Method of ultrasonic therapy

• US 5,954,675 A
• Filed: 07/07/1997
• Issued: 09/21/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Enrico Michael Dellagatta
• Original Assignee: Enrico Michael Dellagatta
• Inventors: Dellagatta, Enrico Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Getzow, Scott M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAW, SHAWNA JEANNINE
• Application Number:
  US08/888,465
• Time in Patent Office: 806 Days
• Field of Search: 601/2, 601/3, 600/437, 600/439, 607/50, 607/149, 607/152, 607/153, 604/890.1, 604/22
• US Class Current: 601/3
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 31/455 Nicotinic acids, e.g. niacin; Derivatives thereof, e.g. esters, amides
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 49/222 characterised by a special physical form, e.g. emulsions, liposomes

Abstract

Methyl nicotinate, when swabbed onto the skin prior to the application of therapeutic ultrasound, produces a surprising enhancement of the effect of the ultrasound treatment, making it possible to use less power and to apply the ultrasound over a shorter interval, and requiring no significant waiting time for the nicotinic acid ester to take effect.

Claims

1. A method of ultrasonic therapy comprising the steps of:

(a) preparing a patient by applying, to a defined area of the patient'"'"'s skin, a solution of a nicotinic acid ester; and

(b) transmitting ultrasonic energy to an internal tissue lesion underlying said defined area by means of a transducer in contact with said defined area;

in which the frequency of the ultrasonic energy is in the range of approximately 700 KHz. to 3500 KHz.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the nicotinic acid ester solution comprises approximately 0.5 to 5% (wt.) methyl nicotinate together with alcohol and water.

3. The method of claim 2, in which the step of preparing the patient by applying a solution of nicotinic acid ester is followed by, and the step of transmitting ultrasonic energy is preceded by, the step of applying a coupling agent to said defined area of the patient'"'"'s skin.

4. A method according to claim 2, in which the solution of a nicotinic acid ester is applied to the defined area of the patient'"'"'s skin by means of a swab pre-saturated with a solution of a nicotinic acid ester.

5. A method according to claim 2, in which the step of transmitting ultrasonic energy substantially immediately follows the step of applying a solution of a nicotinic acid ester.

6. A method according to claim 2, in which the solution contains approximately 1% (wt.) methyl nicotinate.

7. A method according to claim 2, in which the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, present in an amount constituting approximately 10% to 50% of the weight of the solution.

8. A method according to claim 2, in which the solution contains approximately 1% (wt.) methyl nicotinate and in which the alcohol is isopropyl alcohol, present in an amount constituting approximately 10% to 50% of the weight of the solution.

9. A method according to claim 1, in which the step of preparing the patient is followed by, and the step of transmitting ultrasonic energy is preceded by, the step of applying a coupling agent to said defined area of the patient'"'"'s skin.

10. A method according to claim 1, in which the solution of a nicotinic acid ester is applied to the defined area of the patient'"'"'s skin by means of a swab pre-saturated with a solution of a nicotinic acid ester.

11. A method according to claim 1, in which the step of transmitting ultrasonic energy substantially immediately follows the step of applying a solution of a nicotinic acid ester.