Apparatus for Storing Platelet-Rich Plasma

Abstract

The disclosure provides an apparatus for storing platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The apparatus is configured to reversibly receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) container. The apparatus comprises a platform defining at least one recess configured to receive the PRP container therein; and an agitator configured to move the platform, and thereby agitate PRP stored in the PRP container. The agitator is configured to move the platform in a circular motion at a frequency of between 10 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Claims

1. An apparatus for storing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the apparatus being configured to reversibly receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) container and comprising: a platform defining at least one recess configured to receive the PRP container therein; and an agitator configured to move the platform, and thereby agitate PRP stored in the PRP container, wherein the agitator is configured to move the platform in a circular motion at a frequency of between 10 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the platform defines a plurality of recesses, wherein each recess is configured to receive a PRP container therein.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a retainer configured to retain the PRP container in the recess.

4. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the retainer comprises a biasing means configured to bias the PRP container against a first side of the recess.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first side of the recess defines an angle between 10° and 35°.

6. An apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the biasing means comprises a spring, wherein a proximal end of the spring is fixedly attached to a second side of the recess and the spring is configured to bias the PRP container against the first side of the recess, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the spring defines an angle between 0 and 20° to horizontal.

8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein agitator is configured to move the platform in a circular motion at a frequency of between 50 and 1,000 RPM, between 100 and 750 RPM, between 150 and 500 RPM, between 200 and 400 RPM or between 250 and 450 RPM.

9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the agitator is further configured to agitate PRP stored in the PRP container by being configured to move the PRP container in a linear motion.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the agitator is configured to agitate the PRP stored in the PRP container continually.

11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the agitator is configured to agitate the PRP stored in the PRP container intermittently.

12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the agitator comprises a cover configured to fit over the platform and any PRP containers disposed thereon.

13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a temperature controller configured to maintain PRP stored in the PRP container at a temperature between 15° C. and 30° C., between 16° C. and 28° C., between 17° C. and 27° C., between 18° C. and 26° C., between 19° C. and 25° C. or between 20° C. and 24° C.

14. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to be connected to a mains power source.

15. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus comprises a battery configured to power the agitator.

16. A kit for storing PRP, the kit comprising: an apparatus for storing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the apparatus being configured to reversibly receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) container and comprising: (1) a platform defining at least one recess configured to receive the PRP container therein, and (2) an agitator configured to move the platform and thereby agitate PRP stored in the PRP container, wherein the agitator is configured to agitate the platform in a circular motion at a frequency of between 10 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM); and the PRP container.

17. A method of storing PRP, the method comprising: disposing the PRP in a PRP container; disposing the PRP container in a recess of an apparatus for storing platelet-rich plasma (PRP), the apparatus being configured to reversibly receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) container an comprising: (1) a platform defining at least one recess configured to receive the PRP container therein, and (2) an agitator configured to move the platform and thereby agitate PRP stored in the PRP container, wherein the agitator is configured to agitate the platform in a circular motion at a frequency of between 10 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM); and agitating the PRP at a frequency of between 10 and 10,000 revolutions per minute (RPM).

Description

[0082] For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying Figures, in which:—

[0083] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus configured to store a container of platelet-rich plasma (PRP);

[0084] FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the apparatus;

[0085] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components of the apparatus;

[0086] FIG. 4 is a side view of further components of the apparatus;

[0087] FIG. 5 is a further cross-section of the apparatus;

[0088] FIG. 6 is an exploded diagram of the apparatus;

[0089] FIG. 7a is a perspective view of an apparatus configured to store four containers of PRP; FIG. 7b is a perspective views of an apparatus configured to store eight containers of PRP; and FIG. 7c is a perspective views of an apparatus configured to store fifteen containers of PRP; and

[0090] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an apparatus configured to store fourteen containers of PRP.

EXAMPLE 1—STORAGE DEVICE

[0091] An apparatus 2 configured to store a container 4 comprising PRP is shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus 2 comprises a casing 6, a top cradle 8 and a lid 10. The top cradle 8 is disposed above and adjacent to the casing 6 and, as discussed in more detail below, defines a recess 12 sized to receive the container 4 therein. The lid 10 is configured to reversibly fit over the top cradle 8.

[0092] The casing comprises two parts, an upper casing member 14 and a lower casing member 16 which slot together to define the casing 6. The lower casing 16 comprises a substantially flat base 18 to allow the apparatus 2 to rest on a flat surface. The base 18 comprises a rubber pad 20 disposed on an external side of the base 18 to prevent the apparatus from slipping.

[0093] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the upper casing member 16 comprises an external wall 22 and an internal wall 24. The lower casing member 14 and the external and internal walls 22, 24 of the upper casing member 16 define a lower chamber 26. Similarly, the top cradle 8 and the internal wall 24 of the upper casing member 16 define an upper chamber 28. The lower casing member 14 comprises connecting members 27 which extend between the base 18 of the lower casing member 16 and to the internal wall 24 of the upper casing member 16. The connecting members 27 are fastened to the internal wall 24 using screws 25.

[0094] The upper casing member 16 defines a projection 29 which defines a wall extending around a top surface of the upper casing member 16. The edge of the top cradle 8 defines a lip 31 which is sized to extend around the outside of the projection 29. The combination of the projection 29 and lip 31 prevent dirt and dust from getting into the apparatus 2.

[0095] The apparatus 2 comprises a motor 30 comprising a stator 32 and rotor 34. The stator 32 is the stationary component of the motor 30 and is substantially disposed in the lower chamber 26. The rotor 34 is the rotating component of the motor 30 and extends from the stator 32, through an aperture 36 in internal wall 24 and into the upper chamber 28. The motor further comprises a motor plate 38, which is coupled to the stator 32. The inventors have found that it is advantageous to dispose a dampening layer (not shown) between the stator 32 and the motor plate 38 to dampen vibrations.

[0096] For instance, in some embodiments, the inventors have used a neoprene pad as a dampening layer. This dampens vibration and allows flexibility and resistance to agitation motion. The motor plate 38 is disposed in the upper chamber 28 and extends across the aperture 36. The motor plate 38 is fixed to the internal wall 24 by screws 40, thereby coupling the stator 32 to the upper casing member 14. A cam 42 is mounted on the rotor 34 and is disposed in the upper chamber 28. The cam 42 defines a cylindrical shape, and the rotor 34 is mounted in a position 1.25 mm away from the centre of the cam 42.

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a bottom cradle 44 is disposed in the upper chamber 28 and is fixed to the top cradle 8 by screws 46. The inventors have found that disposing a padding material (not shown) between the top cradle 8 and the bottom cradle 44 reduces noise produced by the apparatus 2. For instance, the padding may comprise cotton wool.

[0098] Bearings 48 disposed between the bottom cradle 44 and the cam 42 couple the parts together while minimising friction due to the rotation of the cam 42. FIG. 4 shows how the top cradle 8 is positioned relative to the motor 30, with the casing 6 and bottom cradle 40 removed for clarity.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom cradle 44 comprises two projections 49. The projections 49 are disposed on opposing sides of the bottom cradle 44 and extend from a bottom surface of the bottom cradle 44 into corresponding circular apertures 51 in the motor plate 38. The apertures 51 are large enough to allow the bottom cradle 44 to move in a circular motion as the cam 42 rotates, but prevent rotation of the bottom cradle 44.

[0100] As mentioned above, the top cradle 8 defines a recess 12 sized to receive the container 4 therein. As shown in FIG. 5, the top cradle 8 comprises a lock 50 comprising a spring 52 and contacting member 54. The spring 52 is provided parallel to the horizontal and is configured to bias the contacting member 54 away from a front side 56 of the recess 12. Accordingly, when a container 4 is disposed in the recess 12 the spring 52 causes the contacting member 54 to bias the container 4 against a rear side 58 of the recess 12.

[0101] This holds the container 4 in place until a user exhibits a sufficient force on the container 4 to remove it.

[0102] The rear side 58 of the recess 12 defines an angle of 20.7° to the vertical. Accordingly, placing the container 4 against the rear side 58 of the recess causes the base 60 of the container 4 to define an angle of 20.7° to the horizontal. As the container 4 is inserted into the recess 12 at this angle, the base 60 will push the contacting member 54 towards the front side 56 of the recess 12 until the base 60 of the container 4 has passed the contacting member 54. At this point, the contacting member 54 will exert a force on a side 62 of the container 4 biasing it against the rear side 58 of the recess 12 and holding it in place, as explained above. To ensure maximum contact with the side 62 of the container 4, the contacting side 64 of the contacting member 54 will also define an angle of 20.7° to the vertical.

[0103] The apparatus 2 comprises an electrical adapter 66 and power switch allowing the apparatus to be attached to a power source. The adapter 66 is electrically connected (not shown) to a printed circuit board (PCB) 68 which is electrically connected to the motor 30. Accordingly, when the apparatus 2 is connected to a power source and switched on, the motor 30 will cause the cam 42 to rotate, thereby moving the bottom and top cradles 44, 8 in a circular manner. The inventors have found that configuring the motor 30 to operate at a speed of 300 revolutions per minute (RPM) provides ideal agitation to reduce aggregation of PRP stored in a container 4 which is disposed in the recess 12.

EXAMPLE 2—ALTERNATIVE AND/OR ADDITIONAL FEATURES

[0104] The apparatus 2 described in Example 2 could comprise a number of additional features. In particular, the apparatus 2 could comprise a battery disposed in the lower chamber 26. The battery would be configured to power the apparatus 2 when it was not attached to a power source. This could be particularly useful for a person using PRP at home. For instance, they could take the apparatus 2 with them when they visit a clinician to receive their PRP sample. As soon as the person received a container 4 containing their PRP they could place it in the apparatus and transport it home. Since the PRP container will be placed in the apparatus 2, and agitated as soon as it is received, it will not matter if the person takes some time between receiving the sample and returning home.

[0105] The apparatus could also comprise a temperature controlling element. This could comprise a temperature sensor configured to sense the temperature, a heater and/or a cooler configured to maintain the temperature of the apparatus between 20 and 24° C.

[0106] The temperature sensor may be disclosed towards the base of a recess 12. The inventors have found that this temperature is ideal for storing PRP Furthermore, instead of defining one recess 12, the top cradle 8 could be configured to define a plurality of recesses allowing the apparatus to store multiple containers 4. For instance, FIG. 7a shows an apparatus 2′ configured to store four containers 4, FIG. 7b shows an apparatus 2″ configured to store eight containers 4 and FIG. 7c shows an apparatus 2′″ configured to store fifteen containers. This could be particularly useful for a user where they might want to apply the PRP multiple times, for instance in a cosmetic application. Each container 4 could comprise a sufficient quantity for one application, ensuring that the user received the correct amount of PRP each time it was applied.

[0107] A further apparatus 2″″ is shown in FIG. 8. In this apparatus, the top cradle 8 defines fourteen recesses 12, allowing the apparatus to store fourteen containers 4. Accordingly, this could provide enough separate contains of PRP to allow a user to apply activated PRP to their skin twice a day for a week. In this embodiment, the lid 10 is configured to reversibly fit over the top cradle 8 and a top portion of the casing 6.