Method and apparatus for treating subcutaneous histological features
First Claim
1. A method of treating a targeted subcutaneous histological feature within a given depth range below a skin surface in the human body with microwave energy comprising the steps of selecting a microwave frequency in which the loss factor of the targeted subcutaneous histological feature is greater than the loss factor of tissue surrounding the targeted subcutaneous histological feature;
- and directing microwave energy at the selected frequency into the skin with a power density and for a duration sufficient to raise the temperature of the feature to a level resulting in a permanent change in the pathology of the targeted subcutaneous histological feature due to interaction of the electric field of the microwaves with the targeted subcutaneous histological feature tissue without resulting in a permanent change in the pathology of the tissue surrounding the targeted subcutaneous histological feature.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for treating subcutaneous histological features without affecting adjacent tissues adversely employs microwave energy of selected power, frequency and duration to penetrate subcutaneous tissue and heat target areas with optimum doses to permanently affect the undesirable features. The frequency chosen preferentially interacts with the target as opposed to adjacent tissue, and the microwave energy is delivered as a short pulse causing minimal discomfort and side effects. By distributing microwave energy at the skin over an area and adjusting power and frequency, different conditions, such as hirsuitism and telangiectasia, can be effectively treated.
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Citations
7 Claims
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1. A method of treating a targeted subcutaneous histological feature within a given depth range below a skin surface in the human body with microwave energy comprising the steps of selecting a microwave frequency in which the loss factor of the targeted subcutaneous histological feature is greater than the loss factor of tissue surrounding the targeted subcutaneous histological feature;
- and directing microwave energy at the selected frequency into the skin with a power density and for a duration sufficient to raise the temperature of the feature to a level resulting in a permanent change in the pathology of the targeted subcutaneous histological feature due to interaction of the electric field of the microwaves with the targeted subcutaneous histological feature tissue without resulting in a permanent change in the pathology of the tissue surrounding the targeted subcutaneous histological feature.
- View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Specification