Inductive heating of tissues using alternating magnetic fields and uses thereof
First Claim
1. A method of treating skin of an individual, the method comprising:
- contacting the skin of the individual with a shield at a distal end of an applicator;
transmitting radiofrequency energy in the form of an alternating current through a straight proximal portion of a copper tube in the applicator to generate a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a coil in a distal portion of the copper tube, wherein the coil is housed within the shield of the applicator;
applying the high frequency alternating magnetic field to the skin to produce preferential heating of a dermis layer of the skin through inductive coupling with the dermis layer to treat the skin; and
cooling the skin with a coolant applied by the applicator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention improves the cosmetic appearance of skin by controllably heating a superficial layer of skin thereby inducing acute tissue contraction or shrinkage and a wound response leading to the production of biomolecules, all of which result in improved cosmesis. The invention incorporates a source of radiofrequency electrical energy coupled to coil, with requisite impedance matching network, thereby resulting in the production of an alternating magnetic field. When tissue is brought into proximity of the alternating magnetic field, inductive heating of the tissue results as a consequence of either or both of dipole formation and oscillation, and eddy current formation. Optionally, cooling is provided to remove heat from the coil, the source of radiofrequency electrical energy, or the surface of the skin alone or in combination. The invention exhibits the significant benefits of, among other things, being non-invasive, not requiring electrical contact with the body of the subject, and providing controllable heating only to a thin layer of tissue.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A method of treating skin of an individual, the method comprising:
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contacting the skin of the individual with a shield at a distal end of an applicator; transmitting radiofrequency energy in the form of an alternating current through a straight proximal portion of a copper tube in the applicator to generate a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a coil in a distal portion of the copper tube, wherein the coil is housed within the shield of the applicator; applying the high frequency alternating magnetic field to the skin to produce preferential heating of a dermis layer of the skin through inductive coupling with the dermis layer to treat the skin; and cooling the skin with a coolant applied by the applicator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of treating skin of an individual by inducing a wound response in a dermis layer of the skin, the method comprising:
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contacting the skin of the individual with a shield at a distal end of an applicator; transmitting radiofrequency energy in the form of an alternating current through a straight proximal portion of a copper tube in the applicator to generate a high frequency alternating magnetic field with a coil in a distal portion of the copper tube, wherein the coil is housed within the shield of the applicator; and applying the high frequency alternating magnetic field to the skin to produce preferential heating of the dermis layer of the skin through inductive coupling with the dermis layer, wherein the high frequency alternating magnetic field causes movement of ions in the dermis layer, thus inducing the wound response. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification