Patent Description:
In some surgical procedures, the bone fragments are, as a matter of course, necessarily generated, harvested, and used as bone graft all in the same procedure. For example, spinal procedures (e.g. discectomy) require the drilling and removal of various spinal bone, and the subsequent use of bone graft. As another example, joint reconstruction and revision procedures require the drilling and removal of various bone, and the subsequent use of bone graft.

In other surgical procedures, the bone fragments may be intentionally harvested, sometimes from bones in another area of the body, for use in the procedure that requires bone graft. In yet other procedures, bone graft comprising bone from another patient, a cadaver, pig, or even synthetic bone material can be used. Bone graft comprising natural bone, especially bone harvested from a patient for use on the same patient (sometimes referred to as autograft) is preferred by surgeons because of its osteoconductive, osteoinductive, and osteogenic properties.

While bone collection and processing systems have generally performed well for their intended use, there remains the need to maximize bone fragment recovery and process the bone fragments in a sterile and efficient manner.

Document <CIT> discloses apparatus and methods for use during surgical procedures for collecting autologous bone. A preferred bone collection assembly collects bone by compressing blood products away from trapped bone using a press. Such bone collecting assembly is easy and uncomplicated to use, and can be easily integrated into an operation where the need for collection and utilization of autologous bone exists.

A tissue separating device and a method of separating pure fat from a fatty liposuction aspirate are described in document <CIT>. The tissue separating device includes a canister device including canister body having a sidewall defining a volume. A tissue retrieval port can be arranged on the canister device and is capable of being arranged in fluid communication with a harvesting device for directing a fatty liposuction aspirate into the volume of the canister device. An adjustable height filtration mesh assembly can be arranged within the canister body and can include a filtering mesh separating the volume into an upper vacuum chamber and a lower vacuum chamber. A tissue harvesting port can be arranged in the sidewall of the canister body and can be capable of being arranged in communication with a collection device to allow the tissue harvesting port to atraumatically receive a filtered pure fat collected on the filtering mesh within the upper vacuum chamber. The filtration mesh assembly can be movably arranged within the canister body such that the filtering mesh is adjustable with respect to the tissue harvesting port.

A collection device for collecting bone material during a spinal fusion surgical procedure so that the bone material can later be used as a graft material for the fusion procedure is known from document <CIT>. The device includes a container that collects the bone and other material that is removed from the patient during the surgical procedure through a suction hose. The device includes a plunger having a filter plate sealed to the inside of the container. The plunger is pushed down into the collection material in the container so that blood and other liquids are forced through the plate to be separated from the bone material. A cover at the bottom of the container can be removed to remove the collected bone material.

The invention is defined in independent claims <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>, which define a device, a surgical system and a method for collecting and processing bone fragments respectively. Advantages of the examples disclosed herein will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood after reading the subsequent description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

With reference to the drawings, where like numerals are used to designate like structures throughout the several views, a device for collecting and processing bone fragments ("the device") is shown at <NUM> in <FIG>. The device <NUM> of the subject disclosure is configured to collect and process bone fragments in connection with various types of medical and/or surgical procedures. More specifically, the device <NUM> is configured to process and collect a composition comprising bone fragments CBF, and other components ("the composition CBF") from a patient. The term bone fragments, as used herein, is intended to be broadly construed to encompass all bone components regardless of their form, e.g. bone, tissues such as stem and progenitor cells, etc. Once processed, the composition CBF is typically used to form bone graft.

In additional aspects, the subject disclosure further provides a system, generally described in <FIG>, for use in collecting and processing composition CBF. The system includes a harvesting tool <NUM> configured to harvest the composition CBF and shaped to couple with an intake hose <NUM>. In some examples, the system also comprises a surgical tool <NUM> configured to generate, e.g. grind, cut, shave, or abrade, bone to yield bone fragments. In some examples, the system includes the surgical tool <NUM> configured to both generate bone fragments and harvest, i.e., aspirate, the composition CBF. The system also includes the intake hose <NUM> through which the composition CBF is conveyed from the harvesting tool <NUM> (or the surgical tool <NUM>) to the device <NUM> for collecting and processing bone fragments. In a typical example, the composition CBF is aspirated from the patient using the harvesting tool <NUM>, which causes the aspirated composition CBF to be collected in the device <NUM>.

As an overview, a representative example of the device <NUM> is illustrated throughout the <FIG>and includes a chamber member <NUM>, a press member <NUM>, an intake port <NUM>, and a vacuum port <NUM> (e.g. <FIG>). A filter support surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) is configured to support a filter <NUM> and cooperate with a compression surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). Although the filter support surface <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) is configured to support a filter <NUM>, it typically includes apertures or the like which allow the flow fluid through the filter and out of the device <NUM>. The filter support surface <NUM> and the compression surface <NUM> are defined by the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> the filter support surface <NUM> is defined by the press member <NUM>, and in <FIG>the filter support surface <NUM> is defined by a chamber member <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> the compression surface <NUM> is defined by the chamber member <NUM>, and in <FIG> the compression surface <NUM> is defined by the chamber member <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> is on the chamber member <NUM>, but can also be located on the press member <NUM>. The intake port <NUM> is configured to receive composition CBF. The vacuum port <NUM> is shown on the chamber member <NUM> and is configured to be coupled to a vacuum. The vacuum port <NUM> may also be included as part of the press member <NUM>.

The chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are rotationally coupled with one another to cause relative axial movement between one another. The composition CBF is acquired through the intake port <NUM> and collected in the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>, more specially between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, the application of rotational force to the press member <NUM> in a first direction RFD1 moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together to compress the composition CBF therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate (liquid) components from the composition CBF. It should be appreciated that the application of rotational force to the chamber member <NUM> in a direction opposite the first direction described immediately above also moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together to compress the composition CBF therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate (liquid) components from the composition CBF.

As discussed herein, reference to the application of rotational force in a first direction generally refers to a tightening motion which moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> closer to one another, and the application of rotational force in a second direction, opposite the first direction, generally refers to a loosening motion which moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> away from one another, and in some examples, may even disengage the members <NUM>, <NUM>. To this end, when these directional terms are used, it is to be appreciated that these directions apply application of force to a specific member in a specific orientation.

Referring now to <FIG>, a side view of an embodiment of the device <NUM> is illustrated with the chamber member shown at <NUM> and the press member shown at <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, which is illustrated throughout <FIG>, the chamber member <NUM> includes the intake port <NUM> and the vacuum port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the chamber member <NUM> decoupled from the press member <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG>, the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are configured to be rotationally coupled with one another. As such, in certain configurations, the chamber member <NUM> may cylindrical and has a chamber end <NUM> and a chamber side wall <NUM> which together at least partially define the volume V. The chamber end <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. In some examples, the chamber end <NUM> is removably attached to the chamber side wall <NUM>, to function as a lid and allow access to the composition CBF without decoupling the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM>. In certain examples, the chamber top may be fixed to the chamber side wall <NUM>. The chamber side wall <NUM> has an outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded side view of the device <NUM>, shown with the chamber member <NUM> decoupled from the press member <NUM> and with the chamber end <NUM> decoupled from the chamber sidewall <NUM>. In <FIG>, the chamber end <NUM> is operably attached to the chamber side wall <NUM> with a coupling mechanism. The coupling mechanism may take various forms, but in the illustrated example, the coupling mechanism comprises tabs <NUM> which are located on an outer circumference of the chamber end <NUM> and each tab has an inner surface (not shown) defining an engagement channel; and (<NUM>) engagement projections (not shown) on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> which are shaped to engage the engagement channel.

As illustrated, the chamber side wall <NUM> extends longitudinally from the chamber end <NUM> along the vertical axis Av and has the outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>. In some examples, the chamber end <NUM> and/or the chamber side wall <NUM> are substantially transparent so that the composition CBF collected between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> can be visually monitored by a user of the device <NUM>.

The chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> function like a piston/cylinder arrangement and compress the composition CBF between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> as is described in greater detail below. Further, in a typical example, the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> are substantially parallel. As disclosed above, the chamber member <NUM> defines the compression surface <NUM>. In some examples, the inner surface <NUM> of the chamber end <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> defines the compression surface <NUM>. In other examples, the chamber member <NUM> includes a compression surface support structure <NUM> which is operably attached to the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> and supports a compliant member <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded side view of the device <NUM>, shown with the compression surface support structure <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> isolated with the compliant member <NUM> thereon defining the compression surface <NUM>. That is, in some examples, the chamber member <NUM> further includes the compliant member <NUM> which defines the compression surface <NUM>.

The compliant member <NUM> comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, a compliant material, typically a polymer, and allows for the consistent application of force to the composition CBF such that the bone fragments, often having an irregular shape, do not cause a reduction in compression force when rotational force is applied to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a first direction RFD1 to move the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together with the composition CBF therebetween. As such, the composition CBF is compressed and filtered to provide a homogenous product of consistent quality.

The compliant member <NUM> typically comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of, a compliant material, typically a polymer, and allows for the consistent application of force to the composition CBF such that the bone fragments, often having an irregular shape, do not cause a reduction in compression force when rotational force is applied to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a first direction RFD1 to move the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together with the composition CBF therebetween.

The compliant material typically comprises one or more polymers. In some examples, the compliant material is selected from elastomers, thermoplastics, thermoplastic elastomers, and combinations thereof.

Various non-limiting examples of suitable elastomers include natural rubber (natural polyisoprene), synthetic polyisoprene, polybutadiene, chloroprene rubber, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, nitrile rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, polyacrylic rubber, silicone rubber, fluorosilicone rubber, fluoroelastomer, perfluoroelastomer, polyether block amides, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, and ethylene-vinyl acetate. In a preferred example, the compliant material comprises silicone.

Various non-limiting examples of suitable thermoplastics and thermoplastic elastomers include polyolefins, polyolefin elastomers, polyvinylchlorides (PVC), polyamides (PA), styrenic elastomers, thermoplastic vulcanate elastomer (TPV), fluoropolymers, silicones, polyesters, polyoxymethylenes (POM), thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU), and combinations thereof. In some preferred examples, the polymer is selected from thermoplastic polyurethane, polyoxymethylene, polyalkylene terephthalate, and combinations thereof.

In some examples, the compliant material comprises polymer, such as, but not limited to, those immediately described above, which has a Shore A hardness of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, or from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, when tested in accordance with ASTM D2240, Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer Hardness. In various non-limiting examples, all values and ranges of values between the aforementioned values are hereby expressly contemplated.

The complaint properties of the compliant material, such as the Shore A hardness properties defined above, ensure that consistent, even force is applied to the composition CBF which is compressed and filtered to provide a homogenous product of consistent quality.

In examples not specifically shown in the Figures but contemplated herein, the compliant member <NUM> comprises the compliant material and includes a cavity, which can be deflated when rotational force is applied to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a first direction RFD1 to move the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together with the composition CBF therebetween. As such, consistent, even force is applied to the composition CBF which is compressed and filtered to provide a homogenous product of consistent quality.

Referring to <FIG> or <FIG>, in a typical example, the press member <NUM> is cylindrical; however, still other shapes are contemplated. The press member <NUM> may include a press side wall <NUM> having an outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>. In a typical example, the press member <NUM> further defines the volume V and comprises a filter support structure <NUM> which at least partially defines a filtrate collection chamber FC within the volume V. In the examples shown throughout the Figures, the filter support structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of support columns <NUM> and is configured to support the filter <NUM> and allow for the collection and removal of liquid (filtrate) which passes through the filter <NUM>. An isolated view of the filter support structure <NUM> is shown the <FIG>. In other words, the filter support structure <NUM> is permeable to allow suction therethrough. It is arranged to support the filter <NUM>. In various examples, the filter support structure <NUM> includes contact points in the form of columns, a circumferential rim of the inner peripheral surface of the respective member, etc., which constitute a contact point upon which the filter <NUM> can be secured. In some examples, a locking mechanism (not shown) is used to secure the filter <NUM> in the filter support structure <NUM>.

In examples not specifically shown in the Figures but contemplated herein, the filter support surface <NUM> is further defined by a filter cartridge. In such examples, the filter cartridge can be removably and/or operatively attached to the chamber member <NUM> and/or the press member <NUM>. The filter cartridge is removably attached to the device <NUM>. The filter cartridge can be disposable or reusable (e.g. can be cleaned via autoclave and reused). As a non-limiting example, the filter cartridge which defines the filter support surface <NUM> and includes the filter <NUM>, can be attached in a channel or on a ridge formed on the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> or the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the of the press side wall <NUM>. In one example, the device <NUM> can be used, and the filter cartridge subsequently disposed of. The device <NUM> can then be cleaned, e.g. autoclaved, and a new, unused cartridge can be attached to the device <NUM> which can then be used again. To this end, a method further comprises the step of inserting and/or removing the filter cartridge from the volume V.

The inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> is shaped to rotatably engage the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> of the press member <NUM>. In a preferred example, the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> are threaded (or are in threaded engagement). The threaded sidewall of the example of <FIG> are shown throughout the various views of <FIG>. In <FIG>, and <FIG>, the sidewall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> is shown transparent such that threads <NUM> on the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> and threads <NUM> on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM>, which cooperate to rotationally couple the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM>, are visible.

Various examples of the device <NUM> include at least one intake port <NUM> which can be alternatively referred to as an input fitting <NUM>. As is shown in <FIG>, the intake port <NUM> defines a bore <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the volume V, with the intake port <NUM> adapted to receive the intake hose <NUM> for drawing the composition CBF into the volume V. A fluid communication path P<NUM> is established from an intake bore <NUM> of the intake port <NUM> through the volume V and across the filter support surface <NUM> having the filter <NUM> thereon through to the vacuum port <NUM> which defines a vacuum bore <NUM> and can be alternatively referred to as an output fitting <NUM>. <FIG> is a schematic illustration of a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM> which further illustrates the intake of composition CBF into the device <NUM> through the intake port <NUM> and into the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> having the filter <NUM> thereon, and the removal of filtrate drawn through the filter <NUM> and out of the vacuum port <NUM>. To this end, the device <NUM> functions via vacuum or aspiration across the fluid communication path P<NUM>.

As is illustrated in <FIG>, the composition CBF is drawn into the device <NUM> through the intake port <NUM> and into the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> having the filter <NUM> thereon. The composition CBF collects in the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> while fluid is drawn through the fluid communication path P<NUM>. As the composition CBF is drawn through the fluid communication path P<NUM>, the composition CBF collects within the volume V on the filter <NUM> and excess fluid is drawn out of the vacuum port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a bottom perspective view of the device <NUM> and <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along A-A of <FIG> showing the fluid communication path P<NUM> through which the composition CBF is drawn into the device <NUM> through the intake port <NUM> and into the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> having the filter <NUM> thereon, and filtrate is drawn through the filter <NUM> and out of the vacuum port <NUM>.

Further, <FIG> also shows an optional foundational element <NUM> including one or more grip tabs <NUM> and one or more pads <NUM>. The foundational element <NUM> stabilizes the device <NUM> during use in an upright position on a surface. Referring now to <FIG>, the press side wall <NUM> of this example defines a groove <NUM> for an o-ring <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded side view of the device <NUM> which isolates the pads <NUM> of the grip tabs <NUM> of the foundational element <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, <FIG>, according to the invention, the device <NUM> comprises a snorkel <NUM>. In certain examples, the snorkel <NUM> is a generally tubular structure. As shown in <FIG>, the snorkel <NUM> defines a bore <NUM> and has a suction port <NUM> above the compression surface <NUM> and is in fluid communication with the vacuum port <NUM> and the volume V. The snorkel <NUM> is configured to remove filtrate from the composition CBF between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> via an alternative fluid communication path P<NUM>. As an amount of the composition CBF begins to accumulate between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>, the snorkel <NUM> provides the second fluid communication path P<NUM>. For example, the composition CBF begins to accumulate between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> such that the filter <NUM> clogs to block fluid communication patch P1, the snorkel <NUM> provides the second fluid communication path P<NUM> to prevent clogging. Referring now to <FIG>, the snorkel <NUM> is shown as an integral component of the chamber member <NUM>. However, it should be appreciated that the snorkel <NUM> may be a distinct component. <FIG> show the snorkel <NUM> is positioned on the chamber side wall <NUM>, and substantially perpendicular to the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> and perpendicular to the vertical axis Av. However, other snorkel arrangements are contemplated.

As is shown in <FIG>, the filter <NUM> is typically utilized in the device <NUM>. The filter <NUM> can be fixed, or the filter <NUM> can be disposable. The filter <NUM> can comprise metal or polymer. In one example, the filter <NUM> comprises stainless steel. In many examples, the filter <NUM> has a U. Sieve Series mesh size of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (from about <NUM> to about <NUM>), or from about <NUM> to about <NUM> (from about <NUM> to about <NUM>).

As set forth above, the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> is shaped to rotatably engage the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> of the press member <NUM>, e.g. the inner peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> and the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> are threaded (or are in threaded engagement). As illustrated in <FIG>, the composition CBF is acquired through the intake port <NUM> and collected between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> with the filter <NUM> thereon. Once the composition CBF is collected between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>, the application of rotational force to the press member <NUM> in the first direction RFD1 moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together to compress the composition CBF therebetween to further filter and compact the composition CBF. <FIG> is a schematic illustration which further illustrates the application of rotational force to the chamber member <NUM> in the first direction RFD1 and the subsequent movement of the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> (with movement illustrated with arrows and in phantom with dashed lines) together and the compression of the composition CBF therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate (liquid) components from the composition CBF.

Further, the application of rotational force to the chamber member and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a second direction RFD2, opposite the first direction RFD1, moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> away from one another. In some examples, the application of rotational force to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in the second direction RFD2 allows for decoupling of the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM>, and access to the compacted composition CBF for removal. <FIG> shows the chamber member <NUM> decoupled from the press member <NUM>, with the threads <NUM> on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> visible. In other examples, the chamber end <NUM> is operably attached to the chamber side wall <NUM>, to function as a lid and allow access to the filtered and compacted composition CBF for removal.

As set forth above, the intake port <NUM> is configured to receive the composition CBF comprising bone fragments and the vacuum port <NUM> is shown on the chamber <NUM> and is configured to be coupled to a vacuum. Typically, the ports <NUM>, <NUM> will both be located on the same member <NUM>, <NUM> to facilitate ease of use. In the examples shown in the Figures, the intake port <NUM> and the vacuum port <NUM> are both located on the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> about <NUM>° from one another. The location of the intake and vacuum ports <NUM>, <NUM> is believed to (<NUM>) minimize vacuum loss and (<NUM>) aid in work flow during operation of the device <NUM> (e.g. facilitate the process of fitting of the intake hose <NUM> on the intake port <NUM> and a vacuum and/or fluid removal line on the vacuum port <NUM>). In <FIG>, the intake port <NUM> and the vacuum port <NUM> are both on the chamber member <NUM>. In <FIG>, the intake port <NUM> and the vacuum port <NUM> are both on the chamber member <NUM>. When both ports <NUM>, <NUM> are on the same member, the intake hose <NUM> and the vacuum/drain hose will not get tangled during use because a user will naturally twist (apply force) to the respective member <NUM>, <NUM> without the hoses attached thereto. Further, the outer peripheral surface of the member (of either member <NUM>, <NUM>) without the ports <NUM>, <NUM> can be configured to have a grip for the user on the outer peripheral surface of its side wall <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the foundational element <NUM> on the chamber member <NUM> of <FIG>, includes grip tabs <NUM> which can be used to twist the chamber member <NUM>. That is, the grip tabs <NUM> provide a user with good grip to facilitate easy use of the device <NUM>. As another example, an outer peripheral surface <NUM> of a press sidewall <NUM> of the press member <NUM> of <FIG> includes grip ridges <NUM> which can be used to twist the press member <NUM>. The grip ridges <NUM> provide the user with good grip to facilitate easy use of the device <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a second example of the device <NUM> for collecting and processing bone fragments that does not form part of the present invention is illustrated. The device <NUM> of this example includes the chamber member <NUM>, the press member <NUM>, the intake port <NUM>, and the vacuum port <NUM>. In this example, the chamber member <NUM> defines the filter support surface <NUM> which is configured to support the filter <NUM> and at least partially defines the volume V. Further, the chamber member <NUM> includes the intake port <NUM> which is configured to receive the composition CBF and the vacuum port <NUM> which is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. In this example, the press member <NUM> defines the compression surface <NUM>.

To this end, the example of <FIG> includes the chamber member <NUM> defining the filter support surface <NUM>, and the press member <NUM> defining the compression surface <NUM>, whereas the example of <FIG> includes the chamber member <NUM> defining the compression surface <NUM> and the press member <NUM> defining the filter support surface <NUM>. Further, in the example of <FIG>, the device <NUM> is shown sitting upright with the chamber member <NUM> resting on a surface and the press member <NUM> above the chamber member <NUM>, whereas in the example of <FIG>, the device <NUM> is depicted in an upright position with the press member <NUM> resting on a surface and the chamber member <NUM> above the press member <NUM>.

The chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are rotationally coupled with one another. The composition CBF is acquired through the intake port <NUM> and collected between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>. The application of rotational force to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a first direction RF<NUM> moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together to compress the composition CBF therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate (liquid) components from the composition CBF.

<FIG> is a perspective view of another example of the device <NUM> with the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> shown rotationally coupled with one another. <FIG> is a side view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> which shows the chamber member <NUM> including the intake port <NUM> and the vacuum port <NUM> located on the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> about <NUM>° from one another.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> taken along B-B of <FIG> and applied to the side view of the device <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the fluid communication path P<NUM>. When the device <NUM> is in use, the composition CBF is drawn into the device <NUM> through the intake port <NUM> and into the volume V2 between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> having a filter <NUM> thereon. The composition CBF collects in the volume V between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> while fluid is drawn through the fluid communication path P<NUM>. As the composition CBF is drawn through the fluid communication path P<NUM>, the composition CBF collects within the volume V on the filter <NUM> and excess fluid is drawn out of the vacuum port <NUM>.

In this example, the chamber member <NUM> is cylindrical and has the chamber end <NUM> and chamber side walls <NUM> which together define the volume V2. Typically, as shown, the chamber member <NUM> is cylindrical. The chamber end <NUM> has an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The chamber side wall <NUM> has an outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>. <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> taken along B-B of <FIG> and applied to the side view of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG>, shows the filter support surface <NUM> and a filter support structure <NUM> disposed in the volume V. The filter support structure <NUM> defines the filter support surface <NUM> and the filtrate collection chamber FC within the volume V. In this example, the filter support structure <NUM> comprises a plurality of support columns <NUM> and is configured to support the filter <NUM> and allow for the collection and removal of liquid (filtrate) which passes through the filter <NUM>. Of course, various other support structure <NUM> configurations are contemplated.

In this example, the press member <NUM> is cylindrical and has the press side wall <NUM> having the outer peripheral surface <NUM> and an inner peripheral surface <NUM>. Referring now to <FIG>, the press side wall <NUM> of this example defines a groove <NUM> for an o-ring <NUM> and includes an engagement sleeve <NUM> having a threaded inner surface <NUM> and shaped to engage and operatively couple with the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM>, which is threaded.

Still referring to <FIG>, the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> of the chamber member <NUM> is shaped to rotatably engage the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the press side wall <NUM> of the press member <NUM>. In this example, the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> includes threads <NUM>, and the engagement sleeve <NUM> of the press member <NUM> has an inner surface <NUM> which includes threads <NUM> and are thus shaped to rotatably engage one another.

<FIG> is a side view of the chamber member <NUM> decoupled from the press member <NUM>. <FIG>, which is a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> taken along B-B, shows the threading <NUM> on the inner surface <NUM> of the engagement sleeve <NUM> of the press member <NUM> which cooperates with the threading <NUM> on the outer peripheral surface <NUM> of the chamber side wall <NUM> to rotationally couple the press member <NUM> and the chamber member <NUM>.

<FIG> is an exploded view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> which isolates the compression surface support structure <NUM> of the press member <NUM> which defines the compression surface <NUM>. It should be appreciated that in various examples, the compression surface <NUM> is defined by the inner surface <NUM> of the chamber end <NUM> (there is no compression surface support structure <NUM>). It should also be appreciated that some examples include the compression surface support structure <NUM>. Finally, it should also be appreciated that, in some examples, independently of what component it is located on, the compression surface <NUM> is defined by the compliant member <NUM>, <NUM> in some examples, but in other examples the compression surface <NUM> need not be defined by the compliant member <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, in some examples, the compression surface <NUM> could be defined via a thermoplastic or a metal component. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of the device <NUM> of <FIG> taken along B-B of <FIG> and applied to the exploded view of the device <NUM> shown in <FIG> which isolates the compression surface support structure <NUM> of the press member <NUM> which defines the compression surface <NUM>.

<FIG> are exemplary schematic illustrations describing use of an example of the device <NUM> of <FIG>. In <FIG>, the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are shown rotationally coupled with one another. In <FIG>, the composition CBF is acquired through the intake port <NUM> and collected between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> with the device <NUM> in a first orientation. In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is shown after the application of rotational force to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a first direction RFD1 moves the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> together to compress the composition CBF therebetween to compact, and further remove filtrate (liquid) from the composition CBF. In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is shown "flipped over" or inverted in a second orientation. In <FIG>, the device <NUM> is shown after the application of rotational force to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a second direction RFD2, opposite the first direction RFD1, to decouple the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM>, with access to the compacted composition CBF provided (as it sits on the compression surface <NUM>).

The subject disclosure also contemplates examples of the device <NUM> for collecting and processing bone fragments which is generally described as including the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> operably coupled to define the volume V, a compression component comprising the compliant member <NUM> which defines the compression surface <NUM>, a filter component which defines the filter support surface <NUM> or the filter <NUM>, the intake port <NUM> is configured to receive the composition CBF, and the vacuum port <NUM> is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. In such examples, the composition CBF is acquired through the intake port <NUM> and collected within the volume V2, and application of force to the chamber and/or the press member <NUM>, <NUM> decreases the volume V2 and presses the composition CBF against the compression surface <NUM>, to compact the composition CBF and further remove filtrate from the composition CBF through the filter component. However, in these examples the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are operably coupled to define the volume V2. As such, the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> can be rotationally coupled or mechanically coupled (e.g. with a plunger). That is, the chamber member <NUM> and the press member <NUM> are not necessarily rotationally coupled. These examples are advantageous because they employ the compliant member <NUM> which is just as described above.

As is alluded above, a method of collecting and processing bone fragments is also disclosed herein. The method comprises the steps of providing a device <NUM> described above, acquiring the composition CBF through the intake port <NUM>, collecting the composition CBF between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM>, applying a rotational force RFD1 to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> to press the composition CBF between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> to compact the composition CBF and further remove filtrate from the composition CBF, and removing the compacted composition CBF from the device <NUM>. The method is generally described in the flow diagram of <FIG>.

The method may also include the step of applying a rotational force RFD2 to the chamber and/or press member <NUM>, <NUM> in a second direction, opposite the first direction RFD1, to move the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> away from one another. Further, the method may include the step of applying a rotational force to the chamber and/or press members <NUM>, <NUM> in a second direction RFD2, opposite the first direction RFD1, to decouple the chamber and the press members <NUM>, <NUM> to provide access to the composition CBF (e.g. for removal).

In some examples, the chamber and/or press members <NUM>, <NUM> do not have to be decoupled to access the composition CBF (e.g. for removal). In these examples, the step of opening the lid (e.g. the chamber end <NUM> as described above), and subsequently removing the compacted composition CBF is optionally included. An example of the method including the step of opening the lid <NUM> is described in <FIG>.

In some examples of the method, such as those described in <FIG>and <FIG>, the method may include the steps of acquiring the composition CBF through the intake port <NUM> and collecting the composition CBF between the compression surface <NUM> and the filter support surface <NUM> conducted in a first orientation. Subsequent to the step of collecting, the method of this example includes the step of inverting the device <NUM> from a first orientation to a second orientation. This example also optionally includes the step of bringing the device <NUM> into contact with a surface in the second orientation to decouple compacted composition CBF from the filter <NUM>, such that gravity causes the compacted composition CBF to drop from the filter support surface <NUM> to the compression surface <NUM>. Of course, this method can include the steps of opening the chamber end <NUM> and/or applying a rotational force to the press member <NUM> in the second direction RFD2, to access and/or remove the compacted composition CBF from the compression surface <NUM>.

It will be appreciated that the terms "include," "includes," and "including" have the same meaning as the terms "comprise," "comprises," and "comprising. " Moreover, it will be appreciated that terms such as "first," "second," "third," and the like are used herein to differentiate certain structural features and components for the non-limiting, illustrative purposes of clarity and consistency.

Claim 1:
A device (<NUM>, <NUM>) for collecting and processing bone fragments, said device comprising:
a chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially defining a volume (V2),
a press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) at least partially disposed within said volume (V2);
a compression surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or press member (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a filter support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) defined by said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to support a filter (<NUM>, <NUM>);
an intake port (<NUM>, <NUM>) on said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to receive a composition (CBF) comprising bone fragments; and
a vacuum port (<NUM>, <NUM>) on said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to be coupled to a vacuum source;
wherein said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) are configured to be rotationally coupled with one another; and
wherein the composition (CBF) is acquired through said intake port (<NUM>, <NUM>) and collected in said volume (V2) between said compression surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said filter support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>), and application of rotational force to said chamber member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and/or press member (<NUM>, <NUM>) in a first direction moves said compression surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said filter support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) together to compress the composition (CBF) between said compression surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said filter support surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) to compact and further remove filtrate from the composition (CBF);
characterized in that
the device (<NUM>) includes a snorkel (<NUM>) comprising a suction port (<NUM>) and a void space, said snorkel (<NUM>) in fluid communication with said vacuum port (<NUM>, <NUM>) and configured to remove filtrate from between said compression surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) and said filter surface (<NUM>, <NUM>) via an alternative fluid communication path.