Apparatus and Method for Reducing Subcutaneous Fat Deposits, Virtual Face Lift and Body Sculpturing by Electroporation
First Claim
1. A method of destroying tissue cells, comprising:
- positioning one or more electrodes near a target area containing tissue cells to be killed; and
applying electrical pulses through the positioned electrode in an amount above the upper limit of electroporation for the tissue cells in the target area, thereby killing the tissue cells in the target area.
7 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient'"'"'s skin for applying the pulses to the patient'"'"'s skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.
185 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of destroying tissue cells, comprising:
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positioning one or more electrodes near a target area containing tissue cells to be killed; and applying electrical pulses through the positioned electrode in an amount above the upper limit of electroporation for the tissue cells in the target area, thereby killing the tissue cells in the target area. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of destroying tissue cells of a living mammal, comprising:
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positioning an electric field applicator near a target area containing tissue cells to be killed; and applying an electric field through the positioned electric field applicator in an amount above the upper limit of electroporation to irreversibly open pores in the membranes of the tissue cells thereby causing death of the tissue cells. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification