Systems and methods for the destruction of adipose tissue

• US 20050154431A1
• Filed: 12/29/2004
• Published: 07/14/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medicis Technologies Corporation
• Original Assignee: LipoSonix, Inc. (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Desilets, Charles S., Quistgaard, Jens U., Darlington, Gregory Paul, Etchells, Tim
• Granted Patent: US 7,993,289 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/96
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/105 Modelling of the patient, e.g. for ligaments or bones
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/107 Visualisation of planned trajectories or target regions
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2034/2065 Tracking using image or pattern recognition
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/064 for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/365 augmented reality, i.e. correlating a live optical image with another image
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/395 with marking agent for marking skin or other tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/5025 with a counter-balancing mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/504 with a counterweight
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/20 Surgical navigation systems; Devices for tracking or guiding surgical instruments, e.g. for frameless stereotaxis
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 34/32 operating autonomously
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6843 Monitoring or controlling sensor contact pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/00 Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves imaging of objects using sonar G01S15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 8/4218 characterised by articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/361 Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0008 Destruction of fat cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0091 with moving parts, e.g. transducers, lenses, reflectors
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/02 Localised ultrasound hyperthermia hyperthermia in general A61F7/00

Abstract

Described is a system and method for the destruction of adipose tissue using an energy applicator such as a HIFU transducer. The system has a scan head containing an energy applicator, a mechanical arm for carrying the weight of the scan head, and a therapy controller such as a computer for controlling the operation of the scan head. The therapy controller may be part of a general purpose computer, and may be used as a robotic controller to automate the procedure. Methods are included for destroying adipose tissue in a quick, non-invasive manner.

Claims

1. A system for the application of energy to a body region, said system comprising:

a scan head including an energy applicator;

a means for suspending the scan head in space; and

a therapy controller coupled to the scan head and the suspending means, said therapy controller adapted to monitor the position and energy delivery of the scan head while providing guidance for positioning the scan head.

2. The system as described in claim 1, wherein said suspending means further comprises a means for tracking the location of said scan head in space.

3. The system as described in claim 1, wherein said means for suspending said scan head in space permits manual repositioning of said scan head in space.

4. The system as described in claim 1, wherein said means for suspending said scan head in space comprises a robotic arm capable of repositioning said scan head in response to a input directive.

5. A system as in claim 1, further comprising a therapy controller coupled to the scan head to monitor the position of the scan head and to determine a treatment region based on manual positioning of the scan head, said therapy controller being adapted to receive other treatment information from a user.

6. A system as in claim 5, wherein the therapy controller is physically separate from the controller and adapted to produce a treatment plan based on the determined treatment region and the other treatment information.

7. A system as in claim 6, wherein the therapy controller is further adapted to transfer said treatment plan to the controller.

8. A system as in claim 1, wherein the energy applicator comprises at least one vibrational transducer.

9. A system as in claim 8, wherein the energy applicator is positionably mounted within the scan head.

10. A system as in claim 9, wherein the scan head comprises a servo-controlled energy applicator mounting system that is coupled to the therapy controller, whereby the therapy controller can adjust the position of the energy applicator within the scan head.

11. A system as in claim 1, wherein the scan head comprises a navigation display in electronic communication with the therapy controller, whereby the therapy controller can display guidance information for a user.

12. A system as in claim 11, wherein the navigation display comprises a video screen, an LED matrix, discrete illumination elements, and communication means with said therapy controller.

13. A system as in claim 12, wherein the navigation display is mounted on the scan head.

14. A system as in claim 1, wherein the suspending means comprises an articulated arm.

15. A system as in claim 14, wherein the articulated arm is mounted on a free-standing base.

16. A system as in claim 15, wherein the articulated arm comprises digital encoders for providing tracking of the scan head position.

17. A system as described in claim 1, wherein said means for suspending said therapy head in space, is a robotic arm.

18. A system for producing a matched topographical and near surface subcutaneous tissue map, the system comprising:

a three dimensional imaging apparatus for producing surface images of a patient body;

a tissue imaging apparatus for producing subcutaneous images of said patient body; and

a correlative operation device for matching a plurality of markers of said surface images and said subcutaneous images.

19. The system as described in claim 18, wherein said correlative operation further comprises a computer in electronic communication with said three dimensional imaging apparatus and said tissue imaging apparatus.

20. The system as described in claim 18, wherein said three dimensional imaging apparatus is one or more optical cameras.

21. The system as described in claim 20, wherein said optical cameras are high definition cameras.

22. The system as described in claim 20, wherein said optical cameras provide for digital image output.

23. The system as described in claim 18, wherein said tissue imaging apparatus is an MRI device.

66. The system as described in claim 18, wherein said tissue imaging apparatus is an ultrasound device.

24-65. -65. (canceled)