Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue

• US 6,381,498 B1
• Filed: 01/06/1998
• Issued: 04/30/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/05/1995
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Thermage Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Thermage Incorporated (Bausch Health Cos., Inc.)
• Inventors: Knowlton, Edward W.
• Primary Examiner(s): GIBSON, ROY DEAN
• Application Number:
  US09/003,423
• Time in Patent Office: 1,575 Days
• Field of Search: 607/96-104, 606/27-28, 606/29-33
• US Class Current: 607/101
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/12 by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/14 Probes or electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00488 Esophagus
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/0066 without feedback, i.e. open loop control
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0028 using prepacked dosages, one for each application, e.g. capsules to be perforated or broken-up
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0036 hollow piercing means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 15/0041 with movable piercing or cutting means
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2202/064 Powder
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2205/073 Syringe, piston type
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/04 Radiators for near-field treatment

Abstract

A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.

Claims

1. A method of treating a skin surface with a wrinkle, the skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue, comprising:

identifying a person having a skin surface with a wrinkle;

providing an energy source with an energy delivery surface;

positioning the energy delivery surface in contact with the skin surface;

producing energy from the energy source;

creating a reverse thermal gradient, wherein a temperature of the skin surface is less than a temperature of the collagen containing tissue; and

delivering energy through the skin surface to the collagen containing tissue and contract at least a portion of the collagen containing tissue with controlled cell necrosis, such that the depth of the wrinkle is reduced.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy includes delivering RF energy from the energy source that is an RF energy source.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein positioning the energy delivery surface includes positioning an energy delivery surface of an RF electrode on the skin surface.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising:

applying electrolytic media to the wrinkled skin from a source of electrolytic media coupled to the RF electrode.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy includes delivering a sufficient amount of microwave energy to smooth the wrinkled skin surface.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy includes delivering a sufficient amount of ultrasound energy to smooth the wrinkled skin surface.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein delivering energy includes delivering a sufficient amount energy through the skin surface to partially denature the collagen containing tissue site by cleaving heat labile cross-links of collagen molecules.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein creating a reverse thermal gradient includes providing a cooling medium to cool the skin surface.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a wrinkled skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site includes contracting a portion of the collagen containing tissue site that is in a subdermal layer.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a wrinkled skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site includes contracting a portion of the collagen containing tissue site that is in a deep dermal layer.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a wrinkled skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site includes contracting a portion of the collagen containing tissue site that is in a subcutaneous dermal layer.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein treating a wrinkled skin surface overlying a collagen containing tissue site includes contracting a portion of the collagen containing tissue site that is facial and muscle tissue.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein delivery energy includes delivering sufficient amount of energy such that the average temperature of the collagen containing tissue does not exceed 80 degrees C.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein delivery energy includes delivering sufficient amount of energy such that the average temperature of the collagen containing tissue does not exceed 75 degrees C.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein delivery energy includes delivering sufficient amount of energy such that the average temperature of the collagen containing tissue does not exceed 70 degrees C.

16. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing a temperature of the skin surface during delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

17. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing a temperature of the skin surface after delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing a temperature of a tissue underlying the skin surface during the delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

19. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing a temperature of a tissue underlying the skin surface after delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

20. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing an impedance of the skin surface during delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing an impedance of the skin surface after delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing an impedance of a tissue underlying the skin surface during the delivery of the energy through the skin surface.

23. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

sensing an impedance of a tissue underlying the skin surface after the delivery of the energy through the skin surface.