US20050124073A1 - Fat collection and preparation system and method - Google Patents

Abstract

System and methods for collecting and preparing fat for autologous fat tissue transplantation. The system includes syringes, filtering and transferring assemblies coupled with the syringes, a centrifuge and a centrifuge insert releasably coupled with the centrifuge. Substances, including oil, fat, and denser substances, such as tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat substances, are harvested through a cannula into a syringe. Syringes are placed in the centrifuge insert, and subject to centrifugation. Centrifugation stratifies the substances into a top oil stratum, a middle fat stratum, and a bottom denser substance stratum. Denser substances are filtered out of the syringes during or after centrifugation. Oil is removed through an aspiration port in the plunger head of the syringe plunger. Fat is transferred from the first syringe into one or more smaller syringes through an adapter in the assembly coupled with the first syringe and the smaller syringe.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION
• The present invention relates to a fat collection and preparation system and method for harvesting fat from human tissue and preparing harvested fat for injection for cosmetic rejuvenation purposes, including relief of facial aging and wrinkling, as well as for other purposes.
BACKGROUND
• In the field of plastic surgery, various substances and techniques are being developed in the area of cosmetic rejuvenation, for, inter alia, relieving facial aging and wrinkling. Current techniques involve the implantation of foreign substances into the affected areas of the recipient. Two foreign substances currently being used in this area are collagen and synthetic materials. Collagen implants involve the injection of the protein substance of the white fibers of (collagenous fibers) of connective tissue, such as skin, tendon, bone and cartilage. Current synthetic implants involve the injection of silicone, cadaver skin, and other synthesized materials. However, collagen and synthetic implants have various downsides, including infection, inflammation, rejection by the recipient, and limited durability of the injected materials. In an effort to eliminate these and other downsides associated with implanting collagen, synthetic or other foreign materials, fat transplantation (or transplantation of fat or fat tissue or cells) is being regarded as the future mainstay of cosmetic rejuvenation.
• Fat transplantation involves: (a) harvesting fat tissue, along with other substances surrounding it from a harvesting site; (b) preparing the fat tissue; and then (c) injecting the fat tissue into the affected areas in the recipient. Fat tissue resides in the human body together with blood vessels, and other naturally occurring substances. In order to harvest the fat tissue, a tumescent fluid is first injected into the harvesting site, which may be, e.g., another part of the recipient's body. The tumescent fluid swells or increases the volume of the tissue in the harvesting site, thus reducing blood loss during harvesting, and facilitating the removal of the tissue from the harvesting site. Tumescent fluid currently includes a mixture of salt solution, epinephrine and lidocaine, although other substances may be used in order to accomplish the same effect on the fat tissue. A mixture of fat tissue, tumescent fluid, and oil (created by the body as a result of harvesting trauma), is then harvested from the site under low vacuum pressure into harvesting syringes through specially designed cannulae inserted into the site.
• In order to prepare the fat tissue for injection, it must be separated from the other harvested substances in the mixture inside the syringe. Automated centrifuges have been used to segregate the mixture into the three layers of oil, fat tissue (or the fatty layer in the syringe), and tumescent fluid within each harvesting syringe. These automated centrifuges often rotate the harvesting syringes at a rate much higher than needed in order to segregate this type of mixture into its various layers, thus subjecting the tissue to unnecessary manipulation and trauma. Furthermore, since there is no easy, cost-effective way of maintaining the cleanliness of the automated centrifuges (and in particular, the surfaces surrounding the harvesting syringes), the sterility of the environment surrounding the fat tissue is often compromised.
• The segregated mixture then needs to be further manipulated in a variety of ways in order to remove the oil and tumescent fluid layers, isolate and clean the fat tissue or fatty layer, and transfer the fat tissue to smaller syringes, e.g., 1 cc syringes, for transplantation. The various manipulation techniques involve rotating the mixture and moving it from one container to another. For example, the harvesting syringe containing the segregated mixture may be flipped around, first to place the tumescent fluid layer on top and decant the tumescent fluid from the mixture, and then to place the oil layer on top and decant the oil from the mixture. The fat tissue may then be injected into another container to be washed, and then injected into the smaller transplantation syringes, so that it may then be injected into the desired location. Each of these manipulations exposes at least some of the mixture and the fat tissue therein to air, in addition to bringing the mixture and tissue into contact with additional instruments and surfaces, and causing other trauma to the tissue. Each exposure to air reduces the viability of the fat tissue, and increases the risk of contamination.
• Each manipulation of the mixture, and the fat tissue contained therein, affects the long term results of the transplantation, by comprising the sterility of the tissue and its surrounding environment, and subjecting the tissue to additional unnecessary trauma. The compromised sterility increases the chances of infection, inflammation and rejection of the fat transplant. The unnecessary trauma affects the viability and integrity of the fat tissue, and reduces the durability of the transplant. These effects, together with the high cost of the instruments involved in the process, decrease the desirability of using fat transplants for cosmetic rejuvenation.
SUMMARY
• This invention may increase the desirability of using fat transplants for cosmetic rejuvenation by providing a more cost-effective solution for collecting and preparing fat, and improving the long-term results for fat transplantation. The long-term results of fat transplantation are improved by minimizing manipulation of the mixture and the fat tissue contained therein and maximizing the sterility of the mixture, the tissue, and the surrounding environment, at every point during the collection and preparation process, before the fat tissue or fat is injected into the desired location.
• This invention may include: a centrifuge; a centrifuge insert which is sterile and replaceable; a syringe with an asymmetrical head at its distal end, and a plunger with a removable plunger shaft and an aspiration port in the plunger head; and an assembly with an adapter having male luer connectors on each end to be coupled with luer ends or luer lock syringes, and a removable filter cap releasably coupleable with the adapter.
• In an example embodiment, a mixture of tumescent fluid, fat tissue and oil is first harvested with low vacuum pressure through a cannula into a harvesting syringe. The cannula and plunger shaft are removed from the syringe. The syringe is placed in an insertion cavity in the centrifuge insert. The centrifuge insert is placed on and coupled with the centrifuge. The centrifuge is manually actuated to gently separate or stratify the mixture in the syringe into layers or strata of oil, fat tissue and tumescent fluid with other denser substances. The tumescent fluid and other denser substances is decanted out of the distal end of the syringe through the replaceable filter cap coupled with the adapter, which is coupled with the distal or luer end of the syringe. The filter cap is removed by unscrewing it from the adapter, or if the filter is integrated into the adapter, by breaking off that portion of the adapter containing the filter, leaving an adapter attached to the syringe. The oil is removed from the top of the syringe through an aspiration port in the plunger head in the syringe. The plunger shaft is reattached to the plunger head in the harvesting syringe, and used to push the fat tissue through the adapter into smaller injection syringes, used to inject the fat tissue into the desired locations.
• In an example embodiment, a first syringe is mated with a first end of an adapter assembly. A filter assembly is engaged with a second end of the adapter assembly. The filter assembly include a filter attached to the rest of the filter assembly. The first syringe is inserted into a receiver in a centrifuge insert, such as an insert cavity. A combination of substances is releasably retained inside a chamber of the syringe. The combination includes oil, fat (e.g., fat tissue or cells), and a denser fluid, which may include tumescent fluid and/or other components denser than the fat or oil, e.g., blood, hormones, or other non-fat components which are harvested from the harvesting site along with the fat. The centrifuge insert is coupled with a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge. The first syringe is centrifuged (along with other syringes which may be placed in the centrifuge insert) to stratify the combination into strata of the denser fluid, the fat and the oil. At least a portion of the denser fluid stratum is filtered from the first syringe through the filter. This filtering step may be accomplished, for example, either during or after the centrifuging process. The filter prevents passage of at least a portion of the fat stratum from the first syringe. Additionally, at least a portion of the oil stratum is extracted from an opening in a plunger head in a proximal portion of the syringe. This extraction step may be accomplished, for example, during the centrifuging process, or after the centrifuging process. The filter assembly is disengaged or removed from the adapter assembly, e.g., by unscrewing or breaking off the filter assembly from the adapter assembly, once the denser fluid has been filtered from the first syringe.
• In an example embodiment, an assembly includes an adapter and a filter assembly. The adapter has a first section, a second section, a passageway from the first section to the second section, and a coupling. The first section of the adapter is mateable with a luer connector of a first syringe. The second section of the adapter is mateable with a luer connector of a second syringe. The filter assembly is releasably coupleable with the adapter via the coupling. The coupling may be, for example, a threaded engagement or a breakable connection between the adapter and the filter assembly. The filter assembly includes a filter configured to selectively allow passage of a first type of substance out of the first syringe and to prevent passage of a second type of substance out of the first syringe.
• In an example embodiment, a first syringe is mated with a first section of an adapter. A first type of substance is then removed from the first syringe through a filter connected to the adapter. The filter prevents passage of a second type of substance from the first syringe. A second syringe is then mated with a second section of the adapter. The second type of substance is then transferred from the first syringe to the second syringe through the adapter.
• In an example embodiment, a more dense substance of a combination of substances is removed from a first syringe through a filter attached to an adapter coupled with the first syringe. The filter is configured to permit passage of the more dense substance while preventing passage of a less dense substance from the first syringe. The less dense substance is transferred from the first syringe through the adapter.
• In an example embodiment, an assembly includes an adapter and a filter assembly. The adapter has a first end, a second end, a passageway between the first end and the second end, and a coupling. The first end of the adapter is configured to sealingly engage an opening in a first container, such as, e.g., a syringe. The second end of the adapter is configured to sealingly engage an opening in a second container, such as, e.g., another syringe. The coupling may be, for example, a threaded engagement or a breakable connection between the adapter and the filter assembly. The filter assembly is releasably coupleable with the adapter via the coupling. The filter assembly includes a filter configured to selectively allow passage of a first type of substance out of the first container, and to prevent passage of a second type of substance out of the first container.
• In an example embodiment, a syringe includes a chamber, a plunger shaft, and a plunger head. The chamber has an open proximal end and an opening in the distal end of the chamber. A center of the opening is offset from a central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The plunger head is releasably coupled with the plunger shaft. The plunger head and the plunger shaft are configured to be slidably and sealingly insertable through the open proximal end into the chamber to variate a volume of an interior of the chamber.
• In an example embodiment, a combination of substances in a chamber in a syringe are centrifuged, in order to separate the combination of substances in the chamber into strata according to densities of each of the substances in the combination. A plunger head is slidably and sealingly inserted into an open proximal end of the chamber. The chamber has an opening at the distal end of the chamber. The center of the opening is offset from the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The plunger shaft is attached to the plunger head after the centrifuging step.
• In an example embodiment, an apparatus for centrifuging syringes includes an insert releasably coupleable with a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge. The insert has at least one insert cavity configured to receive a syringe.
• In an example embodiment, an assembly for centrifuging syringes includes a centrifuge and an insert. The centrifuge includes a base, and a rotatable centrifuge member rotatably coupled with the base. The insert is releasably coupleable with the rotatable centrifuge member. The insert has at least one insert cavity configured to receive a syringe.
• In an example embodiment, a centrifuge insert is coupled with a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge. The centrifuge insert has at least one insert cavity retaining at least one syringe within the insert. The syringe is configured to releasably retain a combination of substances. After the coupling step, the rotatable centrifuge member, the centrifuge insert and the combination of substances is rotated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fat collection and preparation system according to the present invention.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a syringe containing a harvested mixture, and having a cannula attached at a distal end of the syringe, of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a plunger of the syringe of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an adapter and filter in an assembly of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the adapter and filter in the assembly ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of an adapter and filter in an embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an embodiment of the adapter in the assembly, and the syringes of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of the insert and centrifuge of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a hand-driven centrifuge of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the hand-driven centrifuge ofFIG. 9, along the line10-10 ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of an electrically-driven centrifuge of an embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system.
• FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electrically-driven centrifuge ofFIG. 11, along the line11-11 ofFIG. 11.
• FIG. 13 illustrates a top view of the rotatable centrifuge member of the centrifuge of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the insert placed on the rotatable centrifuge member ofFIG. 13.
• FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert and the centrifuge ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the syringes, assemblies, insert and centrifuge ofFIG. 9.
• FIG. 17 illustrates a partial perspective view of the insert, syringe and assembly of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1 during centrifugation of the syringes.
• FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the insert, syringe and assembly ofFIG. 17, along the line18-18 ofFIG. 17.
• FIG. 19 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the syringe and assembly ofFIG. 5 during centrifugation.
• FIG. 20 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an insert, rotatable centrifuge member, shaft, and base of a centrifuge of an embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system.
• FIG. 21 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rotatable centrifuge member, shaft, and base of a centrifuge of an embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system.
• FIG. 22 illustrates a top view of the rotatable centrifuge member ofFIG. 21.
• FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an insert, with the rotatable centrifuge member, shaft, and base of the centrifuge ofFIG. 21.
• FIG. 24 illustrates a top view of the insert and rotatable centrifuge member ofFIG. 23.
• FIG. 25 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an insert, with the rotatable centrifuge member, shaft, and base of the centrifuge ofFIG. 21.
• FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the insert and rotatable centrifuge member ofFIG. 25.
• FIG. 27 illustrates a perspective view of the insert and a syringe of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1, which has been removed from the centrifuge and placed on a surface.
• FIG. 28 illustrates a perspective view of removal of oil after centrifugation of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 29 illustrates a perspective view of transferring fat from one syringe to another syringe through the adapter of the embodiment of the fat collection and preparation system ofFIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• The present invention relates to a fat collection and preparation system and method for harvesting fat tissue and preparing harvested tissue for cosmetic rejuvenation and other purposes.FIGS. 1 through 29 illustrate various aspects of the fat collection and preparation system and method according to the present invention.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2, the system includessyringes100, anassembly200, acentrifuge insert300, and acentrifuge500. A mixture or combination ofsubstances400, including oil, fat, tumescent fluid and other denser fluid components, is harvested from a harvesting site, through acannula102 into asyringe100. Thesyringe100 is placed or inserted (along with other syringes100) in thecentrifuge insert300. Thesyringes100 are then subject to centrifugation within thecentrifuge insert300, which is coupled with thecentrifuge500. The centrifugation stratifies or separates the mixture or combination ofsubstances400 into layers or strata according to their densities as illustrated inFIG. 6, including a top orproximal-most stratum410 ofoil415, amiddle stratum420 offat425, including fat cells or fat tissue, and a bottom ordistal-most stratum430 of denser debris orsubstances435, including tumescent fluid, connective tissue, hormones and/or other non-fat denser components.Denser substances435 is drained, filtered, decanted or otherwise removed out ofsyringe100 either during or after centrifugation.Oil415 may be removed through an aspiration valve orport161 accessingopening168 in theplunger head162 of theplunger160 in thesyringe100.Fat425 may then be transferred intosmaller syringes600, e.g., 1 cc syringes, for injection in facial wrinkles, depressions, or for other medical purposes. The extracted or removed oil may be discarded or used for other purposes.
• Thesyringe100 used by an operator for harvesting the mixture or combination ofsubstances400 from a harvesting site may be designed as illustrated in FIGS.2 to4, andFIGS. 18, 19 and28. Thesyringe100 includes achamber120 having anopening130 at its distal orluer end112, and an openproximal end110. Theopening130 at theluer end112 may be positioned off-center or offset from a centrallongitudinal axis114 of thesyringe100, so that theopening130 provides a distal-most outlet when thesyringe100 is positioned at an angle during centrifugation, as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19. The offset or off-center position of theopening130 allows for a larger portion of the denser fluid orsubstances415 in thechamber120 to be drained out of thesyringe100 during centrifugation. In other words, the offset or off-center position ofopening130, allows for the elimination of more of thedenser substances415 including the tumescent fluid fromsyringe100 whensyringe100 is in an angled vertical position during centrifugation, without trapping any residual substances or fluid in thechamber120 ofsyringe100.
• Thesyringe100 also includes aplunger160 slidably and sealingly insertable into the openproximal end110, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, andFIGS. 28 and 29. The movement of theplunger160 variates aninterior volume122 of thechamber120. For example, movement of theplunger160 in theproximal direction700, may be used to harvest thesubstances400 into thechamber120, either alone, or with the use of an aspirator. Movement of theplunger160 in thedistal direction702 decreases theinterior volume122 of thechamber120, and pushes contents in thechamber120 out of thesyringe100 through theopening130. Theplunger160 includes aplunger head162 and aplunger shaft164 releasably attached or coupled with theplunger head162. Theplunger shaft164 may be threadably engaged with theplunger head162, and removed or unscrewed before thesyringe100 is subject to centrifugation, as illustrated in FIGS.16 to18.
• Theplunger head162 may also include aremoval device166 for removing or extractingoil415 or other substances in aproximal-most stratum410 from thesyringe100, either during or after centrifugation, as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3 and28. Theremoval device166 is configured such that, when not in use for removing or extractingoil415 or other substances fromsyringe100, theremoval device166 substantially preserves the sealed enclosure of theinterior volume122. Theremoval device166 may include an aspiration valve or aport161, providing selective access toopening168. Theopening168 may be positioned off-center or to the side of theplunger shaft164, as illustrated inFIGS. 2, 3 and28, or theopening168 may be positioned such that it is exposed only upon removal of theplunger shaft164. Regardless of the positioning of theopening168, theoil415 or other substances in theproximal-most stratum410 may be removed or extracted through theopening168 after centrifugation of thesyringe100 and thesubstances400 contained therein.
• Alternatively, theremoval device166 may also include afilter169 covering the aspiration port orvalve161, as illustrated inFIG. 3. Thefilter169 permits the oil in theproximal-most stratum410 to travel inproximal direction700 out of thesyringe100, during centrifugation, while preventing passage of the fat425 in themiddle stratum420 from thesyringe100. Aclosure167 may be provided to selectively close theopening168, preserving the enclosure of thechamber120 while moving theplunger160 inproximal direction700 to drawsubstances400 into thesyringe100, and while moving theplunger160 indistal direction702 to pushsubstances400 out of thesyringe100, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3.
• Theluer end112 of thesyringe100 is configured to accept, and be mated, coupled or otherwise engaged withadapter230 inassembly200, as illustrated in FIGS.4 to7, andFIG. 29, or to mate or couple thesyringe100 withcannula102 or other components, devices or assemblies, as illustrated inFIG. 2. Theluer end112 may include aluer locking mechanism142, such as, for example, afemale luer connector144 configured to receive amale luer connector244 fromadapter230. Theluer end112 may haveinternal threads146 to threadably engageexternal threads254 onadapter230.
• Assembly200 is configured to be secured, attached, engaged, connected, mated or otherwise coupled withsyringe100, for use during the process of draining, filtering or otherwise removingdenser substances435 in thedistal-most stratum430 fromsyringe100, as illustrated in FIGS.17 to19.Assembly200 is also configured for use during the process of transferring fat cells orfat tissue425 fromfat stratum420 intosmaller syringes600, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 29. As illustrated in FIGS.4 to7, andFIG. 19,assembly200 includesadapter230 andfilter assembly270 releasably coupleable withadapter230.Adapter230 has aluer connector240 at its proximal orfirst end232 in its proximal orfirst section233, aluer connector242 in its distal orsecond end234 in its distal orsecond section235, apassageway236 fromproximal end232 todistal end234, and acoupling250 for releasablycoupling filter assembly270 withadapter230.
• Filtering assembly270 includesfilter cap272 withfilter274, as illustrated in FIGS.4 to6.Filter274 is integrated withfilter cap272, and filter274 is configured to permit or allow passage ofdenser substances435 in thedistal-most stratum430 fromsyringe100, while preventing passage of the fat tissue orfat cells425 in themiddle stratum420 fromsyringe100, whensyringe100 is coupled withadapter230 andadapter230 is coupled withfilter assembly270, as illustrated inFIG. 19. Once denser substances including tumescent fluid is decanted, filtered, drained or otherwise removed throughfilter274, thefirst fat425 from themiddle stratum420 touchingfilter274 will create an airtight seal protecting the rest of the fat from air contamination. As illustrated inFIGS. 16 through 19, the denser substances may be removed throughfilter274 during centrifugation ofsyringe100. Alternatively, acover275 may be placed overfilter274, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6 before centrifugation and removed after centrifugation, to permit thedenser substances435 indistal-most stratum430 to be drained or decanted out throughfilter274, oncesyringe100 is stationary.
• Filter274 may cover opening238 atdistal end234 ofadapter230, or otherwise be positioned alongpassageway236 with a surface area covering a cross section ofpassageway236, as illustrated inFIG. 5.Filter cap272 is configured to acceptcoupling250, and releasably engage, connect, couple ormate filter cap272 toadapter230, as illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. Thefilter cap272 may be manufactured together with and attached toadapter230, with acoupling250, such as abreakable connector252, with a capability of being detached after use from theadapter230, as illustrated inFIG. 6. Alternatively,coupling250 may includeexternal threads254 onadapter230 to be threadably engaged withinternal threads276 in thefilter cap272, e.g., such as a 720-degree threading for strong and secure fit tosyringe100, as illustrated inFIG. 5.Filter cap274 may be provided as a disposable component, capable of being used with any type ofadapter230 and any type ofluer locking mechanism144 on asyringe100.
• Theadapter230 is coupled withsyringe100 via theluer connector240, andadapter230 is coupled withsyringe600 after removing thedenser substances435 from thedistal-most stratum430 via theluer connector242, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 29.Luer connectors240 and242 ofadapter230 are releasably coupleable with proximal anddistal sections232 and234 ofadapter230 with luer ends112 and612 ofsyringes100 and600, respectively. Aluer connector240 onadapter230 such as amale luer connector244 is configured to coupleadapter230 withluer end112 ofsyringe100, such as afemale luer connector144 ofsyringe100. Aluer connector242 such as amale luer connector246 is configured to coupleadapter230 withluer end612 ofsyringe600, such as afemale luer connector644 ofsyringe600. Whenadapter230 is coupled withsyringes100 and600, contents fromsyringe100 may be transferred throughpassageway236 intosyringe600.
• Aftersubstances400 have been harvested from the harvesting site intosyringe100, before centrifugation, and transferring fat fromsyringe100 tosyringe600, assembly200 (includingadapter230 andfilter assembly270 coupled with adapter230), is coupled withsyringe100, for example, by snappingmale luer connector246 onadapter230 withfemale luer connector144 ofsyringe100, as illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5. Thesyringe100 andassembly200 are then inserted or placed incentrifuge insert300, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 16 to18.
• Centrifuge insert300 provides a sterile enclosure or environment for retainingsyringes100 during the centrifugation process incentrifuge500, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 8, and FIGS.14 to18, andFIG. 27.Centrifuge insert300 may be molded of plastic, provided as a centrifuge insert mold, and may be disposable after a single use or removable fromcentrifuge500 for sterilization before any set ofsyringes100 are going to be centrifuged.Centrifuge insert300 may be made or molded of a plastic material of sufficient rigidity to supportsyringes100 after theinsert300 andsyringes100 have been removed fromcentrifuge500, in the same angled vertical position as when thesyringes100 and insert300 are in thecentrifuge500, as illustrated inFIG. 27. Such a sufficientlyrigid centrifuge insert300, in addition to providing a sterile environment for centrifugation, functions as a syringe rack when theinsert300 together withsyringes100 is decoupled and removed fromcentrifuge500 and placed or rested on asurface800.
• Centrifuge insert300 has one ormore insert cavities310 configured to receivesyringes100.Insert cavity310 has an insert port or opening312 at aproximal end302 ofinsert cavity310 wide enough to receiveassembly200 coupled withsyringe100 andsyringe100. Anouter surface320 may be shaped (or has a shape configured) to provide a complementary fit to aninner surface512 of acorresponding centrifuge cavity510 in therotatable centrifuge member520 of centrifuge500 (described further below), as illustrated in FIGS.14 to16. The complementary fit ofcavities310 and510 contributes to securely retaining thesyringes100 within theirrespective insert cavities310 during centrifugation, and also contributes to coupling insert300 withrotatable centrifuge member520.
• Aninner surface330 ofinsert cavity310 is shaped to receive at least a portion of asyringe100 andassembly200 therein, before centrifugation, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 8 and14 to18, and27. Theinner surface330 ofinsert cavity310 may also have astop member342 or stopsurface344 to prevent theluer end112 ofsyringe100 and assembly200 from resting on adistal-most portion332 ofinsert cavity310. Theinsert cavity310 may have adistal segment334 in thedistal-most portion332 with a smaller crosssectional area336 than aproximal portion316 ofcavity310, preventing entry of theassembly200 andluer end112 ofsyringe100 into thedistal segment334. Thedistal-most portion332 may receive thedenser substances435 from thedistal-most stratum430 insyringe100 throughfilter274 inassembly200 during centrifugation ofsyringe100. A quantity ofmaterial360, e.g., an absorbent powder, may be provided or arranged in thedistal-most portion332 to turn the received denser substances into a solid or gel-like substance upon contact adhering to an interior ofportion332. The presence ofabsorbent material360 keeps removeddenser substances435 away from thesyringe100 and prevents the removeddenser substances435 from spilling out of thecentrifuge insert300, should the insert300 be knocked over.
• Thecentrifuge insert300 also has an insert lid or cover370 releasably securable or attachable with theinsert300, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 8,15 and27. Theinsert cover370 may be integrated withinsert300, or attached to insert300 with aconnector372, and have areleasable catch374 engageable with a lockingmember319 oninsert300 to enclose thesyringes100 withininsert300 during centrifugation. Theinsert cover370 may alternatively or also be threadably engageable withinsert300. Once thecover370 is closed, thesyringes100 are enclosed withininsert300. This enclosure maintains the sterility of the environment surrounding thesyringes100 by not exposing them to an interior ofcentrifuge500 during centrifugation, and preserves the sterility of the surrounding environment when theinsert300 is removed fromcentrifuge500. The enclosure also maintains the cleanliness ofcentrifuge500.
• As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 8 to16, thecentrifuge500 includesbase530, arotatable centrifuge member520 rotatably coupled withbase530, anactuating mechanism540 coupled with therotatable centrifuge member520 to drive a rotation ofrotatable centrifuge member520, and acentrifuge cover550. Thecentrifuge cover550 may be releasably coupleable with thebase530, thus surrounding therotatable centrifuge member520, as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. Thecentrifuge cover550 may alternatively be releasably coupleable with therotatable centrifuge member520. The base530 may be stationary and have aweighted perimeter532 to increase the stability of thecentrifuge500 during centrifugation. Thecentrifuge500 may be a hand-drivencentrifuge502 or an electrically operated centrifuge504 (battery operated and/or with an A/C electric cord).
• In the case of a hand-drivencentrifuge502, as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10, theactuating mechanism540 includes a manually actuateddrive shaft544 coupled withrotatable centrifuge member520. Abutton542 coupled with aspring541 and thedrive shaft544 may be depressed to actuate rotation of thedrive shaft544, which, in turn, rotates therotatable centrifuge member520, and theinsert300 with itssyringes100 andassemblies200, in order to centrifugate thesyringes100 andsubstances400 contained therein. Thebutton542 may be located on thecover550, as illustrated, or on thebase530. Thebutton542 may pumped or pushed three or four times over a three to four minute period to achieve sufficient rotational speed of therotatable centrifuge member520 and insert300. Hand-drivencentrifuge502 may be cost-effective, lightweight and easily transferable to and from an operating suite, together with its contents.
• Alternatively, as illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, thecentrifuge500 may be an electrically operated centrifuge504 (battery powered and/or powered with an A/C electric cord), in which case, the actuating mechanism includes an electrically drivenshaft546 coupled withrotatable centrifuge member520. The rotation of the electrically drivenshaft546 is driven by anelectric motor545 which may be actuated or controlled with one ormore buttons548. Thebutton548 may be located on thecover550, as illustrated, or on thebase530.
• Therotatable centrifuge member520 has at least onecentrifuge cavity510, as mentioned above. In one embodiment, therotatable centrifuge member520 has a plurality ofcentrifuge cavities510 which are all substantially the same size, configured to provide a complementary fit for the plurality ofinsert cavities310 incentrifuge insert300, theinsert cavities310 are configured to receive substantially the same sized syringes100 (together with theassembly200 on each syringe100), as illustrated inFIGS. 10, 13 to16. In such an embodiment, eachinsert cavity310 has a matchingcentrifuge cavity510.
• In an embodiment, arotatable centrifuge member520 may alternatively be designed with differentlysized centrifuge cavities510 for accommodating differently sized insert cavities210 and syringes100 (together with theassembly200 on each syringe100), e.g., 10 cc syringes in one centrifugation and 20 cc syringes in another centrifugation, as illustrated in FIGS.21 to26. In this other embodiment, acentrifuge insert300 hasinsert cavities310 dimensioned to receive at least a portion of particularlysized syringes100, e.g., 10 cc syringes, and theirrespective assemblies200. The insert cavities310 have matching orcorresponding centrifuge cavities510 dimensioned for theinsert cavities310 and the 10cc syringes100 andassemblies200. Therotatable centrifuge member520 also haslarger centrifuge cavities510′ dimensioned for accommodating larger insert cavities, e.g., for 20 cc syringes. Suchlarger centrifuge cavities510′, and theiropen ends511′ are covered by aproximal surface315 ofcentrifuge insert300, as illustrated inFIGS. 23 and 24. Anothercentrifuge insert300 may be provided for another centrifugation withinsert cavities310′ which are configured to fit only thelarger centrifuge cavities510′ and leave thesmaller centrifuge cavities510 unmatched and covered by theproximal surface315 of theinsert300, as illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 26.
• In either embodiment, the complementary fit of theinsert cavities310 andcentrifuge cavities510 provides, as described above, a coupling to couple theinsert300 with therotatable centrifuge member520, as illustrated in FIGS.14 to16, and23 to26.Insert300 may have other additional mechanisms or components ormembers318 to connect, engage, mate, secure or otherwise couple insert300 withrotatable centrifuge member520, as illustrated inFIGS. 14, and23 to26. Onceinsert300 is coupled withrotatable centrifuge member520, rotation of therotatable centrifuge member520 drives a rotation of theinsert300.Insert300 rotates with therotatable member520 during centrifugation.
• In an embodiment illustrated inFIG. 20, therotatable centrifuge member520 need not have anycentrifuge cavities510, provided thatrotatable centrifuge member520 has another mechanism, component or member to couple theinsert300 withrotatable centrifuge member520, and theinsert300 is sufficiently rigid and securely maintains thesyringes100 in theirrespective insertion cavities110 during centrifugation.
• In operation, various combinations of the embodiments of thesyringe100,assembly200,centrifuge insert300, andcentrifuge500 may be used together with the methods described below to collect and prepare fat425 for transplantation, without minimal manipulation ofsyringes100 and the fat425.
• After a fat harvesting site is injected with tumescent fluid, the combination or mixture ofsubstances400, includingoil415, fat425 (such as fat tissue or fat cells), and tumescent fluid and otherdenser substances435 are harvested through acannula102 connected withsyringe100, intochamber120 ofsyringe100, as illustrated inFIG. 2. Thesubstances400 may be harvested by aspirating thesubstance400 from the harvesting site, and/or by pulling theplunger160 inproximal direction700 to draw the substances up throughcannula102 intochamber120 ofsyringe100. Thecannula102 is then removed fromsyringe100.
• Anassembly200 is then coupled with eachsuch syringe100, as illustrated in FIGS.4 to6, and19. Specifically, aluer connector240 ofadapter230 may engage aluer connector142 ofsyringe100, coupling theadapter230 withsyringe100. Thefilter cap272 is coupled withadapter230 by threadably engaging theadapter230, or thefilter cap272 may be manufactured or provided already coupled with theadapter230 inassembly200.
• Thecentrifuge insert300 is coupled with therotatable centrifuge member520, as illustrated inFIGS. 8, 14,15 and20. The insert cavities310 are inserted into matching orcorresponding centrifuge cavities510 inrotatable centrifuge member520, and a small portion ofabsorbent material360 is provided in thedistal-most portion332 of eachinsert cavity310, as illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15.
• Thesyringes100, together with theirrespective assemblies200, are placed or inserted, at least in partially, intoinsert cavities310 incentrifuge insert300, as illustrated inFIGS. 1, 17 and18. Thecover370 of thecentrifuge insert300 is closed, to enclose thesyringes100, theirrespective assemblies200 andsubstances400 within theinsert300, as illustrated inFIG. 8. Thecentrifuge500 is then closed by placingcover550 over therotatable member520 and secured or coupled withbase530, as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 16.
• Thesyringes100,substances400 andassemblies200 are then subject to centrifugation or centrifuged in thecentrifuge500, as illustrated in FIGS.16 to19. Centrifugation may be accomplished by periodicallydepressing button542 to actuate thespring541 and rotate or otherwise spin thedrive shaft544 and therotatable centrifuge member520 for a hand-drivencentrifuge502, or by adjustingbutton548 to adjust the speed of themotor545 rotating thedrive shaft546 and therotatable centrifuge member520 for an electrically operatedcentrifuge504, illustrated in FIGS.9 to12.Rotatable centrifuge member520 should be rotated at a sufficient rotational speed for a sufficient duration to: stratify the substances intoseparate oil stratum410,fat stratum420 and denser substances stratum430 (strata according to the densities of the substances400), as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19 while minimizing the structural damage to the fat cells ortissue425 in thefat stratum420 during centrifugation. For example,centrifuge500 may be operated at a speed ranging from 500 to 1000 rpm, for approximately 2 to 4 minutes.
• Thedenser substances435 instratum430 are decanted, drained, filtered, eliminated or otherwise removed fromsyringe100 throughfilter274 either during or after centrifugation. Thedenser substances435 may be removed during centrifugation, provided thatassemblies200 including filter caps272 are coupled with thesyringes100 before centrifugation ad thefilter274 is not covered during centrifugation, as illustrated in FIGS.16 to19. The removeddenser substances435 may pass throughfilter274, into thedistal-most portion332 ofinsert cavity310. Rotation ofsyringe100 provides a force acting radially outward704 from a centralvertical axis514 ofcentrifuge500, leading thedenser substances435 to travel, forming thedistal-most stratum430 in theluer end112 ofsyringe100, which is angled further away fromaxis514, and then further downward and outward throughfilter274.
• Upon contact withmaterial360, e.g., an absorbent powder, indistal-most portion332, removeddenser substances435 may turn into a solid or gel-like substance361 indistal-most portion332 ofinsert cavity310. The removeddenser substances435 may remain in theinsert300, as illustrated inFIG. 27, and may be disposed with theinsert300, after the removal from theinsert300 ofsyringes100 withstrata410 and420 ofoil415 andfat425, andassemblies200 coupled with the syringes. As described above, the off-center or offset position of opening130 on theluer end112 ofsyringe100 allows for the elimination of more of thedenser substances415 including the tumescent fluid fromsyringe100 whensyringe100 is in an angled vertical position during centrifugation, without trapping any residual substances or fluid in thechamber120 ofsyringe100, as illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19.
• Thedenser substances435 instratum430 may also be removed fromsyringe100 throughfilter274 after centrifugation. In this case, thefilter274 is blocked withcover275 during centrifugation, illustrated inFIGS. 5 and 6. Oncesyringe100 is stationary,cover275 is removed, anddenser substances435 are permitted to drain or be filtered out throughfilter274.
• Regardless of whetherdenser substances435 are removed during or after centrifugation,filter274 does not permit passage offat425 fromsyringe100. In other words, oncedenser substances435 are removed throughfilter274, thefirst fat425 contacting or touchingfilter274 creates an airtight seal protecting the rest offat425 from air contamination.
• Oil415 is extracted or removed from theproximal stratum410 insyringe100 either during or after centrifugation, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 28.Oil415 may be removed during centrifugation if theplunger160 includes afilter169 covering opening168 inplunger head162, as described above, and as illustrated inFIG. 3. Aclosure167 may be provided to selectively close theopening168 and block offfilter169 during movement ofplunger160 inproximal direction700 to drawsubstances400 intosyringe100, and during movement ofplunger160 indistal direction702 to pushsubstances400 out ofsyringe100. In this case, during centrifugation, asdenser substances435 are filtered out throughfilter274 at theluer end112 ofsyringe100,oil415 moves inproximal direction700 throughfilter169 and out ofsyringe100.
• However, operators may want to collect extracted or removedoil415 and use it for other purposes. In such a case, the syringe or insert may either have acollector380 or another mechanism, component, device or member for collecting such extracted or removedoil415, or the oil is extracted or removed after centrifugation in a more contained environment.
• If operators prefer to extract or removeoil415 after centrifugation, than afilter169 is not necessary on port orvalve161. For removingoil415 after centrifugation, the operator may first detach, disengage, decouple or otherwise remove insert300 (withsyringes100 and theirrespective assemblies200 andsubstances400 contained therein) fromrotatable centrifuge member520,place insert300 onsurface800, before openinginsert cover370, in order to maintain cleanliness ofcentrifuge500, as illustrated inFIG. 27. The operator opensinsert cover370 and may operate onsyringe100 whilesyringe100 is retained ininsert cavity310, as illustrated inFIG. 27, or removessyringe100 frominsert cavity310, before extracting or removingoil415 therefrom. Oncesyringe100 andplunger head162 is exposed, operator may aspirate or draw or extractoil415 out from theproximal-most stratum410 through aspiration valve orport161 andopening168, as illustrated inFIG. 28.
• Thesyringe100 then contains only fat425. The operator may then use the same valve orport161 andopening168 to inject additional substances intosyringe100, e.g., hormones or cleaning solutions which may be regarded as increasing the viability of the fat425. These additional substances may be left mixed in withfat425, or centrifuged out again, in a second centrifuging process.
• Regardless of whether additional substances are introduced intosyringe100, the fat425 is then transferred to a series ofsmaller syringes600, e.g., 1 cc syringes, for injection, as illustrated inFIG. 29. Thefilter cap274 illustrated inFIG. 5 or6 is removed fromassembly200 by either breaking it off fromadapter230 or unscrewing it fromadapter230, leavingsyringe100 coupled withproximal end232 ofadapter230.Syringe600 is coupled withadapter230, as illustrated inFIG. 7.Plunger shaft164 is re-coupled or reattached withplunger head162, and movement ofplunger160 indistal direction702 pushes fat425 (and any additional substances, if any) out fromsyringe100, throughpassageway236 inadapter230, and intosyringe600, as illustrated inFIG. 29.
• The fat425 is thus collected and prepared for being injected into the desired location withsyringe600.
• In the preceding specification, the present invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims (66)

1. A method of preparing fat for transplantation, comprising the steps of:

mating a distal end of a first syringe with a first end of an adapter assembly;

engaging a filter assembly with a second end of the adapter assembly, the filter assembly including a filter attached thereto;

after the engaging and mating steps, inserting the first syringe into a receiver in a centrifuge insert, a combination of substances releasably retained inside a chamber of the syringe, the combination of substances including oil, fat and a denser substance;

after the engaging and mating steps, coupling the centrifuge insert to a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge;

after the coupling step, centrifuging the first syringe to stratify the combination of substances into strata of oil, fat and the denser substance;

after the coupling step, filtering at least a portion of the denser fluid stratum from the first syringe through the filter, the filter preventing passage of at least a portion of the fat stratum from the first syringe; and

after the coupling step, extracting at least a portion the oil stratum from an opening in a plunger head in a proximal portion of the syringe.

2. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising the step of:

after the filtering step, disengaging the filter assembly from the adapter assembly.

3. The method according toclaim 2, further comprising the step of:

after the disengaging step, mating a distal end of a second syringe with a second end of the adapter assembly.

4. The method according toclaim 3, further comprising the step of:

after the step of mating the distal end of the second syringe with the second end of the adapter assembly, transferring at least a portion of the fat stratum from the first syringe to the second syringe through the adapter assembly.

5. The method according toclaim 4, further comprising the step of:

after the transferring step, detaching the second syringe from the adapter assembly.

6. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising the step of:

after the centrifuging step, uncoupling the centrifuge insert from the rotatable centrifuge member.

7. The method according toclaim 6, further comprising the step of:

after the uncoupling step, removing the centrifuge insert together with the first syringe from the centrifuge.

8. The method according toclaim 1, wherein filtering step is performed after the coupling step and after the centrifuging step.

9. The method according toclaim 1, wherein the filtering step is performed contemporaneously with the centrifuging step.

10. An assembly comprising:

an adapter having a first section mateable with a luer connector of a first syringe, a second section mateable with a luer connector of a second syringe, a passageway from the first section to the second section, a coupling; and

a filter assembly releasably coupleable with the adapter via the coupling, the filter assembly including a filter configured to selectively allow passage of a first type of substance out of the first syringe and to prevent passage of a second type of substance out of the first syringe.

11. A method comprising the steps of:

mating a first syringe with a first section of an adapter;

after the step of mating the first syringe, removing a first type of substance from the first syringe through a filter connected to the adapter, the filter preventing passage of a second type of substance from the first syringe;

after the removing step, mating a second syringe with a second section of the adapter; and

after the step of mating the second syringe, transferring the second type of substance from the first syringe to the second syringe through the adapter.

12. The method according toclaim 11, further comprising the step of:

after the removing step, disconnecting the filter from the adapter.

13. The method according toclaim 12, wherein the removing step includes the substep of:

removing the first type of substance from the first syringe through the filter, the filter covering an opening in the second section of the adapter.

14. A method comprising the steps of:

removing from a first syringe a more dense substance of a combination of substances in the first syringe through a filter attached to an adapter coupled with the first syringe, the filter configured to permit passage of the more dense substance while preventing passage of a less dense substance from the first syringe; and

transferring the less dense substance from the first syringe through the adapter.

15. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the removing step includes the substep of:

removing from the first syringe the more dense substance in a lower stratum of a combination of stratified substances in the first syringe through the filter.

16. The method according toclaim 15, further comprising the step of:

before the removing step, centrifuging the combination of substances in the first syringe into strata according to the densities of the substances in the combination.

17. The method according toclaim 14, wherein the transferring step includes the substep of:

transferring the less dense substance from the first syringe through the adapter into a second syringe.

18. The method according toclaim 17, further comprising the step of:

before the transferring substep, removing the filter from the adapter, the filter being releasably attached to the adapter.

19. The method according toclaim 17, further comprising the step of:

before the transferring substep, mating the second syringe to the adapter.

20. The method according toclaim 14, further comprising the step of:

before the removing step, mating the first syringe to the adapter.

21. An assembly comprising:

an adapter having a first end configured to sealingly engage an opening in a first container, a second end configured to sealingly engage an opening in a second container, a passageway between the first end and the second end, and a coupling; and

a filter assembly releasably coupleable with the adapter via the coupling, the filter assembly including a filter configured to selectively allow passage of a first type of substance out of the first container and to prevent passage of a second type of substance out of the first container.

22. A syringe comprising:

a chamber having an open proximal end and an opening in a distal end, a center of the opening offset from a central longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a plunger shaft; and

a plunger head releasably coupled with the plunger shaft, the plunger head and the plunger shaft slidably and sealingly insertable through the open proximal end into the chamber to variate a volume of an interior of the chamber.

23. The syringe according toclaim 22, wherein the plunger head includes an aspiration port configured to allow removal of substances from the interior of the syringe and addition of substances to the interior of the syringe.

24. The syringe according toclaim 22, wherein the aspiration port is positioned to be exposed when the plunger shaft is uncoupled from the plunger head.

25. A method comprising the steps of:

centrifuging a combination of substances in a chamber in a syringe, to separate the combination of substances in the chamber into strata according to a density of each of the substances in the combination, a plunger head slidably and sealingly inserted into an open proximal end of the chamber, a distal end of the chamber having an opening, a center of the opening offset from a central longitudinal axis of the chamber; and

after the centrifuging step, attaching the plunger shaft to the plunger head.

26. The method according toclaim 25, wherein the centrifuging step includes the substep of:

removing a distal stratum of densest substances from the chamber through a filter in an assembly releasably coupled with the opening, the filter preventing passage of less dense substances from the chamber.

27. The method according toclaim 26, further comprising the step of:

after the centrifuging step, detaching the filter from assembly.

28. The method according toclaim 26, further comprising the step of:

after the attaching step, transferring at least a portion of the less dense substances into a second syringe.

29. The method according toclaim 28, wherein the transferring step includes the substep of:

depressing a proximal end of the plunger shaft to move the plunger head in a distal direction and to push the portion of the less dense substances out of the chamber through the opening and the assembly into the second syringe.

30. The method according toclaim 25, further comprising the step of:

extracting a supernatant stratum of least dense substances from the chamber through an aspiration port in the plunger head.

31. An apparatus for centrifuging syringes, comprising:

an insert releasably coupleable with a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge, a rotation of the rotatable centrifuge member being driven by a drive shaft of the centrifuge, the drive shaft being coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member,

wherein the insert has at least one insert cavity configured to receive a syringe.

32. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein a rotation of the insert is driven by a rotation of the rotatable centrifuge member when the insert is coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member.

33. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the insert includes a lid configured to releasably enclose the syringe within the insert.

34. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the insert is composed of a material having sufficient rigidity to support a syringe in each insert cavity when the insert is decoupled from the rotatable centrifuge member and placed on a surface.

35. The apparatus according toclaim 34, wherein the material includes plastic.

36. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the insert is disposable.

37. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the insert is a centrifuge insertion mold.

38. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein at least part of each insert cavity is shaped to provide a complementary fit to a corresponding centrifuge cavity in the rotatable centrifuge member.

39. The apparatus according toclaim 38, wherein the shape of each insert cavity is further configured to provide a complementary fit to at least part of a particularly sized syringe.

40. The apparatus according toclaim 39, wherein the insert has a smaller quantity of insert cavities than a quantity of centrifuge cavities, a surface on the insert covering an open end of at least one unmatched centrifuge cavity.

41. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein the insert cavity has a stop member attached to an interior thereof configured to prevent a distal end of the syringe from resting on a distal-most interior surface of the insert cavity.

42. The apparatus according toclaim 31, wherein an interior of the insert cavity has a stop surface, the stop surface configured to engage an outer surface of the syringe to limit an insertion of the syringe into the insertion cavity.

43. The apparatus according toclaim 42, wherein a distal portion of the insert cavity is configured to receive drainage from the syringe.

44. The apparatus according toclaim 43, further comprising an absorbent material arranged in the distal portion of the insert cavity.

45. The apparatus according toclaim 43, wherein the distal portion of the insert cavity is configured to receive a denser substance filtered out of a distal end of the syringe during centrifugation.

46. An assembly for centrifuging syringes, comprising:

a centrifuge including a base and a rotatable centrifuge member rotatably coupled with the base; and

an insert configured to releasably couple with the rotatable centrifuge member, the insert having at least one insert cavity configured to receive a syringe.

47. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the centrifuge includes an actuating mechanism coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member, the actuating mechanism configured to drive a rotation of the rotatable centrifuge member.

48. The assembly according toclaim 47, wherein the actuating mechanism includes a drive shaft and a motor configured to rotate the drive shaft.

49. The assembly according toclaim 47, wherein the actuating mechanism includes a manually actuated drive shaft coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member.

50. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the base has a weighted perimeter.

51. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the rotatable centrifuge member has at least one centrifuge cavity shaped for a complementary fit with at least a portion of a corresponding insert cavity.

52. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the rotatable centrifuge member has a plurality of centrifuge cavities.

53. The assembly according toclaim 52, wherein at least one of the plurality of centrifuge cavities has a corresponding insert cavity, the at least one of the plurality of centrifuge cavities being a matched centrifuge cavity.

54. The assembly according toclaim 53, wherein the rotatable centrifuge member has at least one unmatched centrifuge cavity lacking a corresponding insertion cavity, each unmatched centrifuge cavity having an open end configured to be covered by a surface of the insert when the insert is coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member.

55. The assembly according toclaim 53, wherein the unmatched centrifuge cavity has a different size than a size of the matched centrifuge cavity.

56. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the rotatable centrifuge member has a releasably engageable centrifuge cover.

57. The assembly according toclaim 46, wherein the insert has an insert cover.

58. The assembly according toclaim 57, wherein the insert cover is configured to releasably enclose the syringes within the insert.

59. The assembly according toclaim 58, wherein the insert is configured to maintain a sterile environment for the syringes, while subjecting the syringes to centrifugation.

60. A method of centrifuging syringes, comprising the steps of:

coupling a centrifuge insert with a rotatable centrifuge member of a centrifuge, the centrifuge insert having at least one insert cavity retaining at least one syringe within the insert, the syringe configured to releasably retain a combination of substances, a rotation of the rotatable centrifuge being driven by a drive shaft of the centrifuge, the drive shaft being coupled with the rotatable centrifuge member; and

after the coupling step, rotating the rotatable centrifuge member, the centrifuge insert, and the combination of substances.

61. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the rotating step includes the step of:

stratifying the combination of substances into strata from a proximal-most stratum to a distal-most stratum in each syringe according to a density of each of the substances in the combination.

62. The method according toclaim 60, wherein the rotating step includes the substep of:

drawing a densest substance from the combination of substances out of each syringe into the distal-most portion of the corresponding insert cavity.

63. The method according toclaim 60, further comprising the step of:

after the coupling step, filtering a densest substance from the combination of substances from the syringe through a filter in an assembly coupled with the syringe, the filter preventing passage of a less dense substance from the syringe.

64. The method according toclaim 60, further comprising the step of:

after the rotating step and the filtering step, transferring at least a portion of the less dense substance into another syringe.

65. The method according toclaim 64, further comprising the step of:

removing the filter from the assembly.

66. The method according toclaim 65, wherein the transferring step includes the step of:

transferring the portion of the less dense substance into another syringe through an adapter in the assembly, the passageway having two ends, each end having a coupling configured for releasably coupling the adapter with a syringe.

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