In one instance, a medical device for harvesting epidermal tissue from a patient includes a first compartment that is mateable with a second, disposable compartment that goes against the skin. The first compartment has a floor that is formed, at least in part, by a first printed circuit board. The ceiling of the second, disposable compartment is formed at least in part by a second printed circuit board that electrically couples with the first printed circuit board when in a mated position. Suction is delivered to the second compartment to pull skin through apertures on the floor of the second compartment to form blisters that are harvested to obtain epidermal tissue. The first compartment remains uncontaminated in use and the second compartment is disposable. Other features are presented; some of which include a thermal sensor in the second compartment for temperature control, clear side walls, and a distributed heating element.

In one instance, a medical device for harvesting epidermal tissue from a patient includes a first compartment that is mateable with a second, disposable compartment that goes against the skin. The first compartment has a floor that is formed, at least in part, by a first printed circuit board. The ceiling of the second, disposable compartment is formed at least in part by a second printed circuit board that electrically couples with the first printed circuit board when in a mated position. Suction is delivered to the second compartment to pull skin through apertures on the floor of the second compartment to form blisters that are harvested to obtain epidermal tissue. The first compartment remains uncontaminated in use and the second compartment is disposable. Other features are presented; some of which include a thermal sensor in the second compartment for temperature control, clear side walls, and a distributed heating element.

Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.

Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.

Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

A fixed depth skin flap elevator device is provided. The device includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The device further includes an upper arm and lower arm mounted to, so as to extend longitudinally from, the distal end of the handle. The upper arm overlays the lower arm. At least free ends of the upper and lower arms are spaced apart by a distance which is equal to a pre-determined cutting depth. A blade is supported on the lower arm at about its free end. Translation of at least the lower arm within a tissue interior results in separation of a deeper tissue from a surface tissue at a pre-determined cutting depth to form an undermined skin and subcutaneous surface tissue flap of uniform thickness. A method of using the device is also provided.

A fixed depth skin flap elevator device is provided. The device includes an elongated handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The device further includes an upper arm and lower arm mounted to, so as to extend longitudinally from, the distal end of the handle. The upper arm overlays the lower arm. At least free ends of the upper and lower arms are spaced apart by a distance which is equal to a pre-determined cutting depth. A blade is supported on the lower arm at about its free end. Translation of at least the lower arm within a tissue interior results in separation of a deeper tissue from a surface tissue at a pre-determined cutting depth to form an undermined skin and subcutaneous surface tissue flap of uniform thickness. A method of using the device is also provided.

Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.

Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.