Closed-Loop Fat Transfer with Vibrational Lipoaspirate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liposuction and fat transfer methods are inefficient, prone to microbial contamination, and risk intravascular injection, with prolonged processing times and limited fat processing capacity, especially when handling large volumes.
Innovation Solution
A digital air pressure regulator with a custom printed circuit board, peristaltic pump, suction machine, fat collection canister, and vibrational plate for aseptic and efficient separation of lipoaspirate, utilizing vibration and closed-system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the gravity method is used for fat separation, then the separation process is simple, but the processing time is prolonged and separation is rarely complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibrational plate that contacts the lipoaspirate in the collection canister. This vibration induces rapid mixing and separation of fat cells from the fluid matrix, dramatically reducing the processing time required compared to passive gravity separation while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive gravitational separation mechanism with an active vibrational mechanical system. The vibrational plate generates oscillations that accelerate the separation process by preventing fat cell aggregation and promoting uniform distribution, thereby reducing processing time without requiring complex additional equipment.
2Ease of operation
If manual handling and manipulation methods are used for fat separation, then the process is flexible, but the risk of microbial contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the vibrational plate automatically separates fat cells from the fluid matrix without requiring manual handling or manipulation. The automated vibrational separation process eliminates the need for surgeon intervention during separation, thereby maintaining operational flexibility while significantly reducing microbial contamination risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibrational plate serves as an intermediary mechanism between the lipoaspirate and the separation process. Instead of direct manual manipulation, the vibrational plate mediates the separation action, providing controlled mechanical agitation that promotes fat cell separation while maintaining a closed, sterile system that prevents contamination.
3Device complexity
If batch operation with small quantities of fat is used, then the process is simple, but the productivity is limited for large volume processing
Solution Approach 1:
The collection canister and vibrational plate system is designed to handle variable volumes of lipoaspirate efficiently. The universal design allows the same apparatus to process both small and large volumes of fat, eliminating the need for multiple batch operations or different equipment configurations, thereby significantly improving productivity for large volume processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibrational separation process can operate continuously without interruption, allowing for continuous processing of large volumes of lipoaspirate. The system maintains constant vibrational agitation throughout the separation process, enabling uninterrupted fat cell separation and improving overall productivity compared to batch methods that require cleaning and reconfiguration between runs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates rapid, efficient, and sterile fat separation and transfer, reducing contamination risk and improving fat viability through oxygenation and closed-loop processing.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrational plate for aseptic and efficient separation of lipoaspirate
Implementation Method 2
the fat component, being less dense than either blood, plasma, oil, or saline, eventually floats to the top region of the container
Implementation Method 3
a peristaltic pump for delivering the tumescent solution
Implementation Method 4
a suction machine for removing the lipoaspirate from the patient
Data Source
AI summary
An improved system and method for performing liposuction and autologous fat transfer is provided. The present invention comprises an improved lipoaspirate collection canister and multiple devices wirelessly and operably connected to one another, including a digital regulator box and wireless triple pedal unit for control of the system components. A liposuction handpiece is operably connected to the system devices, and a custom quad tubing is operably connected from the handpiece to the components of the system and supplies and/or removes fluids, fat tissue, compressed air, suction, and/or power for the procedure. The method disclosed herein includes using vibration to deliver tumescent fluid to a patient as well as to break up and remove fat tissue from a patient. During the fat preparation step, a vibrational plate is used to effectively and efficiently separate the lipoaspirate prior to transferring the fat tissue into the patient.