Methods for creating tissue effect utilizing electromagnetic energy and a reverse thermal gradient

• US 20040000316A1
• Filed: 03/31/2003
• Published: 01/01/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/1996
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Thermage Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Thermage Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Knowlton, Edward W., Weber, Bryan, Levinson, Mitchell
• Application Number:
  US10/404,413
• Publication Number:
  US 20040000316A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 128/898
• CPC Class Codes: A45D 44/22 Face shaping devices, e.g. chin straps; Wrinkle removers, e.g. stretching the skin skin stretchers for shaving A45D27/38
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/00 Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body eye surgery A61F9/007; ear surgery A61F11/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/12 by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1402 Probes for open surgery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/148 having a short, rigid shaft for accessing the inner body transcutaneously, e.g. for neurosurgery or arthroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/003 Steerable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00023 closed, i.e. without wound contact by the fluid
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00452 Skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00488 Esophagus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0066 without feedback, i.e. open loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00779 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00875 Resistance or impedance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1495 Electrodes being detachable from a support structure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/02 Devices for expanding tissue, e.g. skin tissue implements for holding wounds open, surgical tractors A61B17/02; implantable mammary prosthesis A61F2/12; dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0021 : Female breast
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 2201/10 : with further special therapeutic means, e.g. electrotherapy, magneto therapy or radiation therapy, chromo therapy, infrared or ultraviolet therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 7/001 : without substantial movement between the skin and the device
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/005 : Pneumatic massage
• CPC Class Codes: A61H 9/0071 : by localized pressure, e.g. air streams or jets
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/3606 : cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/06 : for high-frequency therapy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/28 : Apparatus for applying thermoelectric currents
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/30 : Apparatus for iontophoresis, i.e. transfer of media in ionic state by an electromotoric force into the body, or cataphoresis
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 : alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/403 : for thermotherapy, e.g. hyperthermia
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0645 : Applicators worn by the patient

Abstract

A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a skin treatment is provided. An electromagnetic energy delivery device is coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. Different levels of cooling are applied to a skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient through the skin surface is created, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying tissue. Electromagnetic energy is applied through the skin surface to the underlying tissue, wherein the. A tissue effect is created on at least a portion of the tissue site.

Claims

1. A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a skin treatment, comprising:

providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device coupled to an electromagnetic energy source;

applying different levels of cooling to a skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient through the skin surface is created, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying tissue;

applying electromagnetic energy through the skin surface to the underlying tissue, wherein the; and

creating a tissue effect on at least a portion of the tissue site.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is dermal remodeling.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is dermal tightening.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is wrinkle reduction.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is elastosis reduction.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is scar reduction.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is sebaceous gland removal or deactivation.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a reduction of sebaceous gland activity

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is hair follicle modification.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is adipose tissue remodeling or removal.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is spider vein removal

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is modification of skin irregularities

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a creation of scar or nascent collagen

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a reduction of skin bacteria activity.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a modification of skin pore size.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is an unclogging of skin pores.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a modification of fat tissue.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a modification of muscle tissue.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein the tissue effect is a modification of facial tissue.

20. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

providing an energy source;

applying different levels of cooling to a skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface is created, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of collagen containing tissue site; and

delivering energy from the energy source through the skin surface to the selected collagen containing tissue site for a sufficient time to induce collagen formation in the collagen containing tissue site, minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface and creating a tissue effect at the skin surface.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the cooling is delivered continuously at a variable rate during the skin treatment.

26. The method of claim 20, wherein the cooling is delivered continuously at a variable rate during the skin treatment.

22. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

providing an energy source;

applying different levels of cooling to a skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface is created, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of collagen containing tissue site;

delivering energy during at least a portion of the skin treatment from the energy source through the skin surface to the collagen containing tissue site for a sufficient time to induce a formation of new collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with no deeper than a second degree burn created on the skin surface; and

creating a tissue effect at the skin surface.

23. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

providing an energy delivery device with an energy delivery surface;

coupling the energy delivery surface on the skin surface;

applying different levels of cooling to the skin surface during the skin treatment;

creating a reverse thermal gradient during at least a portion of the skin treatment where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than the collagen containing tissue site;

inducing a formation of new collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with no deeper than a second degree burn created on the skin surface; and

creating a tissue effect at the skin surface.

24. A method of creating a tissue effect, comprising:

providing a treatment apparatus that includes at least a first RF electrode;

applying different levels of cooling to the skin surface during a skin treatment;

creating a reverse thermal gradient during at least a portion of the skin treatment where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than the collagen containing tissue site; and

delivering energy from the treatment apparatus through the skin surface to the tissue underlying the skin surface for a sufficient time to create a desired tissue effect while minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface.

25. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

photographing the skin surface under a first set of conditions prior to the skin treatment;

providing an energy source;

cooling the skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of collagen containing tissue site;

delivering energy from the energy source through the skin surface to the selected collagen containing tissue site for a sufficient time to induce collagen formation in the collagen containing tissue site, minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface and creating a tissue effect at the skin epidermis surface; and

photographing the skin surface under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the skin treatment.

27. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

photographing the skin surface under a first set of conditions prior to the skin treatment;

providing an energy source;

applying cooling to the skin surface during the skin treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient is created through the skin surface, at least during a portion of the skin treatment, where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of collagen containing tissue site;

delivering energy during at least a portion of the skin treatment from the energy source through the skin surface to the collagen containing tissue site for a sufficient time to induce a formation of new collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with no deeper than a second degree burn created on the skin surface;

creating a tissue effect at the skin surface; and

photographing the skin surface under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the skin treatment.

28. A method for inducing the formation of scar collagen in a collagen containing tissue site beneath a skin surface during a skin treatment, comprising:

photographing the skin surface under a first set of conditions prior to the skin treatment;

providing an energy source with an energy delivery surface;

coupling the energy delivery surface with the skin surface;

applying cooling to the skin surface during the skin treatment;

creating a reverse thermal gradient during at least a portion of the skin treatment where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than the collagen containing tissue site;

inducing a formation of new collagen in the collagen containing tissue site with no deeper than a second degree bum created on the skin surface;

creating a tissue effect at the skin surface; and

photographing the skin surface under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the skin treatment.

29. A method of creating a tissue effect, comprising:

photographing a skin surface under a first set of conditions prior to a skin treatment;

providing a treatment apparatus that includes at least a first RF electrode;

applying cooling to the skin surface during the skin treatment;

creating a reverse thermal gradient during at least a portion of the skin treatment where a temperature of the skin surface is lower than the collagen containing tissue site;

delivering energy from the treatment apparatus through the skin surface to the tissue underlying the skin surface for a sufficient time to create a desired tissue effect while minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface; and

photographing the skin surface under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the skin treatment.

30. A method of creating a tissue effect, comprising:

photographing a tissue site under a first set of conditions prior to a tissue site treatment;

providing a treatment apparatus that includes an electromagnetic energy delivery device;

creating a reverse thermal gradient through a skin surface, wherein a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a tissue underlying the skin surface;

delivering energy from the electromagnetic energy delivery device through the skin surface to the tissue underlying the skin surface for a sufficient time to create the tissue effect at the tissue site while minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface;

photographing the tissue site under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the tissue site treatment.

31. A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a tissue site treatment, comprising:

photographing the tissue site under a first set of conditions prior to the tissue site treatment;

providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device;

delivering energy from the electromagnetic energy delivery device through a skin surface to a selected collagen containing tissue site for a sufficient time to induce a formation of new collagen in the selected collagen containing tissue site with no deeper than a second degree burn created on the skin surface;

creating the tissue effect; and

photographing the tissue site under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the tissue site treatment.

32. A method for creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a tissue site treatment, comprising:

photographing the tissue site under a first set of conditions prior to the tissue site treatment;

providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device that includes an energy delivery surface;

coupling the energy delivery surface with a skin surface;

creating a reverse thermal gradient through the skin surface, wherein a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue;

delivering energy from the electromagnetic energy delivery device through the skin surface to the underlying collagen containing tissue for a sufficient time to induce a formation of new collagen in the underlying collagen containing tissue with no deeper than a second degree burn created on the skin surface;

creating the tissue effect; and

photographing the tissue site under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the tissue site treatment.

33. A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a tissue site treatment, comprising:

photographing the tissue site under a first set of conditions prior to the tissue site treatment;

providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device that has an energy delivery surface;

reducing a temperature of a collagen containing tissue site below a skin surface;

delivery energy from the electromagnetic energy delivery device through the skin surface to the collagen containing tissue site;

inducing scar collagen formation;

photographing the tissue site under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the tissue site treatment.

34. A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a tissue site treatment, comprising:

photographing the tissue site under a first set of conditions prior to the tissue site treatment;

providing an electromagnetic energy delivery device that includes an energy delivery surface;

coupling the energy delivery surface with a skin surface;

creating a reverse thermal gradient through the skin surface, wherein a temperature of the skin surface is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue;

delivering energy from the energy delivery device through the skin surface to the tissue underlying the skin surface for a sufficient time to induce scar collagen formation while minimizing cellular necrosis of the skin surface; and

photographing the tissue site under substantially the same conditions as the first set of conditions after the tissue site treatment.