurality of mesh openings.

16. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the plurality of openings are arranged to form a honeycomb.

17. The tissue collection device of claim 16 wherein the honeycomb includes adjacent ones of the plurality of openings separated from one another by one or more ribs of the scaffolding, each of the one or more ribs having a first length measured along a direction parallel to the axis, the adjacent ones of the plurality of openings having respective second lengths measured along the direction, and each of the respective second lengths is greater than the first length.

18. The tissue collection device of claim 17 wherein the plurality of openings includes a subset of the plurality of openings that are aligned along the direction, and each of the plurality of openings in the subset are identical to one another.

19. The tissue collection device of claim 17 wherein the plurality of openings includes a subset of the plurality of openings that are aligned along the direction, and each of the subset of the plurality of openings have a hexagonal shape.

20. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 19 wherein the scaffolding includes:an intermediate portion that includes the plurality of openings; and a distal bucket portion that extends from the intermediate portion to the first opening.

21. The tissue collection device of claim 20 wherein the distal bucket portion has a closed perimeter that surrounds the axis within a radial plane that is normal to the axis.

22. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 20 and 21 wherein the chamber defines a total volume, the distal bucket portion defines a bucket volume and the bucket volume is between 15 and 25 percent of the total volume.

23. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 20 to 22 wherein the scaffolding has a maximum length measured parallel to the axis, the distal bucket portion has a bucket length measured parallel to the axis, the distal bucket portion is devoid of any openings along the bucket length, and the bucket length of the distal bucket portion is at least 5 percent of the maximum length.

24. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 1 to 23 wherein: the head of the plunger includes a first portion and a second portion, and the second portion is moveable relative to the first portion; the rod of the plunger is a primary rod, the axis is a primary axis, and the primary rod is secured to the first portion of the head such that moving the primary rod simultaneously moves the first portion; and the tissue collection device further includes a secondary rod, the secondary rod slidable with respect to the housing along a secondary axis, and the secondary rod secured to the second portion of the head such that movement of the secondary rod simultaneously moves the second portion.

25. The tissue collection device of claim 24 wherein the first portion includes a pocket that receives the second portion such that when the second portion is received in the pocket, movement of the second portion away from the distal opening relative to the first portion is blocked.

26. The tissue collection device of claim 25 wherein the second portion is received within the pocket such that movement of the first portion towards the distal opening simultaneously moves the second portion towards the distal opening.

27. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 25 and 26 wherein the second portion is releasably received within the pocket such that movement of the secondary rod towards the distal opening relative to the primary rod simultaneously moves the second portion towards the distal opening relative to the first portion.

28. The tissue collection device of any one of claims 24 to 27 wherein the primary rod is a tubular member having a rod lumen, and the secondary rod is positioned and slidable within the rod lumen.

29. The tissue collection device of claim 24 wherein the second portion includes a main body and at least one wing that extends radially from the main body.

30. A method of collecting tissue, the method comprising: applying suction to a proximal opening of a housing, the proximal opening having a rod of a plunger positioned therein; moving tissue particulates through a distal opening of the housing into a lumen of the housing, the distal opening in fluid communication with the proximal opening; collecting the tissue particulates within a chamber that is formed by an inner wall of a scaffolding and a head of the plunger positioned within a chamber of the scaffolding, wherein the scaffolding is positioned within the lumen such that an outer wall of the scaffolding faces towards the inner wall of the housing; withdrawing fluid from the chamber by: passing the fluid through a sieve that is positioned within the chamber and that abuts the inner wall of the scaffolding; then passing the fluid through one or more of a plurality of openings that each extend from the inner wall of the scaffolding to the outer wall of the scaffolding to enter a channel formed between the outer wall of the scaffolding and the inner wall of the housing; and then passing the fluid through the proximal opening of the housing while the rod of the plunger is positioned therein; and expelling the collected tissue particulates from the chamber by advancing the head of the plunger within the chamber.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: moving the fluid along a flow path that: enters the lumen via the distal opening; then moves through a portion of the chamber;then passes through at least one opening in the sieve; then passes through at least one of the plurality of openings thereby exiting the chamber and entering the channel; then moves along the channel; and then passes through the proximal opening to exit the lumen.

32. The method of any one of claims 30 and 31 , further comprising: blocking passage of the collected tissue particulates through the plurality of openings with the sieve, the sieve having a mesh size smaller than the collected tissue particulates.

33. The method of any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising: slidably engaging the head of the plunger with the sieve while advancing the head of the plunger towards a distal opening of the scaffolding.

34. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33, further comprising: prior to expelling the collected tissue particulates, separating a distal portion of the housing from a proximal portion of the housing 320; and removing the scaffolding and sieve from the separated distal and proximal portions of the housing.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: after advancing the head of the plunger towards the distal opening, stopping the head of the plunger at a location within the chamber such that the chamber has a closed perimeter along a length of the scaffolding from the head of the plunger to the distal opening; and after stopping the head of the plunger at the location, adding liquid to the chamber while the collected tissue particulates are within the chamber.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: after adding the liquid to the chamber, agitating the liquid and the collected tissue particulates within the chamber to form a mixture.

37. The method of claim 36 wherein the head of the plunger includes an agitator, and wherein the agitating of the liquid and the collected tissue particulates within the chamber to form the mixture includes:advancing the agitator of the head of the plunger towards the entry opening, away from a remainder of the head of the plunger, and into the chamber; and rotating the agitator about an axis of rotation relative to the housing.

38. A method of assembly of a tissue collection device, the method comprising: inserting a sieve into a scaffolding chamber of a scaffolding, the scaffolding chamber extending through the scaffolding along an axis; aligning the sieve with the scaffolding such that respective ones of a plurality of openings extending through the scaffolding are aligned with respective pluralities of openings of the sieve with respect to a radial ray that extends perpendicularly from the axis; securing the aligned sieve and scaffolding relative to one another such that an outer surface of the sieve contacts an inner wall of the scaffolding, thereby forming a filter assembly; inserting the filter assembly into a housing lumen of a housing, the housing lumen extending through the housing along the axis; securing the filter assembly and the housing relative to one another such that an outer wall of the scaffolding faces an inner wall of the housing thereby forming a channel therebetween, such that an entry opening of the housing is in fluid communication with an exit opening of the housing via the channel; and positioning a head of a plunger within the scaffolding lumen such that the sieve is between the head and the scaffolding with respect to the radial ray, and such that a rod of the plunger that is coupled to the head is positioned outside the scaffolding lumen.

39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: separating a distal portion of the housing from a proximal portion of the housing prior to inserting the filter assembly into the housing lumen; and coupling the distal portion of the housing to the proximal portion of the housing after inserting the filter assembly into the housing lumen.

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