Device for mixing and delivering fluids for tissue repair

Abstract

A device for mixing and delivering a mixture of fluids to a target site includes a tube for containing the mixture. A compressible auger for mixing the fluids is movably disposed within the tube, one end of the auger being free at the distal end of the tube. A plunger is also movable within the tube in communication with the other end of the auger. When the plunger is moved axially within the tube the auger also moves axially and the auger is compressed to dispense the fluid. The mixing and delivery device can be used with an apparatus for the arthroscopic delivery of a tissue repair material to a repair site. The apparatus includes a first sheath and a second sheath removably attached to the first sheath for delivering the tissue repair material to the repair site.

1 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . A device for mixing and delivering a mixture of fluids to a target site, the device comprising:
 a tube for containing the mixture, the tube having a proximal and a distal end;   a compressible auger for mixing the fluids movably disposed within the tube, one end of the auger being free at the distal end of the tube; and   a plunger movable within the tube, a first end of the plunger being in communication with the other end of the auger and a second end of the plunger extending from the proximal end of the tube, wherein when the plunger is moved axially within the tube the auger also moves axially and the auger is compressed.   
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the tube has a discharge opening at the distal end through which the mixture is delivered when the plunger is actuated. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 27 , wherein the auger includes an internal discharge passage along its length. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 28 , wherein an outer diameter of the internal discharge passage is less than an inner diameter of the discharge opening. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the auger is rotatably and axially movable within the tube. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising a quantity of collagen disposed in the tube. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising a seal disposed between the plunger and an inner diameter of the tube to prevent leakage of the mixture. 
     
     
         33 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the auger is rotatably disposed in the tube. 
     
     
         34 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the mixture is comprised of collagen and platelet rich plasma. 
     
     
         35 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the target site is injured tissue. 
     
     
         36 . The device of  claim 34 , wherein the target site is injured tissue within a joint. 
     
     
         37 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising a cartridge system for containing the fluids to be mixed. 
     
     
         38 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the cartridge system comprises a plurality of cartridges each containing a fluid to be mixed. 
     
     
         39 . The device of  claim 38 , wherein the plurality of cartridges each communicate with the tube and the movement of the plunger within the tube draws specific ratios of each fluid in parallel into a mixing chamber of the tube. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein the auger is located within the mixing chamber of the tube. 
     
     
         41 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein one cartridge contains collagen and another cartridge contains platelet rich plasma. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 37 , wherein the cartridge system comprises one cartridge containing collagen and another cartridge containing platelet rich plasma, wherein the movement of the plunger within the tube draws the desired amounts of each fluid from the respective cartridge sequentially. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 37 , further comprising a dryer for removing excess fluid from the injury site. 
     
     
         44 . The device of  claim 43 , wherein the dryer is a suction apparatus. 
     
     
         45 . The device of  claim 43 , wherein the dryer is a blowing apparatus. 
     
     
         46 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the device is composed of materials that are sterilizable. 
     
     
         47 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the tube, auger and plunger are disposable. 
     
     
         48 . The device of  claim 26 , wherein the tube is a syringe. 
     
     
         49 - 86 . (canceled) 
     
     
         87 . The device of  claim 26 , further comprising
 a chilling apparatus for maintaining one or more of the fluids at a specified temperature prior to delivering the fluids to the mixing chamber.   
     
     
         88 . The device of  claim 87 , wherein one of the fluids is a collagen. 
     
     
         89 - 117 . (canceled)