Microtopographic pattern transfer tool

Abstract

A hand-operated tool for embossing a membrane or other soft pliable implant with microgrooves or microgeometries is disclosed. The tool includes an embossing surface such as a pressure plate or roller that includes a specific microgroove or microtopographical pattern. This allows a user such as a clinician to create an embossed surface on a membrane or other implantable device at the time of surgery for the purposes of directing cellular orientation and migration, increasing cell migration velocity and enhancing re-epithelialization rates in various medical and dental applications.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An autoclavable implant embosser tool, comprising:
 a first pressure plate;   a second pressure plate, wherein the first pressure plate and the second pressure plate are disposed pivotally with respect to one another;   wherein the first pressure plate comprises a surface comprising a first plurality of microgrooves,   wherein each of the first plurality of microgrooves has a first height, a first width, and a first pitch, and   wherein the first height, the first width, and the first pitch are selected to orient cells in a manner that will enhance re-epithelialization rates, direct cellular orientation and migration, and increase cell migration velocity after surgical implantation of an implant embossed by the manually-operated autoclavable implant embosser, and   wherein the tool is configured to be held in a user's hand.   
     
     
         2 . The tool of  claim 1 , further comprising a first elongated member on which the first pressure plate is disposed, and a second elongated member on which the second pressure plate is disposed, wherein the first elongated member and the second elongated member are pivotally-connected to one another. 
     
     
         3 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the second pressure plate comprises a surface comprising a second plurality of microgrooves. 
     
     
         4 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern consisting of a first set of parallel lines. 
     
     
         5 . The tool of  claim 2 , wherein the first plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern consisting of a first set of lines intersecting with a second set of lines of the second plurality of microgrooves. 
     
     
         6 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the first plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern of concentric circles. 
     
     
         7 . The tool of  claim 6 , wherein the pattern further comprises a plurality of lines emanating from a center point of the concentric circles. 
     
     
         8 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the surface comprises titanium. 
     
     
         9 . The tool of  claim 1 , wherein the surface comprises stainless steel. 
     
     
         10 . A manually-operated autoclavable tool for embossing an implantable material, comprising:
 a handle portion; and   a pressure plate disposed on a distal end of the handle portion;   wherein the pressure plate comprises a surface comprising plurality of microgrooves, and   wherein each of the plurality of microgrooves has a height, a width, and a pitch selected to orient cells in a manner that will enhance re-epithelialization rates, direct cellular orientation and migration, and increase cell migration velocity after surgical implantation of an implant embossed by the manually-operated autoclavable tool.   
     
     
         11 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern of parallel lines. 
     
     
         12 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern consisting of a first set of lines intersecting with a second set of lines. 
     
     
         13 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern of concentric circles. 
     
     
         14 . The tool of  claim 13 , wherein the pattern further comprises a plurality of lines emanating from a center point of the concentric circles. 
     
     
         15 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the surface comprises titanium. 
     
     
         16 . The tool of  claim 10 , wherein the surface comprises stainless steel. 
     
     
         17 . A tool for embossing an implantable material, comprising:
 a handle portion;   a bracket disposed on a distal end of the handle portion; and   a roller rotatably affixed to the bracket;   wherein an outer surface of the roller comprises a plurality of microgrooves;   wherein each of the plurality of microgrooves has a height, a pitch, and a width selected to orient cells in a manner that will enhance re-epithelialization rates, direct cellular orientation and migration, and increase cell migration velocity after surgical implantation of an implant embossed by the tool; and   wherein the tool is manually-operable and autoclavable.   
     
     
         18 . The tool of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern of parallel lines. 
     
     
         19 . The tool of  claim 17 , wherein the plurality of microgrooves are arranged in a pattern consisting of a first set of lines intersecting with a second set of lines. 
     
     
         20 . The tool of  claim 17 , wherein the outer surface comprises titanium.