A Tool for Computer-Controlled Lipoaspirate Deposition in Autologous Fat Grafting

Abstract

In autologous fat grafting applied for tissue regeneration and morphologic/volumetric restoration, clinical evidence suggests that the uniformity of tissue distribution in the receiver site may influence regenerative outcomes and rates of complications. This technical report describes the prototype of a computer-assisted deposition tool designed to maximize deposition uniformity. This is obtained by modulating the lipoaspirate flow through the cannula of the syringe as a function of the tool withdrawal speed by means of a DC motor that controls the movement of the syringe plunger. Although simpler technologies for speed detection may be applied, the authors' prototype features a wireless connection with an infrared (IR) motion-tracking system for real-time detection of position, orientation, and speed of the surgical tool. The integrated motion-tracking instrumentation grants combined computer-controlled lipoaspirate deposition and real-time surgical navigation to maximize fat tissue uniformity along a planned, patient-specific insertion pattern. The presented tool ensures the uniformity of tissue deposition through integration of the plunger motion with control of the tool movement, allowing for reduced onset of postintervention complications. EBM level 5 LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .