Patent Publication Number: US-2021161680-A1

Title: Biologic preparation and delivery system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/389,246, filed Apr. 19, 2019, entitled BIOLOGIC PREPARATION AND DELIVERY SYSTEM, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     n/a 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for preparing and controllably delivering biological, pharmaceutical, and/or other therapeutic or healing materials to a surgical site. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In many orthopedic procedures, bone graft material is processed and delivered to a surgical site in order to augment the natural bone. Such graft material typically includes autogenous bone, allograft, xenograft, or synthetic bone graft substitutes. In many orthopedic surgical procedures, particularly joint replacement surgery, certain implantable components must be affixed to bone. A patient&#39;s bone quality in an area where a prosthetic component is to be implanted must be sufficient to enable effective anchoring of the prosthesis to the bone. In such situations, bone graft material is used to augment the bone. In the case of bone defects or injury, synthetic or natural bone grafts may also be implemented to fix the defect or injury. For example, bone graft materials and methods are used in cavities resulting from tumor removal or significant fractures. 
     Bone graft procedures are also typically implemented when removing and/or replacing a previously-implanted prosthesis. In such implant revision surgery, a previously implanted prosthesis is removed and replaced with a new prosthesis, and bone graft is used to fill-in or otherwise augment the cavity formed by removal of the previously implanted prosthesis (and any old bone cement, particulate debris, membrane, beads and other remnants associated with the prosthesis) to facilitate secure and desired positioning and implantation of the new prosthesis. 
     Bone graft may be used in a wet or slurry form, or alternatively, in a dry or particulate/granule form. Moreover, bone graft material may include a range of irregular particle sizes. The present disclosure provides improved systems and methods of use thereof to load and deliver bone graft of varying particulate dimensions in a timely and controlled manner to a particular receiving location. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure advantageously provides a medical compound preparation and delivery system, including a delivery device, the device including a depressible trigger operably coupled to move a plunger; a cartridge releasably coupled to the delivery device, the cartridge defining a lumen therethrough to receive at least a portion of the plunger therein; a receptacle defining a cavity therein for receiving a medical compound; a first tube slidably positionable within the cavity of the receptacle; and a second tube slidably positionable within the first tube, wherein the cartridge is slidably positionable within the second tube. The cavity of the receptacle may be substantially cylindrical and/or may extend entirely through the receptacle. The system may include a base removably coupled to the receptacle to cover a portion of the cavity. The cartridge may define an elongated substantially tubular body. The cartridge may include an arcuate tip. The delivery device may include a ratchet mechanism engageable with the plunger. The delivery device may include a locking element configured to secure the cartridge to the delivery device. The cavity of the receptacle may have a volume between approximately 2 cc and approximately 20 cc. The lumen of the cartridge may define a volume between approximately 2 cc and approximately 20 cc. The dispensing element may define a groove at a distal end thereof to facilitate the collection and/or release of gas or air from the cartridge. The dispensing element may include a sealing element at a distal end thereof. Each of the cartridge, first tube, and second tube may define a tapered end. The system may include a base that is releasably engageable with the receptacle and/or a cap that is releasably engageable with the base. The cap may define one or more vents therein. The system may include a distal tip accessory that defines a curved spout, wherein the distal tip accessory is releasably engageable with the delivery device to substantially enclose the cartridge therein. 
     A method of preparing a medical compound for delivery is provided, including placing a medical compound into a cavity of a receptacle; slidably positioning a first tube into the cavity such that the medical compound is moved into the first tube; slidably positioning a second tube into the first tube such that the medical compound is moved into the second tube; slidably positioning a cartridge into the second tube such that the medical compound is moved into the cartridge; and releasably securing the cartridge to a delivery device, wherein the delivery device includes a depressible trigger operably coupled to move a plunger into the cartridge to controllably dispense the medical compound from the cartridge. The medical compound may include bone graft. The receptacle may include a substantially cylindrical body. The delivery device may include a ratchet mechanism engageable with the plunger. The delivery device may include a locking element configured to secure the cartridge to the delivery device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is an illustration of an example of a biologic delivery system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an illustration of an example of a medical material delivery device of the biologic delivery system shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is another illustration of the medical material delivery device shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an illustration of an example of a cartridge for a medical material delivery device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 5 a - c    are illustrations of additional examples of a cartridge assembly for a medical material delivery device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 6 a - c    illustrate examples of dispensing elements of a medical material delivery device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is an illustration of an example of an implant preparation assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is another illustration of components of the implant preparation assembly shown in  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is an illustration of an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded assembly view of the compound preparation and packing assembly shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is another illustration of an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the assembled example of the compound preparation and packing assembly shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIGS. 13 a - c    illustrate components of an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a closer cross-sectional view of the compound preparation and packing assembly of  FIG. 14 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure provides systems and methods of use thereof for preparing and delivering or dispensing biological, pharmaceutical, or other therapeutic or medical materials. In a particular example, the systems and methods of use described herein may include the preparation and delivery of bone graft materials or compounds to an orthopedic and/or spinal implant and/or surgical site. 
     Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designations refer to like elements, examples of a medical material delivery device  10  and an implant preparation assembly  12  and features and components thereof are shown in  FIGS. 1-8 , while an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly  14  is illustrated in  FIGS. 9-15 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , the medical material delivery device  10  generally includes a selectively controllable mechanism to accurately dispense desired amounts of a prepared compound, specimen, and/or other medical materials from a loaded, elongate cartridge  16  to an implant or tissue site. The cartridge  16  may generally include an elongated tubular body having a proximal end  16   a  and distal end  16   b , where the cartridge  16  defines a cavity or lumen  18  therein where a prepared compound, specimen, and/or other medical materials are stored prior to dispensing and use. The proximal end  16   a  of the cartridge  16  may include one or more features facilitating releasable engagement or selective interlocking with the device  10 , which may include, for example, one or more ridges, grooves, or other surface features. The distal end  16   b  of the cartridge  18  may include or define a tapered wall thickness, as described further herein, to facilitate loading and/or expulsion of a medical material. 
     The length and/or lumen diameter of the cartridge  16  may vary depending on a particular desired use. In one example, dimensions of the cartridge  16  may be sufficient to store between approximately 2 cc and approximately 20 cc of a prepared compound. The cartridge may have a length between approximately 9 cm and approximately 50 cm, an inner diameter between approximately 0.4 cm and approximately 0.6 cm, and may have an outer diameter between approximately 0.6 cm and approximately 0.9 cm to facilitate navigating the cartridge into small areas or regions proximate to implants or other tissue structures. The cartridge  16  may include one or more measurement or volumetric labels or indicators to assist in loading and/or dispensing a desired amount of a medical material. 
     The cartridge  16  may be flexible and/or malleable to take on varying shapes or configurations to facilitate use of the device  10 . For example, though illustrated as a substantially linear, straightened conduit, the cartridge  16  may be arcuate along one or more portions of its length. Varying degrees of curvature may be implemented to facilitate entry and positioning into small surgical spaces. In addition, a plurality of selectable delivery conduits may be provided with the device  10  to enable its use in a variety of different surgical sites having varying dimensions or tortuous routes leading to region where the graft or tissue material is desired. The cartridge  16  may further be constructed of a transparent or translucent material to allow visual confirmation and monitoring of graft material or other medical compound(s) traveling down the cartridge  16  and towards the delivery area. Opaque metal cartridges may be required as well when high pressure propagation of graft material is required (i.e. dry, highly morselized, almost atomized material). In this case the cartridge may have a high polish internal passage to mitigate frictional resistance when graft material of this kind is being translated outward through the cartridge. 
     The device  10  may provide a directional opening or outlet to disperse materials in a desired direction or orientation upon exiting the lumen  18  of the cartridge  16 . For example, in the example shown in  FIG. 5 a   , a distal tip accessory  19  may provide a tapered or curved opening directing material out of the lumen  18  in one or more pre-selected directions with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge  16 . The distal tip accessory  19  may have a myriad of different shapes and sizes to deliver the biological material to a surgical site which may include, for example, one or more implanted prostheses having cavities or regions therein for receiving the material. Particular examples of distal tip geometry may include funneled or tapered diameter tips; a dispersion port having a rectangular or square-like cross section; and/or angled bend or directional curve forming an angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the cartridge  16 . The distal tip  19  may also be steerable through the use of one or more steering wires, cables, or other controllably deflectable mechanisms. 
     The distal tip accessory  19  may be coupled to the device  10  and/or the cartridge in a variety of different ways. For example, distal tip accessory  19  may couple directly to the distal end of the cartridge  16  in a cap or plug-like fashion, employing a friction fit and/or other releasably securable attachment mechanisms. In an alternative example, the distal tip accessory  19  may include a tapered or curved opening/spout and an elongated body that sheaths or covers substantially the entire length of the exterior of the cartridge  16 , and is engageable directly to or with other portions of the device  10  (such as the device body  20  and/or locking element  22 , described below) as shown in  FIGS. 5 b   - 5   c.    
     The delivery device  10  may include a housing or device body  20  and an actuation mechanism attached to and/or contained therein to controllably dispense material from the lumen  18  of the cartridge  16 . The proximal end  16   a  of the cartridge  16  may releasably couple directly to the device body  20  to couple with and be operable with the actuation mechanism. The releasable engagement may be achieved through the matable interlocking of one or more complimentary features on an end of the cartridge  16  and may include a locking element  22 , such as a locking nut or other mechanical fastener, to sufficiently secure the cartridge  16  to the device body  20  for subsequent use. 
     The actuation mechanism of the device  10  may include a dispensing element or plunger  24  movably positioned within the delivery device  10 , and controllably movable into and out of the lumen  18  of an attached cartridge  16  for the controlled expulsion of a medical compound from the cartridge  16 . The dispensing element  24  may include an elongated, flexible body or cable that is sized and/or shaped to function as a plunger within the lumen  18  of an attached cartridge  16 . The dispensing element  24  may, for example, have a cylindrical shape and/or rounded cross section substantially similar to the cross section of the lumen  18  of the cartridge  16 , as shown in  FIG. 6   a.    
     Now referring to  FIGS. 6 b - c   , the dispensing element  24  may include one or more features to improve upon medical compound extraction and/or delivery processes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 b   , the dispensing element  24  may include a groove or other cutout  24   a  in the exterior wall or diameter of the body at a distal region of the dispensing element. This groove or cutout  24   a  allows trapped gas and air to pass out of the cartridge  16  or otherwise collect in the groove  24   a  when the dispensing element  24  is pushing a medical material out of the cartridge. Such air pockets can form when a medical material includes a wet graft or other biological material. 
     In an alternative example, the dispensing element  24  may include one or more sealing elements  24   b  on or about the distal tip of the dispensing element, as shown in  FIG. 6 c   . The sealing element(s)  24   b  on the dispensing element  24  allow the dispensing element  24  and the device  10  to be used in a syringe-like manner to extract biological or medical material, such as bone marrow or other biopsies for subsequent use. 
     The dispensing element  24  may be coupled to the actuation mechanism such that manipulation or operation of the actuation mechanism results in the controlled movement of the dispensing element  24  towards the cartridge  16 . The dispensing element  24  then controllably proceeds into and through the lumen  18  of the cartridge  16  to move the loaded materials/compound out of the cartridge  16  and into the desired area. The actuation mechanism may be configured and operable to selectively move the dispensing element  24  from the housing or body  20  of the delivery device  10  into the lumen of the cartridge  16  in discrete length increments. For example, the actuation mechanism may include an actuation element  26  operably coupled to the device body  20 . The actuation element  26  may include, for example, a depressible trigger. The actuation mechanism may further include a ratchet assembly  28  mechanically linking the actuation element  26  to the dispensing element  24  for the controlled movement thereof. The dispensing element  24  may include, for example, an elongate body having a plurality of depressions, teeth, or grooves  30  therein that matably couple to one or more components of the ratchet assembly  28 . The ratchet assembly may include, for example, a spring-loaded shuttle  32  that engages the grooves  30  of the dispensing element  24 , where the shuttle  32  moves forward longitudinally in response to operation of the actuation element  28 , and then retracts towards the rear of the device body  20  to re-engage the grooves  30  of the dispensing element  24  for further forward advancement. The ratchet assembly  28  may further include another spring-loaded engagement element/backstop  34  that prevents rearward travel of the dispensing element  24 . The grooves  30  on the dispensing element  24  may be axially aligned along a length of the dispensing element, such that rotation of the dispensing element disengages the grooves  30  from the ratchet mechanism, thereby allowing a physician to quickly retract or remove the dispensing element  24  from the device  10  (or alternatively, to push manually drive the dispensing element  24  forward and dispense material from the cartridge  16  independently of the ratchet mechanism). Such “quick-release” operation of the dispensing element  24  facilitates ease of use of the device  10  and enables timely exchanges and use of multiple cartridges in a single medical procedure. 
     Alternatively to the engaged grooves  30  and the ratchet assembly  28 , the dispensing element  24  may be substantially smooth and may interact with the actuation mechanism through compression or friction to controllably move the dispensing element  24  as desired. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 1 and 7-8 , the implant preparation assembly  12  provides an improved mechanism by which to deliver biologic or other medical materials or compounds to an implant having a cage, lattice, or other structure intended for use with such medical compounds. For example, an implant  38  may be placed within an implant capsule  40 , which may include one or more housing components  40 ,  40   b ,  40   c  that can be releasably assembled to define a cavity therein to receive and enclose the implant  38 . The implant capsule  40  may include or define a plurality of ribs  40   d  on an interior surface thereof, which can aid in directing the medical material or compound into the crevices and structure of the implant  38 . 
     The implant preparation assembly  12  may include an implant delivery instrument  42 , which may include an elongate body having a knob or other control means  44  at a proximal end thereof, and an implant engagement feature  46  at a distal end thereof to releasably attach the implant delivery instrument  42  to the implant  38 . The implant engagement feature  46  may include, for example, a threaded surface, a snap fit feature, or other releasable interlocking mechanism. The implant capsule  40  may include or define a pathway for the implant delivery instrument  42  to attach to a corresponding feature of the implant  38 . For example, the implant capsule housing  40   c  may define an aperture therethrough of sufficient size to allow the implant delivery instrument  42  to pass therethrough and attach to a threaded surface or other complementing matable feature on the implant  38 . 
     The implant preparation assembly  12  may include a delivery instrument sheath  48  that includes an elongate body with a lumen or passageway therethrough to receive at least a portion of the implant delivery instrument  42 . The sheath  48  can ease or facilitate insertion of the implant  38  into a surgical site, and may further provide a locking or resistive surface at a distal end thereof so that the implant delivery instrument  42  can be disengaged from the implant  38  while substantially maintaining the implant  38  in the desired implanted position. 
     The cartridge  16  may be matable or engageable with the implant capsule  40  to deliver contents into an interior cavity or passage of the implant  38  to substantially fill the internal structure, lattice, and/or framework of the implant  38 . For example, one or more portions of the capsule housing  40   a  and/or  40   b  may include a valve or other opening allowing the insertion of the distal end of the cartridge  16  therein, and subsequent operation of the delivery device  10  can inject the medical compound or material from the cartridge into the receiving portions of the implant  38 . By substantially sealing the implant  38  within the implant capsule  40 , the delivery of medical compound from the cartridge  16  can propagate throughout the structure of the implant  38  in a substantially uniform way under a desired amount of pressure, and fill small spaces or regions of the implant  38  that might otherwise be inaccessible using traditional compound packing methods (e.g., using small spatulas to fill an implant). Moreover, the encapsulation of the implant  38  avoids overflow or leakage of delivered material to the implant  38 , which can reduce waste and associated cost of the medical materials. 
     The systems and methods used herein may be utilized with various medical compounds deliverable through the cartridge  16 . A particular cartridge  16  may be pre-loaded with a compound, such as processed bone graft material from a tissue bank, and provided to a physician read for use. In other situations, however, a physician may desire the use of autograft materials that must be prepared and positioned within the cartridge in an operating room environment and/or during a procedure. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 9-15 , an example of a compound preparation and packing assembly  14  for such uses is illustrated that improves loading and retention of a mixed medical compound into the cartridge  16 . As shown in  FIGS. 9-10 , the assembly  14  may generally include a primary container or receptacle  50  defining a cavity  52  therein for receiving a mixed medical compound. The receptacle  52  may include a substantially tubular or cylindrical body, and the cavity  52  may comprise a substantially cylindrical lumen or passageway extending through all or a portion of the receptacle  50 . The cavity  50  may be accessible through one or more openings in the receptacle (for example, the cavity  50  may form a first opening at one end  50   a  of the receptacle  50  and a second opening at an opposite end  50   b  of the receptacle  50 ). The receptacle  50  may be sized and shaped to accommodate a desired volume of a medical compound. For example, the receptacle  50  may be sized such that the cavity  52  has a volume between approximately 2 cc and approximately 10 cc. The receptacle may have a length between approximately 1 cm and approximately 15 cm, an inner diameter between approximately 1 cm and approximately 2 cm, and may have an outer diameter between approximately 1 cm and approximately 3 cm to accommodate and provide the other features disclosed herein. The receptacle  50  may include one or more measurement or volumetric labels or indicators to assist in allocating a desired amount of a medical material for use. 
     A base  54  and a cap  56  may be included in the assembly  14  to releasably attach to the receptacle  50  to cover or close access points or openings to the cavity  52 . The base  54  may releasably engage to the receptacle  50  through a threaded surface on the end  50   b  of the receptacle  50 , and provide an expanded diameter or size to stabilize and allow the assembly  14  to remain upright during use. The cap  56  may releasably engage to the end  50   b  of the receptacle  50  and/or the base  54  through a threaded surface or other selectively interlocking mechanism. 
     The cap  56  may define one or more vents  56   a  disposed therein to capture a release of gas or other pressure from an interior of the cavity  52  when the cap  56  is loosened or partially retracted from the base  56  and/or receptacle  50 . The vents  56   a  may be radially disposed about a circumference of the cap  56 , and have a diameter similar to that of the interior cavity  52  of the receptacle  50  to depressurize or otherwise receive a portion of material or gas escaping the cavity  52 . 
     The assembly  14  may include a funnel  57  releasably engageable to the receptacle  50  to aid in directing a medical material or compound into the cavity  52  of the receptacle  50 . The releasable engagement may be achieved through a threaded surface or other selectively interlocking mechanism at the first end  50   a  of the receptacle  50 . 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 11-12 , the assembly  14  may include a first tube  58  that is sized and shaped to be slidably positioned with the cavity  52  of the receptacle  50 . The first tube  58  may define a generally cylindrical body with a lumen or passageway extending therethrough. The first tube  58  may be sized and shaped to fit within the cavity  52  of the receptacle  50  with marginal to substantially no space existing between an outer diameter of the first tube  58  and an inner wall or dimeter of the cavity  52 . The first tube  58  may define a proximal end  58   a  that is releasably engageable with the receptacle  50  (for example, via a threaded interlock at the first end  50   a  of the receptacle), and the first tube  58  may define a distal end  58   b  having a tapered wall thickness. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 13 a   , the assembly  14  may include a second tube  60  that is sized and shaped to be slidably positioned with the first tube  58 . The second tube  60  may define a generally cylindrical body with a lumen or passageway extending therethrough sized and shaped to slidably receive the cartridge  16  therein with marginal to substantially no space existing between an outer diameter of the cartridge  16  and an inner wall or dimeter of the passageway or lumen of the second tube  60 . The second tube  60  may be sized and shaped to fit within the lumen or passage of the first tube  58  with marginal to substantially no space existing between an outer diameter of the second tube  60  and an inner wall or dimeter of the passage or lumen of the first tube  58 . 
     The second tube  60  and the cartridge  16  may be longitudinally positioned with respect to each other such that a distal end of the cartridge is substantially aligned with a distal end of the second tube  60 , an example of which is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 b   . Having the distal end and opening of the cartridge  16  substantially coincident or adjacent the distal end and opening of the second tube  60  may be used when a medical material or compound having a high degree of flowability or reduced density is being used and loaded into the cartridge  16  (as described in more detail below). A flowable medical material would be more able to traverse larger decreases in diameter between the receptacle  50 , respective tubes  58 ,  60 , and cartridge  16 . 
     In alternative arrangement, the second tube  60  and the cartridge  16  may be longitudinally positioned with respect to each other such that a distal end of the cartridge  16  is longitudinally offset from a distal end of the second tube  60 , an example of which is illustrated in the cross-sectional view of  FIG. 13 c   . Having the distal end and opening of the cartridge  16  substantially offset from the distal end and opening of the second tube  60  aligns the respective tapering of the ends of the second tube  60  and the cartridge  16  to form a single, substantially continuous tapered or funneled surface leading into the interior lumen  18  of the cartridge. This configuration may be beneficial when a less flowable medical material having a greater density is being used and loaded into the cartridge  16  (as described in more detail below). 
     The longitudinal positioning between the second tube  60  and the cartridge  16  may be achieved in a variety of different ways, including but not limited to employing one or more removable spacers on or about the cartridge  16  and/or second tube  60 , a telescoping mechanism, providing a selection of multiple cartridges and second tubes having varying set lengths, and/or other length augmenting components or features. 
     A cap  62  may be releasably engageable with the second tube  60  to securely enclose the cartridge within the interior of the second tube  60 . The cap  62  may define a threaded surface or have other matable interlocking features to attach to the second tube  60 . The cap  62  may be constructed from a force absorbing material, such as rubber, santoprene, polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like to allow a physician to exert force on the cap  62  without resultant damage to the cartridge  16 . 
     In an exemplary use of the compound preparation and packing assembly  14 , a medical compound, mixture, or other biological material may be placed into the cavity  52  of the receptacle  50 . The receptacle  50  may be coupled to the base  54  and the cap  56 , while the material may be placed into the cavity  52  using the funnel  57  through the opposite end or opening  50   a . Once sufficient material has been loaded into the receptacle  50 , the funnel  57  may be removed, and the first tube  58  may then be slidably inserted into the cavity  52  and maneuvered downward towards a bottom edge or segment of the cavity  52 . Insertion of the tapered distal end  58   b  into the cavity  52  of the receptacle  50  will cause the medical material to transition into and upward the internal lumen or passage of the first tube  58 . The first tube  58  may be secured to the receptacle through the releasably engagement coupling at the proximal end  58   a  of the first tube  58 . Securing the first tube  58  to the receptacle  60  ensures that the first tube  58  is not ejected or pushed out of the receptacle  50  due to imparted forces experienced with the subsequent insertion of the second tube  60 , as described below. 
     The cartridge  16  may then be placed at least partially inside the interior of the second tube  60 , and the cap  62  may be secured to the second tube  60  to secure the assembly of these components together. The second tube  60  (now containing the cartridge  16 ) may then be slidably inserted into the first tube  58 , and maneuvered downward towards a bottom edge or segment of the first tube  58 . Insertion of the tapered distal ends of the second tube  60  and/or the cartridge  16  into the passage of the first tube  58  will cause the medical material to transition into and upward the internal lumen  18  of the cartridge  16 . 
     Should additional force be needed to drive the second tube  60  and/or cartridge  16  downward further into the receptacle  50 , a physician could use a mallet or other striking took to apply force to the impact-absorbing cap  62 . Such additional force may be needed when the medical material is very finely granulated such that is partially solidifies together under moderate pressure. In addition and/or alternatively to striking the cap  62 , the cap  56  on an underside of the base  54  and receptacle  50  may be opened or retracted to provide additional space for the medical material (e.g., by effectively expanding the longitudinal length of the cavity  52 ) and/or to allow the medical material to decompress somewhat to ease loading the cartridge  16 . 
     Once the cartridge  16  has been loaded with the desired amount of medical material, the second tube  60  and the cartridge  16  may be removed from the receptacle  50 , and the cartridge  16  may be attached to the medical device  10  for subsequent dispensing of the medical material into an implant and/or surgical site. 
     The described method to prepare and package the medical material into the cartridge  16  provides an atraumatic way to place the medical material into the cartridge while avoiding damaging the cells or other biological features of a particular compound being use, and also reduces the likelihood of spillage or other waste that may arise from traditional packing methods. 
     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present disclosure is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above to the contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Of note, the system components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Moreover, while certain embodiments or figures described herein may illustrate features not expressly indicated on other figures or embodiments, it is understood that the features and components of the examples disclosed herein are not necessarily exclusive of each other and may be included in a variety of different combinations or configurations without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure, which is limited only by the following claims.