Automated system and method for harvesting or implanting follicular units

摘要

Automated systems and methods for operating a procedure tool to perform a procedure (for example, hair transplantation) on a body are provided. One or more mechanisms are configured to produce a combination movement of the procedure tool in response to control signals. A force sensor monitors resistance as the tool moves and transmits information from the force sensor to a computer. Movement of the procedure tool is controlled at least in part based on information from the force sensor.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
a procedure tool configured to perform a procedure on a body; one or more mechanisms configured to produce a combination movement of the procedure tool in response to control signals applied to the one or more mechanisms; a force sensor configured to measure a resistance force encountered by the procedure tool moving through a skin into tissue; an interface configured to allow input of a procedure treatment plan; a processor configured to process 1) images of the body surface and 2) the procedure treatment plan; a controller operatively associated with the one or more mechanisms, wherein the combination movement of the procedure tool comprises one or more movement parameters, the system is an automated image-guided system and the controller is configured to control one or more movements of the tool based at least in part on a) images processed by a processor, b) the procedure treatment plan and c) a force curve, the force curve being generated based on information provided by the force sensor as the tool is being moved.