Force sensitive dosing apparatus for a lipoaspirate

Abstract

The invention relates to a medical device (10) for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample (24), comprising a pump (12) comprising a piston head (18), which is mechanically couplable to a reservoir (14) comprising a mammalian sample (24) in an accommodated state by the medical device (10), and an actuator (16) for displacing the piston head (18), a control unit (32) being in communication with the actuator (16) and configured to output a control signal to the actuator (16) for controlling a dispensing of the mammalian sample (24) from the reservoir (14) based on the longitudinal displacement (34) of the piston head (18), and a force sensor (20) communicatively coupled with the control unit (32) and arranged to detect a force exerted on the end portion of the piston head (18), wherein the control unit (32) is configured to compare a detected force with a predefined upper threshold and to output the control signal based on said comparison, and to a corresponding system.

Description

[0001] Force sensitive dosing apparatus for a lipoaspirate

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The invention relates to a medical device for dispensing a mammalian sample, in particular of a human lipoaspirate, and a corresponding system. In particular, the invention relates to optimizing the dispensing in an automated and controlled manner.

[0004] Technological Background

[0005] Patients suffering from a variety of diseases may under certain circumstances benefit from the selective administration of particular autologous tissue and / or cell material. Such grafting typically requires that tissue and / or cells are extracted from a patient and may e.g. be injected or reapplied to the patient after appropriate processing. For example, a lipoaspirate may be extracted from a patient during surgery and may be processed for isolation of particular cells and / or enrichment of the tissue sample, after which the processed sample may be injected back into the patient. In particular, this enables isolated adipose tissue to be e.g. selectively administered into one or more joints of the patients, which has been shown to be advantageous in the treatment of various degrees of arthritis.

[0006] To process the extracted sample, the sample may be transferred into a device, such as a container, tube, or other receptacle. In case of a lipoaspirate, the processing of the extracted sample and hence the preparation of graft material may e.g. be performed using additional enzymes like collagenase and / or by addition of other ingredients like platelet rich plasma or hyaluronic acid. The mixture containing lipoaspirate will then typically be further processed using e.g. a buffer solution for rinsing and washing, wherein the waste material is discharged. The processed adipose tissue may then subsequently be taken from the receptacle for reapplication to the patient.

[0007] In order to provide a sufficient sample volume, multiple aspirates or extractions may be performed, which may be collected in a single receptacle or container. In this manner, a single sample volume may be processed. However, such collection is a cumbersome process, since the respective sample portions need to be fluidical ly connected with the receptacle in a secure and sterile manner. Thereby, the risk of processing errors, contamination, and potential loss of sample volume is increased. Furthermore, the collection of the sample portions typically occurs successively, rendering the collection and overall processing laborious and time consuming.

[0008] Moreover, the collection is typically performed manually. This not only increases the risk of air being trapped in the receptacle, which potentially impairs further processing in a secure and reproducible manner. It also increases the risk of potential cell damage due to the possibility of high pressures being applied to the sample, wherein such pressures may not be tolerated by the cells of interest.

[0009] From EP 1 737 513 B1 an infusion device for medical fluids is known, wherein a ratio between a force and a displacement may be determined and compared with a corresponding threshold to indicate the presence of an anomalous situation. US 2015 / 190573 A1 discloses that an integral may be determined for measurements obtained from a sensor within a drive train; n occlusion is detected, if the integral value exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0010] CN 1 14 929 306 A discloses a drive mechanism that engages a plunger of a syringe, wherein a sensor value exceeding a predetermined threshold may indicate the presence of an occlusion.

[0011] US 2022 / 047816 A1 discloses the use of sensors to determine a capacitance as part of an impedance of a fluid pathway. Based on the system impedance, inconsistencies in the fluid pathway and fluid length may be detected to abrogate problems related to fluid mixing ratios and inconsistent injection volumes.

[0012] Summary of the invention

[0013] Starting from the known prior art it is hence an object of the present invention to provide an improved processing of a mammalian sample, in particular by providing a processing that is gentle to the cells and with an improved reproducibility and processing efficiency.

[0014] The above object is solved by means of a medical device for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample, in particular a human tissue sample, comprising the features of claim 1 . Further preferred embodiments are presented in the dependent claims, the description and the Figures.

[0015] Accordingly, in one aspect, a medical device for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample is suggested, comprising a pump comprising a piston head and an actuator for longitudinally displacing the piston head, wherein the pump is arranged such that an end portion of the piston head is mechanically couplable to a reservoir comprising a mammalian sample in an accommodated state by the medical device, a control unit being in communication with the actuator and configured to output a control signal to the actuator for controlling a dispensing of the mammalian sample from the reservoir based on the longitudinal displacement of the piston head, and a force sensor being communicatively coupled with the control unit and being arranged to detect a force exerted on the end portion of the piston head. The control unit is configured to compare a detected force with a predefined upper threshold and to output the control signal based on said comparison.

[0016] By providing the control signal based on the comparison of the detected force with a predefined upper threshold it may be avoided that a pressure is applied to a sample contained in the reservoir that is potentially detrimental for the cells. For example, the pump may be initiated e.g. by an activation signal provided by an operator, such that the control unit outputs an initial control signal actuating the pump actuator. Thereby, a longitudinal displacement of the piston head or punch of the pump towards the reservoir is provided, such that an automatic dispensing of a portion of the sample may be achieved.

[0017] In this regard, the force sensor enables that the force exerted on the reservoir may be detected while dispensing the portion of the sample. If said force is deemed too high, i.e. exceeds the predefined upper threshold, the control unit may output a corresponding control signal to the actuator, such that further longitudinal displacement of the piston head may be avoided, the piston head is retracted, or further longitudinal displacement is limited. On the other hand, automated dispensing of the portion of the sample may be continued, if the detected force is below the predefined upper threshold. Accordingly, the control signal is preferably at least directly (or exclusively) dependent on a comparison of the detected force independent of the actual displacement of the piston head, such that a potentially detrimental pressure on the sample is always avoided. The comparison is preferably based on an absolute value, wherein subsequent individual measurement values are compared with the corresponding upper threshold value. Thereby, a direct feedback control loop may be provided.

[0018] The predefined upper threshold preferably corresponds to a value below a force value corresponding to a fluidic blockade or an occlusion. In particular, the predefined upper threshold may be below a force value that corresponds to a pressure on the sample being detrimental for at least one cellular compartment of the sample. Thereby, a force may be applied to the sample, which causes dispensing in a safe and automated manner.

[0019] Accordingly, by controlling the longitudinal displacement in an automated manner based on the comparison of the detected force with the predefined upper threshold, a flow speed of the portion of the sample out of the reservoir and / or a pressure within the reservoir may be controlled.

[0020] The predefined upper threshold hence preferably corresponds to a tolerable maximum pressure within the reservoir, such that an automatic dispensing and subsequent collection of the portion of the sample is provided in a safe manner. The dispensed portion of the sample may e.g. be part of a pre-processed sample and / or may be further processed after collection in a further medical device or receptacle.

[0021] Preferably, the predefined upper threshold corresponds to a pressure within the reservoir of between 0.5 bar and 4 bar, preferably less than 3.5 bar, in particular less than 2.5 bar or between 1 bar and 2.5 bar. The predefined upper threshold may also be preset independent of the type of reservoir being used, however, is preferably adjustable according to the dimensioning of the reservoir being used. For example, the medical device may be configured to accommodate only a particular type and / or size of the reservoir. Alternatively, or in addition, the type and / or dimensioning of the reservoir may be input by an operator and the corresponding upper threshold may be set for comparison with the detected force.

[0022] The pump head and / or force sensor is preferably not fluidical ly couplable with the reservoir, but may be configured to be mechanically coupled with a biasing element of the reservoir. For example, the end portion of the pump head may be brought into contact with a flexible and / or movable membrane or outer end surface of a plunger of the membrane, such that its longitudinal displacement may bias a portion of the sample out of the reservoir and hence dispenses said portion, e.g. via an outlet of the reservoir. Thereby, a direct contact with the sample contained in the reservoir may be avoided, such that the risk of contamination is reduced and the pump head does not need to be cleaned for subsequent applications and / or reservoirs, if the medical device is adapted for multiple reservoirs.

[0023] While the piston head may hence be moved in a longitudinal direction, the lateral position of an accommodated reservoir may be predefined relative to the piston head. An accommodated reservoir may hence be positioned at an axial extension of the longitudinal axis defined by the piston head without a (significant) radial offset. For example, the longitudinal displacement may be in a vertical direction in a gravitational field, wherein an accommodated reservoir is positioned relative to the piston head such that a portion of its horizontal extension at least partially coincides with the vertical extension of the longitudinal axis. The longitudinal displacement in such vertical direction has the advantage that the dispensing of the portion of the sample contained in the accommodated reservoir may be facilitated by gravity, in particular in case of a semi-solid or fluid sample.

[0024] The predefined position of an accommodated reservoir may be facilitated or enabled by the provision of a respective holder. The holder may e.g. be formed to provide an interference fit or positive locking with the reservoir in order to secure the reservoir in place. For example, the reservoir may be formed as a syringe, container, or flask, wherein the holder comprises a corresponding recess to receive e.g. the syringe and / or may comprise one or more clamps or springs to bias the syringe into a predefined position relative to the holder. The medical device may furthermore be configured to accommodate a receptacle fluidically couplable with the at least one reservoir. Accordingly, the holder for the respective reservoir may furthermore be configured to secure the receptacle and / or to fluidically couple the receptacle or downstream fluidic system to an outlet of the reservoir, such that collection of the sample and processing may be facilitated. Such receptacle, preferably a disposable, may hence be configured for further processing of the collected sample, wherein such processing is preferably performed by the medical device, e.g. using an automated fluidic system.

[0025] In the accommodated state of the at least one reservoir, each reservoir is preferably comprised within a housing of the medical device, such that inadvertent adjustments to the reservoir and / or its (fluidic) coupling with the piston head and receptacle may be avoided. In this manner, the reservoir may hence be protected from environmental or surrounding influences. While the at least one receptacle may also be accommodated within the medical device, the receptacle may alternatively be accommodated at least partially at an outer surface of the medical device. Such configuration may e.g. facilitate that a collecting receptacle may be successively mounted and / or removed e.g. from the exterior of the medical device, and / or may facilitate a coupling of a fluidic connection to a fluidic system for further processing.

[0026] The longitudinal displacement may e.g. be provided by a spindle and / or helical movement of the actuator. To avoid rotation of the piston head, e.g. a form-fitting with a guiding surface may be provided. Thereby, in advertent friction between the piston head and an accommodated reservoir, potentially resulting in a movement of the reservoir, may be avoided. The actuator may e.g. comprise an electric drive enabling the longitudinal displacement of the pump head based on a received control signal output by the control unit.

[0027] The control signal output by the control unit may also comprise a warning signal, if the detected force exceeds the predefined upper threshold. Such warning signal may e.g. be communicated to a display or optical element present at or coupled to the medical device, such that the warning signal may be visually perceived by an operator. Such display, which may be integrated with the medical device, may also be present in order for an operator to monitor the dispensing of the sample, e.g. by indicating a force currently being detected and / or indicating a progression of the detected force. In order to display said information, the display may be communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to output a signal representing the respective data to said display.

[0028] Preferably, the control unit is configured to receive a measure for the longitudinal displacement of the piston head from the actuator and to determine a presence of a reservoir based on a comparison of the received longitudinal displacement with a predefined longitudinal displacement and a comparison of a determined change rate of the detected force with a predefined lower change rate threshold, wherein the control unit is configured to output the control signal based on a determined presence.

[0029] The longitudinal displacement, which may be determined by a sensor coupled with the actuator, e.g. an inductive sensor, may correspond to a distance of an end face of the end portion between a current position of the piston head and a fully retracted position of the piston head. The predefined longitudinal displacement in this regard corresponds to a distance at which a contact of the end portion of the piston head with a surface of an accommodated reservoir is expected to have been established. In the accommodated state of a reservoir, the piston head will hence exert a force on the reservoir and vice versa, if longitudinal displacement is within the predefined longitudinal displacement or the latter has been achieved. The predefined longitudinal displacement may be chosen such that the presence of a variety of reservoirs having different dimensions, in particular in the longitudinal direction, may be determined and may e.g. be limited to a longitudinal displacement corresponding to the smallest longitudinal extension of a reservoir to be used in the medical device.

[0030] Due to the exertion of said force on the end portion of the piston head, said force is detected by the force sensor, resulting in a change rate of said force, assuming that the detected force without such contact is about zero. The predefined lower change rate threshold may be relatively small and be chosen such that e.g. only common measurement fluctuations may be ignored. If said predefined lower change rate threshold is exceeded, it is determined that a point contact has been established and a reservoir is determined to be present. In other words, a reservoir is determined present, if the received longitudinal displacement is within the predefined longitudinal displacement and a determined change rate of the detected force exceeds the predefined lower change rate threshold.

[0031] If a reservoir has been accordingly detected, the medical device may continue the dispensing process. However, if the predefined lower change rate threshold has not been exceeded, a corresponding point contact is absent and a reservoir is deemed not to be present, at least not at the position coinciding with the position of the piston head. By means of the comparison with the predefined longitudinal displacement, it may hence be assessed whether a reservoir is present or not. The predefined longitudinal displacement and the predefined lower change rate threshold thereby ensure that a point contact with an accommodated reservoir may be determined in a time efficient manner.

[0032] In this regard, the control unit may initially output a control signal to the actuator enabling a longitudinal displacement of the piston head up to the predefined longitudinal displacement. Said actuation may be immediately interrupted once the predefined lower change rate threshold has been exceeded. This may be advantageous in case multiple reservoirs may be accommodated by the medical device and the presence of one or more reservoirs is to be determined in an initial step of the dispensing process. In other words, the detection of the one or more reservoirs may be performed to determine whether reservoirs are present in the medical device and to subsequently determine the total sample volume present in the one or reservoirs detected. The combination of providing a predefined longitudinal displacement with the requirement of exceeding a predefined lower change rate threshold in this regard enables e.g. that large reservoirs may be readily detected e.g. being present in a respective holder. No reservoir may be detected, e.g. in a respective holder, if the predefined lower change rate threshold has not been exceeded, even after moving the piston head with the predefined longitudinal displacement. Such predefined longitudinal displacement may e.g. correspond to a distance for which the piston head is expected to contact a plunger of a syringe having the smallest dimensions compatible with the medical device.

[0033] Furthermore, this enables that a fluid level or expected volume within the respective reservoir may be determined by the control unit based on the received longitudinal displacement upon exceeding the predefined lower change rate threshold and an expected configuration and / or dimension of respective reservoir, which may be stored and / or input into the control unit. For example, a holder for the respective reservoir may only be configured for a particular type and / or size of reservoir. The volume or fluid level within said reservoir may hence be predefined or be dependent on its extension in the longitudinal direction for which the longitudinal displacement forms a measure.

[0034] The determining of the fluid level or expected volume of the portion of the sample allows a quality control in view of the subsequently dispensed portion of the sample and / or allows predefined portions of said sample to be subsequently dispensed. By the same token, if more than one reservoir is accommodated by the medical device, the total fluid level or expected volume may be calculated. This allows e.g. that a corresponding receptacle may be fluidicaily coupled to the reservoir(s) and / or that further processing of the sample may be accordingly adjusted.

[0035] While the medical device may be configured for only one reservoir, it is preferably configured for accommodating two or more laterally spaced apart reservoirs at predefined lateral positions, wherein the control unit is configured to output the control signal comprising a lateral position adjustment signal for the piston head based on the determined presence. The medical device hence preferably comprises a single piston head that is laterally moveable to be aligned with a corresponding reservoir.

[0036] Once an operator has inserted one or more reservoirs into the medical device, the control unit may automatically determine whether a respective reservoir is present at the predefined lateral positions by means of the corresponding contact point detection described above. By the same token, the filling level or expected volume may optionally be determined. The outputting of the lateral position adjustment signal(s) hence provides that the piston head of the pump is aligned with the corresponding position of a potential reservoir. Thereby, an automated detection of all accommodated reservoirs may be provided in a time efficient manner and without requiring a potentially erroneous manual input.

[0037] As described above, such determining of the presence of one or more reservoirs is preferably performed prior to the actual dispensing of a portion of the sample out of the respective reservoir, since this allows the collection and / or processing of said sample to be accordingly adjusted. For example, the medical device may be configured to accommodate a plurality of syringes, wherein each syringe comprises a lipoaspirate of a specific patient. The number and (potential) volume of said syringes, however, may vary. Thereby, by determining the number of syringes being present and, optionally, their fluid level, the total sample volume may be determined or estimated, such that e.g. an appropriate receptacle may be coupled to the corresponding reservoirs and / or subsequent processing steps may be accordingly adjusted. Such coupling may also be effected only to the reservoirs that have been determined.

[0038] Preferably, the outlet of each of the reservoirs is hence fluidically coupled to a receptacle or aq collection receptacle, more preferably exclusively coupled to a receptacle or a collection receptacle. Subsequent and independent processing and / or application of the sample to a patient requires a separate device. Any such function is preferably not foreseen by the claimed medical device. . Thus, the reservoir of the claimed medical device is preferably a fluidic endpoint. It does preferably not provide any connection to an extracorporeal circuit line and is not configured for direct administration to a patient, e.g. by infusion or injection, either.

[0039] Furthermore, the number of potential reservoirs may be (much) larger than the actual number inserted into the medical device and / or the reservoirs may not have been inserted in a predefined order. By determining the presence prior to the dispensing, the dispensing may be facilitated, since the piston head is subsequently only aligned with those lateral positions that actually accommodate a respective reservoir. In this regard it is to be noted that the contact point detection allows for a very rapid detection based on the accordingly chosen predefined lower change rate threshold and predefined longitudinal displacement. After determining the presence of the reservoirs and their corresponding positions, the piston head may be directed only to these positions to effect the dispensing. The dispensing may hence be provided in an automated manner, wherein the pump automatically continues the dispensing only from the subsequent reservoir that has been determined to be present.

[0040] To facilitate the lateral positioning of the piston head, the medical device preferably comprises a lateral drive mechanism communicatively coupled with the actuator and / or the control unit, wherein the lateral position of the piston head is dependent on an actuation of the lateral drive mechanism based on the lateral position adjustment signal. The drive mechanism or drive kinematic may e.g. be coupled to the actuator, wherein a portion of the control signal output to the actuator is intended for and communicated to the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may e.g. be formed as a gantry robot or linear robot enabling a lateral displacement of the pump, while the actuator of the pump is configured to enable the longitudinal displacement of the piston head. By means of the lateral position adjustment signal, the piston head may hence be aligned with a position configured for accommodating a respective reservoir, such that subsequent lateral position adjustment signals enable a position sequence or array for dispensing the portion of the sample to be determined. By means of the lateral drive mechanism, a plurality of reservoirs, e.g. syringes with potentially having different sample volumes, may be accommodated within the medical device and a dispensing of each of the syringes may be facilitated, e.g. into a downstream common collection reservoir. Advantageously, as described above, the total sample volume may be determined prior to such dispensing, such that e.g. a suitable collection reservoir may be selected and fluidically coupled at the outlet ends of the reservoirs. Furthermore, the lateral drive mechanism may advantageously selectively position the position head only into those positions accommodating a reservoir, e.g. subsequent to detecting the presence of the reservoir(s) and the potential volume of the reservoir(s).

[0041] Although the force sensor may be arranged at the level of the actuator, e.g. between the piston head and the actuator, or a force may be alternatively determined from a current applied to the actuator relative to the effected longitudinal displacement of the piston head, preferably a direct force measurement is performed at the level of the end portion of the piston head. Accordingly, the force sensor is preferably arranged at the end portion of the piston head and is configured to contact a portion of a reservoir accommodated by the medical device.

[0042] The force sensor may e.g. be configured as a load cell, which may be arranged at an end face of the piston head. Preferably, the force sensor is dimensioned to contact an outer end face of a plunger of one or more syringes.

[0043] Since syringes used in the medical field typically have a predefined and / or standardized size, the force sensor may hence comprise a surface adapted to a corresponding plunger diameter or range of plunger diameters. Thereby, proper actuation of the plunger of the respective syringe, which is a preferred reservoir to be accommodated by the medical device, may be facilitated based on the longitudinal displacement of the piston head. The corresponding dimensioning furthermore ensures that a more even force distribution may be provided to the plunger, thereby avoiding any potential tilting or friction of the plunger upon dispensing the portion of the sample contained in the corresponding syringe.

[0044] The control unit is preferably configured to determine a change rate of the detected force and to determine a dispensing of the mammalian sample, if a successive reduction of the change rate is determined, wherein the control unit is configured to output the control signal based on a determined dispensing. In particular, the control unit may be configured to determine the dispensing of the mammalian sample, if the change rate is successively reduced to a predefined change rate range and / or the change rate reduction is determined for a predefined time.

[0045] For example, the initiation of the dispensing may be effected by an initial control signal. Once the piston head is brought into contact with a portion of the reservoir, an increase in force is detected due to the friction within the reservoir, for example, of a plunger in a syringe and the viscosity of the sample, which provide a resistance to the movement of the plunger. Upon further longitudinal displacement of the piston head, any residual air within the reservoir, which may be located on top of the sample, due to density differences compared to the fluid or semi-solid sample in the reservoir, is compressed. Such compression may e.g. be indicated by a non-linear growth of the force. These increases in the detected force hence result in an increased force change rate until the exerted force subsequently stabilizes, once the air has been compressed and the exerted force has compensated for the viscosity of the sample and any potential friction of a biasing mechanism within the reservoir.

[0046] Due to the established force equilibrium, the change rate is reduced. At this point, while the force exerted by the piston head or force sensor onto the reservoir is considered to be constant, it may be considered that the fluid portion of the sample is biased out of the reservoir, resulting in a dispensing of a portion of the sample. While the reduced change rate already indicates the establishment of such equilibrium, a reduction of said change rate to a predefined change rate range provides an improved reliability of the determining of an occurring dispensing e.g. by avoiding that any measurement fluctuations are inadvertently taken into account for such dispensing.

[0047] For example, since the force equilibrated state results in an essentially constant force, the predefined change rate range may be a predefined range around zero, i.e. having a predefined margin below and an equal predefined margin above zero. In this manner a brief reduction of the change rate is not automatically determined as a state of an ongoing dispensing of the portion of the fluid, but is only determined as such, if said reduction results in a change rate being within the predefined change rate range. By the same token, improved reliability of the determined dispensing may be achieved, if said reduction of the change rate occurs for a predefined time. Thereby, potential outliers or occurring measurement fluctuations may be ignored.

[0048] If an actual dispensing of the portion of the sample is determined, the force existing at the corresponding force equilibrium, i.e. the force that is constantly applied to the reservoir, may be used as an input for the predefined upper threshold. Thereby, the monitoring of the dispensing may be further improved, since the upper threshold may be adapted to the current setting and sample of the medical device. For example, the upper threshold may be predefined as a percentage of the force detected upon establishment of a force equilibrium, for example, between 5 percent and 50 percent, preferably between 5 percent and 20 percent. In this manner, the upper threshold may also be adapted to the configuration of the respective reservoir, in particular if multiple and different types of reservoirs are accommodated by the medical device.

[0049] Preferably, the control unit is configured to stop outputting a control signal to the actuator, if the determined change rate is below the predefined change rate range for a predefined time and / or if the detected force is below a predefined lower threshold. Thereby, no further longitudinal displacement towards the respective reservoir is provided. After having reached a force equilibrium, an essentially constant dispensing of the portion of the sample may be performed based on the control signal and the corresponding actuation of the piston head. However, upon emptying the respective reservoir, i.e. biasing the portion of the sample out of the reservoir, the pressure within the reservoir and therefore the force detected by the force sensor decreases, indicating, that the dispensing process is near end.

[0050] Accordingly, the determined change rate is reduced below the predefined change rate range and, in particular, may have a more negative change rate value. Again, to avoid that the near-empty state is inadvertently based on any potential measurement fluctuations, such reduction below the predefined change rate range needs to be determined for a predefined time. Alternatively, or in addition, such near-empty state may also be determined if the detected (absolute) force is below a predefined lower threshold. Such lower threshold may e.g. correspond to a state, wherein any residual air left in the reservoir is biased out of the reservoir.

[0051] By monitoring the dispensing and determining the reduced change rate and / or reduced absolute force, a potentially occurring transfer of residual air into a coupled receptacle or fluidic system may hence be avoided or at least interrupted at an early stage. The amount of excess air potentially impairing the further application or processing of the sample is hence effectively reduced downstream of the reservoir.

[0052] The control unit may also be configured to stop outputting a control signal to the actuator, if the determined change rate successively exceeds a predefined upper change rate threshold. For example, the detected force may exhibit a sudden and steep increase, which may be due to a full emptying of the reservoir, e.g. if a plunger of a syringe reaches its end stop. Such situation may e.g. occur if an insignificant amount of air has been present in the reservoir or any residual air has been rapidly discharged. Accordingly, the control unit may interrupt the dispensing from the respective reservoir.

[0053] It is to be understood that instead of stopping the outputting of a control signal, which may effect a level of actuation and longitudinal displacement of the piston head, a control signal effecting the retraction of the piston head may be output. In other words, the piston head may be brought back into its original position. The piston head may then optionally be brought into an alternative predefined lateral position to subsequently initiate the dispensing of a portion of a sample from a further reservoir, if present.

[0054] Preferably, the control unit is configured to receive a measure for a longitudinal displacement of the piston head from the actuator and to determine the dispensed sample volume and / orto output the control signal to dispense a predefined sample volume based on the longitudinal displacement for the determined dispensing.

[0055] For example, the longitudinal displacement may be provided by a sensor coupled to the actuator and / or piston head and being communicatively coupled to the control unit. The sensor e.g. be an incremental sensor monitoring the corresponding movement, thereby enabling the provision of the travelled distance of the piston head during the determined dispensing of the portion of the sample. By knowing the travelling distance, the corresponding displacement of a biasing mechanism of the respective reservoir is known, e.g. of a plunger of a syringe.

[0056] The dimensions of the reservoir, e.g. its inner diameter, may furthermore be stored and / or input in the control unit, such that a corresponding volume of the dispensed portion of the sample may be calculated. In particular, the medical device may be configured for a particular size of syringes comprising a standardized volume and inner diameter. For example, a holder for the respective reservoir may be adapted to (only) receive and accommodate a particular type and / or size of reservoir.

[0057] Alternatively, such diameter of the reservoir may also be determined by a corresponding input of a clamp sensor or spring sensor coupled with or at least partially forming such holder, wherein the control unit automatically retrieves the corresponding sensor data once a reservoir has been received therein. Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement of the piston head upon detection of an initial contact point for determining the presence of a reservoir may also be indicative of the type and / or size of the reservoir being accommodated.

[0058] By knowing the dispensed volume, post-processing may be facilitated, since e.g. the amount of buffer and / or other solutions may be accordingly adapted. Furthermore, this enables that a predefined volume of the sample may be collected in the receptacle(s) or fluidic system downstream of the reservoir.

[0059] The mammalian sample, in particular a human tissue sample, preferably comprises or essentially consists of a lipoaspirate.

[0060] For example, the mammalian sample or tissue sample may be a human lipoaspirate, hence forming a semi-solid and / or at least partially colloidal sample comprising a variety of cells, e.g. adipocytes and / or adipose derived stem cells (ADSC), which may be the target cells to be obtained with subsequent processing. Such lipoaspirate may have been obtained during surgery of a patient and may be applied back to the patient after processing or preparation of the sample. However, the overall sample volume as well as the exact composition of the sample, i.e. the relative proportions of the types of cells therein, may vary (significantly) for each sample. By means of the automated and controlled dispensing enabled by the medical device of the present invention, one or more samples may be obtained or collected in an automated, time-efficient manner and reproducible manner prior to any post-processing steps.

[0061] According to another aspect, a system for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample is suggested, comprising a medical device according to the invention, at least one reservoir for the mammalian sample, and at least one receptacle fluidly couplable with the at least one reservoir and being arranged to receive at least a portion of the mammalian sample, when a portion of the mammalian sample is dispensed from the reservoir based on the longitudinal displacement of the piston head.

[0062] The reservoir comprises an outlet and is configured to receive the mammalian sample, e.g. a lipoaspirate. In particular, the reservoir may be formed as a syringe, wherein a plunger of the syringe may be brought into contact with the end portion of the piston head or a force sensor attached thereto. The reservoir may hence be provided separately from the medical device and may e.g. be accommodated within a holder of the medical device once the sample has been applied into the reservoir. Although the reservoir is preferably of a syringe type, the reservoir may have alternative configurations and e.g. be formed as a container or tube, wherein the configuration may be dependent on the size or volume of the sample and the required processing and / or extraction method of the sample. The reservoir is preferably configured as a disposable.

[0063] An outlet of the reservoir may be fluidically coupled with a receptacle, which may be automatically established once the reservoir has been properly accommodated by the medical device. For example, an inlet of the receptacle may be directly adjacent to a holder for the reservoir and be arranged such that the outlet is fluidically coupled to the inlet, when the reservoir is inserted into the holder and is mounted therein. Alternatively, the receptacle may also be subsequently coupled to the reservoir.

[0064] The receptacle may have a configuration similar to the reservoir or may have a different configuration. For example, the one or more receptacles may be formed as a respective container or syringe, but may also be formed as one or more tubes forming a tube set as part of a fluidic system. Preferably, the receptacle also comprises an outlet, such that the processing of the dispensed and collected sample may be facilitated and is preferably performed inline in the medical device.

[0065] Preferably, the system comprises two or more reservoirs, wherein each of the reservoirs is fluidically couplable with the receptacle or with a respective receptacle. Accordingly, multiple extracted samples, in particular lipoaspirates, may be dispensed, which may be collected in a single receptacle or may be collected in respective receptacles. This may be advantageous for the processing and / or therapeutic application of the sample, which may require e.g. a processing or application of the sample as a whole. A processing in separate portions may e.g. be advantageous to facilitate particular mixing or incubating steps while a therapeutic application using separate portions may e.g. be advantageous if the therapeutic cells need to be injected at multiple target, e.g. using separate syringes. Such separate processing and application is generally also required, when each reservoir comprises a sample from a different patient.

[0066] The at least one receptacle preferably forms a fluidic endpoint for the at least one reservoir. Thereby, at least a portion of the sample may be securely stored, e.g. for subsequent and separate usage and administration to a patient. The receptacle may e.g. be formed as a container, wherein the portion of the sample may be retrieved, e.g. using a syringe, subsequent to and independent on the dispensing. Thus, dispensing according to the present invention is preferably not meant to correspond to administration to a patient or administration to an extracorporeal circuit.

[0067] The at least one receptacle is preferably arranged, more preferably completely arranged within the medical device. Accordingly, a compact design may be provided and proper positioning of the reservoir(s) and the receptacle(s) in the medical device may be facilitated. For example, one or more holders may be provided within the medical device to facilitate proper alignment for the one or more receptacles with the one or more reservoirs. Furthermore, the provision of the receptacle(s) within the medical device is advantageous to meet hygiene standards.

[0068] The configuration using a receptacle to collect and store at least a portion of a sample is particularly advantageous to enable a subsequent and / or selective administration to a patient, in particular to administer a purified lipoaspirate. The particular configuration of the system and medical device according to the invention is hence typically not provided as a continuous, direct or in-line infusion system for administration to a patient and / or for establishing a part of an extracorporeal blood circuit, e.g. as an extracorporeal blood treatment device.

[0069] In particular, the system according to the invention foresees the at least one receptacle being fluidical ly exclusively couplable to the at least one reservoir, e.g. by a single coupling interface. Preferably, the system is not configured for administration of the sample or the portion of the sample received in the receptacle to a patient. Thereby, the system is preferably free of and not connectable to an extracorporeal circuit line or infusion line, e.g. an extracorporeal blood circuit line. In other words, the system is advantageously not or is not configured as an infusion device or infusion system. Rather, any dispended sample has to be introduced into a separate infusion system not associated with the system of the invention. One or more reservoirs may furthermore comprise a solution, in particular a washing solution or buffer solution, such as Ringer's solution or saline, but may, additionally or alternatively, also comprise one or more particular enzymes or lysis agents, as required for the respective sample and medical application. Thereby, the portion of the sample that is dispensed may be directly mixed with a solution prior to any subsequent processing or as a first step of such processing.

[0070] Preferably, each reservoir is formed as a respective syringe, wherein the end portion of the piston head, preferably the force sensor arranged at said end portion, is configured to contact an end face of a respective syringe plunger. The use of syringes is compatible with typical extraction methods to obtain e.g. a lipoaspirate and furthermore facilitates handling and the performing of fluidic connections for an operator as well as mounting of the reservoir in or at the medical device and coupling with any downstream receptacle(s) or fluidic systems.

[0071] For example, multiple lipoaspirates may be extracted from a patient using a corresponding number of syringes, wherein the syringes may be only required to be inserted into the medical device at spaced apart and predefined lateral positions relative to each other. The piston head of the pump may then sequentially be brought into contact with the respective plungers by means of the longitudinal displacement and the lateral adjustment based on the control signal output by the control unit, enabling the automated dispensing in accordance with the invention.

[0072] Brief description of the drawings

[0073] The present disclosure will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when being considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0074] Figure 1 shows a schematic depiction of a medical device according to the invention;

[0075] Figure 2 shows a schematic depiction of control steps for an automated dispensing of a sample according to the invention; and

[0076] Figure 3 shows a schematic depiction of force measurement values obtained by the sensor of the medical device at different positions of the piston head relative to an accommodated reservoir.

[0077] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0078] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the Figures, like elements are denoted by identical reference numerals and repeated description thereof may be omitted in order to avoid redundancies.

[0079] In Figure 1 a schematic depiction of a medical device 10 is shown, which may be used for automated dispensing of a mammalian (tissue) sample, in particular for a lipoaspirate comprising adipose tissue. The medical device 10 comprises a pump 12, which may be mechanically coupled with a reservoir 14 so as to enable a dispensing of a fluid contained in the respective reservoir 14. The pump 12 comprises an actuator 16 and a piston head 18, which may be driven in a longitudinal direction based on a corresponding actuation of the actuator 16. The piston head 18 may e.g. be mounted on a spindle in such a way that a rotation caused by the actuator 16 results only in a longitudinal displacement 34 of the piston head 18, as indicated by the double arrowheads. The piston head 18 may hence be configured for bi-directional longitudinal displacement, e.g. in a vertical up-down direction.

[0080] At the lower end portion of the piston head 18, i.e. the portion being arranged at a side facing away from the actuator 16, a force sensor 20 is provided, which may be formed as a load cell. The force sensor 20 is adapted to engage an outer end surface of a respective reservoir 14, so as to enable a biasing of the fluid contained therein. In the present exemplary embodiment, the reservoirs 14 are formed as (optionally identical) syringes, such that the force sensor 20 contacts an end surface of a plunger 22 of the respective syringe. Upon longitudinal displacement 34 of the piston head 18 towards the plunger 22, the plunger 22 is accordingly displaced, such that a portion of a sample 24 comprised within the syringe is dispensed or biased out of an outlet 28 due to the corresponding movement of an upstream stop 26 of the syringe. The dispensed volume or portion of the sample 24 is collected by a receptacle 30, which is only schematically depicted and may e.g. have a container or tube configuration or may also be formed as a syringe.

[0081] The longitudinal displacement 34 of the piston head 18 is controlled by a control unit 32, which is communicatively coupled with the actuator 16 and the force sensor 20, as indicated by the dashed lines. The control unit 32 may e.g. provide an initial actuation signal to the actuator 16 to initiate the dispensing for a first reservoir 14 that has been detected to be present. Upon longitudinal displacement 34 of the piston head 18, the control unit 32 receives force measurement values from the force sensor 20 or alternatively via the actuator 16 and compares the detected force with a predefined upper threshold. The control unit 32 accordingly outputs a control signal to the actuator 16 to control the longitudinal displacement 34 and the dispensing of the portion of the sample 24.

[0082] In particular, if the detected force exceeds the predefined upper threshold, which may correspond e.g. to a pressure between 1 .5 bar and 3 bar within the reservoir 14, the outputted control signal may indicate to the actuator 16 to interrupt further actuation and longitudinal displacement 34. Alternatively, the control signal may indicate to reduce the actuation rate and corresponding speed of the plunger 22, such that the pressure within the reservoir 14 may be normalized. However, e.g. in case of a clogging of the outlet 28, the pressure within the reservoir 24 may not be reduced, such that the control signal in such case interrupts further actuation or may cause the piston head 18 to be retracted to its original position by the actuator 16. Simultaneously, the control signal may comprise a warning signal, which may be output e.g. as an acoustic alarm and / or comprise optical information that may e.g. be displayed on a display coupled to or integrated in the medical device 10. By means of the warning signal, an operator may inspect the respective reservoir 14 and sample 24 comprised therein to resolve any potential issues, e.g. connection or positioning issues and / or the state of the sample.

[0083] If, however, the predefined threshold is not exceeded, the dispensing may continue and the control signal may e.g. indicate that the actuator 16 may actuate the piston head 18 at a predefined rate or speed, thereby further facilitating the dispensing of the sample 24.

[0084] Once it is determined that the portion of the sample 24 comprised in the first reservoir 14 has been dispensed or, if a problem with the respective reservoir 14 cannot be expediently resolved, the dispensing may be continued for a further reservoir 14.

[0085] Accordingly, the control unit 32 may output a lateral position adjustment signal in accordance with its control signal. To facilitate the lateral displacement 38 of the piston head 18 or the pump 12 as a whole, the medical device 10 comprises a drive 36, which may be formed as a linear gantry. Upon receiving the lateral position adjustment signal, the piston head 18 is retracted to its original position and the pump 12 is moved to a predefined lateral position comprising the further reservoir 14. The dispensing of the sample 24 may then be resumed.

[0086] As shown, the further reservoir 14, depicted on the right, is also formed as a syringe, but the sample volume for this syringe is smaller. Accordingly, the plunger 22 of this syringe may optionally have a reduced longitudinal extension compared with the first reservoir 14, depicted on the left. Such different longitudinal extensions, however, do not affect the automated dispensing controlled by the control unit 32, since the dispensing is based on the force detection obtained by the force sensor 20, wherein the comparison with e.g. the predefined upper threshold may hence be performed over the entire longitudinal displacement 34 range of the piston head 18. Once the piston head 18 is brought into contact with the outer end surface of the plunger 22, a corresponding increase in the force is detected by the force sensor 20, wherein the corresponding longitudinal displacement 34 may not only indicate the position of the plunger 22, but also a potential volume of the sample 24 comprised in said reservoir 14.

[0087] In Figure 2 control steps for an automated dispensing of a sample according to the invention is shown, wherein various control steps may be optional. Said steps may be performed by the control unit 32 shown in Figure 1 and may be reflected by the corresponding control signal output to the actuator 16.

[0088] Accordingly, in an optional first step, it may be determined whether a reservoir is present for a respective predefined lateral position. The piston head may accordingly be brought into alignment with a predefined lateral position and actuation of the pump is initiated. Thereby, the piston head is longitudinally displaced. Once the force sensor subsequently detects a force, it is determined whether said detected force exceeds a lower change rate threshold. This is indicative for e.g. the force sensor being brought into contact with an outer end surface of a respective reservoir, wherein friction within the reservoir due to the contact results in a force being exerted onto the force sensor.

[0089] Hence, when said lower change rate threshold is exceeded, it is determined that a reservoir is present and the pump may proceed to the next predefined lateral position to determine a presence of a further reservoir.

[0090] However, if the force does not (yet) exceed said lower change rate threshold, it is determined whether the end portion of the piston head or the longitudinal displacement of the force sensor is within a range, wherein an outer end surface of a reservoir is to be expected. For example, as also indicated in Figure 1 , the longitudinal extension of the reservoir may vary. Accordingly, if the force sensor and piston head are still within the predefined longitudinal displacement range, actuation of the piston head may be continued, such that the piston head and force sensor may e.g. be brought into contact with a reservoir having a smaller longitudinal extension. On the other hand, if the piston head or force sensor reaches the predefined longitudinal displacement, e.g. is at the limit of a longitudinal displacement range as expected for a reservoir, further actuation of the piston head is interrupted. Thereby, contact points may be automatically determined, such that the presence of multiple reservoirs being accommodated by the medical device may be determined in a time-efficient manner.

[0091] Once the presence of one or more reservoirs has been established, preferably for all predefined lateral positions, the pump may initiate dispensing for the first reservoir. The control unit may then proceed as described above by comparing the detected force with the predefined upper threshold in order to avoid that a pressure within the respective reservoir exceeds a tolerable pressure for the sample contained therein. Accordingly, the control unit may interrupt the actuation, if the upper threshold is exceeded. An operator may then e.g. be required to manually inspect the arrangement of the respective reservoir. Alternatively, not shown in Figure 2, the pump may also automatically proceed to the next reservoir to initiate dispensing for said reservoir. Any issues determined for respective reservoirs may then be subsequently resolved.

[0092] The control unit may furthermore monitor the dispensing by determining whether the change rate of the detected force is within a predefined change rate range. For example, as described above, in the state of a force equilibrium it may be considered that the fluid portion of the sample contained in the respective reservoir is being dispensed, wherein the change rate may e.g. approximate zero. In other words, an essentially constant force may be detected for such state. As long as the determined force change rate is within said change rate range, dispensing may be continued. However, if said change rate is gradually reduced below said range or suddenly indicates a steep increase above said range, it may be considered that the entire sample has been dispensed. The pump and its piston head may accordingly proceed to the next reservoir to continue dispensing of the sample.

[0093] An example of forces detected upon longitudinal displacement of the piston head, wherein a reservoir is aligned with the piston head is schematically depicted in Figure 3. Upon actuating the piston head and moving said piston head e.g. in a downward direction, the force detected by the force sensor, e.g. a load sensor, is initially essentially zero or other reference value. Further longitudinal displacement of the piston head subsequently results in a contact of the piston head or force sensor with an outer end surface of the reservoir, e.g. an end face of a plunger of a syringe. Said contact results in an increase in the detected force, which may be caused by friction of the plunger within the syringe and the viscosity of the sample, e.g. a lipoaspirate, offering a resistance to the movement of the plunger. Said increase is indicated at position P1 in Figure 3. As shown, the detected force increases steeply, such that a determined change rate exceeds a predefined lower change rate, which forms a baseline for the detection of a reservoir.

[0094] The dispensing or dosing process is then continued, wherein the air typically being on the top of the inner syringe volume due to density differences compared to the fluidic or semi-solid sample in the syringe, is compressed. Such compression may result in a non-linear increase of the force compared to the movement of the plunger and piston head, as indicated in the section between positions P1 and P2 in Figure 2. Once the actuation has been adapted to the viscosity and the friction of the plunger in the syringe and the residual air in the syringe has been compressed, a force equilibrium may be established, as indicated by the detected constant force being detected between positions P2 and P3.

[0095] At this stage, the change rate determined between positions P1 and P2 is reduced to a predefined change rate range, which may approximate zero. Accordingly, a movement of the fluid portion within the reservoir is assumed, such that an ongoing dispensing of the sample is determined. By receiving the actual longitudinal displacement at the various positions, the sample volume can be calculated from the curve, e.g. if the reservoir dimensions are predefined based on the configuration of the medical device. For example, the medical device may be configured for a particular syringe type having a predefined inner diameter and the travelled distance of the plunger may e.g. be derived based on the detected longitudinal displacement, e.g. by an incremental sensor monitoring the movement of the piston head and / or actuator.

[0096] Due to the gradual emptying of the sample out of the reservoir, the pressure within said reservoir may be reduced and the detected force may accordingly decrease. The determined change rate may accordingly be below the predefined change rate range, e.g. be negative as indicated in Figure 3, for a predefined time, as indicated in the section between positions P3 and P4. This indicates that the dispensing process is near end and any potentially residual air left in the syringe may start to biased out of the reservoir, as indicated in the section between positions P4 and P5. Upon full emptying of the reservoir, e.g. when the plunger of the syringe reaches its end stop, the detected force increases steeply and the corresponding change rate exceeds a predefined upper change rate threshold. Such upper change rate threshold is hence preferably larger than the upper limit of the predefined change rate range during the force equilibrium or dispensing state. However, since said increased change rate is expected to occur after such force equilibrium, the upper change rate threshold may alternatively also overlap with the predefined change rate range.

[0097] While the interruption of the actuation preferably already occurs when the change rate is decreased for a predefined time, as is the case between positions P3 and P4, or is below a predefined lower threshold, as is the case between positions P4 and P5, the actuation is ultimately interrupted, when the change rate suddenly increases steeply, as indicated at position P5. Thereby, it may be ensured that the dispensing process does not inadvertently cause any damage to the reservoir or any other components being directly or indirectly coupled to the piston head.

[0098] When it is determined that the dispensing process is near end, the dispensing may be automatically continued for a subsequent reservoir accommodated by the medical device, as defined by the configuration of the medical device and the number of reservoirs being present. The piston head may hence be retracted to its starting position and may be moved to a corresponding predefined lateral position to continue the dispensing or dosing process.

[0099] It will be obvious for a person skilled in the art that these embodiments and items only depict examples of a plurality of possibilities. Hence, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form a limitation of these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be chosen according to the scope of the invention.

[0100] List of reference numerals

[0101] 10 Medical device

[0102] 12 Pump

[0103] 14 Reservoir 16 Actuator

[0104] 18 Piston head

[0105] 20 Force sensor

[0106] 22 Plunger

[0107] 24 Sample 26 Stop

[0108] 28 Outlet

[0109] 30 Receptacle

[0110] 32 Control unit

[0111] 34 Longitudinal displacement 36 Drive

[0112] 38 Lateral displacement

[0113] P1 -P5 Longitudinal position

Claims

Claims1 . A medical device (10) for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample (24), comprising a pump (12) comprising a piston head (18) and an actuator (16) for longitudinally displacing the piston head (18), the pump (12) being arranged such that an end portion of the piston head (18) is mechanically couplable to a reservoir (14) comprising a mammalian sample (24) in an accommodated state by the medical device (10), a control unit (32) being in communication with the actuator (16) and configured to output a control signal to the actuator (16) for controlling a dispensing of the mammalian sample (24) from the reservoir (14) based on the longitudinal displacement (34) of the piston head (18), and a force sensor (20) being communicatively coupled with the control unit (32) and being arranged to detect a force exerted on the end portion of the piston head (18), wherein the control unit (32) is configured to compare a detected force with a predefined upper threshold and to output the control signal based on said comparison.

2. The medical device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (32) is configured to receive a measure for the longitudinal displacement (34) of the piston head (18) from the actuator (16) and to determine a presence of a reservoir (14) based on a comparison of the received longitudinal displacement (34) with a predefined longitudinal displacement and a comparison of a determined change rate of the detected force with a predefined lower change rate threshold, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to output the control signal based on a determined presence.

3. The medical device (10) according to claim 2 configured for accommodating two or more laterally spaced apart reservoirs (14) at predefined lateral positions, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to output the control signal comprising a lateral position adjustment signal for the piston head (18) based on the determined presence.

4. The medical device (10) according to claim 3 comprising a lateral drive mechanism (36) communicatively coupled with the actuator (16) and / or the control unit (32), wherein the lateral position of the piston head (18) is dependent on an actuation of the lateral drive mechanism (36) based on the lateral position adjustment signal.

5. The medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the force sensor (20) is arranged at the end portion of the piston head (18) and is configured to contact a portion of a reservoir (14) accommodated by the medical device (10).

6. The medical device (10) according to claim 5, wherein the force sensor (20) is dimensioned to contact an outer end face of a plunger (22) of one or more syringes.

7. The medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to determine a change rate of the detected force and to determine a dispensing of the mammalian sample (24), if a successive reduction of the change rate is determined, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to output the control signal based on a determined dispensing.

8. The medical device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to determine the dispensing of the mammalian sample (24), if the change rate is successively reduced to a predefined change rate range and / or the change rate reduction is determined for a predefined time.

9. The medical device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to stop outputting a control signal to the actuator (16), if the determined change rate is below the predefined change rate range for a predefined time and / or if the detected force is below a predefined lower threshold.

10. The medical device (10) according to any of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to stop outputting a control signal to the actuator (16), if the determined change rate successively exceeds a predefined upper change rate threshold.1 1 . The medical device (10) according to any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to receive a longitudinal displacement (34) of the piston head (18) from the actuator (16) and to determine the dispensed sample volume and / or to output the control signal to dispense a predefined sample volume based on the longitudinal displacement (34) for the determined dispensing.

12. The medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mammalian sample (24) comprises or essentially consists of a lipoaspirate.

13. The medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (32) is configured to output a control signal to stop longitudinal displacement of the piston head and / or to retract the piston head, if the detected force exceeds the predefined upper threshold and / or to output a control signal to dispense the portion of the sample (24), if the detected force is below the predefined upper threshold.

14. The medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the predefined upper threshold is below a force value corresponding to a fluidic blockage or an occlusion.

15. A system for dispensing a portion of a mammalian sample (24), comprising a medical device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, at least one reservoir (14) for the mammalian sample (24), and at least one receptacle (30) fluidly or fluidical ly couplable with the at least one reservoir (14) and being arranged to receive at least a portion of the mammalian sample (24), when a portion of the mammalian sample (24) is dispensed from the reservoir (14) based on the longitudinal displacement (34) of the piston head (18).

16. The system according to claim 15, comprising two or more reservoirs (14), each of the reservoirs (14) being fluidically couplable with the receptacle (30) or with a respective receptacle (30).

17. The system according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the at least one receptacle (30) forms a fluidic endpoint for the at least one reservoir (14) and / or is completely arranged within the medical device (10).

18. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the at least one receptacle (30) is fluidically exclusively couplable to the at least one reservoir (14), e.g. by a single coupling interface.

19. The system according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein the system is not configured for administration of the sample or the portion of the sample collected in the receptacle to a patient or for administration to an extracorporeal circuit line of a patient.

20. The system according to any of claims 15 to 19, wherein the system is free of and not connectable to an extracorporeal circuit line or infusion line, e.g. an extracorporeal blood circuit line.21 . The system according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein each reservoir (14) is formed as a respective syringe, wherein the end portion of the piston head (18), preferably the force sensor (20) arranged at said end portion, is configured to contact an end face of a respective syringe plunger (22).

Images