Patent ID: 7998086
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method for harvesting a tissue sample, comprising: providing a tissue extraction and preparation device having an outer tube with an open distal end, and a shaft rotatably disposed within the outer tube and including a tissue harvesting tip formed on the distal end thereof and a cutting member coupled to the shaft at a position proximal to the tissue harvesting tip; coupling a proximal end of the shaft to a driver mechanism; positioning the open distal end of the outer tube against a tissue surface at a desired tissue sample site; actuating the driver mechanism to effect rotation of the shaft within the outer tube; moving the shaft from a proximal position, wherein the harvesting tip of the shaft is disposed within the outer tube, to a distal position, wherein the harvesting tip extends distally from the outer tube to penetrate the tissue surface, thereby causing the harvesting tip to obtain a tissue sample; returning the shaft to the proximal position wherein the tissue sample is macerated by the cutting member; and coupling the outer tube to a tissue dispensing device that is effective to deposit the macerated tissue sample onto a tissue scaffold for subsequent growth.