Adipose tissue combinations, devices, and uses therof

Abstract

Described are devices, systems, and methods for processing adipose tissue for reintroduction into a body. In some embodiments, adipose tissue is mixed with an additive prior to reintroduction.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A system for preparing an adipose composition for reintroduction into a body, the system having a container that comprises:
 a first compartment positioned at a top vertical level and configured to receive a harvested adipose tissue;   a second compartment positioned below the first compartment comprising a port fluidly connecting the second compartment to the first compartment;   a third compartment positioned at a bottom level comprising an outlet configured to allow removal of the adipose composition for reintroduction into the body; and   a tortuous path having a plurality of sharp turns, the tortuous path fluidly connecting the second compartment to an outlet in the third compartment.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an additional compartment positioned at an intermediate vertical level between the second and third compartments, wherein the additional compartment includes the tortuous path. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein process of the harvested adipose tissue in the first compartment comprises one that separates adipocytes, regenerative cells, or a combination thereof in the harvested adipose tissue from unwanted fluids and materials. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the port connecting the second compartment to the first compartment comprises a filter. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the second compartment comprises an eruptable pouch containing an additive for combining with a processed harvested adipose tissue or an injection port configured to receive an additive for combining with a processed harvested adipose tissue. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the additive comprises a hydrogel, a hyaluronic acid, a collagen, a hyaluronic acid crosslinked to a collagen, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the tortuous path is configured to mix the additive with a processed harvested adipose tissue. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a frangible seal separating the first compartment from the second compartment, the seal being breakable by an operator to permit flow from the first compartment to the second compartment. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the outlet of the third compartment is configured to dispense the adipose composition to a patient or the outlet of the third compartment comprises a syringe port. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tortuous path extends along a plurality of vertical and horizontal planes interposed between the second and third compartments. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the tortuous path comprises at least six sharp turns of at least 90 degrees. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the container is a suspendable bag. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first compartment comprises a syringe injection port or an inlet coupled to an adipose tissue harvesting device. 
     
     
         14 . An injection device for fat grafting procedures comprising:
 a first plunger configured to advance through a first chamber including adipose tissue;   a second plunger configured to advance through a second chamber including an additive to a patient when mixed with the adipose tissue;   a mixing chamber configured to receive and mix the adipose tissue and the additive upon advancement of the first plunger and the second plunger; and   a luer connector distal to the mixing chamber.   
     
     
         15 . The injection device of  claim 14 , further comprising at least one drive mechanism configured to advance the first plunger and the second plunger. 
     
     
         16 . The injection device of  claim 15 , further comprising a processor configured to control the at least one drive mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The injection device of  claim 14 , wherein a first drive mechanism is configured to advance the first plunger and a second drive mechanism is configured to advance the second plunger. 
     
     
         18 . The injection device of  claim 14 , wherein the mixing chamber includes a tortuous path. 
     
     
         19 . The injection device of  claim 14 , wherein the additive is a hydrogel. 
     
     
         20 . The injection device of  claim 14 , wherein the additive includes hyaluronic acid.