WO2016024294A1

WO2016024294A1 - Biomedical device for implanting grafts

Info

Publication number: WO2016024294A1
Application number: PCT/IN2015/050091
Authority: WO
Inventors: Debasish Pradhan; Salman KAPADIA; Athar Anwar Solkar
Original assignee: Veol Medical Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-08-13
Filing date: 2015-08-13
Publication date: 2016-02-18
Also published as: WO2016024295A1

Abstract

An illustrative device includes a vacuum source and a nozzle connected to the vacuum source. The vacuum source is configured to draw in a graft with a vacuum pressure. The device also includes a needle assembly configured to receive the graft in a lumen thereof and a hollow pusher body configured to slide over at least a portion of a surface of the needle assembly and at least a portion of the nozzle. The device further includes a pusher member mounted on the hollow pusher body and configured to slide inside the lumen of the needle assembly. The pusher member is configured to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

Description

BIOMEDICAL DEVICE FOR IMPLANTING GRAFTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

[1] This application claims priority to Indian Provisional Application No. 2611/MUM/2014 entitled "Implantation Device for Hair Transplant," filed August 13, 2014; Indian Provisional Application No. 2612/MUM/2014 entitled "Biomedical device for improving desiccation tolerance of hair follicles," filed August 13, 2014; Indian Provisional Application No. 2987/MUM/2014 entitled "Harvesting Device for Hair Transplant," filed September 18, 2014; Indian Provisional Application No. 4011/MUM/2014 entitled "Follicle Holding Tray for Hair Transplant," filed December 15, 2014; Indian Provisional Application No. 4012/MUM/2014 entitled "Punch for Hair Transplant," filed December 15, 2014; and Indian Provisional Application No. 4161/MUM/2014 entitled "Implantation of Follicular Grafts," filed December 26, 2014, PCT Application No. PCT/I N 2015/050042 entitled "Hair transplant systems and methods for their use," filed June 5, 2015all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[2] The present disclosure relates, in general, to hair transplantation devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a vacuum assisted follicle implantation device. BACKGROUND

[3] The following description is provided to assist the understanding of the reader. None of the information provided or references cited is admitted to be prior art. Transplantations of grafts (e.g., skin or hair follicle grafts) are not always successful. In some instances, damage to the graft can occur before or during implanting the grafts in the recipient. In such instances, the graft material may not survive and may die after being transplanted. SUMMARY

[4] An illustrative device includes a vacuum source and a nozzle connected to the vacuum source. The vacuum source is configured to draw in a graft with a vacuum pressure. The device also includes a needle assembly configured to receive the graft in a lumen thereof and a hollow pusher body configured to slide over at least a portion of a surface of the needle assembly and at least a portion of the nozzle. The device further includes a pusher member mounted on the hollow pusher body and configured to slide inside the lumen of the needle assembly. The pusher member is configured to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

[5] An illustrative device includes a vacuum source and a nozzle connected to the vacuum source. The vacuum source is configured to draw in a graft with a vacuum pressure. The device also includes a needle assembly configured to receive the graft in a lumen thereof and a sheath configured to slide over the needle assembly. An end of the needle assembly is exposed by the sheath when an actuator of the device is in an engaged state. The end of the needle assembly is concealed by the sheath when the actuator of the device is in a disengaged state. The device further includes a pusher member assembly mounted to the sheath and configured to slide inside of the lumen of the needle assembly. The pusher member assembly is configured to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

[6] An illustrative method includes applying suction to a lumen of a needle of a graft implantation module. The suction is applied via a vacuum tube attached to a vacuum nozzle of the graft implantation module. The method also includes receiving a graft into the lumen of the needle via the suction, removing the suction via the vacuum tube at the needle, and inserting the needle into a hole in skin of a patient. The method further includes causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle and removing the needle from the hole in the skin.

[7] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following drawings and the detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [8] Figs. 1A and IB are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[9] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[10] Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the graft implantation module in a deactivated state in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[11] Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the graft implantation module in an activated state in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[12] Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrations of a transfer tube assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [13] Figs. 5A and 5B are illustrations of a pusher assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[14] Fig. 6 is an illustration of a pusher assembly with a vacuum bleed hole in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[15] Figs. 7A and 7B are illustrations of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[16] Figs. 8A and 8B are illustrations of a graft implantation module with a protective tip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[17] Fig. 9 is an illustration of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [18] Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[19] Figs. 11A-11D are illustrations of a graft implantation module in states of activation and deactivation in accordance with illustrative embodiments.

[20] Figs. 12A and 12B are illustrations of a transfer tube and pusher assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[21] Figs. 13A and 13B are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[22] Figs. 14A and 14B are exploded views of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[23] Fig. 15 is an illustration of a nose in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[24] Fig. 16A is an illustration of a transfer tube holder in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[25] Fig. 16B is an illustration of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[26] Figs. 17A and 17B are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[27] Fig. 18 is an illustration of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[28] Figs. 19A-19C are side-views of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[29] Figs. 20A-20D are illustrations of a suction nose and transfer tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [30] Figs. 21A and 22B are illustrations of a transfer tube and transfer tube holder in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[31] Figs. 22A-22D are illustrations of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. [32] Fig. 23 is a flow diagram of a method of using a graft implantation device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[33] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [34] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise.

[35] Skin graft transplants are performed for a variety of reasons. Hair transplants are one type of skin graft transplants. For example, hair on the donor site of a scalp is trimmed to retain a suitable height for the hair transplant procedure. With the help of a motor driven rotating punch (or other suitable device), hair follicle units containing at least one hair are cored out. The cored out follicular units are removed from the scalp through suction. After harvesting, the recipient site of the scalp is prepared and each follicular unit is implanted into the scalp.

[36] In illustrative embodiments, a graft in hair transplantation context is an elongated tissue surgically extracted from the donor site with the help of a punch with at least one hair within it placed almost parallel to the axis of the graft. The tissue of the graft consists of a layer of skin on top followed by dermal tissue and loose fatty tissue. In some cases it may also contain a layer of cutaneous tissue. In other embodiments, any suitable graft may be used.

[37] In an embodiment, the follicular grafts used in follicular unit extraction (FUE) techniques for implanting are obtained by circular coring-out of the scalp skin along with hair follicle (s) with the aid of a surgical instrument. In some embodiments, each of the hair follicles is extracted with the aid of tweezers and needles. In alternative embodiments, any suitable method of obtaining hair follicles (or grafts) may be used. In some instances, the grafts are implanted, one by one, into recipient sites. In some cases, a manual implanting device is used to help prevent damage to the follicles that may be caused by the use of tweezers.

[38] In many instances, it takes a long surgical time to handle the follicles. Pushing the follicles into a slit in the scalp made by a hypodermic needle or slit making blade oftentimes damages the follicles. Using some FUE implanters, which may use suction and pressure, the graft can get stuck inside the needle. Also, using such implanters often requires clinicians to remember complex controls for many parameters. In such a scenario, mistakes by the clinicians are too common.

[39] While performing follicular unit extraction (FUE), proper and quick implantation of harvested follicles becomes tediously challenging for clinicians, and follicles (or other grafts) may get damaged due to the force exerted by tweezers or forceps duringhandling and pushing of the follicles into the scalp. Notably, prior automatic FUE techniques, which use suction and pressure for implanting follicles, fail to implant grafts in a controlled manner and have a high probability of damaging the follicles due to use of a pressure activated plunger. Also, the chances of follicles getting buried into the scalp (e.g., implanted too deep) are high because there is no real-time feedback in implantation control.

[40] Various embodiments of the graft implantation devices described below are handheld tools to facilitate atraumatic implantation of grafts (e.g., hair follicles) at the recipient site without the use of forceps, tweezers, or other grasping devices that can squeeze and damage the grafts. After implantation, the grafts are free from trauma and, thus, have an increased chance of survival. In illustrative embodiments, the graft implantation devices use mechanical push rods to push the graft out of a needle during implantation, which is more reliable, predictable, and controllable than using air pressure to force the graft out of the needle.

[41] Figs. 1A and IB are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 1A is an isometric view of the graft implantation module graft implantation module 100, and Fig. IB is a side view of the graft implantation module 100. A graft implantation module 100 includes a left half of the housing 105, a right half of the housing 110, a transfer tube 115, a nozzle assembly 120, and a knob 125. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[42] A vacuum hose can be attached to the nozzle assembly 120, and vacuum can be applied to the nozzle assembly 120. The vacuum pressure travels through the graft implantation module 100 and is applied at the tip of the transfer tube 115. Any suitable amount of vacuum can be applied at the nozzle assembly 120. For example, the pressure at the nozzle assembly 120 can be in the range of 200 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) to 700 mm Hg. For example, the pressure at the nozzle assembly 120 can be 200 mm Hg, 300 mm Hg, 400 mm Hg, 450 mm Hg, 500 mm Hg, 550 mm Hg, 600 mm Hg, 700 mm Hg, etc. In alternative embodiments, the pressure at the nozzle assembly 120 can be less than 200 mm Hg or greater than 700 mm Hg. The amount of vacuum pressure used can be chosen by a clinician based on the size of the graft, the size of the transfer tube 115, the particular atmospheric conditions, the preference of the clinician, etc.

[43] In some embodiments, the vacuum source is configured to provide an amount of airflow. In some instances, the airflow is a measure of the pulling capacity of the graft implantation module 100. In such embodiments, the vacuum source can be configured to provide 5 liters per minute (Lpm). In alternative embodiments, the vacuum source can provide more or less airflow than 5 Lpm. For example, the vacuum source can be configured to provide 1 Lpm, 2 Lpm, 3 Lpm, 4 Lpm, 4.5 Lpm, 5.5 Lpm, 6 Lpm, 7 Lpm, 8 Lpm, 9 Lpm, etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 has an inside diameter of 1.0 mm and a flow rate of 10 Lpm is sufficient to suction a graft with a diameter of about 1.0 mm into the transfer tube 115. The amount of airflow used can be selected by a clinician and can depend on the type of tissue, the size and weight of the graft, the size of the transfer tube 115, etc. For example, a clinician may use a higher airflow for a large transfer tube 115 than for a small transfer tube 115. [44] The vacuum pressure can be used to suction a harvested graft into a lumen of the transfer tube 115. In some instances, a clinician can orient a graft to be suitably suctioned into the transfer tube 115. For example, the clinician can use his or her hands, gloves, tweezers, etc. to manipulate the graft. In such an example, the clinician may manipulate the graft by grasping hair extending from the graft. In another example, the grafts can be placed on a tray. The tip of the graft implantation module 100 can be placed near a graft on the tray, and the graft can be suctioned into the transfer tube 115. In alternative embodiments, any suitable method of suctioning the graft into the transfer tube 115 can be used. In an illustrative embodiment in which the grafts include hair follicles, the portion of the graft with the hair extending therefrom enters the needle first. Thus, as the hair follicles are expelled into a hole in the skin, the hair sticks out from the skin.

[45] The transfer tube 115 illustrated in Figs. 1A and IB are cylindrical with a circular cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the grafts inserted into the transfer tube 115 can be cylindrical in shape. In alternative embodiments, the grafts can have a square or rectangular shape. In such embodiments, the transfer tube 115 can have a corresponding square or rectangular shape. The tip of the transfer tube 115 can have a bevel tip. In such embodiments, the angle of the bevel of the tip can range between 0° and 45°. For example, the angle of the bevel of the transfer tube 115 can be 0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 35°, 40°, 45°, etc. In alternative embodiments, the bevel can have an angle greater than 45°. In an illustrative embodiment, the tip of the transfer tube 115 does not have a bevel and has an angle of 90°. Although Figs. 1A and IB illustrate the tip of the transfer tube 115 located at the bottom of the transfer tube 115, in alternative embodiments, the tip of the transfer tube 115 can be located at any suitable position around the transfer tube 115. In an illustrative embodiment, the geometry of the transfer tube 115 (e.g., angle, location of the tip, thickness, diameter, etc.) can be chosen to optimize the insertion force and to minimize friction between the transfer tube 115 and the skin of the recipient.

[46] After the graft is suctioned into the transfer tube 115, but before the graft is placed in the transplant location, the vacuum applied to the transfer tube 115 can be turned off or otherwise deactivated such that there is (little or) no suction at the tip of the transfer tube 115 (e.g., where the graft is). In some instances, turning off the vacuum is done manually by a clinician, such as by actuating a valve, operating a vacuum control panel, etc. In alternative embodiments, one or more bleeder holes (e.g., vacuum bleeder hole 605) can be used to automatically turn off vacuum pressure at the transfer tube 115, as discussed in more detail below. In alternative embodiments, any suitable method is used to deactivate suction from the transfer tube 115 as (or before) the graft is being pushed out of the transfer tube 115. [47] The tip of the transfer tube 115 can be used to create a puncture hole in the scalp (or any other suitable location) of the recipient. The knob 125 can be depressed, and the graft is ejected from the transfer tube 115 into the puncture hole of the scalp. The device ejects the graft to a depth proportional to the actuation of the knob by the clinician, thereby allowing the clinician to control the depth of the implantation. The tip of the transfer tube 115 is removed from the puncture hole, leaving the graft in the puncture hole.

[48] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The graft implantation module 100 includes the left half of the housing 105, the right half of the housing 110, the transfer tube 115, the nozzle assembly 120, the knob 125, a pusher assembly 130, a pusher 135, a transfer tube holder 140, a dynamic seal 145, a compression spring 150, a dynamic seal 155, a pivot pin 160, a roller pin 165, and a cam roller 170. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. [49] The left half of the housing 105 and the right half of the housing 110 have internal structures to fix and/or support the various elements housed within the assembled left half of the housing 105 and right half of the housing 110. The transfer tube 115, the transfer tube holder 140, and the nozzle assembly 120 are fixed in relation to the left half of the housing 105 and the right half of the housing 110. The pusher assembly 130 and the pusher 135 move along a lateral direction that extends from the transfer tube 115 to the nozzle assembly 120. The transfer tube 115 is mounted to an end of the transfer tube holder 140.

[50] Figs. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the assembled graft implantation module 100. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the graft implantation module in a deactivated state in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the graft implantation module in an activated state in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

[51] Figs. 4A and 4B are illustrations of a transfer tube assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 4A is an isometric view of the transfer tube assembly, and Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the transfer tube assembly. The transfer tube holder 140 includes an anti-rotation feature 405 and a groove 410. The transfer tube 115 includes a transfer tube lumen 415. The anti-rotation feature 405 can be used to secure the transfer tube holder 140 (and the transfer tube 115) from rotating. For example, one or more internal structures (e.g., ribs) of the left half of the housing 105 and right half of the housing 110 abut the anti- rotation feature 405, thereby preventing the transfer tube holder 140 from rotating.

[52] Figs. 5A and 5B are illustrations of a pusher assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodimentFig. 5A is an isometric view of the pusher assembly pusher assembly 130, and Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the pusher assembly 130. The pusher assembly 130 includes the pusher 135, a back end 505, a cam surface 510, and a front end 515. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Fig. 6 is an illustration of a pusher assembly with a vacuum bleed hole in accordance with an illustrative embodimentFig. 6 is a cut-away isometric view of the pusher assembly 130. The pusher assembly 130 includes the pusher 135, the back end 505, a vacuum bleeder hole 605, and one or more through holes 610. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[53] As illustrated in Fig. 5B, the pusher 135 is attached co-axially with a lumen on the front end 515 of the pusher 135. The back end 505 includes a lumen that is fluidly connected to the nozzle assembly 120. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the pusher assembly 130 includes through holes 610 that fluidly connect the lumen at the front end 515 and the back end 505 of the pusher assembly 130. As described in greater detail below, vacuum pressure from the nozzle assembly 120 is transferred through the lumen in theback end 505 to the transfer tube 115. In some embodiments, the pusher assembly 130 includes a vacuum bleeder hole 605 that can be used to relieve the vacuum pressure in the back end 505 (and the tip of transfer tube 115).

[54] Figs. 7A and 7B are illustrations of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 7A is an isometric view of the nozzle assembly 120, and Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly 120. The nozzle assembly 120 includes a lumen 705, a groove 710, a positioning feature 715, an anti-rotation feature 720, and a nozzle 725. The nozzle 725 is configured to attach to a vacuum source. Although the nozzle 725 is illustrated as having a barbed fitting, in alternative embodiments, any suitable connection for connecting a vacuum tube to the graft implantation module 100 may be used. For example, a threaded fitting, a snap connection, a quick disconnect, etc. may be used.

[55] Referring back to Fig. 2, the dynamic seal 145 can fit into the groove 410. The front end of the pusher assembly 130 slides over the surface of the transfer tube holder 140. In alternative embodiments, the pusher assembly 130 slides within the transfer tube holder 140. The dynamic seal 145 is between the transfer tube holder 140 and the pusher assembly 130 and seals the lumen at the front end of the pusher assembly 130 with the transfer tube lumen 415. The compression spring 150 is between the transfer tube holder 140 and the pusher assembly 130 such that the compression spring 150 exerts a force against the pusher assembly 130 in a rearward direction. The transfer tube holder 140 is fixed in relation to the left half of the housing 105 and the right half of the housing 110, while the pusher assembly 130 can slide towards the front and back ends of the graft implantation module 100.

[56] The pusher 135 slides within the transfer tube 115 and the transfer tube holder 140 (e.g., within transfer tube lumen 415). Thus, as the pusher assembly 130 (to which the pusher 135 is attached) slides back and forth, the pusher 135 moves back and forth within the transfer tube lumen 415, which can hold a graft for implantation. Thus, when the pusher 135 is towards the back end of the graft implantation module 100, a graft can fit within the transfer tube lumen 415. As the pusher 135 moves towards the front end of the graft implantation module 100, the pusher 135 pushes the graft out of the transfer tube lumen 415 (and into a puncture hole in the scalp of the graft recipient). [57] In some embodiments, the pusher 135 extends fully to the tip of the transfer tube 115. In alternative embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 3B, the tip of the transfer tube 115 extends beyond the end of the pusher 135 when the pusher 135 is fully extended. The length that the transfer tube 115 extends beyond the pusher 135 can be determined based on the desired thickness of the skin layer of the graft. The skin layer of the graft can range from about 0.1 millimeters (mm) to about 1.0 mm. For example, the skin layer of the graft can be 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, etc. In alternative embodiments, the skin layer of the graft can be thinner than 0.1 mm or thicker than 1.0 mm. In some instances, it is preferred that the skin layer of the graft is positioned above the scalp surface at the recipient site after implantation. Accordingly, the end of the pusher 135 can be the thickness of the skin layer of the graft away from the tip of the transfer tube 115 when the pusher 135 is fully extended. In an example, the thickness of the skin layer of the graft is 0.5 mm. When fully extended, the end of the pusher 135 is 0.5 mm away from the tip of the transfer tube 115. In embodiments in which a sheath covers the transfer tube 115, the end of the sheath can be flush (e.g., coplanar) with the end of the transfer tube 115.

[58] The dynamic seal 155 can fit within thegroove 710 of the nozzle assembly 120. The back end 505 of the pusher assembly 130 slides over the outside surface of the nozzle assembly 120 and slides over the dynamic seal 155. Although Fig. 2 illustrates the pusher assembly 130 sliding over the nozzle assembly 120, in alternative embodiments, the pusher assembly 130 can slide within the nozzle assembly 120. The dynamic seal 155 is between the nozzle assembly 120 and the back end 505 of the pusher assembly 130 and seals the lumen 705 with the hollow portion of the pusher assembly 130 (and the transfer tube lumen 415).

[59] As illustrated in Fig. 5B, the front end 515 and the back end 505 each include a lumen wide enough to receive the transfer tube holder 140 and the nozzle assembly 120, respectively. The lumens of the front end 515 and the back end 505 are long enough such that the pusher assembly 130 can slide along the transfer tube holder 140 and the nozzle assembly 120, respectively, while the dynamic seal 145 and the dynamic seal 155 maintain contact with the front end 515 and the back end 505 through the entire range of motion of the pusher assembly 130. Thus, regardless of the position of the pusher assembly 130, the lumen 705, the through holes 610, and the transfer tube lumen 415 are fluidly connected and form a sealed chamber through which vacuum pressure of the vacuum source passes. That is, when vacuum pressure is applied to the nozzle assembly 120, vacuum pressure exists at the tip of transfer tube transfer tube 115, which can be used to suction a graft into the transfer tube lumen 415.

[60] The dynamic seal 145 and dynamic seal 155 can be any suitable type of seal. For example, the dynamic seal 145 and dynamic seal 155can be O-rings. In alternative embodiments, the dynamic seal 145 and dynamic seal 155 can include gaskets, clamps, etc. The dynamic seal 145 and dynamic seal 155 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the seals 1030 can be made of biocompatible materials such as Buna-N (Nitrile), ethylene-propylene, silicone, polyurethane, neoprene, one or more fluorocarbon materials, etc.

[61] Referring back to Figs. 3A and 3B, the knob 125 is used to move the pusher assembly 130 back and forth within the graft implantation module 100. In alternative embodiments, any suitable actuatorcan be used to move the pusher assembly 130. For example, an alternative actuator can include a lever, a sliding knob, a rotating knob, a button, etc. In some embodiments, the actuator can include an electronic/electrical control to actuate the pusher assembly. As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the knob 125 is secured to the left half of the housing 105 and the right half of the housing 110 via the pivot pin 160. The knob 125 can rotate about the pivot pin 160. The roller pin 165 holds the cam roller 170 at an end of the knob 125. The cam roller 170 can spin about the roller pin 165. The cam roller 170 rolls along the cam surface 510 of the pusher assembly 130 as the knob 125 is depressed and released. As the groove 710 rolls along the cam surface 510, the pusher assembly 130 moves back and forth. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 2, 3A, and 3B, as the knob 125 is depressed, the cam roller 170 presses against the cam surface 510 and causes the pusher assembly 130 to move towards the front end of the graft implantation module 100 (i.e., the end with the transfer tube 115), thereby pushing the pusher 135 (within the transfer tube lumen 415) towards the end of the transfer tube 115 and compressing the compression spring 150. As the knob 125 is released, the compression spring 150 pushes the pusher assembly 130 towards the back end of the graft implantation module 100.

[62] The various components of the graft implantation module 100 can be made of any suitable materials. For example, the various components can be made of bio-compatible materials such as plastic, rubber, metal, glass, etc. For example, such substances include thermoplastics, polycarbonate, polyurethane, poly ethylene, poly phenyl sulphone, nylon, stainless steel, glass, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), ceramic, etc. Other such substances can be composite materials such as glass reinforced plastic, carbon composites, etc.

[63] In an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 is made of, for example, stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 is transparent (or translucent). For example, the transfer tube 115 can be made of transparent polycarbonate or glass. The transparency of the transfer tube 115 can allow a clinician to view the graft when the graft is in the transfer tube 115 and as the graft is pushed into a puncture hole in the skin of the recipient. For example, the clinician can use the transparency of the transfer tube 115 to determine how deep in the skin the graft is. In some embodiments, the transfer tube 115 includes graduated markings that are used to indicate the length of the graft, the depth of the transfer tube 115, etc.

[64] In an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 is made of a thin material. Using a thin material for the transfer tube 115 allows the puncture hole in the scalp (in which the graft is placed) to be close to the size of the graft. That is, the thicker that the transfer tube 115 is, the larger the puncture hole in the scalp is so that the transfer tube 115 with the graft can fit within the puncture hole. Additionally, the thicker that the transfer tube 115 is, the larger the scar tissue formed around the graft will be after the graft heals. The larger that the puncture hole is, the looser the graft sits in the puncture hole and the greater the chances that the transplantation will fail.

[65] Accordingly, a thin transfer tube 115 allows the transfer tube 115 and the graft to be placed in the puncture hole and, when the transfer tube 115 is removed, the graft snugly fits in the puncture hole. The relatively thin wall of the transfer tube 115, the sharpness of the tip of the transfer tube 115, and the geometry of the transfer tube 115 can be chosen to optimize (e.g., reduce) the entry force for making a slit in the skin. The transfer tube 115 can be thick enough that the transfer tube 115 does not easily collapse or bend. In an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 (e.g., made of stainless steel) is between 100 micrometers (μηι) and 200 μηι thick. For example, the transfer tube 115 can be 100 μηι, 110 μηι, 120 μηι, 130 μηι, 140 μηι, 150 μηι, 160 μηι, 170 μηι, 180 μηι, 190 μηι, 200 μηι, etc. thick. In alternative embodiments, the transfer tube 115 is thinner than 100 μηι or thicker than 200 μηι. In some embodiments, such as those in which the transfer tube 115 is made of a material other than stainless steel, the hardness and strength of the material that the transfer tube 115 is made of can be used to determine the thickness of the transfer tube 115.

[66] In some embodiments, the end of the transfer tube 115 is sharpened and pointed, as illustrated in Figs. 1A and IB. The end of the sharpened transfer tube 115 can be used to make the puncture hole in which the graft is placed. For example, a graft is loaded into the end of the transfer tube 115. The end of the transfer tube 115 is pushed into the skin of a recipient, thereby creating the puncture hole. While the transfer tube 115 is still in the puncture hole that the transfer tube 115 created, the graft is pushed out of the transfer tube 115 while the transfer tube 115 is being pulled out of the puncture hole. Thus, when the graft is fully expelled from the transfer tube 115, the graft is left in the puncture hole in the recipient for healing.

[67] By using the tip of the transfer tube 115 to create the slit that the graft is (immediately) placed into, the graft has an increased chance of survival. When a puncture is created in the skin of the recipient, fresh blood oozes out of the skin. The blood contains nutrients for tissue-tissue bonding between the recipient's skin and the graft. Fresh blood in the puncture also acts as a lubricant for smooth insertion of the graft with little resistance. Thus, in some instances, using the transfer tube 115 to create the puncture hole has benefits over using a separate device to create the puncture holes. For example, if another instrument is used to create the puncture hole, the blood in the puncture hole can begin to clot before the graft is inserted into the puncture hole. Clotting of the blood before the graft is transplanted delays the healing of the graft and the graft can meet resistance to entering the puncture hole. [68] In alternative embodiments, the puncture hole can be formed using any suitable method. For example, a separate instrument (e.g., a needle) can be used to create puncture holes in the skin of the recipient, into which the grafts are placed. In such embodiments, the transfer tube 115 can be sharpened, as described above. In alternative embodiments, the end of the transfer tube 115 can be blunt.

[69] The inside diameter of the transfer tube 115 can depend on the size of the grafts. In an illustrative embodiment, the inside diameter of the transfer tube 115 is the same as the diameter of the grafts. In an alternative embodiment, the inside diameter of the transfer tube 115 is slightly larger than the diameter of the grafts. For example, the inside diameter of the transfer tube transfer tube 115 can be 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc. larger than the diameter of the grafts. In alternative embodiments, the transfer tube 115 can be greater than 10% larger than the diameter of the graft. [70] The diameter of the grafts depends on the size of the punch of the graft extraction module (or other method/tool used to harvest the graft). In illustrative embodiments, the grafts can be from 0.8 mm in diameter to 1.2 mm in diameter. For example, the diameter of the grafts can be 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, etc. In alternative embodiments, the grafts can be less than 0.8 mm in diameter or greater than 1.2 mm in diameter. The size of the punch can be chosen by the clinician. For example, the size of the punch used can depend on the diameter of the hair. For thin strands of hair, a smaller size punch may be used (e.g., 0.6 mm). Similarly, for thick strands of hair, a larger size punch may be used (e.g., 1.2 mm). [71] As noted above, air is suctioned from the tip of the transfer tube 115, through the graft implantation module 100 and into the vacuum source (e.g., at a particular flow rate). The pusher 135 is in the transfer tube lumen 415 of the transfer tube 115. Accordingly, air travels between the pusher 135 and the transfer tube 115. However, the pusher 135 is also used to push grafts out of the transfer tube 115. Accordingly, the pusher 135 is large enough to push the graft, but small enough that air can flow around the pusher 135. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 115 has an inside diameter of 0.911 mm. In alternative embodiments, the outside diameter of the transfer tube 115 is greater than or less than 0.911 mm, as discussed above. In an illustrative embodiment, the inside diameters of the transfer tube 115 and the transfer tube holder 140 are the same. In such an embodiment, the gap between the transfer tube 115 and the pusher 135 towards the tip of the transfer tube 115 is 0.211 mm and the gap between the transfer tube 115 and the pusher 135 in the middle portion of the transfer tube 115 and/or transfer tube holder 140 is 0.5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the gap between the transfer tube 115 and the pusher 135 towards the tip of the transfer tube 115 can be greater than or less than 0.211 mm and the gap between the transfer tube 115 and the pusher 135 in the middle portion of the transfer tube 115 and/or transfer tube holder 140 can be greater than or less than 0.5 mm. In alternative embodiments, the gap between the transfer tube 115 and the pusher 135 is consistent throughout the length of the transfer tube 115 and/or the transfer tube holder 140 and/or the pusher 135.

[72] In some embodiments, a removable, protective tip can cover the transfer tube 115. Figs. 8A and 8B are illustrations of a graft implantation module with a protective tip in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A protective tip 805 can be placed over the transfer tube 115. The protective tip 805 can be removed and/or reused. The protective tip 805 can be made of any suitable material, such as nylon, rubber, polycarbonate, etc. The protective tip 805 can be any suitable shape and is not necessarily limited to the shape illustrated in Figs. 8A and 8B.

[73] Fig. 9 is an illustration of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. A graft implantation module 900 can be used as an alternative to the graft implantation module 100. Fig. 10 is an exploded view of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The graft implantation module 900 includes a left half of the housing 905, a right half of the housing 910, a transfer tube 915, a nozzle assembly 920, a knob 925, a retractor assembly 930, a pusher 935, a compression spring 950, a seal 955, and a pivot pin 960. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[74] Similar to the graft implantation module 100, the nozzle assembly 920 can be attached to a vacuum source to apply vacuum to the tip of the transfer tube 915. The knob 925 of the graft implantation module 900 can be depressed, thereby retracting the retractor assembly 930 (and the pusher 935) such that a graft can be loaded into the transfer tube 915. A portion of the retractor assembly 930 (e.g., the front end) surrounds the transfer tube 915 as a sheath for the transfer tube 915. When the knob 925 is depressed, the retractor assembly 930 unsheaths the transfer tube 915, exposing the outside surface of the transfer tube 915.

[75] A graft can be suctioned into the transfer tube 115. After the graft is loaded into the transfer tube 915, but before the graft is expelled from the transfer tube 915 into the recipient site, the vacuum pressure can be deactivated from the tip of the transfer tube 915 (where the graft is expelled from). The tip of the transfer tube 915, with the graft in the lumen of the transfer tube 915, can be inserted into a puncture hole in the skin of the recipient site (or the transfer tube 915 can create the puncture hole). The tip of the transfer tube 915 can be inserted to a depth such that the tip of the retractor assembly 930 rests on the skin of the recipient site. Thus, both the tip of the retractor assembly 930 and the pusher 935 remain at (or just above) the skin of the recipient site. As the knob 925 is released, with reference to the tip of the retractor assembly 930, the transfer tube 915 is backed out of the puncture hole, leaving the graft within the puncture hole.

[76] As noted above, the retractor assembly 930 surrounds and slides over the transfer tube 915. When the knob 925 is not depressed, the front end of the transfer tube 915 is covered (e.g., sheathed) by the retractor assembly 930. When the knob 925 is depressed, the front end of the transfer tube 915 is exposed by the retractor assembly 930, permitting the tip of the transfer tube 915 to be inserted into the puncture hole in the skin of the recipient. While the transfer tube 915 is still in the puncture hole, the knob 925 can be released. As the knob 925 is released, the retractor assembly 930 slides over the outer surface of the transfer tube 915. The end of the retractor assembly 930 will contact the surface of the skin around the puncture hole. The distance from the end of the transfer tube 915 to the end of the retractor assembly 930 when the retractor assembly 930 is fully retracted can be selected to the proper depth that the graft will be transplanted in the skin.

[77] After the retractor assembly 930 contacts the surface of the skin and the knob 925 is still being released, the retractor assembly 930 will continue to slide over the transfer tube 915 until the retractor assembly 930 covers the end of the transfer tube 915. Because the retractor assembly 930 is still contacting the skin, the transfer tube 915 retracts from the puncture hole. As the transfer tube 915 retracts from the puncture hole, the graft is pushed out of the transfer tube 915. Thus, the graft is pushed out of the transfer tube 915 at the same rate that the transfer tube 915 retracts from the puncture hole. Thus, when the knob 925 is fully released and the retractor assembly 930 fully covers the transfer tube 915, the graft is left in the puncture hole. Use of the retractor assembly 930 to contact the skin and control the rate at which the transfer tube 915 is pulled out of the puncture hole (e.g., at the same rate that the graft is pushed out of the transfer tube 915) is relatively easy for a clinician (especially for a clinician with little or no experience) to make the transplant and/or learn to use the graft implantation module 900, thereby resulting in fewer mistakes, more consistency, and a higher transplant success rate. [78] Referring again to Fig. 10, the pusher 935 slides into the transfer tube 915. Once the graft implantation module 900 is assembled, the transfer tube 915 is stationary with respect to the left half of the housing 905 and the right half of the housing 910, but the pusher 935 can slide back and forth within the transfer tube 915. The back end (i.e., the upper right-hand side of Fig. 10) of the transfer tube 915 is fixed to the nozzle assembly 920. The back end of the pusher 935 has a piece that protrudes upward. The upward protrusion of the pusher 935 illustrated in Fig. 10 is made by bending the end of the pusher 935 to be perpendicular to the front end of the pusher 935 (i.e., the end that slides into the transfer tube 915). In alternative embodiments, the upward protrusion of the pusher 935 is made in any suitable fashion, such as by welding or otherwise affixing a piece to the end of the pusher 935, by molding the pusher 935, etc.

[79] The nozzle assembly 920 has a slit in the front end of the nozzle assembly 920 into which the upward protrusion of the pusher 935 slides. Although the slit in the nozzle assembly 920 is illustrated as being on the top side of the nozzle assembly 920, the slit can be in any suitable position. Thus, when the pusher 935 is slid into the transfer tube 915 and the transfer tube 915 is mounted to the nozzle assembly 920, the pusher 935 can slide back and forth within the transfer tube 915 and the slit in the nozzle assembly 920.

[80] Figs. 11A-11D are illustrations of a graft implantation module in states of activation and deactivation in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Figs. 11A and 11B illustrate the graft implantation module 900 in a deactivated state, and Figs. 11C and 11D illustrate the graft implantation module 900 in the activated state. Figs. 11A and 11C are views of the left side of the graft implantation module 900 without left half of the housing 905, and Figs. 11B and 11D are cross-sectional views of the graft implantation module 900. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[81] Figs. 12A and 12B are illustrations of a transfer tube and pusher assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 12A is an isometric view, and Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[82] As illustrated in Figs. 12A and 12B, the upward protrusion of the pusher 935 extends beyond the outer surface of the nozzle assembly 920. The portion that extends beyond the outer surface of the nozzle assembly 920 is inserted into the hole 931 of the retractor assembly 930. Thus, the pusher 935 is axially fixed to the retractor assembly 930. That is, the pusher 935 and the retractor assembly 930 slide back and forth together. As shown in Figs. 11B and 11D, in an embodiment, the pusher 935 and the retractor assembly 930 extend in the forward direction by the same amount. That is, the front end of the pusher 935 is even with the front end of the retractor assembly 930. In alternative embodiments, the front end of the pusher 935 extends beyond the front end of the retractor assembly 930. In yet other embodiments, the front end of the retractor assembly 930 extends beyond the front end of the pusher 935.

[83] As illustrated in Fig. 11B, in an illustrative embodiment, the ends of the pusher 935 and the retractor assembly 930 are flush with the end of the transfer tube 915. In alternative embodiments, the ends of the pusher 935 and/or the retractor assembly 930 extend beyond the end of the transfer tube 915. In some embodiments, the end of the transfer tube 915 extends beyond the ends of the pusher 935 and/or the retractor assembly 930.

[84] The back end of the retractor assembly 930 slides over a portion of the nozzle assembly 920. In an alternative embodiment, the nozzle assembly 920 slides over the retractor assembly 930. The seal 955 is between the nozzle assembly 920 and the retractor assembly 930. The seal 955 seals the lumen through the nozzle assembly 920 and the retractor assembly 930 such that vacuum pressure applied at the back end of the nozzle assembly 920 transfers to the front end of the transfer tube 915.

[85] The knob 925 is fixed to the left half of the housing 905 and the right half of the housing 910 via the pivot pin 960. The knob 925 can spin about the pivot pin 960. The knob 925 contacts the cam surface 1110 of the retractor assembly 930. The compression spring 950 applies a force between the left half of the housing 905 (and/or the right half of the housing 910) and the retractor assembly 930 that pushes the retractor assembly 930 towards the front end of the graft implantation module 900. As the knob 925 is depressed, the retractor assembly 930 is forced towards the back end of the graft implantation module 900 and compresses the compression spring 950. When the knob 925 is depressed, the front end of the transfer tube 915 is exposed, and the lumen within the transfer tube 915 is open (i.e., the end of the pusher 935 is retracted from the end of the transfer tube 915). When the knob 925 is depressed, vacuum pressure can be applied to the end of the transfer tube 915, which can be used to suction a graft into the end of the transfer tube 915. The vacuum at the end of the transfer tube 915 is deactivated and the knob 925 is released, thereby pushing the graft out of the transfer tube 915.

[86] In some instances, a graft implantation module usedfor a hair transplant procedure of a patient may transplant dozens or hundreds of grafts. During the procedure, the tip of the transfer tube, which is used to produce puncture holes in the skin of patients, may become dull (or less sharp than it was when new). If the clinician wants to replace the transfer tube with a different, sharper transfer tube (or a differently sized transfer tube), it is beneficial to provide a convenient way to change the transfer tube, for example, during the transplant procedure. The graft implantation module 1300 discussed below provides a convenient way to quickly change the transfer tube.

[87] Figs. 13A and 13B are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 13A is an isometric view of a graft implantation module 1300 in a deactivated state, and Fig. 13B is an isometric view of the graft implantation module 900 in the activated state. Figs. 14A and 14B are exploded views of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 14B is an exploded view of the graft implantation module 900 that is partially assembled.

[88] The graft implantation module 1300 has a transfer tube 1315 that is easily replaceable. The nose 1375 surrounds the transfer tube 1315 and acts as a sheath for the transfer tube 1315 (similar to the sheath of the implantation module 900). The nose 1375 is also easily replaceable. An illustrative graft implantation module 1300 includes a left half of the housing 1305, a right half of the housing 1310, the transfer tube 1315, a nozzle assembly 1320, a knob 1325, a cam shaft actuator assembly 1330, a pusher rod 1335, a transfer tube holder 1340, a dynamic seal 1345, a compression spring 1350, a dynamic seal 1355, a pivot pin 1360, a roller pin 1365, a cam roller 1370, and a nose 1375. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[89] The graft implantation module 1300 can be used in a similar manner as the graft implantation module 100 and the graft implantation module 900. As the knob 1325 is depressed, the transfer tube 1315 is exposed and a lumen of the transfer tube 1315 is opened. Suction, provided by a vacuum hose attached to the nozzle assembly 1320, can be used to accept a graft into the lumen of the transfer tube 1315. The tip of the transfer tube 1315 can be used to create a puncture hole in the skin of a recipient. As the knob 1325 is released, the suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1315 is deactivated, and the graft is pushed out. As the knob 1325 is released, the nose 1375 also moves towards the end of the transfer tube 1315 and can be used to control the withdrawal of the transfer tube 1315 from the puncture hole in the skin as the graft is simultaneously pushed out of the transfer tube 1315.

[90] Attached to the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 is a pusher rod 1335. The cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 and the pusher rod 1335 move together in relation to the left half of the housing 1305 and the right half of the housing 1310. The dynamic seal 1345 is placed on the front end of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 to create a seal between the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 and the nose 1375. Although thedynamic seal 1345 is illustrated as an O-ring, any suitable sealing mechanism may be used.

[91] The nozzle assembly 1320 is fixed in relation to the left half of the housing 1305 and the right half of the housing 1310. The front end of the nozzle assembly 1320 is passed through a center lumen of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 and extends beyond the front end of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330. Thus, the back end of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 slides over a portion of the nozzle assembly 1320. The compression spring 1350 is located between the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 and a portion of the left half of the housing 1305 and/or the right half of the housing 1310 to apply a force to push the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 towards the front end of the graft implantation module 1300.

[92] The knob 1325 is fixed to the right half of the housing 1310 and the left half of the housing 1305 via the pivot pin 1360. The knob 1325 can rotate about the pivot pin 1360. The cam roller 1370 is held between two tabs of the knob 1325 with the roller pin 1365. The cam roller 1370 can roll along a cam surface of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 (as illustrated in Figs. 17A and 17B). The above-described assembly of the graft implantation module 1300 comprises the sub-assembly illustrated in Fig. 14B. [93] Fig. 15 is an illustration of a nose in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The nose 1375 includes threads 1505 along the inside surface of the back end (i.e., the bottom right of Fig. 15). The threads 1505 are configured to engage threads and/or a thread receiver on the front end of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330. In alternative embodiments, the nose 1375 can have additional, fewer, and/or different elements. For example, instead of threads 1505, in alternative embodiments, the nose 1375 can include any suitable structure for attaching the nose 1375 to the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330, such as via a clip, a snap, etc.

[94] Fig. 16A is an illustration of a transfer tube holder in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 16B is an illustration of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The front end of the transfer tube holder 1340 (i.e., the bottom left of Fig. 16A) is configured to securely receive the transfer tube 1315. The back end of the transfer tube holder 1340 (i.e., the top right of Fig. 16A) is configured to be removably attached to the front end of the nozzle assembly 1320 via the locking feature 1610. Similarly, the front end of the nozzle assembly 1320 is configured to removably attach to the back end of the transfer tube holder 1340 via the locking feature 1605. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 16A and 16B, the locking feature 1605 clips into the locking feature 1610. In alternative embodiments, any suitable method for removably attaching the nozzle assembly 1320 and the nozzle assembly 1320 may be used. For example, a different style clip, a snap, threads, etc. may be used.

[95] The transfer tube 1315, which is mounted to the transfer tube holder 1340, and the nose 1375 can easily be attached, detached, re-attached, and replaced from the sub-assembly illustrated in Fig. 14B. The transfer tube 1315 slides over the pusher rod 1335 such that the pusher rod 1335 extends through a lumen of the transfer tube 1315. The transfer tube holder 1340 attaches to the front end of the nozzle assembly 1320. The nose 1375 covers the transfer tube 1315 and the transfer tube holder 1340 and attaches to the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330.

[96] Figs. 17A and 17B are illustrations of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Fig. 17A illustrates the graft implantation module 1300 in the deactivated state, and Fig. 17B illustrates the graft implantation module 1300 in the activated state. As illustrated in Fig. 17A, when the knob 1325 is not depressed, the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 does not contact the dynamic seal 1355. Accordingly, when the knob 1325 is not depressed, there is not a seal between the nozzle assembly 1320 and the cam shaft actuator assembly cam shaft actuator assembly 1330, and air can travel through the nozzle assembly 1320 from within the housing. That is, when the knob 1325 is not depressed, there is not vacuum pressure at the tip of the transfer tube 1315. In some instances, there may be some vacuum pressure at the tip of the transfer tube 1315 when the knob 1325 is not depressed, but the pressure at the tip of the transfer tube 1315 is relatively weak.

[97] As the knob 1325 is depressed, the cam roller 1370 causes the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 to move in a rearward direction. When the knob 1325 is fully depressed, the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330 contacts the dynamic seal 1355 and there is a seal between the nozzle assembly 1320 and the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330. Thus, vacuum pressure from the nozzle assembly 1320 travels through a lumen of the nozzle assembly 1320, through a lumen of the cam shaft actuator assembly 1330, and through the transfer tube 1315. Accordingly, when the knob 1325 is fully depressed, there is suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1315. But when the knob 1325 is not fully depressed (e.g., as the knob 1325 is being released and when the knob 1325 is fully released), there is no suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1315. [98] Accordingly, a clinician using the graft implantation module 1300 does not need to separately control the vacuum pressure at the tip of the transfer tube 1315. That is, using the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 17A and 17B, suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1315 is automatically controlled by the depression and/or release of the knob 1325. Automation of the suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1315 relieves the clinician from having to keep track of and continually adjust the vacuum. By reducing the number of things a clinician must monitor, keep track of, control, etc., a transplantation procedure can become more efficient, have fewer mistakes, and be easier to learn and master.

[99] Fig. 18 is an illustration of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. An exploded view of a graft implantation module 1800 is illustrated in Fig. 18. An illustrative graft implantation module 1800 includes a left half of the housing 1805, a right half of the housing 1810, a transfer tube 1815, a nozzle assembly 1820, a knob 1825, a pusher assembly 1830, a pusher 1835, a transfer tube holder 1840, a dynamic seal 1845, a compression spring 1850, a dynamic seal 1855, a pivot pin 1860, a roller pin 1865, a cam roller 1870, a suction nose 1880, and a protective tip 805. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used.

[100] In an illustrative embodiment, the pusher assembly 1830 is the pusher assembly 130 illustrated in Fig. 6. Attached to the pusher assembly 1830 is the pusher 1835. Thus, the pusher assembly 1830 and the pusher 1835 move together within the left half of the housing 1805 and right half of the housing 1810. The dynamic seal 1845 fits within the groove 1885 at the front end of the pusher assembly 1830. The dynamic seal 1845 is used to create a seal between the pusher assembly 1830 and the suction nose 1880. The suction nose 1880 can slide over the outside surface of the pusher assembly 1830. The pusher 1835 slides within the center of the suction nose 1880 and a lumen of the transfer tube 1815. The compression spring 1850 surrounds the pusher 1835 and pushes against the pusher assembly 1830 and the suction nose 1880. [101] Figs. 19A-19C are side-views of a graft implantation module in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Figs. 19A and 19C are cross-sectional views of the graft implantation module graft implantation module 1800, and Fig. 19B is a side view of the graft implantation module 1800 without the left half of the housing 1805. Fig. 19A illustrates the graft implantation module 1800 in the deactivated state, and Figs. 19B and 19C illustrates the graft implantation module 1800 in the activated state. In the deactivated state, suction is applied to the tip of the transfer tube 1815 (e.g., to load a graft into the transfer tube lumen 2015). In the deactivated state, suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1815 is automatically removed such that there is no suction at the tip of the transfer tube 1815, and the pusher assembly 1830 fully extends to the tip of the transfer tube 1815 such that the graft loaded in the transfer tube 1815 is pushed out.

[102] Figs. 20A-20D are illustrations of a suction nose and transfer tube in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Fig. 20A is an isometric view of the suction nose 1880 and transfer tube 1815 assembled together, Fig. 20B is an exploded view illustrating how the transfer tube 1815 is fitted to the suction nose 1880, Fig. 20C is a cut-away view of the suction nose 1880 and transfer tube 1815 assembled showing how the transfer tube 1815 fits within the suction nose 1880, and Fig. 20D is a cross-sectional view illustrating the airflow through the tip of the transfer tube 1815 and through the graft implantation module 1800.

[103] Figs. 21A and 22B are illustrations of a transfer tube and transfer tube holder in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Fig. 21A is an isometric view of the transfer tube 1815 fitted in the transfer tube holder 1840, and Fig. 21B is an exploded view illustrating how the transfer tube 1815 fits within the transfer tube holder 1840. The transfer tube 1815 includes two vacuum ports 2005. For example, the transfer tube 1815 includes one of the vacuum ports 2005 on a top surface of the transfer tube 1815, as illustrated in Figs. 21A and 21B, and one of the vacuum ports 2005 on the opposite side of the transfer tube 1815 (the view of the second of the vacuum ports 2005is obscured in Figs. 21A and 21B). The transfer tube 1815 can be securely fit into the transfer tube holder 1840. The transfer tube 1815 and the transfer tube holder 1840 can be made of any suitable materials, such as nylon, polycarbonate, stainless steel, etc. In an illustrative embodiment, the transfer tube 1815 is made of stainless steel and the transfer tube holder 1840 is made of polycarbonate.

[104] Referring back to Figs. 20A-20D, the transfer tube 1815 and the transfer tube holder 1840 can fit securely within the transfer tube 1815. As shown in Fig. 20B, the front end of the transfer tube 1815 is inserted into the back end of the suction nose 1880 and, when assembled, can protrude through the front end of the suction nose 1880. The transfer tube holder 1840 securely fits within the suction nose 1880. As shown in Figs. 19A and 19C, in some embodiments, the compression spring 1850 can press against the back end of the transfer tube holder 1840, which, in turn, presses against the suction nose 1880. [105] The vacuum ports 2005 of the transfer tube 1815 align with the vacuum channels 2010 such that air can be suctioned into the transfer tube lumen 2015, through the vacuum ports 2005, and through the vacuum channels 2010. The pusher 1835 fits within the transfer tube lumen 2015 and is inserted through the back end of the transfer tube 1815. When the graft implantation module 1800 is in the deactivated state, the pusher 1835 is retracted from the end of the transfer tube 1815 and does not cover the vacuum ports 2005. That is, the front end of the pusher 1835 does not extend in the forward direction far enough to reach the vacuum ports 2005. Thus, as shown in Fig. 20D, the airflow (illustrated using dashed arrows) enters the front end of the transfer tube lumen 2015, through the vacuum ports 2005, through the vacuum channels 2010, and into the back end of the suction nose 1880. The air can continue to flow through the pusher assembly 1830 and the nozzle assembly 1820. In an alternative embodiment, the transfer tube 1815 has one vacuum port 2005 and a corresponding vacuum channel 2010.

[106] When the graft implantation module 1800 is in the activated state, the pusher 1835 extends past the vacuum ports 2005 to the tip of the transfer tube 1815. Thus, when the graft implantation module 1800 is in the activated state, the pusher 1835 covers the vacuum ports 2005 and air does not flow through the transfer tube 1815. In some instances, some air may pass through the transfer tube lumen 2015 and around the pusher assembly 1830, but the amount of suction is relatively slight.

[107] Figs. 22A-22D are illustrations of a nozzle assembly in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Fig. 22A is an isometric view of the nozzle assembly 1820, Fig. 22B is a cross-sectional side view of the nozzle assembly 1820, Fig. 22C is a top view of the nozzle assembly 1820, and Fig. 22D is a side view of the nozzle assembly 1820. An illustrative nozzle assembly 1820 includes a lumen 2205, a groove 2210, a positioning feature 2215, an anti-rotation feature 2220, and a nozzle 2225.

[108] The lumen 2205 of the nozzle assembly 1820 is used to allow air to flow through the nozzle assembly 1820. That is, vacuum pressure from a vacuum source that is connected to the nozzle 2225 can be sent to the tip of the transfer tube 1815 through the lumen 2205. The anti-rotation feature 2220 can be used to prevent the nozzle assembly 1820 from rotating. For example, a rib or other feature of the left half of the housing 1805 and the right half of the housing 1810 can press against the length of the anti-rotation feature 2220 to prevent the nozzle assembly 1820 from rotating.

[109] The groove 2210 is used to receive the dynamic seal 1855. The dynamic seal 1855 can be, for example, an O-ring. In alternative embodiments, any suitable seal can be used. The positioning feature 2215 can be used to press against a feature of the left half of the housing 1805 and the right half of the housing 1810 to prevent the nozzle assembly 1820 from being pulled (or pushed) out of the assembled graft implantation module 1800.

[110] The back end of the pusher assembly 1830 can slide over the front end of the nozzle assembly 1820. The dynamic seal 1855 creates a seal between the nozzle assembly 1820 and the pusher assembly 1830. The nozzle assembly 1820 is fixed in relation to the left half of the housing 1805 and the right half of the housing 1810 while the pusher assembly 1830 moves back and forth within the graft implantation module 1800. Similarly, the transfer tube 1815 and the suction nose 1880 do not move in relation to the left half of the housing 1805 and the right half of the housing 1810 while the pusher assembly 1830 can move back and forth within the transfer tube 1815 (and the transfer tube lumen 2015).

[Ill] The knob 1825 can be fixed to the left half of the housing 1805 and right half of the housing 1810 via the pivot pin 1860. That is, the knob 1825 can rotate about the pivot pin 1860. Two tabs of the knob 1825 extend on either side of the pusher assembly 1830 and the roller pin 1865 holds the cam roller 1870 between the two tabs such that the cam roller 1870 contacts the cam surface 1910 of the pusher assembly 1830 (as illustrated in Figs. 19A-19C). Thus, as the knob 1825 is depressed, the pusher assembly 1830 and the pusher 1835 are pressed forward, thereby compressing the compression spring 1850. The pusher 1835 extends to the end of the transfer tube 1815, thereby pushing out a graft stored in the tip of the transfer tube 1815 (if a graft is stored in the tip of the transfer tube 1815). As the knob 1825 is released, the compression spring 1850 decompresses, thereby pushing the pusher assembly 1830 in the rearward direction and retracting the pusher 1835 from the tip of the transfer tube 1815. [112] As illustrated in Figs. 6 and 19B, in some embodiments, the pusher assembly 1830 has a vacuum bleeder hole 605. The vacuum bleeder hole 605 can be used to bleed the vacuum within the pusher assembly 1830. For example, when the graft implantation module 1800 is in the deactivated state, as discussed above, suction is applied at the tip of the transfer tube 1815, which can be used to load a graft into the transfer tube 1815. When the vacuum bleeder hole 605 is plugged, vacuum pressure is transferred from the nozzle assembly 1820 to the tip of the transfer tube 1815. When the vacuum bleeder hole 605 is not plugged, air can travel through the vacuum bleeder hole 605, into the pusher assembly 1830, and into the nozzle assembly 1820. Accordingly, the amount of vacuum pressure at the transfer tube 1815 when the vacuum bleeder hole 605 is uncovered is reduced or eliminated. The vacuum bleeder hole 605 can be configured to be selectably covered or uncovered by a user of the graft implantation module 1800. For example, a button, lever, etc. (e.g., the knob 1825) can be used to cover and uncover the vacuum bleeder hole 605. [113] The embodiments of the graft implantation module 100, the graft implantation module 900, the graft implantation module 1300, and the graft implantation module 1800 have been described with regard to an "activated" and "deactivated" state that each correspond to a knob being either depressed or released. However, in alternative embodiments, whether one of the embodiments of the graft implantation module is in the activated state or the deactivated state can be designed to have the opposite knob position as described herein. For example, Fig. 3A illustrates the deactivated state as the graft implantation module 100 ready to load a graft and with the knob 125 not depressed. However, in alternative embodiments, the graft implantation module 100 can be configured such that the graft implantation module 100 is ready to load a graft when the knob 125 is depressed and can expel the graft from the graft implantation module 100 when the knob 125 is released.

[114] Similarly, although a feature may be described with regard to only one of the various embodiments, the feature may be incorporated into any of the other embodiments. For example, although the vacuum bleeder hole 605 is illustrated in relation to the graft implantation module 100 and the graft implantation module 1800, the vacuum bleeder hole 605 feature may be incorporated into the graft implantation module 900 or the graft implantation module 1300. In another example, although a sleeve that surrounds a transfer tube is illustrated with regard to the graft implantation module 900 and the graft implantation module 1300, a sleeve surrounding the transfer tube may be incorporated into the graft implantation module 100 or the graft implantation module 1800.

[115] Fig. 23 is a flow diagram of a method of using a graft implantation device in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In alternative embodiments, additional, fewer, and/or different elements may be used. Additionally, the use of arrows and a flow diagram is not meant to be limiting with respect to the order or flow of operations.

[116] In an operation 2305, a vacuum hose is attached to a graft implantation module, such as the graft implantation module 100, the graft implantation module 900, the graft implantation module 1300, or the graft implantation module 1800. The vacuum hose is connected to the nozzle of the graft implantation module.

[117] In an operation 2310, suction is applied to the transfer tube. Vacuum pressure from the vacuum hose can be used to apply suction to the transfer tube. Vacuum pressure can be applied using any suitable method. For example, a valve of the vacuum hose can be actuated, a control panel can be used to apply vacuum pressure, etc. In some embodiments, the graft implantation module can have an automatic control of the vacuum pressure, and the graft implantation module can open the lumen of the transfer tube when the knob is depressed. In such embodiments, applying suction to the transfer tube includes depressing the knob.

[118] In an operation 2315, a graft is loaded into the transfer tube. In some embodiments, the graft implantation module is ready to receive a graft into the transfer tube in the deactivated state. In such embodiments, loading the graft into the transfer tube can include arranging the graft such that the suction of the transfer tube suctions the graft into the lumen of the transfer tube. In an embodiment in which the graft comprises a hair follicle, the graft is loaded into the transfer tube hair-side first. In embodiments in which the knob is depressed to open the lumen at the end of the transfer tube, loading the graft into the transfer tube includes depressing the knob. [119] In an operation 2320, the suction is removed from the transfer tube. Removing the suction from the transfer tube can be any suitable action, such as operating a valve, operating a control panel of a vacuum control system, etc. In embodiments in which the graft implantation module automatically applies and removes the suction from the transfer tube, removing the suction from the transfer tube includes actuating (e.g., depressing or releasing, depending upon the embodiment) the knob.

[120] In an operation 2325, the transfer tube is inserted into the skin of the graft recipient. In some embodiments, a separate instrument can be used to create puncture holes (or any other opening in the skin) into which the grafts are to be transplanted. In alternative embodiments, the tip of the transfer tube can be pointed and used to create the puncture hole. In such embodiments, inserting into the skin the transfer tube can include creating the puncture hole in the skin with the transfer tube. In some embodiments, operation 2325 is performed before (or simultaneous to) operation 2320.

[121] In an operation 2330, the graft is ejected from the transfer tube. Ejecting the graft includes actuating (e.g., depressing or releasing, depending upon the embodiment) the knob. As the knob is actuated, a pusher pushes the graft out of the lumen of the transfer tube. [122] In an operation 2335, the transfer tube is removed from the skin of the patient. In an illustrative embodiment, operations 2330 and 2335 are performed simultaneously. That is, as the graft is ejected from the transfer tube, the transfer tube is pulled out of the puncture hole in the skin. In embodiments in which a sheath surrounds the transfer tube and is actuated with the pusher (e.g., the graft implantation module 900, the graft implantation module 1300, etc.), removing the transfer tube includes actuating the knob. As the knob is actuated and the pusher pushes the graft out of the lumen of the transfer tube, the sheath (or other similar feature of the graft implantation module) rests on the surface of the skin of the recipient. As the sheath moves over the surface of the transfer tube, the end of the sheath remains resting on the surface of the skin of the patient. Accordingly, as the sheath covers the transfer tube, the transfer tube is retracted into the graft implantation module and out of the hole in the skin of the patient. In such an embodiment, the clinician can control the rate at which the transfer tube is retracted from the puncture hole (and the rate at which the graft is ejected from the transfer tube) by controlling the rate at which the knob is actuated.

EXAMPLE #1

[123] In an illustrative example, a graft implantation module includes a housing and a knob protruding from the top of the graft implantation module. Atransfer tube extends out of the front of the graft implantation module. A nozzle extends from the rear of the graft implantation module, and a vacuum hose is connected to the nozzle. The vacuum pressure at the nozzle is 500 mm Hg. Vacuum pressure from the nozzle travels through the graft implantation module and suction is applied at a lumen of the transfer tube. The transfer tube and the nozzle are stationary with respect to the housing.

[124] As the knob is depressed, a pusher assembly is pushed forwards and a pusher is pushed through the lumen of the transfer tube. As the knob is released, the pusher retracts from the end of the transfer tube, but remains in a portion of the transfer tube. Air is suctioned from the tip of the transfer tube, through the lumen of the transfer tube and around the pusher, and through the nozzle.

[125] The transfer tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 μηι thick. The transfer tube has an internal diameter of 0.911 mm. The pusher is 0.7 mm in diameter at the end closest to the tip of the transfer tube and is 0.4 mm in diameter in the middle. The nozzle is made of nylon. A spring used to force the knob back up after being depressed is made of stainless steel. A cam roller that rolls along a cam surface of the pusher assembly, the pin holding the cam roller, and a pin holding the knob to the housing are made of stainless steel. Seals are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics. EXAMPLE #2

[126] In an illustrative example, a graft implantation module includes a housing and a knob protruding from the top of the graft implantation module. A transfer tube extends out of the front of the graft implantation module and is surrounded by a sheath. A nozzle extends from the rear of the graft implantation module, and a vacuum hose is connected to the nozzle. The vacuum pressure at the nozzle is 500 mm Hg. Vacuum pressure from the nozzle travels through the graft implantation module and suction is applied at a lumen of the transfer tube. The transfer tube and the nozzle are stationary with respect to the housing. [127] As the knob is depressed, a pusher assembly, which includes the sheath, is pushed backwards, and a pusher and the sheath are retracted from the tip of the transfer tube, revealing a lumen of the transfer tube that is ready to receive a graft. As the knob is released, the pusher and the sheath move towards the tip of the transfer tube at a rate proportionate to the movement of the knob. Air is suctioned from the tip of the transfer tube, through the lumen of the transfer tube and around the pusher, and through the nozzle. The pusher includes at its back end a piece that is bent to be perpendicular to the rest of the pusher. The perpendicular piece slides within a slot of the nozzle as the knob is depressed and released. The perpendicular piece is fixed within a hole of the pusher assembly.

[128] The transfer tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 μηι thick. The transfer tube has an internal diameter of 0.911 mm. The pusher is 0.7 mm in diameter at the end closest to the tip of the transfer tube and is 0.4 mm in diameter in the middle. The nozzle is made of nylon. A spring used to force the knob back up after being depressed is made of stainless steel. A pin holding the knob to the housing is made of stainless steel. Seals are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.

EXAMPLE #3 [129] In an illustrative example, a graft implantation module includes a housing and a knob protruding from the top of the graft implantation module. A transfer tube extends out of the front of the graft implantation module and is concealed by a nose piece. A nozzle extends from the rear of the graft implantation module, and a vacuum hose is connected to the nozzle. The vacuum pressure at the nozzle is 500 mm Hg. Vacuum pressure from the nozzle travels through the graft implantation module and suction is applied at a lumen of the transfer tube when the knob is depressed. When the knob is not fully depressed, there is little to no suction at the tip of the transfer tube. The transfer tube and the nozzle are stationary with respect to the housing.

[130] As the knob is depressed, a pusher assembly is pushed rearwards and a pusher and the nose piece arepulled away from the tip of the transfer tube. As the knob is released, the pusher slides along the lumen of the transfer tube towards the tip of the transfer tube. Also, as the knob is released, the nose piece slides over the transfer tube, concealing the transfer tube.

[131] The nose piece is secured to the graft implantation module via threads. Accordingly, the nose piece can be twisted onto and off of the graft implantation module. Specifically, the pusher assembly has the receiving threads for the nose piece. When the nose piece is not fixed to the graft implantation device, the transfer tube can be easily disconnected from the graft implantation device. Specifically, a clipping mechanism of the nozzle holds the transfer tube. The transfer tube can be undipped from the graft implantation device and a new transfer tube can replace the old transfer tube by clipping onto the graft implantation device. [132] The transfer tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 μηι thick. The transfer tube has an internal diameter of 0.911 mm. The pusher is 0.7 mm in diameter at the end closest to the tip of the transfer tube and is 0.4 mm in diameter in the middle. The nozzle is made of nylon. A spring used to force the knob back up after being depressed is made of stainless steel. A cam roller that rolls along a cam surface of the pusher assembly, the pin holding the cam roller, and a pin holding the knob to the housing are made of stainless steel. Seals are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics.

EXAMPLE #4 [133] In an illustrative example, a graft implantation module includes a housing and a knob protruding from the top of the graft implantation module. A transfer tube extends out of the front of the graft implantation module. The transfer tube has two vacuum ports that are 180° apart from one another. The vacuum ports expose corresponding vacuum channels that allow air to be suctioned from the tip of the transfer tube, through the vacuum ports and the vacuum channels, and around a pusher.

[134] A nozzle extends from the rear of the graft implantation module, and a vacuum hose is connected to the nozzle. The vacuum pressure at the nozzle is 500 mm Hg. Vacuum pressure from the nozzle travels through the graft implantation module and suction is applied at a lumen of the transfer tube. A vacuum bleeder hole on a pusher assembly is covered when the knob is not depressed, thereby applying suction at the end of the transfer tube. The bleeder hole is uncovered when the knob is depressed, thereby removing the suction from the transfer tube. The transfer tube and the nozzle are stationary with respect to the housing.

[135] As the knob is depressed, the pusher assembly is pushed forwards and a pusher is pushed through the lumen of the transfer tube. As the pusher is pushed forwards, the pusher obstructs the airflow from the tip of the transfer tube through the vacuum ports. Thus, when the knob is depressed, the vacuum ports of the transfer tube are obstructed and the bleeder hole is uncovered, allowing air to travel through the bleeder hole and through the nozzle instead of through the transfer tube. As the knob is released, the pusher retracts from the end of the transfer tube, thereby un-obstructing the vacuum ports and recovering the bleeder hole. Thus, as the knob is released, suction is applied to the tip of the transfer tube. [136] The transfer tube is made of stainless steel and is 100 μηι thick. The transfer tube has an internal diameter of 0.911 mm. The pusher is 0.7 mm in diameter at the end closest to the tip of the transfer tube and is 0.4 mm in diameter in the middle. The nozzle is made of nylon. A spring used to force the knob back up after being depressed is made of stainless steel. A cam roller that rolls along a cam surface of the pusher assembly, the pin holding the cam roller, and a pin holding the knob to the housing are made of stainless steel. Seals are made of polyurethane. The various other components of the graft implantation module are made of polycarbonate or similar thermoplastics. [137] The herein described subject matter sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected with, different other components. It is to be understood that such depicted architectures are merely exemplary, and that in fact many other architectures can be implemented which achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated can also be viewed as being "operably connected," or "operably coupled," to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being so associated can also be viewed as being "operably couplable," to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically interacting and/or logically interactable components.

[138] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

[139] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." Further, unless otherwise noted, the use of the words "approximate," "about," "around," "substantially," etc., mean plus or minus ten percent.

[140] The foregoing description of illustrative embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and of description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting with respect to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A device comprising:

a vacuum source;

a nozzle connected to the vacuum source, wherein the vacuum source is configured to draw in a graft with a vacuum pressure;

a needle assembly configured to receive the graft in a lumen thereof;

a hollow pusher body configured to slide over at least a portion of a surface of the needle assembly and at least a portion of the nozzle; and

a pusher member mounted on the hollow pusher body and configured to slide inside the lumen of the needle assembly, wherein the pusher member is configured to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

a first seal between the needle assembly and the hollow pusher body; and a second seal between the nozzle and the hollow pusher body.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the lumen of the needle assembly, a volume defined by the hollow pusher body, and a volume defined by the nozzle are in fluid communication with one another.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the needle assembly is configured to create a puncture hole in skin of a patient, and wherein the pusher member is configured to eject the graft into the puncture hole.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein an end of the needle assembly is blunt and is configured to be inserted into a hole that is in skin of a patient.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the graft comprises a hair follicle.

7. A device comprising:

a vacuum source;

a needle assembly configured to receive the graft in a lumen thereof;

a sheath configured to slide over the needle assembly, wherein an end of the needle assembly is exposed by the sheath when an actuator of the device is in an engaged state, and wherein the end of the needle assembly is concealed by the sheath when the actuator of the device is in a disengaged state; and a pusher member assembly mounted to the sheath and configured to slide inside of the lumen of the needle assembly, wherein the pusher member assembly is configured to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising the actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to enter the engaged state upon depression thereof, and wherein the actuator is configured to enter a disengaged state upon release thereof.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein, in the engaged state of the actuator, vacuum pressure exists at the end of the needle assembly, and wherein, in the disengaged state of the actuator, atmospheric pressure exists at the end of the needle assembly.

10. The device of claim 8, further comprising a housing,

wherein the needle assembly is fixed in relation to the housing, and wherein the sheath and the pusher member assembly are configured to retract from the end of the needle assembly upon depression of the actuator and are configured to extend toward the end of the needle assembly upon release of the actuator.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein the sheath does not extend beyond the end of the needle assembly.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the pusher member assembly does not extend beyond the sheath.

13. The device of claim 7, wherein the needle assembly is mounted to the nozzle.

15. The device of claim 7, wherein the nozzle comprises a slit, wherein the pusher member assembly comprises:

a pusher body with a hole in a side of the pusher body, and a pusher member that comprises a pin that extends through the slit in the nozzle and the hole in the side of the pusher body.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the pin is configured to slide along the slit.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising the actuator which, upon release of the actuator, is configured to cause, via a cam of the pusher body, the pusher member assembly to eject the graft out of the needle assembly.

18. The device of claim 7, further comprising:

the actuator; and

a hollow body assembly that comprises a cam,

wherein the actuator is configured to cause, via the cam, the hollow body assembly to move in a direction away from the end of the needle assembly upon depression of the actuator, and wherein the actuator is configured to cause, via the cam, the hollow body assembly to move in a direction towards the end of the needle assembly upon release of the actuator.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein an end of the hollow body assembly is mounted to an end of the sheath.

20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a sealing mechanism between the hollow body assembly and the sheath.

21. The device of claim 18, further comprising a sealing mechanism mounted to a surface of the nozzle, wherein the hollow body assembly is configured to slide along the nozzle, wherein the hollow body assembly engages the sealing mechanism when the device is in the engaged state and does not engage the sealing mechanism when the device is not in the engaged state.

22. The device of claim 18, further comprising a housing and a spring, wherein the spring is configured to exert, in relation to the housing, a force on the hollow body assembly in the direction towards the end of the needle assembly.

23. The device of claim 7, wherein a portion of the needle assembly comprises a needle with a thickness of between 100 micrometers and 200 micrometers.

24. The device of claim 7, wherein the end of the needle is made of a transparent material.

25. The device of claim 24, wherein the transparent material comprises polycarbonate.

26. A method comprising:

applying suction to a lumen of a needle of a graft implantation module, wherein the suction is applied via a vacuum tube attached to a vacuum nozzle of the graft implantation module;

receiving a graft into the lumen of the needle via the suction;

removing the suction via the vacuum tube at the needle;

inserting the needle into a hole in skin of a patient;

causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle; and

removing the needle from the hole in the skin.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising attaching the vacuum tube to the vacuum nozzle of the graft implantation module.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein said removing the needle from the hole in the skin comprises leaving the graft in the hole in the skin.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein said causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle is performed during said removing the needle from the hole in the skin.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein, prior to said receiving the graft into the lumen of the needle, an actuator of the graft implantation module is depressed, and wherein said removing the suction via the vacuum tube at the needle comprises the actuator being released.

31. The method of claim 26, wherein said causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle comprises causing a sheath to cover the needle.

32. The method of claim 26, further comprising forming, via the needle, the hole in the skin of the patient.

33. The method of claim 26, further comprising forming, via an instrument, the hole in the skin of the patient.

34. The method of claim 26, wherein said causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle comprises depressing an actuator of the graft implantation module.

35. The method of claim 26, wherein said causing the graft to be ejected out of the needle comprises releasing an actuator of the graft implantation module.