Powered Cole Isolation Device (PCID) for FUE Hair Transplant
The Powered Cole Isolation Device or PCID is a powered instrument used by hair transplant surgeons to extract follicles in the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) method of hair transplant. FUE recreates a naturally looking hairline by extracting hair follicles one-by-one from a donor area (often the base of the scalp where hair loss has not occurred) and transplanting them into the areas where hair loss has occurred.
Powered Cole Isolation Device
Powered Cole Isolation Device hand unit
Images: Cole Instruments
How does the PCID work?
The handpiece is used in conjunction with extremely sharp, stainless-steel punches that rotate, oscillate, and have an adjustable depth. Your physician can set precise extraction parameters to suit your follicles and your scalp, minimising the possibility of follicle injury or transection. In fact, the PCID has the lowest reported rate of follicle transection of any mechanical device.
The Powered Cole Isolation Device’s rate of extraction is approximately twice that of a fully manual follicle extraction punch. This makes for a shorter procedure time which is great news for patients.
PCID punches keep follicles viable
What maintains the viability of extracted follicles is the special design of the punches used with the PCID. The follicle punches are extremely sharp with thin walls, and their serrated tip minimises the friction with the skin. Less force is needed and there is less trauma to the skin and the follicle when extracting the grafts.
