Patent Publication Number: US-2019185814-A1

Title: Device and methods for tissue processing

Description:
This application claims priority under 35 USC § 119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/598,754, which was filed on Dec. 14, 2017 and is herein incorporated by referenced in its entirety. 
    
    
     The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for processing tissue, and, more particularly, to processing and harvesting adipose tissue. 
     Autologous fat transfer is a procedure that involves harvesting adipose tissue from one region of a patient&#39;s body, typically by aspiration, and implanting the harvested adipose tissue in another region of the patient&#39;s body. Autologous fat transfer has numerous clinical applications such as facial contouring, breast reconstruction and/or augmentation, buttock augmentation, and other aesthetic or reconstructive procedures. In addition, autologous fat grafting has been found to have relatively low donor-site morbidity, as compared with other surgical options. 
     Autologous fat facial contouring is a popular procedure that involves injecting small volumes of adipose tissue in a patient&#39;s face to correct, enhance, or reconstruct facial features. Facial contouring may include, for example, lip augmentation procedures or the treatment of facial rhytids, such as nasolabial folds, mesolabial folds, oral commissures, periorbital lines, and glabellar lines. To reduce patient discomfort and to minimize scarring, small-gauge needles are often used in facial contouring, which require smaller particle sizes and low-viscosity materials for successful operation. 
     Existing devices for processing adipose tissue, while effective for large-volume fat injection applications, may produce filtrate that is ill-suited for the small-gauge needles commonly used in autologous fat facial contouring procedures. For example, existing devices that process lipoaspirate collected from the donor site of a patient may be used to filter saline, tumescent material, blood, and other extraneous materials from the remaining material, mostly comprising adipose tissue particles (i.e. adipocytes). In this process, small adipose tissue particles that are suitable for small-volume injections, may be inadvertently removed. As such, a filtration device that may harvest small adipose tissue particles from lipoaspirate would be useful in procedures where small adipose tissue particle injection is well suited, such as autologous fat facial contouring. 
     Accordingly, the present disclosure provides devices and methods for cleaning and harvesting adipose tissue. Particularly, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods offer a means for processing and harvesting small tissue volumes that can be readily reinjected. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for improved tissue processing. The devices, systems, and methods may be used to filter adipose material collected from a donor site prior to injection elsewhere in the patient&#39;s body, for example, in small-volume injection areas, such as the face and neck. 
     A device for processing adipose tissue is provided according to various embodiments described herein. The device can include a fluid pathway comprising a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending between the first end and the second end for passage of fluid therebetween. The device also includes a first filter disposed within the fluid pathway between the first end and the second end, the filter being configured to collect adipose tissue particles and selectively filter waste material from the fluid. The device also comprises a waste collection volume surrounding the filter and includes a waste port for engagement with a waste removal device. A tissue retrieval port in fluid communication with the filter proximate the second end of the fluid pathway is provided. 
     A system for processing adipose tissue is provided according to various embodiments described herein. The system includes a tissue container and processing device with an exterior wall surrounding an interior volume for holding adipose tissue, a structure for processing the adipose tissue, and at least one transfer port. The system further comprises a device for processing filtrate from the tissue container. The device for processing filtrate from the tissue container comprises a fluid pathway comprising a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending between the first end and second end for passage of the fluid therebetween. The device for processing filtrate from the tissue container also includes a first filter disposed within the fluid pathway between the first end and the second end, the filter being configured to collect adipose tissue particles and selectively filter waste material from the fluid. Additionally, the device for processing filtrate from the tissue container includes a waste collection volume surrounding the filter and including a waste port for engagement with a waste removal device, and a tissue retrieval port in fluid communication with the filter proximate the second end of the fluid pathway. The system for processing adipose tissue can also include a container for collecting adipose tissue, which can connect to the system such that it is in fluid communication with the tissue retrieval port. 
     A method of processing adipose tissue is provided according to various embodiments described herein. The method comprises selecting a device comprising a fluid pathway including a first end, a second end, and a lumen extending between the first end and second end for passage of a fluid therebetween. The device also includes a first filter disposed within the fluid pathway between the first end and the second end, the filter being configured to collect adipose tissue particles and selectively filter waste material from the tissue. The device further includes a waste collection volume surrounding the filter and including a waste port for engagement with a waste removal device. The device further comprises a tissue retrieval port in fluid communication with the filter proximate the second end of the fluid pathway. The method of processing adipose tissue further comprises advancing the fluid through the fluid pathway, evacuating waste material through the waste port into the waste removal device, and removing collected adipose tissue particles into a container for collection of adipose tissue. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of a device for processing filtrate, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of two devices for processing filtrate configured in series, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a magnified, cross-sectional view of the boundary between a filter and waste collection volume of the device from  FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  illustrates a magnified, cross-sectional view of the boundary between a filter and waste collection volume of the device from  FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a system for processing adipose tissue including a device for processing filtrate connected to a tissue container and processing device. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to certain exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure, certain examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. 
     In this application, the use of the singular includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. In this application, the use of “or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including,” as well as other forms such as “included” and “includes,” is not limiting. 
     The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described. All documents, or portions of documents, cited in this application including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, and treatises are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose. 
     The use of the word “syringe” is not limited to any industry standard and includes any of a variety of receptacles provided in different shapes and sizes. Any range described herein will be understood to include the endpoints and all values between the endpoints. 
     As used herein, “tissue processing” can refer to a number of steps or treatments intended to clean or process tissue. Such steps can include washing, removal of collagen strands, mechanical agitation or separation, or removal or filtration of waste and wash from harvested tissue. 
     As used herein, “adipose tissue” refers to adipose tissue obtained by any means including, for example, liposuction and/or tumescent liposuction. The adipose tissue can be autologous tissue, allogeneic tissue, or xenogenic tissue (e.g., bovine or porcine tissue). Additionally, adipose tissue can refer to particles with multiple adipocyte cells included therein. 
     As used herein, “small volume” generally refers to volumes of the order of 300 ml or less. Although, it can be appreciated that as autologous fat transfer procedures advance and evolve, the volumes used for facial and other small-volume injection sites may change. 
     Various human and animal tissues can be used to produce products for treating patients. For example, various tissue products have been produced for regeneration, repair, augmentation, reinforcement, and/or treatment of human tissues that have been damaged or lost due to various diseases and/or structural damage (e.g., from trauma, surgery, atrophy, and/or long-term wear and degeneration). 
     Fat grafting, including autologous fat grafting, involves collecting adipose tissue from a donor site and injecting the collected tissue into a host site. Fat grafting can be useful for a variety of clinical applications, including large-scale facial fillers, breast augmentation, buttock augmentation/sculpting, augmentation of other tissue sites, correction of lumpectomy defects, cranial-facial defect correction, and correction of lipoplasty defects (divots). 
     Autologous fat grafting can also be used in small-volume applications such as lip augmentation, and procedures addressing facial scars and rhytids (i.e. nasolabial folds, mesolabial folds, oral commissures, periorbital lines, and glabellar lines). To reduce patient discomfort and to minimize scarring, small-gauge needles are often used in facial autologous fat transfer, which require low-viscosity injectate comprising small, particulate tissue for successful administration. 
     Autologous fat grafting procedures start with the collection of adipose tissue from a donor site. To effectively remove adipose tissue from the donor site, collection techniques may include water-assisted liposuction and tumescent liposuction, and may involve injecting a donor site with a liquid used to loosen adipose tissue so that it can be aspirated into a cannula connected to suction and collection devices. The collected material, thus, may include adipose tissue, whole adipocytes, lysed adipocytes, water, saline, tumescence, blood, and blood vessel tissues, among other materials. The aspirated material may be processed such that the remaining material predominantly contains washed adipose tissue, and results in a suitable injectate. 
     Devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein allow for the filtration and harvest of adipose tissue (i.e. lipoaspirate) collected from a donor site. The devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are well suited for harvesting small adipose particles that are appropriate for use in small-volume injection sites of the body, such as the rhytids or deformities of the face and neck. 
     In various embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may be combined with a variety of existing adipose tissue processing devices, such as the REVOLVE™ fat grafting system from LIFECELL™ CORPORTATION (MADISON, N.J.). While existing devices may be effective for large-volume fat injection applications, it may be desirable to process the filtrate from such devices to generate optimal injectate for small-volume applications. Additionally, in some instances, autologous fat transfer patients have minimal amount of adipose tissue available for harvesting. As such, a system that provides a second filtration of the lipoaspirate can increase the total volume of adipose tissue available for injection. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device for processing filtrate  100 , in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, device for processing filtrate  100  (hereinafter ‘device  100 ’) may be used in processing material with small, particulate adipose tissue to harvest adipose tissue  190  and remove small undesired components  192 ,  194  and fluids. Device  100  may include fluid pathway (A) comprising first end  120 , second end  130 , and lumen  140  extending between first end  120  and second end  130  for passage of fluid therebetween. Device  100  may also include first filter  150  (hereinafter “filter  150 ”) disposed within fluid pathway (A) between first end  120  and second end  130 . In various embodiments, filter  150  is configured to collect adipose tissue  190  and selectively filter fluids and waste materials  192 ,  194 . 
     Additionally, device  100  may include waste collection volume  160  surrounding filter  150  and include waste port  162  for engagement with waste removal device  166 . In various embodiments, device  100  comprises tissue retrieval port  170  that is in fluid communication with filter  150  proximate second end  130  of fluid pathway (A). Tissue retrieval port  170  may also provide a means to connect adipose collection container  180  to second end  130  of fluid pathway A. 
     In various embodiments, device  100  may be provided in a variety of sizes and configurations. In certain embodiments, device  100  may be sized to accommodate a range of tissue volumes. For example, device  100  may be configured to accommodate tissues volumes of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, or 1000 ml, or ranges in between. These tissue volume values may be used to define a single tissue volume, such as 80 ml, or may be used to define range of tissue volumes, such as from about 100-120 ml. The tissue volume of device  100  may be configured to accommodate a desired volume and rate of tissue input into device  100 . 
     In various embodiments, device  100  may be produced from in a variety of materials suitable for tissue processing. For example, device  100  may be manufactured from materials that will enable the device to pass regulatory testing standards, such as ISO 10993-1. Such materials may be sufficiently biocompatible and inert as to not elicit cytotoxic responses during clinical use. Examples of materials potentially suitable for device  100  may include plastics, such as polymers (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (TPI), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), metals (e.g. stainless steel, titanium alloys, cobalt chromium, nitinol, and copper), or ceramics (e.g. zirconia, or alumina). 
     The materials of device  100  must be able to withstand stresses of the manufacturing and sterilization processes, and well as stresses endured during clinical use. For example, the materials of device  100  may need to be able to withstand high sterilization temperatures, or negative pressures generated from suction devices used during the procedure. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, device  100  may comprise one or more materials configured to improve user-experience. For example, outer surface  110  of device  100  may comprise a transparent material so that users (e.g. surgeons or other medical professionals) may view tissue or other internal components during use. Furthermore, materials of device  100  may be optimized to minimize cost or to simplify the device manufacturing process. 
     In various embodiments, lipoaspirate is input into device  100  through inlet tube  102 . In some embodiments, device  100  comprises fluid pathway (A) including first end  120  and second end  130 . Lumen  140  extends between first end  120  and second end  130  for the passage of fluid. Fluid pathway (A) illustrates the direction of fluid flow entering device  100 . Lumen  140  may extend partially or completely along the height of device  100  and may be provided in a variety of configurations. For example, lumen  140  may be provided in a straight configuration oriented vertically, or may be provided in a helical configuration also oriented vertically. However, additional orientations and configurations of lumen  140  are contemplated in the present disclosure. 
     In various embodiments, inlet tube  102  may comprise a hose, tube, cannula, or other passageway that includes a lumen through which fluid, such as lipoaspirate or filtrate materials from an outside source (e.g. in direct contact with the donor site, or separate collection or filtration device), may travel. In various embodiments, inlet tube  102  may be provided in a variety of materials, for example, plastic, silicone, nylon or rubber (e.g. latex). Plastic tubing may comprise polyvinyl carbonate (PVC), a polyolefin, a polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene, or a fluoropolymer (e.g. PTFE, FEP, PFA). 
     In various embodiments, the shape of lumen  140  may be defined by filter  150 . As such, filter  150  may serve as a boundary between lumen  140  and waste collection volume  160 . Filter  150  may be configured to allow fluids and small undesired components  192 ,  194  (e.g., chemicals, blood, non-viable proteins) to pass through while preventing passage of tissue components, such as adipose tissue  190 . Section C of  FIG. 1  illustrates a magnified view of the boundary between lumen  140  and waste collection volume  160 . In various embodiments, as illustrated in section C, adipose tissue  190  (some or all based on size or other factors) may remain within lumen  140  (left) while fluids and small undesired components  192 ,  194  may pass through pores  152  of filter  150 , and enter into waste collection volume  160  (right) along direction B. In various embodiments, the filtration of lipoaspirate within device  100  may be a hybrid of tangential and flatbed filtration. 
     In various embodiments, filter  150  may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, filter  150  may be formed from a variety of materials comprising one or more pores  152 . In some embodiments, filter  150  may be formed from a mesh material such as a porous polymer mesh or metal mesh. In some embodiments, filter  150  may comprise a screen or netting. Filter  150  may be rigid or pliable in various embodiments. Pores  152  of filter  150  may be provided in a variety of sizes suitable for the retention of desired adipose tissue particles. For example, pores  152  may be about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, or 500 μm in size. The listed sizes may comprise a single pore  152  size, such as 50 μm, or may be used to define a range of pore  152  sizes, such as 100-150 μm. 
     In some embodiments, filter  150  may be positioned in various locations within device  100 . For example, filter  150  may be disposed within fluid pathway (A) between first end  120  and second end  130 . Filter  150  may have a substantially uniform or varying cross section along its length. For example, filter  150  may comprise a substantially cylindrical or polyhedron prismatic shape, resulting in a substantially uniform cross section along its length, or may comprise a conical or tetrahedral shape, resulting in a varying cross section along its length. In some embodiments, device  100  may contain more than one filter  150  and fluid pathways (A) to expedite filtration or improve adipose tissue yield rates. The multiple filters  150  may be similarly shaped and uniformly disposed within device  100 , or may vary in shape and have a random or patterned disposition within device  100 . 
     In various embodiments, adipose tissue may collect within filter  150  toward second end  130 . Adipose collection container  180  is connected to second end  130  of device  100  via adipose retrieval port  170 . In various embodiments, adipose retrieval port  170  is configured to enable controlled fluid communication between adipose tissue  190  within filter  150  and adipose collection container  180 . Adipose retrieval port  170  may be provided in a variety of configurations. For example, adipose retrieval port  170  may comprise a means for controlling flow, such as a stopcock, Tuohy borst, gate valve, globe valve, ball valve, or needle valve, among others. Additionally, adipose retrieval port  170  may be permanently or removably attached to device  100 . In some embodiments, adipose retrieval port  170  may be configured to allow adipose tissue to flow into adipose collection container  180  without causing damage to adipose tissue  190 . 
     Adipose collection container  180  may be configured to efficiently collect adipose tissue from device  100 . For example, in some embodiments, adipose collection container  180  may comprise a customized or commercially available syringe. In some embodiments, after adipose tissue  190  harvesting is complete using device  100 , adipose retrieval port  170  may be opened, establishing fluid communication between filter  150  and adipose collection container  180 . Further, negative pressure may be applied to the syringe body by withdrawing a plunger. Afterwards, adipose tissue  190  within filter  150  proximate second end  130  may flow into the barrel of the syringe, (i.e. adipose collection container  180 ). 
     In various embodiments, adipose collection container  180  may be provided to comprise a variety of collection volumes. For example adipocyte collection container  180  may include a collection volume of about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, or about 500 ml. The collection volume of adipocyte collection container  180  may be configured to contain a volume of adipose tissue appropriate for small-volume fat transfer procedures, such as autologous fat facial transfer. 
     During use of device  100 , waste material and fluids may accumulate within waste collection volume  160 . To remove waste material and fluids from device  100 , in various embodiments, device  100  includes a device or means for disposing of waste lipoaspirate components or fluids. As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , waste collection volume  160  includes waste port  162  for engagement with waste removal device  166 . Waste collection volume  160  may be provided in a variety of shapes configured to collect waste material in accordance with methods of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, waste collection volume  160  may be defined by outer surface  110  of device  100 . 
     In various embodiments, device  100  is oriented vertically with waste port  162  positioned at the bottom of outer surface  110 . In this configuration, device  100  may rely on gravity to transfer lipoaspirate waste material and fluids from waste collection volume  160 , through waste port  162 , and into waste removal device  166 . In some configurations, waste removal device  166  may apply negative pressure to waste collection volume  160  in order to move lipoaspirate waste material and fluids toward waste port  162  and into waste removal device  166 . Waste removal device  166  may generate negative pressure through a variety of means, including, peristaltic pump, hydraulic pump, or piston mechanism, among others. 
     In order to control the flow of waste material within waste collection volume  160 , waste port  162  may include a waste port valve  164 . Waste port valve  164  may be provided in a variety of configurations, including as a stopcock, Tuohy borst, or other valve type. In various embodiments, waste removal device  166  is removably attached to waste port valve  164 . During use of device  100 , if waste removal device  166  becomes full and requires emptying, an operator may manipulate waste port valve  164  to stop the flow of material from waste collection volume  160  though waste port valve  164 . This would allow a user to remove waste removal device  166  from device  100  and empty its contents. Once emptied, waste removal device  166  may be reattached to waste port valve  164  and, waste port valve  164  may be manipulated to reestablish fluid communication between waste collection volume  160  and waste removal device  166 . 
     In certain embodiments, adipose retrieval port  170  may remain in a closed configuration during lipoaspirate processing. Simultaneously, waste port valve  164  may remain open to allow waste materials to exit device  100 . To expedite waste removal, in various embodiments, waste removal device  166  may comprise a negative pressure system to draw waste material from waste collection volume  160  into waste removal device  166 . Once waste materials have been removed from device  100 , waste port valve  164  may be placed in a closed position, and adipose retrieval port  170  may be placed in an open configuration. With adipose retrieval port  170  in an open position, adipose tissue  190  within filter  140  may move into adipose collection container  180 . Additionally, negative pressure may be applied to adipose collection container  180 , (i.e. by withdrawing a syringe plunger or activating a negative pressure system) to advance adipose tissue  190  within filter  140  into adipose collection container  180 . 
     To minimize the risk of adipose tissue contamination, adipose collection container  180  may be provided in a sterile state and may be configured for use in clinical procedures, such as autologous fat facial transfer. For example, adipose collection container  180  may be provided as a syringe onto which an injection needle may be attached. Users may proceed to re-inject autologous adipose tissue into the donor site of a patient, such as a rhytid on the face or neck. To perform the procedure, the syringe needle pierces the skin of the patient at an injection site, and a syringe plunger can be depressed into the barrel of the syringe to expel adipose tissue  190  from syringe  180  into the injection site. 
     In certain applications, it may be desirable to filter adipose tissue into multiple adipose tissue size categories. For example, a user may want adipose tissue in the 100-150 μm particle size range for transfer into deep facial rhytids, or for use in feature enhancement procedures, such as cheek enhancement. Alternatively or additionally, users may desire adipose tissue in the 50-80 μm particle size range for injection into shallow facial rhytids or small scars or deformities. To achieve distinct levels of adipose tissue separation by particle size, two devices of the present disclosure may be connected in series, with filters of each device configured to retain adipose particles of different sizes. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of two devices for processing filtrate configured in series, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.  FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate magnified, cross-sectional views of boundaries between filters and waste collection volumes of the devices from  FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, filtrate materials enter device  100 ′ through inlet tube  102 ′. Filtrate materials then enter lumen  140 ′ and contact filter  150 ′, which may be configured to retain adipose tissue with particles sizes larger than the pore size of filter  150 ′ (adipose tissue D illustrated in  FIG. 3A ). Filter  150 ′ can allow fluids, small molecular elements, and adipose tissue smaller than the pore size of filter  150 ′ (adipose tissue E illustrated in  FIG. 3A ) to pass through its pores  152 ′. In various embodiments, adipose tissue D would remain within filter  150 ′, and via gravity or a negative pressure system, would migrate toward second end  130 ′ of device  100 ′. Adipose tissue may then be processed in preparation for injection into an injection site. 
     In various embodiments, adipose retrieval port  170 ′ maybe opened so that adipose collection container  180 ′ is placed in fluid communication with filter  150 ′. Additionally, a pressure system may be used to generate negative pressure within adipose collection container  180 ′ (e.g. the retraction of a syringe plunger) so that adipose particles within filter  150 ′ may travel into adipose collection container  180 ′. In various embodiments, adipose retrieval port  170 ′ can be closed so that adipose collection container  180 ′ may be removed from device  100 ′. 
     In various embodiments, filtrate, which may include lipoaspirate, fluids, small molecular elements and adipose tissue E that flow through the pores  152 ′ of filter  150 ′, collect in waste collection volume  160 ′. Next, in various embodiments, the filtrate described above may flow toward waste port  162 ′. In an open configuration, waste port valve  164 ′ allows the contents of waste collection volume  160 ′ to flow through waste port valve  164 ′ into connecting tubing  202  and lumen  240  of device  200 . 
     In various embodiments, upon entering lumen  240 , lipoaspirate materials contact filter  250 , whose pore size may be configured to retain adipose tissue E (illustrated in  FIG. 3B ) while allowing lipoaspirate fluids and small molecular elements to pass through the pores of filter  250  into waste collection volume  260 . In various embodiments, adipose tissue E remains within filter  250 , and via gravity or a negative pressure system, migrates toward second end  230  of device  200 . 
     In various embodiments, waste port valve  264  may be manipulated into an open configuration, allowing fluid communication between waste collection volume  260  and waste removal device  266 . The materials contained within waste collection volume  260  can then flow through waste port  262  and into waste removal device  266 . In various embodiments, collection chamber  268  can be used to contain the waste materials, which may consist primarily of fluids (e.g. saline or water) and small molecular elements. 
     In various embodiments, waste port valve  264  can be closed, and adipose retrieval port  270  can be opened to place adipose collection container  280  in fluid communication with filter  250 . To expedite adipose tissue extraction from filter  250 , a negative pressure system may be used to generate negative pressure within adipose collection container  280  (e.g. the retraction of a syringe plunger). In various embodiments, adipose retrieval port  270  may be closed so that adipose collection container  280  may be removed from device  200 . Further, a user (e.g. a surgeon) can attach an injection needle to adipose collection container  280  for use in autologous fat facial transfer procedures. 
     To illustrate the functional and structural differences between devices  100 ′ and  200  of  FIG. 2 , a magnified view of the boundaries between filter  150 ′ and waste collection volume  160 ′, and between filter  250 , and waste collection volume  260  are magnified and illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , respectively. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates a magnified view of the boundary between the filter  150 ′ and waste collection volume  160 ′ of device  100 ′ from  FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In  FIGS. 3A and 3B , the particles and pores are generally circular, so their characteristic lengths would be represented by their respective diameters. However, other particle and pore shapes are contemplated within the present disclosure and, as such, their characteristic lengths could be some other dimension, such as height or width. 
     During use of device  100 ′, as filtrate enters lumen  140 ′ and contacts filter  150 ′, certain elements of the filtrate may pass through pores  152 ′ of filter  150 ′. As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , fluids and small undesired components  192 ′ and  194 ′ of the filtrate pass through pores  152 ′ into waste collection volume  160 ′. Pores  152 ′ are sized to retain adipose tissue D, which has a characteristic length (e.g. diameter) larger than the diameter of pores  152 ′. However, adipose tissue E, which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of pores  152 ′, may pass through pores  152 ′ and enter waste collection volume  160 ′. 
     In various embodiments, device  100 ′ retains adipose tissue D within filter  150 ′ while fluids, small undesired components  192 ′ and  194 ′, and adipose tissue E pass to waste collection volume  160 ′. Device  100 ′ enables adipose tissue that is larger than pores  152 ′ to be harvested in filter  150 ′ and removed from device  100 ′ for further use. 
       FIG. 3B  illustrates a magnified view of the boundary between filter  250  and waste collection volume  260  of device  200  from  FIG. 2 , according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, filtrate from waste collection volume  160 ′ may travel through waste port  162 ′ and waste port valve  164 ′, into connecting tubing  202 . Next, the lipoaspirate may pass through first end  220  and enter lumen  240  of device  200 . 
     In various elements, as the filtrate contacts filter  250 , certain elements may pass through pores  252  of filter  250 . As illustrated in  FIG. 3B , fluids and small undesired components  192 ′ and  194 ′ of the filtrate pass through pores  252  into waste collection volume  260 . Pores  252  are sized to retain adipose tissue E that has a diameter larger than the diameter of pores  252 . 
     Providing multiple filtration and harvesting elements in a single system, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , enables precise filtration and harvesting of adipose tissue by particle size. As such, users may provide more customized and advanced injection treatments to patients, particularly in very visible areas where surgical scars may be more noticeable, such as the face and neck. 
     In various embodiments, multiple devices  100 ′ and  200  of  FIG. 2  may be connected in series or in parallel to enable greater options for harvesting adipose tissue by size. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to two devices. It is within the scope of the present disclosure to include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more devices in series or parallel to achieve a more refined adipose particle separation system. 
     The devices of the present disclosure may be used in conjunction with existing adipose tissue processing devices. For example, devices  100 ,  100 ′, and  200  may be connected by some means to alternative filtration systems, such as those with pore sizes larges than pores  152 ,  152 ′, and  252 . 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of a system for processing adipose tissue including a device for processing filtrate connected to a commercially available adipose tissue container and processing device. In various embodiments, adipose tissue container and processing devices such as the REVOLVE™ fat grafting system from LIFECELL™ CORPORTATION (BRANCHBURG, N.J.), can be paired with filtrate processing devices of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, representative adipose container and processing device  401  (hereinafter ‘device  401 ’) may comprise a means for operating device  401 , provided in multiple configurations. In various embodiments, device  401  may be operated by lever  404 . Also,  FIG. 4  illustrates inlet port  407 , through which tissue, fluid, or lipoaspirate may be introduced into device  401 . 
     In various embodiments, device  401  includes an exterior wall surrounding an interior volume, a structure for processing the adipose tissue, and at least one transfer port. In  FIG. 4 , device  401  is configured such that filtrate exists device  401  through connecting means  405 . Filtrate of device  401  can include fluids, waste materials, and adipose tissue particles smaller than the pores of the filter within device  401 . 
     In various embodiments, device  401  may be connected via connecting means  405  to pump  406 . Pump  406  may be used to draw filtrate from device  401  and advance it into inlet tube  402 . Filtrate traveling through inlet tube  402  may pass through first end  420  and enter device  400 . In various embodiments, device  400  may include two chambers separated by a filter (not pictured). The outer chamber may be defined, in part by outer surface  410 . The inner chamber may comprise primarily a lumen whose boundaries are defined by a filter (also not pictured). 
     Device  400  may be provided in a variety of sizes and configurations. In certain embodiments, device  400  may be sized to accommodate a range of filtrate volumes. For example, device  400  may be configured to accommodate filtrate volumes of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 220, 240, 260, 280, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, or 1000 ml. These volume values may be used to define a single volume, such as 80 ml, or may be used to define range of volumes, such as from about 100-120 ml. The volume may be configured to accommodate the volume and rate of filtrate input into device  400 . 
     As with device  100 , in various embodiments, device  400  may be provided in a variety of materials suitable for tissue processing. For example, device  400  may be made from materials that will enable the device to pass regulatory testing standards, such as ISO 10993-1. Such materials may be sufficiently biocompatible and inert as to not elicit cytotoxic or carcinogenic responses during clinical use. Examples of materials potentially suitable for device  400  may include plastics such as polymers (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high density polyethylene (HDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyimide (TPI), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)), metals (e.g. stainless steel, titanium alloys, cobalt chromium, nitinol, and copper), or ceramics (e.g. zirconia, or alumina). 
     The materials of device  400  must be able to withstand stresses of the manufacturing and sterilization processes, and well as stresses endured during clinical use. For example, the materials of device  400  may need to be able to withstand high sterilization temperatures, or pressures generated from suction devices used during the procedure. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, device  400  may comprise one or more materials configured to improve user-experience. For example, the outer surface  410  of device  400  may comprise a transparent material so that users (e.g. surgeons or other medical professionals) may see into the device during use. Furthermore, materials of device  400  may be optimized to minimize cost or to simplify the device manufacturing process. 
     In various embodiments, filtering performed by device  400  may comprise processing filtrate from device  401 . For example, the filter of device  400  may be configured to retain adipose tissue filtered out by device  401  within its inner chamber, while allowing waste materials, such as water and saline, and small undesired components to pass through into its waste collection volume. 
     In various embodiments, waste materials collected in device  400  may be extracted from device  400  through a variety of means. For example, in various embodiments, pump  466  may generate negative pressure within device  400  and facilitate extraction of waste materials from waste port  464  and into waste collection container  468 . In various other embodiments, device  400  may rely on gravity to remove waste material from device  400 . 
     In various embodiments, ports  470  and  464  may be provided as valves that may either be manually operated or one-way valves that open or close in response to certain pressure conditions within device  400 . For example, to allow adipose tissue to accumulate, adipose retrieval port  470  may be closed and waste port  464  may be opened to enable the extraction of waste materials, leaving only adipose tissue within the filter of device  400 . 
     In various embodiments, adipose tissue collected with the filter of device  400  may aggregate toward second end  430 . In some embodiments, adipose retrieval port  470  may be maintained in a closed position so that adipose tissue may accumulate at second end  430 . After tissue processing is complete, waste port  464  may be closed and adipose retrieval port  470  may be opened to establish fluid communication between second end  430  and adipose collection container  480 . Then, in some embodiments, device  400  may rely on gravity to transfer adipose tissue into adipose collection container  480 . In various embodiments, device  400  may include a negative pressure system, such as a syringe or pump to withdraw adipose tissue from device  400 . 
     In various embodiments, tissue collection container  480  is provided as a syringe. When tissue extraction is desired, negative pressure may be formed within adipose collection container  480  (i.e. by withdrawing the syringe plunger). Alternatively, adipose collection container  480  may be connected to a pump that may generate negative pressure to enable adipose tissue extraction. 
     In various embodiments, adipose collection chamber  480  may be removed from device  400  and used in clinical applications. For example, adipose collection chamber  480  may be provided as a syringe, onto which a user may connect an injection needle. Afterwards, the user may inject adipose tissue from adipose collection chamber  480  into host sites within a patient, such as into rhytids, lips, scars, or deformities of the face or neck. 
     Additionally, in certain embodiments, the system of  FIG. 2  may be attached to device  401  of  FIG. 4  to provide an adipose tissue collection system with multiple adipose collection containers, each harvesting adipose tissue with distinct particle sizes. This system may be desirable in cases where adipose tissue injections sites vary in size. For example, a surgeon may perform buttocks augmentation, cheek enhancement, and facial rhytid correction on the same patient. The surgeon may use adipose tissue collected in device  401  for the buttock enhancement, adipose tissue collected in device  100 ′ for the cheek enhancement, and adipose tissue collected in device  200  for rhytid correction. 
     Methods of treatment using the devices described herein are also contemplated and within the scope of the presently claimed inventions. 
     Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of this disclosure. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the disclosed devices, systems, and methods being indicated by the following claims.