Development of Pneumatic Dual-Cell Stacking Implanter

Abstract

Recent studies have found that implanting mixtures of dermal papilla cells and epidermal cells could promote hair follicle regeneration. This approach will provide better opportunity than hair transplantation to treat alopecia. However, there is no suitable implanter to fulfill these functions, yet more considerations in human factors for the operators. Therefore, this research planned to develop a pneumatic duel-cell implanter that can stack the cells, control the implanting volume, and reduce the burden of doctors’ hand during operation. In order to reduce the weight of the implanter, separated modules were designed, including cell loading control module, handheld injection module, and pneumatic source. The cell loading control module contains two syringes for different cells and a volume control system equipped with liner step motor, delivering the required volume of cells into handheld module. Silicone tubes were used to connect these two modules. Two types of cells can be directed into the handheld injection module and stacked. The handheld injection module mimicked the size and the weight of a ball pen and adjust the mass center for comfortable holding. Near the injection tip, an angle stand was attached to adjust the injection angle for less loading to the hand. The top side of the handheld module was connected to the pneumatic source by flexible pipe. The pneumatic source was triggered by foot stepping to reduce the works by fingers and pushed the cells into scalp. The prototype of the implanter performed simulated implantation test by injecting silicone oil and blue ink into a transparent silicone block. The results showed that the implanter can successfully implant and stack two fluids in the same area. Moreover, suitable air pressure for injection was found and injected volumes were tested. As a result, the handheld injection module only weighs 12 g and no extra loads are needed by hand, which is suitable for implantation operation.