Systems and methods for electrosurgical assisted lipectomy
First Claim
1. A method for removing fatty tissue underlying a patient'"'"'s epidermis comprising:
- positioning an electrode terminal and a return electrode in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue;
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode to modify the fatty tissue; and
during the applying voltage step, aspirating a portion of the fatty tissue from the target region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for removing adipose or fatty tissue underlying a patient'"'"'s epidermis is disclosed (e.g., liposuction, abdominoplasty, and the like). The method includes positioning one or more active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s) in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue. A high frequency voltage difference is applied between the active and return electrodes, and the fatty tissue or fragments of the fatty tissue are aspirated from the target region. The high frequency voltage either softens the fatty tissue or completely removes at least a portion of the tissue. In both embodiments, the remaining fatty tissue is more readily detached from the adjacent tissue in the absence of energy, and less mechanical force is required for removal. The bipolar configuration of the present invention controls the flow of current to the immediate region around the distal end of the probe, which minimizes tissue necrosis and the conduction of current through the patient. The residual heat from the electrical energy also provides simultaneous hemostasis of severed blood vessels, which increases visualization and improves recovery time for the patient. The techniques of the present invention produce significantly less thermal energy than many conventional techniques, such as lasers and conventional RF devices, which reduces collateral tissue damage and minimizes pain and postoperative scarring.
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Citations
26 Claims
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1. A method for removing fatty tissue underlying a patient'"'"'s epidermis comprising:
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positioning an electrode terminal and a return electrode in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue;
applying a high frequency voltage difference between the electrode terminal and the return electrode to modify the fatty tissue; and
during the applying voltage step, aspirating a portion of the fatty tissue from the target region. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14)
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11. A method for performing a lipectomy comprising:
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positioning an electrode terminal in close proximity to a target region of fatty tissue underlying the epidermis; and
applying a sufficient high frequency voltage to the electrode terminal to volumetrically remove fatty tissue in situ without applying suction to the fatty tissue. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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15. An apparatus for removing fatty tissue underlying the epidermis comprising:
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a shaft having proximal and distal end portions and an electrode terminal on the distal end portion, the distal end portion being sized for introduction through a percutaneous penetration in the patient'"'"'s epidermis;
a return electrode on the shaft spaced from the electrode terminal;
a power supply coupled to the electrode terminal and the return electrode for applying a sufficient high frequency voltage difference between the electrode and the return electrode to modify fatty tissue underlying the epidermis; and
a suction lumen positioned adjacent the electrode terminal for aspirating the modified fatty tissue from the patient.
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Specification