Systems and methods for ultrasound assisted lipolysis
First Claim
1. A system for destroying tissue within a subcutaneous tissue region, comprising:
- a transducer device comprising an emission surface for emitting acoustic energy, the transducer device configured for focusing the acoustic energy at a localized focal zone in the subcutaneous tissue region;
drive circuitry coupled to the transducer device for providing drive signals to the transducer device whereby the transducer device may emit acoustic energy from the emission surface; and
a controller coupled to the drive circuitry, the controller configured for controlling the drive signals delivered by the drive circuitry such that the acoustic energy emitted by the transducer device has sufficient intensity to cause mechanical damage and rupture cells within the focal zone, the controller configured for controlling the drive circuitry such that the transducer has a relatively low duty cycle to minimize heating within the focal zone.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Cells are destroyed within a subcutaneous tissue region using a transducer disposed externally adjacent to a patient'"'"'s skin. The transducer emits acoustic energy that is focused at a linear focal zone within the tissue region, the acoustic energy having sufficient intensity to rupture cells within the focal zone while minimizing heating. The transducer may include one or more transducer elements having a partial cylindrical shape, a single planar transducer element coupled to an acoustic lens, or a plurality of linear transducer elements disposed adjacent one another in an arcuate or planar configuration. The transducer may include detectors for sensing cavitation occurring with the focal zone, which is correlated to the extent of cell destruction. A frame may be provided for controlling movement of the transducer along the patient'"'"'s skin, e.g., in response to the extent of cell destruction caused by the transducer.
218 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A system for destroying tissue within a subcutaneous tissue region, comprising:
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a transducer device comprising an emission surface for emitting acoustic energy, the transducer device configured for focusing the acoustic energy at a localized focal zone in the subcutaneous tissue region;
drive circuitry coupled to the transducer device for providing drive signals to the transducer device whereby the transducer device may emit acoustic energy from the emission surface; and
a controller coupled to the drive circuitry, the controller configured for controlling the drive signals delivered by the drive circuitry such that the acoustic energy emitted by the transducer device has sufficient intensity to cause mechanical damage and rupture cells within the focal zone, the controller configured for controlling the drive circuitry such that the transducer has a relatively low duty cycle to minimize heating within the focal zone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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15. A method for destroying cells within a subcutaneous tissue region located beneath a patient'"'"'s skin, comprising:
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disposing a transducer externally adjacent to the patient'"'"'s skin; and
driving the transducer with drive signals using a relatively low duty cycle such that the transducer emits acoustic energy, while focusing the acoustic energy from the transducer at a localized focal zone within the tissue region, the acoustic energy having sufficient intensity to rupture cells within the focal zone while substantially minimizing heating of tissue within the focal zone.
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Specification