Abstract:
The present invention is a vacuum chamber tissue expander with a flexible sliding interface, which is applied externally over a specific region of tissue to apply a vacuum thereto so that the skin or other organ tissue can be expanded for treatments such as the subcutaneous grafting of fat cells. The flexible sliding interface accommodates and seals against flat or irregular tissue and slides along a mating groove in the vacuum chamber to provide an adjustable seal.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     None. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to a medical device, and more particularly, is for a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Prior art tissue expander devices utilized a vacuum chamber having one open side which was to be applied externally over and about a specific region of skin tissue having an abnormality, anomaly, irregularity, and the like, or even over a skin tissue void of such mentioned features in order to apply a vacuum thereto so that the skin tissue can be reformed for the purpose of treatment of various sorts. These prior art devices often incorporated a skin tissue contact edge which lies in a plane, i.e., these devices presented a non-flexible flat contact surface edge. These prior art devices were often usually applied to flat skin tissue but were not adept in maintaining suitable contact nor in maintaining a steady and sufficient vacuum when applied to slightly irregular surfaces. Clearly what is need is a tissue expander device which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art devices and which will have capabilities for flexibly, sealingly and accommodatingly contacting and then applying a suitable vacuum over and about a planar or non-planar skin tissue surface. Such a tissue expander device is provided by the present invention, hereby referred to as a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander. 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander including a one-piece vacuum chamber having a top wall, a plurality of side walls continuous with each other and with the top wall and extending downwardly from the top wall, a downwardly facing open cavity formed by the top wall and the plurality of side walls, a plurality of receptor groove segments forming a continuous downwardly open receptor groove extending along the lower edges of the plurality of side walls, and a vacuum passage fitting communicating with the inside of the vacuum chamber. Also included in the present invention is a one-piece open top and open bottom flexible sliding interface having a plurality of walls, each having a top edge and a bottom edge. The flexible sliding interface is slidingly accommodated by the receptor groove at the lower region of the vacuum chamber. The lower edge of the flexible sliding interface is incorporated to flexibly, accommodatingly and sealingly contact irregular and/or regular planar skin tissue or other organ tissue. Vacuum is applied to the combined and mutually engaged vacuum chamber and flexible sliding interface to apply a negative pressure to the interior of the external tissue expander, thereby imparting a negative pressure to the skin or organ tissue where the skin or organ tissue is expanded into the open interior of the external tissue expander. Subsequent to the skin or organ tissue expansion and removal of the external tissue expander, the expanded skin tissue can be treated in various fashions, for example, the external skin tissue can be grafted or injected with fat cells for the purpose of reconstructive or other surgery. 
     One significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander having an open bottom vacuum chamber. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander having an open bottom and open top flexible sliding interface. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander having a flexible sliding interface accommodated by a receptor groove in the lower edge of the vacuum chamber. 
     Another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander having a flexible sliding interface which flexingly, accommodatingly and sealingly contacts irregular and/or regular skin or organ tissue. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander which applies a negative pressure or vacuum to the interior of the vacuum chamber to promote expansion of the skin tissue and closely associated biological material into the interior cavity of the external tissue expander. 
     Still another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is to alter affected biological structures in preparations for other medical interventions and is designed to elevate and stretch, as well as to expand, reshape and reform tissues such as, but not limited to, skin, that are scarred from trauma, disease or developmental deformities. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is to provide a method to expand, reshape and reform the epidermis, subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer, and the muscle tissue. 
     Yet another significant aspect and feature of the present invention is to provide a method to alter affected biological structures in preparations for other medical interventions including, but not limited to, subcutaneous injection of biological materials whether manmade or natural. 
     Having thus briefly described one or more embodiments of the present invention, and having mentioned some significant aspects and features of the present invention, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other objects of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the figures thereof and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a side view in partial cross section showing a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander, the present invention, connected to and in use with a vacuum source, a vacuum delivery tube, and a vacuum gauge; 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view generally showing the flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber, the vacuum passage fitting and the flexible sliding interface; 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded side view in cross section along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an isometric view generally showing the flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber, the vacuum passage fitting and the flexible sliding interface, and the vacuum passage fitting in engagement with the vacuum chamber; 
         FIG. 5  is a side view in cross section along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  showing the mating of the flexible sliding interface to the vacuum chamber; 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view generally showing the tissue expander including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber, the vacuum passage fitting and the flexible sliding interface, where the flexible sliding interface is shown in partial phantom lines in mutual engagement with the vacuum chamber; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view in cross section like  FIG. 5  showing the mated flexible sliding interface and vacuum chamber in flexible accommodating contact with tissue; 
         FIG. 8  is a side view in cross section like  FIG. 7  showing the mated flexible sliding interface and vacuum chamber as a unit in flexible contact with skin having a surface that is irregular in contour and variable in texture or consistency where vacuum has been applied; and, 
         FIG. 9  is a side view in cross section of the outwardly directed reformed and reshaped skin, where a lipo injection device is incorporated to inject grafted fat cells subcutaneously. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  is a side view in partial cross section showing a flexible interface external micro vacuum chamber tissue expander, the present invention, referred to herein as the tissue expander  10 , connected to and in use with a vacuum source  12 , a vacuum delivery tube  14  and a vacuum gauge  16 . The tissue expander  10  is comprised generally of a one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber  18 , a vacuum passage fitting  20 , and a flexible sliding interface  22 , each component of which is shown and described later in detail in  FIG. 2  and other following illustrations that follow. 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded isometric view generally showing the tissue expander  10 , including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber  18 , the vacuum passage fitting  20 , and the flexible sliding interface  22 . 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded side view in cross section along line  3 - 3  of  FIG. 2 . With reference to the preceding figures and with reference to  FIG. 3 , the present invention is further described. The vacuum chamber  18 , which can be of plastic or other suitable material, includes a top wall  24 , a plurality of geometrically configured side walls  26   a - 26   n  continuous with each other and continuous with the top wall  24  and extending downwardly from the top wall  24 , and an open cavity  28  formed by the inner surfaces of the top wall  24  and the inner surfaces of the plurality of the geometrically configured side walls  26   a - 26   n . The lower regions of the geometrically configured side walls  26   a - 26   n  are expanded and of an increased thickness with respect to the upper regions of the geometrically configured side walls  26   a - 26   n  and include a plurality of receptor groove segments  30   a - 30   n  which form a continuous downwardly open receptor groove  30  extending within and along the lower regions of the plurality of the geometrically configured side walls  26   a - 26   n . The vacuum passage fitting  20  communicates with the cavity  28  of the vacuum chamber  18  in order to impart a negative pressure, i.e., a vacuum, to the interior of the cavity  28 . A pressure relief port  32  is also provided at the top of the receptor groove  30 . The one-piece open top and open bottom flexible sliding interface  22 , which can be of a durometer silicone or other suitable material, includes a plurality of continuously constructed walls  34   a - 34   n  continuous with each other having closely associated and corresponding top edges  36   a - 36   n  and bottom edges  38   a - 38   n , respectively. Although the top edges  36   a - 36   n  and bottom edges  38   a - 38   n , respectively, are shown in planar fashion, such edges, especially the bottom edges  38   a - 38   n , could be of other suitable shapes, such as, but not limited to, semi-circular, semi-oval, one or more grooves, or other suitable configurations, and shall not be limiting to the scope of the invention. The inner surfaces of the walls  34   a - 34   n  delineate an open top and an open bottom cavity  40 , such cavity extending therebetween. Additionally, the overall structures of the invention are shown having a square profile, but such structures can be of other geometric shapes and styles consistent with the principles of the invention, such as round, ovoid or other irregular or regular shaped profiles, and shall not be limiting to the scope of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is an isometric view generally showing the tissue expander  10 , including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber  18 , the vacuum passage fitting  20  and the flexible sliding interface  22  in engagement with the vacuum chamber  18 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view in cross section along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4  showing the mating of the flexible sliding interface  22  to the vacuum chamber  18 . In particular, the walls  34   a  and  34   n  of the flexible sliding interface  22  are shown in partial sliding engagement with the receptor groove segments  30   a  and  30   n  at the lower regions of the geometrically configured side walls  26   a  and  26   n  of the vacuum chamber  18 . Similar engagement of the walls  34   b  and  34   c  in partial sliding engagement with the receptor groove segments  30   b  and  30   c  at the lower regions of the geometrically configured side walls  26   b  and  26   c  of the vacuum chamber  18  occurs in a like and similar manner, wherein the engagement of the top edges  36   a - 36   n  of the walls  34   a - 34   n  and the upper regions of the walls  34   a - 34   n  of the flexible sliding interface  22  is continuous within the receptor groove  30  which is formed by the receptor groove segments  30   a - 30   n.    
       FIG. 6  is an isometric view generally showing the tissue expander  10 , including the one-piece open bottom vacuum chamber  18 , the vacuum passage fitting  20 , and the flexible sliding interface  22 , where the flexible sliding interface  22  is shown in partial phantom lines in mutual engagement with the vacuum chamber  18 . 
     MODE OF OPERATION 
       FIG. 7  is a side view in cross section similar to  FIG. 5  showing the combined and mated vacuum chamber  18  and flexible sliding interface  22  in flexible and conforming contact with tissue having a surface that is irregular in contour and variable in texture or consistency. In this example, the tissue expander  10  is shown in close intimate contact with the surface of skin  42  having surface characteristics as just described. Layers depicted beneath and contained in the skin  42  include at least the epidermis  44 , a subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer  46 , a plurality of fat cells  48  included in the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer  46 , and muscle tissue  50  underlying the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer  46 . Prior to application of vacuum to the combined vacuum chamber  18  and flexible sliding interface  22  as a unit, the bottom edges  38   a - 38   n  of the tissue expander  10  are brought into contact, whether urged by gravity or by applied force with the skin  42 . The walls  34   a - 34   n  of the flexible sliding interface  22  flexibly and variably conform to the irregular shape (or planar shape) of the skin  42 , where such vertical upwardly or downwardly flexing movement and geometric reshaping of the portion of the walls  34   a - 34   n  within the surrounding receptor groove segments  30   a - 30   n  is accommodated by space provided by the receptor groove segments  30   a - 30   n  comprising the receptor groove  30 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view in cross section similar to  FIG. 7  showing the mated flexible sliding interface  22  and vacuum chamber  18  as a unit in flexible contact with skin  42  having a surface that is irregular in contour and variable in texture or consistency where vacuum has been applied by the vacuum source  12  through the vacuum delivery tube  14  and the vacuum passage fitting  20  to the combined cavities  28  and  40  of the vacuum chamber  18  and the flexible sliding interface  22 , respectively, and to the skin  42 . Such application of vacuum is preferably and controllably applied over time, the span of which can be of variable duration depending upon the desired degree of outwardly directed reformation and reshaping of the skin  42 , including the epidermis  44 , the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer  46 , and the redistribution of the plurality of fat cells  48 . Vacuum is applied in a range from one to twenty inches of negative pressure, accordingly. A pressure differential exists between the skin  42  and associated components and features thereof and the applied negative pressure (vacuum) at the combined cavities  28  and  40 , whereby the relatively high pressure of the skin  42  and associated components and features assists in reforming, reshaping and urging of the skin  42  and associated components and features migratingly into the relatively low pressure region in the combined cavities  28  and  40 . One desirable result is the expanding, reforming, reshaping and redistribution of the subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer  46  whereby the spacing between the plurality of fat cells  48  is increased and the density of the connective tissue is decreased in order to accommodate grafted fat cells  52 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . During such expanded deforming and urging of the skin, the contacted portion of the reforming skin  42  exerts an upward force against the bottom edges  38   a - 38   n  of the flexible sliding interface  22  to cause further accommodational sliding of the flexible sliding interface  22  into the receptor groove  30 . The applied negative pressure sealingly draws the walls  34   a - 34   n  of the flexible sliding interface  22  inwardly and against the inwardly located outwardly facing surfaces of the receptor groove segments  30   a - 30   n  to effect a seal between the flexible sliding interface  22  and the side walls  26   a - 26   n  of the vacuum chamber  18 , as well as enhancing the seal between the bottom edges  38   a - 38   n  with the skin  42  and drawing the tissue expander forcibly toward the skin  42 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view in cross section of the outwardly directed expanded, reformed and reshaped skin  42 , comprised of the expanded reformed and reshaped epidermis  44 , the expanded reformed and reshaped subcutaneous fat and the expanded reformed and reshaped connective tissue layer  46 , including the expanded and redistributed plurality of fat cells  48 . In this illustration, the tissue expander  10  has been removed from intimate vacuum influenced contact with the reformed and reshaped skin  42 , including the expanded reformed and reshaped features and components described above. Such reforming and reshaping to expand the spacing between the plurality of fat cells  48  and the spacing and density of the connective tissue layer allows sufficient room for injection and accommodation of grafted fat cells  52  therein. In the alternative, insertion of biological materials, whether manmade or natural, can be inserted in close association with the superficial cutaneous structures. Such cutaneous injections can be accomplished by the use of a lipo injection device  54  having a lumen  56  to deliver a plurality of grafted fat cells  52  or other biological materials which stabilize and maintain the expanded reformed and reshaped geometry of the outwardly directed expanded reformed and reshaped skin  42 . 
     Various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the apparent scope thereof 
     PARTS LIST 
     
         
           10  tissue expander 
           12  vacuum source 
           14  vacuum delivery tube 
           16  vacuum gauge 
           18  vacuum chamber 
           20  vacuum passage fitting 
           22  flexible sliding interface 
           24  top wall 
           26   a - n  side walls 
           28  cavity 
           30  receptor groove 
           30   a - n  receptor groove segments 
           32  pressure relief port 
           34   a - n  walls 
           36   a - n  top edges 
           38   a - n  bottom edges 
           40  cavity 
           42  skin 
           44  epidermis 
           46  subcutaneous fat and connective tissue layer 
           48  fat cells 
           50  muscle tissue 
           52  grafted fat cells 
           54  lipo injection device 
           56  lumen