Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of soft tissue
First Claim
1. A cosmetic treatment method comprising:
- providing a treatment apparatus comprising a microprocessor, an energy source and energy delivery device coupled to the energy source, said energy delivery device comprising an electrode and at least one sensor associated with the electrode;
providing a fluid medium to contact at least a portion of the electrode;
placing the electrode on a surface of a tissue site without penetrating the surface;
determining with the sensor at least one composite temperature of the tissue site and the fluid medium in contact with the electrode;
sending a signal indicative of the composite temperature from the sensor to the microprocessor; and
delivering energy from the electrode to the tissue site.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for effecting change in at least a portion of a selected site of a collagen containing tissue that is at least partially adjacent to a fluid medium. The apparatus includes an energy delivery device configured to deliver a level of energy to the selected site of the collagen containing tissue. The energy delivery device includes a distal portion where a sensor is positioned. The sensor provides a signal indicative of the thermal energy content of at least the selected site of the collagen containing tissue and the adjacent fluid medium to a feedback control unit. The signal is received by the feedback control system which adjusts the level of energy supplied to the energy delivery.
185 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A cosmetic treatment method comprising:
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providing a treatment apparatus comprising a microprocessor, an energy source and energy delivery device coupled to the energy source, said energy delivery device comprising an electrode and at least one sensor associated with the electrode;
providing a fluid medium to contact at least a portion of the electrode;
placing the electrode on a surface of a tissue site without penetrating the surface;
determining with the sensor at least one composite temperature of the tissue site and the fluid medium in contact with the electrode;
sending a signal indicative of the composite temperature from the sensor to the microprocessor; and
delivering energy from the electrode to the tissue site. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A cosmetic system for contracting collagen fibers in a tissue site, said apparatus comprising:
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a fluid medium;
an energy source; and
an energy delivery device coupled to the energy source, said energy delivery device comprising a distal end having a conductive material in contact with the fluid medium and a non-conductive material in contact with at least a portion of the tissue site;
an internal lumen extending from the conductive material toward a proximal end; and
a sensor associated with the distal end and in contact with the fluid medium, wherein the energy delivery device is configured to be positioned adjacent to the tissue site such that the sensor determines at least one composite temperature of the tissue site and the fluid medium. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification