Description

The object of invention is a device for subcutaneous, introduction, in particular for the implantation of artificial hairs.

As known by all the operators in the field, operations involving subcutaneous introduction, especially the implantation of artificial hairs, is particularly delicate and laborious for the operator as well as for the patient.

In fact this concerns the implantation of a decidedly considerable number of hairs, one by one, in the most precise and painless way possible.

In many cases the operation takes very long, because of which it is advisable, but necessary, for the patient to undergo local anaesthetics.

Moreover, the physical effort of the operator, who has to follow the extremely precise application, reveals itself often notably.

For these reasons, the devices that are most often used for hair implantation, have a needle point which is shaped to enable it to hook the artificial hair, and which is operated manually by the surgeon or operator and do not represent the most practical and convenient way of coping with the specific needs.

In more recent times, solutions have been realized that enable the automatic functioning of the device, so as to guarantee more precision, less strain for the surgeon and less pain for the patient.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a

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device for subcutaneous introduction that, based on the principle of automation and fed by compressed air, in an ultimately perfected instrument, which is more manageable and practical for the users.

Moreover, it is also the aim of the invention to realize a device of the above-mentioned type, that enables the operaters to substitude the needle in an extremely simple and quick way.

The last aim of the invention is to realize a device for subcutaneous introduction that provides a good control of the depth of the implantation, as well as a good control of the stroke of the needle, resulting in an extremely flexible way of operation, in which it is possible to adapt to any special demand and which is very practical.

For these reasons the specific form of the present invention is a device for subcutaneous introduction, in particular for the implantation of artificial hairs, comprising in combination, an external sheath, a cylinder, coupled, removable, behind the above-mentioned external sheath, within runs a piston; a compressed air feed element, placed behind the above-mentioned piston, fitted with a victaulic coupling for the connection with the device for the generation of compressed air, and screwed behind the above- mentioned cylinder; elastic aids counteracting the strokes of the piston, which is pushed forward by the above-mentioned compressed air; guide bearings for the longitudinal sliding of the piston; controls for the stroke of the piston; a needle, inside the above-mentioned sheath and attached to the front of the above-mentioned piston by a victaulinc coupling; and caps, connected with the front of the sheath and through which frontly emerges the needle point.

To be more specific, according to the invention, the above- mentioned feed of compressed air consists of a ferrule, pierced un the middele, at the back supplied with a

75 victaulic coupling, and to the front strung to the above- mentioned cylinder, so that it hits the back wall of the piston, so by screwing it more or less tight on the cylinder itself the starting position of the piston can be varied, and consequently the lenght of the needle out of the

80 caps.

The above-mentioned elastic aids, contrasting with the stroke of the piston will preferable consist of a spring, positioned between the piston itself and the fixed 85 back wall, so that it is compressed during the advancement of the piston, put in action by compressed air, and will assume the original position when no more compressed air is being released.

90 Still according to the invention, the guide bearings of the longitudinal sliding of the piston will consist of two radial pins, arranged to the piston at 180°, sliding in corresponding slots in the wall of the cylinder.

95 Further on the controls for the pisbon strokes will consist of a moulded element, screwed to the exterior of the above- mentioned cylinder, and provided, on its internal surface, with an overhang which is hit by the above-mentioned pins during the advancement, so by varying the position of the 100 moulded element with respect to the cylinder, th-e lenght of the piston strokes can be controlled.

The above-mentioned caps can consist of one internal element, through which the needle point emerges, and a 105 second external element, screwed to the front of the above¬ -mentioned sheath.

The device according to the invention will be described now according to one of its preffεred forms, which is

110 represented in the enclosed illustration, which shows a longitudinal section.

The device has an external sheath 1, which contains a piston 2, made up of three elements 2', 2 ' ' and 2 ¹¹ ' sliding in

115 the cylinder 3.

At the front end of this cylinder 3 is a contrasting wall 4, which is hit by a spring 5, attached around element 2' ¹ , of the piston 2. 120

At the back end the abovmentioned spring 5 is pushed by element 2 ' ; between element 2 ' ' and the cylinder 3 are some retaining rings 6.

125 On the external cylinder 3 wall, two longitudinal slots 7 have been made at 180° to the internal of these two pins 8 are carried by element 2 ' , so that the piston can only advance longitudinally, without rotation.

130

The ferrule 9 is crewed to the back of cylinder 3, is pierced in the middle and is supplied with a victaulic coupling for the connection with the compressed air generator (not shown).

135

By screwing the ferrule 9, more or less tight, which will hit element 2 ¹ of the piston, the starting position of the piston 2 can be varied, with the effects that will subsequently be indicated with the subcutaneous 140 introduction.

On the outside of cylinder 3 a moulded element 11 is crewed, supplied with overhang 12 which is hit by the above- mentioned pins 8, through which the lenght of the piston 2 145 strokes can be controlled.

To the back, element 2' ' ' of the piston 2 is fitted with a victaulic coupling for the needle 13 of the device according the invention.

150

This needle 13 emerges at the front of the sheath and its front end is contained in the inside of a cap 14, which consists of two elements 14 ' and 14 ' ' , screwed on the front end of sheath 1.

155 The needle 13 .is arranged on piston 2 simply by screwing the sheath 1 from cylinder 3 and inserting it on the victaulic coupling.

- After having reassembled the device, it is operated through 160 the ferrule 9, screwing it more or less thightly on ϊ cylinder 3, so as to make the needle 3 emerge form element 14 ' ' , as far as necessary.

By varying the position of the moulded element 11, one can 165 regulate, according to the requirements specific to the operation, the lenght of the piston strokes and so the depth of the penetration of the needle 13.

The advancement of piston 2 is determined by sending air 170 through the ferrule 9 pierced in the middle, resisted by the spring 5, which is constricted against the opposite wall 4.

When the compressed air supply is interrupted, the spring is stretched, carrying the needle 13 back to its original 175 position.

The two pins 8 quanrantee the perfect axial movement of the needle 13.

180 The present invention has described with specific reference to any of its preffered forms for realization, but it is understood that variations and/or changes can be carried out by experts in the field, without for this getting out of the relative sphere of the protection.

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