SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN EFFECT USING MICROWAVE ENERGY TO SPECIFIED TISSUE
First Claim
1. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue, comprising:
- a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics;
an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface;
a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface;
a cooling source connected to said tissue interface; and
a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source.
16 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue includes a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue. The applicator includes one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to the tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer. The controller is configured so that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer.
-
Citations
272 Claims
-
1. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue, comprising:
-
a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics; an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface; a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface; a cooling source connected to said tissue interface; and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source.
-
-
2. (canceled)
-
3. (canceled)
-
4. (canceled)
-
5. (canceled)
-
6. (canceled)
-
7. (canceled)
-
8. (canceled)
-
9. (canceled)
-
10. (canceled)
-
11. (canceled)
-
12. (canceled)
-
13. (canceled)
-
14. (canceled)
-
15. (canceled)
-
16. (canceled)
-
17. (canceled)
-
18. (canceled)
-
19. (canceled)
-
20. (canceled)
-
21. (canceled)
-
22. (canceled)
-
23. (canceled)
-
24. (canceled)
-
25. (canceled)
-
26. (canceled)
-
27. (canceled)
-
28. (canceled)
-
29. (canceled)
-
30. (canceled)
-
31. (canceled)
-
32. (canceled)
-
33. (canceled)
-
34. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to target tissue, the apparatus comprising:
-
a tissue interface; a microwave energy delivery device; a cooling element positioned between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate positioned at the tissue interface; and a cooling fluid positioned between the cooling element and the microwave delivery device, the cooling fluid having a dielectric constant greater than a dielectric constant of the cooling element.
-
-
35. (canceled)
-
36. (canceled)
-
37. (canceled)
-
38. (canceled)
-
39. (canceled)
-
40. (canceled)
-
41. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising:
-
a tissue interface having a tissue acquisition chamber; a cooling element having a cooling plate; and a microwave energy delivery device having a microwave antenna.
-
-
42. (canceled)
-
43. (canceled)
-
44. (canceled)
-
45. (canceled)
-
46. (canceled)
-
47. (canceled)
-
48. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising:
-
a vacuum chamber adapted to elevate tissue including the target region and bring the tissue into contact with a cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate is adapted to contact a skin surface above the target region, cool the skin surface, and physically separate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device; and a microwave antenna configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target region to create a thermal effect.
-
-
49. (canceled)
-
50. (canceled)
-
51. (canceled)
-
52. (canceled)
-
53. (canceled)
-
54. A system for coupling microwave energy into tissue, the system comprising:
-
a microwave antenna; a fluid chamber positioned between the microwave antenna and the tissue; and a cooling plate positioned between the cooling chamber and the tissue.
-
-
55. (canceled)
-
56. (canceled)
-
57. (canceled)
-
58. (canceled)
-
59. (canceled)
-
60. (canceled)
-
61. (canceled)
-
62. (canceled)
-
63. (canceled)
-
64. (canceled)
-
65. A method of creating a tissue effect in a target tissue layer, comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a surface of the skin; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
66. (canceled)
-
67. (canceled)
-
68. (canceled)
-
69. (canceled)
-
70. (canceled)
-
71. (canceled)
-
72. (canceled)
-
73. (canceled)
-
74. (canceled)
-
75. (canceled)
-
76. (canceled)
-
77. (canceled)
-
78. (canceled)
-
79. (canceled)
-
80. (canceled)
-
81. (canceled)
-
82. (canceled)
-
83. (canceled)
-
84. (canceled)
-
85. (canceled)
-
86. (canceled)
-
87. (canceled)
-
88. (canceled)
-
89. (canceled)
-
90. (canceled)
-
91. A method of creating a lesion in a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a surface of the skin; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
92. (canceled)
-
93. (canceled)
-
94. (canceled)
-
95. (canceled)
-
96. (canceled)
-
97. (canceled)
-
98. (canceled)
-
99. (canceled)
-
100. (canceled)
-
101. (canceled)
-
102. (canceled)
-
103. (canceled)
-
104. (canceled)
-
105. (canceled)
-
106. (canceled)
-
107. (canceled)
-
108. A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer wherein the heat is sufficient to create a lesion in or proximate to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
109. (canceled)
-
110. (canceled)
-
111. (canceled)
-
112. (canceled)
-
113. (canceled)
-
114. (canceled)
-
115. (canceled)
-
116. (canceled)
-
117. (canceled)
-
118. (canceled)
-
119. (canceled)
-
120. (canceled)
-
121. (canceled)
-
122. (canceled)
-
123. (canceled)
-
124. (canceled)
-
125. (canceled)
-
126. (canceled)
-
127. (canceled)
-
128. (canceled)
-
129. (canceled)
-
130. A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling wherein the heat is sufficient to create a tissue effect in or proximate to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
131. (canceled)
-
132. (canceled)
-
133. (canceled)
-
134. (canceled)
-
135. (canceled)
-
136. (canceled)
-
137. (canceled)
-
138. (canceled)
-
139. (canceled)
-
140. (canceled)
-
141. (canceled)
-
142. (canceled)
-
143. (canceled)
-
144. (canceled)
-
145. (canceled)
-
146. (canceled)
-
147. A method of generating a temperature profile in tissue wherein the temperature profile has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
148. (canceled)
-
149. (canceled)
-
150. (canceled)
-
151. (canceled)
-
152. (canceled)
-
153. (canceled)
-
154. (canceled)
-
155. (canceled)
-
156. (canceled)
-
157. (canceled)
-
158. (canceled)
-
159. (canceled)
-
160. (canceled)
-
161. (canceled)
-
162. (canceled)
-
163. (canceled)
-
164. A method of generating a temperature profile in tissue in the absence of cooling wherein the temperature profile has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
165. (canceled)
-
166. (canceled)
-
167. (canceled)
-
168. (canceled)
-
169. (canceled)
-
170. (canceled)
-
171. (canceled)
-
172. (canceled)
-
173. (canceled)
-
174. (canceled)
-
175. (canceled)
-
176. (canceled)
-
177. (canceled)
-
178. (canceled)
-
179. (canceled)
-
180. A method of creating a lesion in a first layer of tissue, the first layer having an upper portion adjacent an external surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a second layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:
-
exposing the external surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency, and electric field orientation; generating an energy density profile having a peak in the lower portion of the first layer; and continuing to expose the external surface of the skin to the microwave energy for a time sufficient to create a lesion, wherein the lesion begins in the peak energy density region.
-
-
181. (canceled)
-
182. (canceled)
-
183. (canceled)
-
184. (canceled)
-
185. (canceled)
-
186. A method of creating a lesion in the skin wherein the skin has at least an external surface, a first layer below the external surface and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent the external surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component which is substantially parallel to a region of the external surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.
-
-
187. (canceled)
-
188. (canceled)
-
189. (canceled)
-
190. (canceled)
-
191. (canceled)
-
192. (canceled)
-
193. (canceled)
-
194. A method of creating a temperature gradient in the skin wherein the skin has at least an external surface, a first layer below the external surface and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent the external surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component which is substantially parallel to a region of the external surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.
-
-
195. A method of creating a lesion in a dermal layer of the skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion adjacent an external surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a subdermal layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:
-
exposing the external surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency, and electric field orientation; generating a peak energy density region in the lower portion of the dermal layer; and continuing to radiate the skin with the microwave energy for a time sufficient to create a lesion, wherein the lesion begins in the peak energy density region.
-
-
196. A method of creating a lesion in a dermal layer of the skin wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent an external surface of the skin; and radiating microwave energy having an electric field component which is substantially parallel to a region of the external surface of the skin above the dermal layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency which generates a standing wave pattern in the dermal layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the dermal layer proximal to an interface between the dermal layer and the subdermal layer.
-
-
197. A method of creating a lesion in a dermal layer of the skin wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent an external surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy having an electric field component which is substantially parallel to a region of the external surface of the skin above the dermal layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency which generates a standing wave pattern in the dermal layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the dermal layer proximal to an interface between the dermal layer and the subdermal layer; and heating the lower portion of the dermal region using the radiated microwave energy to create the lesion.
-
-
198. (canceled)
-
199. A method of heating a tissue structure located in or near a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:
-
irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.
-
-
200. (canceled)
-
201. (canceled)
-
202. (canceled)
-
203. (canceled)
-
204. (canceled)
-
205. (canceled)
-
206. (canceled)
-
207. (canceled)
-
208. (canceled)
-
209. (canceled)
-
210. (canceled)
-
211. (canceled)
-
212. (canceled)
-
213. (canceled)
-
214. (canceled)
-
215. (canceled)
-
216. (canceled)
-
217. (canceled)
-
218. (canceled)
-
219. (canceled)
-
220. (canceled)
-
221. (canceled)
-
222. (canceled)
-
223. (canceled)
-
224. (canceled)
-
225. (canceled)
-
226. (canceled)
-
227. A method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and subdermal layer in skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion adjacent an external surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:
-
radiating the skin with microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and e-field orientation; generating a peak energy density region in the lower portion of the dermal layer; initiating a lesion in the peak energy density region by dielectric heating of tissue in the peak energy density region; enlarging the lesion, wherein the lesion is enlarged, at least in part, by conduction of heat from the peak energy density region to surrounding tissue; removing heat from the skin surface and at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermal layer; and continuing to radiate the skin with the microwave energy for a time sufficient to extend the lesion past the interface and into the subdermal layer.
-
-
228. (canceled)
-
229. A method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer of skin, wherein the dermal layer has an upper portion adjacent an external surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:
-
positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the external surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy having an electric field component which is substantially parallel to a region of the external surface above the dermal layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency which generates a standing wave pattern in the dermal layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the lower portion of the dermal layer; creating a lesion in the lower portion of the dermal region by heating tissue in the lower portion of the dermal region using the radiated microwave energy; removing heat from the skin surface and at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermal layer to prevent the lesion from spreading into the upper portion of the dermal layer; and ceasing the radiating after a first predetermined time, the predetermined time being sufficient to raise the temperature of the tissue structure.
-
-
230. (canceled)
-
231. (canceled)
-
232. (canceled)
-
233. (canceled)
-
234. (canceled)
-
235. A method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue, the method comprising the steps of:
-
generating a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics; applying the microwave energy to tissue, through a microwave antenna and a tissue interface operably connected to the microwave antenna; supplying a vacuum pressure to the tissue interface; and supplying cooling fluid to the tissue interface;
-
-
236. (canceled)
-
237. (canceled)
-
238. (canceled)
-
239. (canceled)
-
240. (canceled)
-
241. (canceled)
-
242. (canceled)
-
243. (canceled)
-
244. (canceled)
-
245. (canceled)
-
246. (canceled)
-
247. (canceled)
-
248. (canceled)
-
249. (canceled)
-
250. (canceled)
-
251. (canceled)
-
252. (canceled)
-
253. (canceled)
-
254. (canceled)
-
255. (canceled)
-
256. (canceled)
-
257. (canceled)
-
258. (canceled)
-
259. (canceled)
-
260. (canceled)
-
261. (canceled)
-
262. (canceled)
-
263. (canceled)
-
264. (canceled)
-
265. A method of positioning tissue prior to treating the tissue using radiated electromagnetic energy, the method comprising:
-
positioning a tissue interface adjacent a skin surface; engaging the skin surface in a tissue chamber of the tissue interface; substantially separating a layer comprising at least one layer of the skin from a muscle layer below the skin; and holding the skin surface in the tissue chamber.
-
-
266. (canceled)
-
267. (canceled)
-
268. (canceled)
-
269. (canceled)
-
270. (canceled)
-
271. (canceled)
-
272. (canceled)
Specification