Portable electronic therapy device and the method thereof

• US 9,710,607 B2
• Filed: 08/27/2013
• Issued: 07/18/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: iTrace Biomedical Inc.
• Original Assignee: iTrace Biomedical Inc.
• Inventors: Ramdas, Radhakrishnan, Bandaru, Bhaskara Rao, Sharma, Krishnamohan
• Primary Examiner(s): Chao, Elmer
• Application Number:
  US14/011,273
• Publication Number:
  US 20140200487A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,421 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02055 Simultaneously evaluating both cardiovascular condition and temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/026 Measuring blood flow A61B3/1233, A61B3/1241 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/1075 for measuring dimensions by non-invasive methods, e.g. for determining thickness of tissue layer A61B8/0858 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4824 Touch or pain perception evaluation A61B5/4821 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0071 using a resistor, e.g. near the spot to be heated
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0078 with a battery
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0093 programmed
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0095 with a temperature indicator
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/029 Fat cell removal or destruction by non-ablative heat treatment
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/00 Heating or cooling appliances for medical or therapeutic treatment of the human body heating or cooling means in connection with bedsteads or mattresses A47C21/00 ; massage, therapeutic baths A61H; hyperthermia using electric or magnetic fields or ultrasound A61N; electric heating elements H05B
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 37/0092 using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic vibrations, e.g. phonophoresis
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/00 Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor A61N2/00 takes precedence; irradiation apparatus A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0008 Destruction of fat cells
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0013 Fracture healing
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0017 Wound healing
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/00 Ultrasound therapy lithotripsy A61B17/22, A61B17/225; massage using supersonic vibration A61H23/00 ; using ultrasound for introducing media into the body A61M37/0092
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 10/60 for patient-specific data, e.g. for electronic patient records
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/10 : relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electronic therapy device including automatic controlled application of energies along with feedback control using sensors for improved synergistic effects and further the device is configured to be used for longer periods of time for improved and optimal therapeutic results without causing any adverse effects, the device can be used for pain management, healing, fitness, cosmetic and topical delivery related applications and a method for performing electronic therapy using the said portable electronic device.

Claims

1. A portable electronic therapy device, comprising:

an applicator and a controller;

wherein the applicator is configured for accepting at least one electronic input;

the controller configured for providing intensity, sequencing, nature, and timing information for different forms of output energies supplied to the applicator, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor and memory that is preprogrammed to configure appropriate output energies based on therapy to be delivered for a particular treatment area, the information disposed on the memory of the controller; and

the applicator comprising a plurality of transducers configured for converting input electrical energy to different forms of output energies, the plurality of transducers comprising (a) a thermal transducer for delivering heat and cold therapy, the heat therapy delivered at a temperature of 25°

C. to 40°

C. and the cold therapy delivered at a temperature of 4°

C. to 25°

C. and (b) an ultrasound transducer for delivering ultrasound waves at a frequency of 1 MHz to 3 MHz and with intensities in the range of 0.05 W/cm² to 3 W/cm²,

wherein the heat and cold therapy is produced by a resistive peltier element, wherein the ultrasound waves are produced by a piezo electric material,

wherein the applicator transmits heat and ultrasound simultaneously, cold and ultrasound simultaneously, or a combination of heat and ultrasound simultaneously followed by cooling or vice versa to a subject'"'"'s dermal and sub-dermal layers in a treatment cycle comprising a continuous treatment mode or a pulsed treatment mode having pulses of a minimum duration of one second or more; and

a plurality of sensors configured for providing a feedback control signal to the controller, at least one of the plurality of sensors configured to measure change in temperature.

2. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the feedback control signal is configured for optimizing performance of the applicator by altering output energies delivered to the applicator based on feedback signals.

3. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the applicator is in contact with the skin.

4. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein therapy is assisted by application of different energies in pulse mode.

5. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is configured to treat arthritis, joint pain, bursitis, muscle pain or injuries, muscle spasm or strain, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, joint stiffness, cold hands, rheumatism, neuralgia, inflammation, edema, ischemia, spasm, to stimulate enzyme activity and immune system, bone healing, tendon healing, or wound healing.

6. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises metal, or polymer or resin or composite material.

7. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator is either integral part of the controller or electrically connected through wire or wireless.

8. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the applicator is provided with a contact system to keep the applicator in contact with the skin at the treatment area.

9. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input power source comprises a rechargeable battery.

10. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input power to at least one of the transducers is configured for delivering potential of range 3V to 18V DC.

11. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pulse sequence and duration of pulses are optimized according to therapy requirements.

12. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller controls temperature, rate of heating, duration of heating, rate of cooling, duration of cooling, ultrasound energy, frequency, intensity, and duration.

13. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller further comprises LED status indicators.

14. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory is for the storage, recording and retrieval of data for further use.

15. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device can be used for human or animal use.

16. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, where in the device controls a skin permeation rate of topically applied formulations or skin patches.

17. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is configured for use in connection with rejuvenation of facial and body skin, wrinkle treatment or removal, detoxification of skin cells, reduction or removal of stretch marks, treatment of contracture or scar tissues, or stimulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue.

18. A method for performing electronic therapy using a portable electronic device, comprising:

attaching the device of claim 1 to the skin of the subject;

inputting electrical energy from a power source;

controlling the electrical energy power input using the controller;

converting the electrical energy to one or more of the different forms of output energy using a plurality of configured circuit blocks, wherein the different forms of output energy comprise heat and ultrasound simultaneously, cold and ultrasound simultaneously, or a combination of heat and ultrasound simultaneously followed by cooling or vice versa, wherein heat therapy is delivered at a temperature of 25°

C. to 40°

C., cold therapy is delivered at a temperature of 4°

C. to 25°

C., and ultrasound waves are delivered at a frequency of 1 MHz to 3 MHz with intensities in the range of 0.05 W/cm² to 3 W/cm²;

providing intensity, sequence, nature, and timing signals for activating therapy through the applicator;

delivering a combination of output energies to the skin of the subject, wherein heat and cold therapy affects surface temperature of a region of skin surface up to 2 cm depth of tissue depth for the duration of contact, and wherein the ultrasound therapy affects a deeper tissue region of up to 5 cm of tissue depth for the duration of contact; and

modifying the intensity, sequence, nature, and timing signals as per the feedback control signals from the plurality of sensors.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the controller comprises a processor that is preprogrammed to configure the output energies to treat targeted areas of skin or subcutaneous tissue or bone.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the applicator is in contact with the skin.

21. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein therapy is assisted by application of the different output energies over a treatment area in pulse mode or continuous mode.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method is used to treat arthritis, joint pain, bursitis, muscle pain or injuries, muscle spasm or strain, soft tissue injuries, musculoskeletal injuries, back pain, joint stiffness, cold hands, rheumatism, neuralgia, inflammation, edema, ischemia, spasm, to stimulate enzyme activity and immune system, bone healing, tendon healing, or wound healing.

23. The method as claimed in claim 21, where in the device is used in combination with topically applied dosage forms.

24. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the method is used for rejuvenation of facial or body skin, wrinkle treatment or removal, detoxification of skin cells, reduction or removal of stretch marks, treatment of contracture or scar tissue, or stimulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue.

25. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the feedback control signal is configured for optimizing performance of the applicator by altering output energies delivered to the applicator based on feedback signals.

26. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the contact system comprises peel off adhesive or a strap.

27. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ultrasound output energies are configured to penetrate through the subject'"'"'s skin to up to 5 cm of tissue depth for the duration of contact.

28. The portable electronic therapy device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thermal output energies penetrate a surface region of through the subject'"'"'s skin to up to 2 cm for the duration of contact, and wherein the ultrasound output energy is configured to penetrate-into deeper tissue layers up to 5 cm for the duration of contact.

29. The method of claim 18, wherein the timing signals comprise delivery of the output energies for a minimum duration of one second or more.

30. The method of claim 18, wherein the sequence signals comprise delivery of a first output energy followed by a second output energy for a combination therapy.

31. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller delivers of a first output energy followed by a second output energy for a combination therapy.

32. A portable electronic therapy device, comprising:

an applicator and a controller;

wherein the applicator is configured for accepting at least one electronic input;

the controller configured for providing intensity, sequencing, nature, and timing information for different forms of output energies supplied to the applicator, wherein the controller comprises a microprocessor and memory that is preprogrammed to configure appropriate output energies based on therapy to be delivered for a particular treatment area, the information disposed on the memory of the controller;

the applicator comprising a plurality of transducers configured for converting input electrical energy to different forms of output energies, the plurality of transducers comprising a thermal transducer for delivering heat therapy at a temperature of 25°

C. to 40°

C. and for delivering cold therapy at a temperature of 4°

C. to 25°

C. and an ultrasound transducer for delivering ultrasound waves at a frequency of 1 MHz to 3 MHz and with intensities in the range of 0.05 W/cm² to 3 W/cm²,

wherein the heat and cold therapy is produced by a resistive peltier element, wherein the ultrasound waves are produced by a piezo electric material,

wherein the applicator transmits a simultaneous combination of the heat and ultrasound simultaneously, cold and ultrasound simultaneously, or a combination of heat and ultrasound simultaneously followed by cooling or vice versa to a subject'"'"'s dermal and sub-dermal layers for a treatment cycle comprising a continuous treatment mode or a pulsed treatment mode having pulses with a minimum duration of one second or more, wherein the heat and cold therapy affects a surface region of skin surface to 2 cm depth of tissue depth, and wherein the ultrasound therapy affects a deeper tissue region of up to 5 cm of tissue depth; and

a plurality of sensors configured for providing a feedback control signal to the controller, at least one of the plurality of sensors configured to measure change in temperature and send temperature change information to the controller.