MULTI-FOCAL TREATMENT OF SKIN WITH ACOUSTIC ENERGY
First Claim
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1. A transducer configuration comprising:
- a transducer, and an acoustic waveguide disposed adjacent to an acoustic emitting surface of the transducer, wherein the acoustic waveguide is configured to focus acoustic energy into at least two focal regions below a surface of a subject'"'"'s skin in a target area.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for applying acoustic energy to the skin. Acoustic waveguides with elements of varying thickness or shape are disclosed which deliver energy to more than one depth below a surface of the skin substantially simultaneously. The invention is especially useful with devices that focus ultrasound energy by condensing a propagating wavefront. The invention compensates for the mismatch in acoustic properties of the device'"'"'s waveguide and the biological tissue that typically cause portions of the collapsing wavefront to lag behind other portions and, thereby, limit the focusing capabilities of acoustic treatment devices.
296 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A transducer configuration comprising:
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a transducer, and an acoustic waveguide disposed adjacent to an acoustic emitting surface of the transducer, wherein the acoustic waveguide is configured to focus acoustic energy into at least two focal regions below a surface of a subject'"'"'s skin in a target area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A skin treatment method comprising:
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identifying a region of skin to be treated, and delivering ultrasound energy to more than one depth below a surface of the skin. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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Specification