Esthetic apparatus useful for increasing skin rejuvenation and methods thereof
11547866 · 2023-01-10
Assignee
Inventors
- Oded Ron Edoute (Tel Aviv, IL)
- Orit Ron Edoute (Tel Aviv, IL)
- Itzhak Kremin (Givatayim, IL)
- Vadim Polyakov (Petach Tikva, IL)
- Boris Vaynberg (Zichron Yakov, IL)
Cpc classification
A61B2018/1467
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61N2/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61F7/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61B2018/0047
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61B18/203
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61N1/328
HUMAN NECESSITIES
International classification
A61N1/40
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61N2/02
HUMAN NECESSITIES
A61F7/00
HUMAN NECESSITIES
Abstract
The present invention provides a device for rejuvenating a region of skin or mucosal tissue, comprising: a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; a plurality of electrodes in communication with the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and an RF tissue diathermy device. The electrodes apply the pulsed electromagnetic power and the RF tissue diathermy to the tissue, heating it such that one portion of the region of mucosal tissue is maintained at a predetermined temperature range T.sub.1 while another portion of the region of mucosal tissue is at least temporarily maintained at predetermined temperature range T.sub.2.
Claims
1. A method of increasing mucosal tissue rejuvenation of at least one region of a patient's mucosal tissue, comprising steps of: a. obtaining (i) a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator; and (ii) an RF tissue diathermy device; b. applying, either simultaneously or in batches at least one selected from a group consisting of (i) heat to at least one portion of mucosal tissue within said at least one region of mucosal tissue up to a first temperature; (ii) pulses of electromagnetic field to at least a portion of said at least one region of mucosal tissue; (iii) and any combination thereof; c. selecting said at least one region of mucosal tissue to be within a vagina; d. providing a vaginal treatment device comprising a distal portion and a proximal portion, said distal portion and said proximal portion being reversibly connectible, wherein said proximal portion is in communication with a member of a group consisting of said pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, and said RF tissue diathermy device and any combination thereof, and wherein said distal portion comprises at least two pairs of electrodes; e. placing said distal portion at least partially within a vagina; f. controlling a heat output of each pair of electrodes separately to control at least one temperature within at least a portion of said vagina.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said increase in said rejuvenation of said at least one region of mucosal tissue is greater than a sum of an increase in rejuvenation due to said applying heat to said at least one portion of mucosal tissue and an increase due to said applying pulses of electromagnetic field therapy to said at least one region of mucosal tissue.
3. The method of claim 2, additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: a. at least temporarily maintaining at least a portion of said at least one region of mucosal tissue at a first predetermined temperature range while at least temporarily maintaining at least one other portion of said at least one region of mucosal tissue at a second predetermined temperature range, where the first predetermined temperature range is the same as or different from the second predetermined temperature range; b. a step selected from a group consisting of: simultaneously applying said pulsed electromagnetic field and said heat, sequentially applying said pulsed electromagnetic field and said heat and any combination thereof; c. selecting at least one parameter from a group consisting of (a) a duration of each of the pulses applied by said pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator is greater than 3 ms and lower than 1000 ms; (b) a magnetic field intensity B of each of the pulses of electromagnetic field applied to said at least one region of mucosal tissue is in a range from 0 to 15 Gauss; (c) a frequency F of the pulses of electromagnetic field applied to said at least one region of mucosal tissue is higher than 1 Hz and lower than 50 Hz; (d) a power P of the pulses of electromagnetic field applied to said at least one region of mucosal tissue is greater than 1 W and lower than 100 W of RMS average power and any combination of any of the foregoing parameters; d. selecting a duration for application of said heat in a range from about 0.01 minutes to 60 minutes; e. selecting a manner of applying said heat and said pulsed electromagnetic field from a group consisting of: simultaneously, sequentially, separately and any combination thereof; and f. said step of applying heat to the at least one region of mucosal tissue comprises steps of: i. electrically coupling said at least two pairs of electrodes to said RF tissue diathermy device; ii. placing said at least two pairs of electrodes on said at least one region of mucosal tissue; and, iii. applying at least one of said electromagnetic pulses, or RF power via at least one of said at least two pairs of electrodes to said at least one region of mucosal tissue.
4. The method of claim 2, additionally comprising at least one of the following sets of steps: a. a set of steps comprising: (a) providing a database comprising at least one temperature profile, said at least one temperature profile containing the at least one temperature and at least one predetermined region of mucosal tissue, and wherein controlling the at least one temperature within at least the portion of said vagina comprises maintaining the at least one temperature profile; (b) measuring said at least one temperature at said at least one predetermined region of mucosal tissue; and (c) feedback controlling RF output to said pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator and said RF tissue diathermy device, thereby maintaining said at least one temperature profile in said at least one predetermined region; and b. a set of steps comprising: (a) keeping at least a part of said distal portion substantially stationary within said vagina for a time period in a range between 1 minute and 20 minutes; (b) for at least a portion of said time period, activating at least one of said pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator or said RF tissue diathermy device, said activation applying at least one of a pulsed electromagnetic field or heat to tissue in said vagina; and (c) for at least a portion of said time period, measuring temperature of said tissue in said vagina.
5. An integrated system for increasing rejuvenation of at least one region of a patient, said at least one region selected from a group consisting of skin of the patient, mucosal tissue of the patient and any combination thereof, said system comprising: at least two pairs of electrodes configured to be placed on said at least one region of said patient; an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate electromagnetic field pulses; a generator configured to generate RF power; and a control system; wherein: none of said at least two pairs of electrodes is configured to penetrate said at least one region; each of said at least two pairs of electrodes is configured to provide RF pulses to said at least one region, said RF power configured to apply heat up to a temperature in a range of 30 degrees C. to 80 degrees C.; said control system is configured to control a member of a group consisting of: said electromagnetic field generator, application of said heat by said at least two pairs of electrodes and any combination thereof; and, said electromagnetic pulses are applicable to said at least one region and said heat is applicable to said at least one region in a manner selected from a group consisting of: simultaneously, sequentially, separately and any combination thereof; and wherein: said at least two pairs of electrodes are provided within a distal portion of a vaginal treatment device, the vaginal treatment device further comprising a proximal portion, said distal portion and said proximal portion being reversibly connectible; said proximal portion is in communication with a member of a group consisting of said pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, and said RF tissue diathermy device and any combination thereof; said at least one region of said patient is within a vagina; said distal portion is configured for placement at least partially within said vagina; each pair of electrodes is configured to be controlled separately to control at least one temperature within at least a portion of said vagina.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein at least one of the following is held true: a. at least one portion of said at least one region is at least temporarily maintainable at a first predetermined temperature range while at least one other portion of said at least one region is at least temporarily maintainable at a second predetermined temperature range, where the first predetermined temperature range is different from or the same as the second predetermined temperature range; b. said system additionally comprises a database configured to store at least one temperature profile, said at least one temperature profile comprising the at least one temperature and at least one predetermined region of said patient, and wherein controlling the at least one temperature within at least the portion of said vagina comprises maintaining the at least one temperature profile; c. said heat applied to said region of said patient is obtainable by emitting RF radiation or via producing electrical current absorbed by tissue; d. said system is configured to provide a dynamic magnetic field such that a magnitude of said electromagnetic pulses are variable with time; e. physical tissue parameters are monitorable by said control system and a member of a group consisting of: said applied heat, said electromagnetic pulses and any combination thereof; f. a duration of each pulse applied by said system ranges between 3 ms and 1000 ms; g. a frequency applied by the pulses of said system ranges between 200 kHz and 10 MHz; and h. a power applied by the pulses of said system ranges between 1 W and 100 W of RMS average power.
7. The system of claim 6, additionally comprising a processor in communication with said database and with at least one temperature sensor, said at least one temperature sensor configured to measure at least one temperature in at least one portion of said at least one region of said patient; said at least one temperature sensor is selected from a group consisting of: a thermistor, a thermocouple and any combination thereof.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be implemented in practice, a few preferred embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(21) The following description is provided, alongside all chapters of the present invention, so as to enable any person skilled in the art to make use of said invention and sets forth the best modes contemplated by the inventor of carrying out this invention. Various modifications, however, will remain apparent to those skilled in the art, since the generic principles of the present invention have been defined specifically to provide means and method for increasing the viability of the mucosa and for treating tissue lesions. Yet more the present invention provides means and system for mucosal tightening and rejuvenation.
(22) It is one object of the present invention to disclose a device used to improve mucosal viability, by a synergistic approach of tissue diathermy combined with application of PEMF, wherein at least two devices of tissue diathermy are incorporated, one of them based on PEMF therapy. The latter improves the healing process initiated by the at least one other device of tissue diathermy.
(23) The term “Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to electromagnetic radiation of different frequencies—ranging from static magnetic fields, through extremely low frequencies (ELF) to radiofrequencies (RF)—administered in pulses.
(24) The term “Radio Frequency (RF)” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to part of the electromagnetic spectrum with frequency range of about 3 Hz to 300 GHz.
(25) The term “Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF)” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to part of the RF electromagnetic spectrum with frequency range of about 3 Hz to 30 GHz.
(26) The term “collagen” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to a long, fibrous structural protein which is a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure. It is responsible for mucosal strength and elasticity, and its degradation leads to wrinkles that accompany aging.
(27) The term “epidermis” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to the outermost layer of the mucosa.
(28) The term “dermis” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to a layer of tissue beneath the epidermis that consists of connective tissue, and cushions the body from stress and strain.
(29) The term “tissue diathermy” or “deep tissue diathermy” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to a device which heats tissues beneath the epidermis.
(30) The term “electric diathermy” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to a device which uses high frequency alternating electric or magnetic fields, sometimes with no electrode or device contact to the mucosa, to induce gentle deep tissue heating by induction. For collagen fiber stimulation, typical electrical parameters may include, in a non-limiting manner, frequency of about 1 MHz, energy of about 80 J per square cm tissue volume, applied for about 6 s.
(31) The term “ultrasonic diathermy” refers hereinafter in a non-limiting manner to heating of tissues by ultrasound.
(32) The term “about” refers hereinafter to a range of 25% below or above the referred value. The term “physical tissue parameters” refers hereinafter to parameters such as tissue temperature, electric current, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), treatment depth and superficial muscle contractions.
(33) The term “angiogenesis” refers hereinafter to the generation of new blood vessels.
(34) The term “square wave” refers hereinafter to a non-sinusoidal waveform named for its square shape.
(35) The term “triangular wave” refers hereinafter to a non-sinusoidal waveform named for its triangular shape.
(36) The term “International Electrotechnical Commission Standards (IEC) 60601-1” refers hereinafter to a medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for basic safety and essential performance.
(37) The term “IEC 60601-1-1” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for safety—Collateral standard: Safety requirements for medical electrical systems. The IEC 60601-1 set of standards are divided into three distinct areas. The first area is the basic standard IEC 60601-1. This is the general requirement for all electrical medical based products. The second area is the collateral standards, which cover across the board issues such as combining into a system with other devices, EMC, radiation protection, and programmable electronic medical systems (software, firmware, etc.). The standard numbers are IEC 60601-1-1, -1-2, -1-3, and -1-4 respectively. The third area is the particular standards that deal with a specific type of medical device. The particular standards are identified as IEC 60601-2-XX where XX identifies the particular standard number for the particular type of medical equipment. An example would be IEC 60601-2-3 which is the particular standard for short-wave therapy equipment.
(38) The term “IEC 60601-1-2” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for basic safety and essential performance—Collateral standard: Electromagnetic compatibility—Requirements and tests.
(39) The term “IEC 60601-1-3” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for basic safety and essential performance—Collateral Standard: Radiation protection in diagnostic X-ray equipment.
(40) The term “IEC 60601-1-4” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for safety—Collateral Standard: Programmable electrical medical systems.
(41) The term “IEC 60601-1-6” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for basic safety and essential performance—Collateral standard: Usability.
(42) The term “IEC 60601-1-8” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to general requirements for basic safety and essential performance—Collateral Standard: General requirements, tests and guidance for alarm systems in medical electrical equipment and medical electrical systems.
(43) The term “IEC 60601-2-3” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the safety of short-wave therapy equipment.
(44) The term “IEC 60601-2-5” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the safety of ultrasonic physiotherapy equipment.
(45) The term “IEC 60601-2-9” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the safety of patient contact dosimeters used in radiotherapy with electrically connected radiation detectors.
(46) The term “IEC 60601-2-29” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the basic safety and essential performance of radiotherapy simulators.
(47) The term “IEC 60601-2-33” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the safety of magnetic resonance equipment for medical diagnosis.
(48) The term “IEC 60601-2-35” refers hereinafter to medical electrical equipment standard. More specifically it refers to particular requirements for the safety of blankets, pads and mattresses intended for heating in medical use.
(49) The present invention relates to a physical therapeutic methods and systems. In such systems, a dynamic electromagnetic pulse and electromagnetic heating systems are incorporated together to accomplish physical therapy, especially mucosal tightening and rejuvenation.
(50) The present invention provides a system configured to increase rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin or mucosa. The system comprising in a non-limiting manner the following: a. a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator (2) for constantly providing electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin or mucosa or a combination thereof; and, b. a tissue diathermy device (4), preferably an RF tissue diathermy device, applying heat to the region of the patient's skin or mucosa or a combination thereof, thereby heating the patient's tissue to a temperature T.
(51) The system (10) is configured for simultaneously application of heat and PEMF to said region of a patient's skin or mucosa or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the system increases the tissue rejuvenation such that the increase is greater than the sum of the increase due to the electromagnetic pulses increase and the increase due to the tissue diathermy.
(52) Furthermore the system reduces side effects and/or harmful effects of the electromagnetic pulses and/or said tissue diathermy such that the reduction of side effects and/or harmful effects is greater than the sum of the reduction due to the electromagnetic pulses and the reduction due to the tissue diathermy.
(53) It is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated system (20) configured to increase rejuvenation of a region of a patient's dermal tissue, in a skin region, in a mucosal region and any combination thereof. The system comprising at least two electrodes configured to be placed on or adjacent to, preferably immediately adjacent to, a region of a patient's tissue; each of the electrodes is at least partially coiled into a coil. It is emphasized that each of the electrodes is configured for both (i) providing electromagnetic pulses to the region of a patient's tissue; and, (ii) applying heat up to temperature T to the region of the patient's tissue. Furthermore, it is emphasized that all of the electrodes are configured to simultaneously conduct RF and thereby provide electromagnetic pulses to the region of a patient's tissue; and, apply heat up to temperature T to said region of a patient's tissue.
(54) The decrease in the side effects of the tissue diathermy is at least partially a result of the healing effect of the pulsed electromagnetic frequency therapy.
(55) Reference is now made to
(56) It is emphasized that the system increases the rejuvenation of a patient's skin or mucosal tissue such that the increase is greater than the sum of the increase due to the electromagnetic pulses and the increase due to tissue diathermy.
(57) By exposing the tissue (a region of a patient's skin or mucosa) to the combination of regulated heat and a pulsed electromagnetic field a synergistic effect is produced, whereby the rejuvenation in the tissue from the combination of regulated heat and a pulsed electromagnetic field is greater than would be expected from the sum of the improvements due to each treatment alone.
(58) The present invention relies on 2 effects, the thermal effect and the electromagnetic pulse effect:
(59) The thermal effects include heating the tissue to a temperature sufficiently high to produce tissue injury. Furthermore, when heat is generated within the dermis, it typically causes contraction and thickening of collagen fibers. Each of these will result in an overall tightened and rejuvenated mucosa.
(60) Heat within the dermis creates a limited thermal injury. The body's natural response to this injury is to produce collagen at the site of the wound. This results in firmer, thicker, more youthful dermis. Usually the dermisis heated to temperatures below about 60 degrees C. for short periods of time. The thermal effects can be produced by: 1. RF tissue diathermy; 2. Optical means—by emitting light in wavelengths absorbed by tissue such as, but not limited to, subcutaneous tissue, such that the tissue is heated; 3. Electrical means—by passing electrical current; 4. Electromagnetic means, preferably in RF electromagnetic means—by transmitting electromagnetic fields to the dermal tissue, by inducing (by means of electromagnetic induction) electromagnetic fields in the tissue, or a combination of these mechanisms; 5. Sound waves—specifically in the ultrasound frequencies; 6. Physical means—such as massage or applying a warm substance adjacent to the surface of the tissue to be treated; and 7. any combination thereof.
(61) The electromagnetic pulses (either dynamic or static) can start the natural healing processes which occur in response to an injury (especially angiogenesis and generation of new collagen fibers via the release of tissue growth factors).
(62) The electromagnetic field generates movements of charged molecules (ions) within the intercellular fluids. This movement generates heat which can enhance the thermal effects discussed earlier.
(63) It is acknowledged that healing is the process by which cells in the body regenerate and repair to reduce the size of a damaged area. Healing incorporates both the removal of necrotic tissue (demolition), and the replacement of this tissue.
(64) The replacement can happen in two ways: 1. by regeneration: the necrotic cells are replaced by the same tissue as was originally there. 2. by repair: injured tissue is replaced with scar tissue.
(65) The Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) applied by the system (10), as described above, have no thermal effects and rely on tissue components and their reactions to the applied radiation. These reactions to the applied radiation can be due to a response of large charged molecules to specific frequencies and harmonics of those frequencies, charged small ions in the cell membranes affecting cell function and affecting cell reactions to hormones and chemical signals, charged small ions in the extracellular space and other, poorly understood, mechanisms.
(66) Furthermore, applying the radiation in pulses was also found to have non-thermal effects. Yet more, only specific combinations of frequency, duty cycle and transmitted power achieve a specific tissue response.
(67) It is now commonly accepted that electromagnetic fields (EMF) or PEMF are capable of initiating various healing processes and for treatment of pain and edema in superficial soft tissues; two decades ago, the FDA allowed the use of pulsed radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for treatment of pain and edema in [Rosch, P. J., Markov, M. S., eds. Bioelectromagnetic Medicine, Marcel Dekker, 2004; NY, 251-264].
(68) The present invention utilizes PEMF combined with heating from a heat source which can be separate or can be integral to a device for cosmetic purposes as described above. The PEMF, as described above, when used at specific field intensities, duty cycles and frequencies, increases epidermal collagen synthesis. This newly formed collagen increases mucosal elasticity and rejuvenates the treated tissue. Furthermore, PEMF increases the degree of endothelial cell tubulization and proliferation, and augments angiogenesis primarily by stimulating endothelial release of FGF-2, inducing paracrine and autocrine changes in the surrounding tissue. Angiogenesis, the generation of new blood vessels, increases blood flow to the tissue, which in turn increases oxygen and nutritional substances delivery to the tissue. This effect is most beneficial for injured tissue, promoting rapid and improved healing. The growth factor released further enhances the healing process, both in quality and in speed of improvement.
(69) The following provides a more detailed description of the two combined effects.
(70) As disclosed earlier, the present invention discloses a system (10) which incorporates both regulated heating and electromagnetic pulses.
(71) As described above, the heating can be produced by: 1. RF tissue diathermy; 2. Optical means—by emitting light in different wavelengths absorbed by tissue such as, but not limited to, subcutaneous tissue such that said tissue is heated. 3. Electrical means—by passing electrical current. 4. Electromagnetic means, preferably RF electromagnetic means—by transmitting or inducing (electromagnetic induction) an electromagnetic field on or in the treated tissue. 5. Sound waves—specifically in the ultrasound frequencies. 6. Physical means—such as massage, applying a warm substance to the surface of the treated tissue or placing a warm substance adjacent to the surface of the treated tissue, which can be skin or mucosa or a combination of both.
(72) Reference is now made to
(73) According to these embodiments all of the electrodes are configured to simultaneously apply electrical current to the skin region.
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(75) Reference is now made to
(76) In some embodiments of the present invention, the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator is configured to provide an electromagnetic field where at least one of the frequency, the RMS average amplitude, the pulse width, and the duty cycle vary with time (dynamic electromagnetic field).
(77) In some embodiments of the present invention, the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (2) which provides electromagnetic pulses to the patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof is positioned near the treated tissue and emits a dynamic magnetic field which varies with time. The dynamic magnetic field can vary according to any specific treatments. For example, to stimulate angiogenesis, pulses at a frequency of about 15 Hz, intensity of about 12 gauss and duration of about 5 ms are generated. Alternatively, to stimulate collagen production, pulses at a frequency of about 10-25 Hz and intensity of about 20 gauss are generated.
(78) The tissue diathermy device (4) is configured to apply heat to the region of a patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof up to temperature T. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the heat is applied by passing RF electrical current through the tissue. The electrical current can be applied by any combination of the following: 1. through at least one electrode which is in direct physical contact with the skin, mucosa and any combination thereof; 2. through at least one electrode which is not in physical contact with the skin, mucosa and any combination thereof, and the electrical current is transferred by induction. 3. through at least one antenna which passes the electrical current to the skin, mucosa and any combination thereof via electromagnetic induction.
(79) Reference is now made to
(80) In some embodiments of the present invention, treatment is provided only within safe treatment parameters.
(81) Safe treatment parameters are defined by the parameters in table 1:
(82) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 safe treatment parameters Parameter Value Time, t.sub.o 0-600 minutes Temperature, T 25-80 degrees C. Duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t 0-100% PEMF frequency DC-50 Hz RF frequency 200 kHz-10 MHz Power P 0-100 W Energy E 0-200 J Magnetic field 0-20 Gauss intensity B Depth D of ≤30 mm treated tissue
(83) Unsafe safe treatment parameters are defined by the parameters in table 2:
(84) TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 unsafe treatment parameters Parameter Value Time, t.sub.t >10 hours (nonstop) Temperature, T >80 degrees C. Duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t N/A PEMF frequency >10 MHz RF frequency >50 Hz Power P >100 W Energy E >200 J magnetic field >10 Gauss intensity B Depth D of >30 millimeter treated tissue
(85) In some embodiments, the control system (6) additionally comprises: a. a processor configured to store in a communicable database predetermined parameters defining (i) safe treatment parameters and (ii) unsafe treatment parameters, with the parameters selected from a group consisting of: total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of ultrasound diathermy, energy E applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, depth D of the treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; b. a sensing mechanism configured to sense electromagnetic radiation and heating parameters selected from a group consisting of: time (duration) t.sub.t of a treatment, time t.sub.p during which electromagnetic radiation and/or heating is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F of the applied electromagnetic or heat radiation, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of RF tissue diathermy or other heating mechanism, energy E applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, depth D of the treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; c. a regulation mechanism configured to allow pulsed electromagnetic radiation and the heating mechanism if parameters are within a range of safe treatment parameters and to stop at least one of the pulsed electromagnetic radiation and the heating mechanism if the parameters are within a range of unsafe treatment parameters.
(86) In some embodiments, the system additionally comprises at least one sensor configured to monitor physical parameters selected from a group consisting of total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F of the PEMF, power P applied by the pulses of the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, depth D of the treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof. The at least one sensor receives at least one parameter from the treated tissue and changes at least one parameter of a member of a group consisting of: the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (2) and the tissue diathermy device (4) and any combination thereof, in order to optimize the effect of each component, to augment the synergistic effect of both components and any combination thereof, whilst avoiding harm to the tissue.
(87) In some embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the electromagnetic pulse is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consisting of: a square wave, a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, a ramp wave, a spiked wave and any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system as defined above is configured to provide electromagnetic pulses at a frequency of about 15-16 Hz, with the pulse RMS average intensity varying over time between about 0 gauss and about 12 gauss. In some embodiments, the pulse RMS average intensity increases over time from about 0 gauss to about 12 gauss, then decreases over time to about 0, whereupon the cycle repeats. For non-limiting example, the rate of decrease of RMS amplitude can be approximately the same as the rate of increase, so that the time taken to decrease to 0 is approximately the same as the time taken to increase to maximum RMS average intensity. In some embodiments, the pulse RMS average intensity increases over time from about 0 gauss to about 12 gauss, then drops quickly, over no more than a few pulses, to about zero, whereupon the cycle repeats. In some variants of these embodiments, the intensity drops to zero over less than one pulse.
(88) In some embodiments, the system as defined above is configured to provide electromagnetic pulses at a frequency of about 15-16 Hz, with the RMS average magnitude of the pulses repeatedly increasing from about 0 gauss to about 12 gauss.
(89) Reference is now made to
(90) Reference is now made to
(91) In embodiments to stimulate collagen production, the system as defined above is configured to provide wave pulses at a frequency between about 10 Hz and about 25 Hz and intensity of about 20 gauss. In some embodiments, the pulses are triangular, as shown. In other embodiments, wave pulses of any shape disclosed herein can be used.
(92) In some embodiments, the system as defined above is configured to provide alternating current (AC) at a frequency of about 1 MHz.
(93) In some embodiments, the system as defined above is configured to provide intensity of about 80 J/cm.sup.2sec.
(94) In some embodiments of the present invention, the duration of each pulse applied by the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator is in a range between about 3 ms and about 1000 ms.
(95) In some embodiments of the present invention, the frequency F of the pulses of the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator is in a range between about 1 Hz and about MHz.
(96) In some embodiments of the present invention, the power P applied by the pulses of the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator is in a range between about 1 W and about 150 W of RMS average power.
(97) In some embodiments of the present invention, the tissue diathermy device (4) is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consisting of electric diathermy or any device emitting RF radiation absorbed by tissue.
(98) In some embodiments of the present invention, the tissue diathermy device (4) is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consisting of RF tissue diathermy, an optical device, an electromagnetic induction device, preferably an RF electromagnetic device, a device emitting sound waves such as, but not limited to, an ultrasonic diathermy device, a device configured to apply direct heat, or from any other means of controllably heating tissue to a temperature T.
(99) In some embodiments of the present invention, the optical device is configured to emit light at wavelengths absorbed by tissue, thereby heating the tissue.
(100) In some embodiments of the present invention, a sound wave emitting device is configured to emit sound waves absorbed by the tissue, thereby heating the tissue.
(101) In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature T to which the tissue is heated is in a range from about 30 degrees C. to about 80 degrees C.
(102) In some embodiments of the present invention, the power supply and control system (6) includes a mechanism for cooling the skin.
(103) In some embodiments of the present invention, the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (2) and the tissue diathermy device (4) have more than one applicator to treat more than one body part simultaneously.
(104) In some embodiments of the present invention, the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (2) has electrostatic shielding.
(105) Is should be emphasized that the system as defined in any of the embodiments produces synergistic outcomes in the in each of the following time scales: In the short-term (less than about a week), in the intermediate term (about two to three weeks) and in the long term (about a month or longer).
(106) In the short term, contraction and thickening of collagen fibers occurs, which in turn results in an overall tightened and rejuvenated appearance of the skin, or a tightened and rejuvenated feel to mucosal tissues.
(107) In the intermediate term, new epidermal cells and new collagen fibers are produced.
(108) In the long term, cellulite is dispersed.
(109) In yet other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, at least one of the electrodes additionally comprises a hypodermic syringe for penetrating into subcutaneous tissue. By means of such a syringe, a substance with appropriate activity may be injected into the tissue during treatment. Non-limiting examples of such substances include a dye to absorb light in embodiments that use optical means for effecting tissue diathermy, a muscle relaxant, a local anesthetic, etc.
(110) It is also within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for providing cosmetic improvement to the skin, comprising (a) generating N independent signals, where N is either the number of electrodes or the number of pairs of electrodes, of predetermined waveforms, frequencies, amplitudes, and relative phases to control at least one of pulsed electromagnetic frequency generation or tissue diathermy; (b) transmitting each of the N independent signals to at least one electrode; (c) placing at least one of the electrodes at least adjacent to the tissue to be treated; and (d) transmitting power carried by the signals to the tissue. In preferred embodiments, the N independent signals are phase-shifted relative to one another. The method can performed by using a device according to any of the embodiments described herein, or in any variant of a device described herein.
(111) It is also within the scope of the invention wherein the step of generating N independent signals further comprises generating N independent pulsed electromagnetic fields such that the time-dependent amplitude A.sub.t,m of the mth of the N independent signals is given by the relationship A.sub.t,m=A.sub.0,m.Math.F.sub.m(ω.sub.mt+φ.sub.m), where A.sub.0,m is a predetermined constant which greater than or equal to 1, F.sub.m is a predetermined periodic function of time, ω.sub.m is the angular frequency of the mth signal, and φ.sub.m is a predetermined phase shift of the mth signal. While in preferred embodiments of the method, the step of generating N independent signals comprises a step in which A.sub.0,m, F.sub.m, and ω.sub.m are substantially the same for all N signals, and φ.sub.m is substantially the same for any two pairs of signals m and m+1, this restriction is by no means required, and it is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method in which any or all of them are not identical for all N signals or for any two pairs of signals m and m+1. In preferred embodiments of the method in which φ.sub.m is substantially the same for all pairs of signals m and m+1, the method further includes a step of providing a phase shift φ.sub.m for each of the N independent signals according to the relationship φ.sub.m=πk(j−1)/N , where 0≤k≤1, m=1, 2, 3 . . . N and j=1, 2, 3 . . . N, where N is the number of electrodes. For example, for one electrode in a set of four (N=4), k=1 and the phase is 135 degrees, while, for another electrode in the set of four, the phase will be 45 degrees, and so on.
(112) In some embodiments of the method, it further includes a step of choosing F.sub.m from the group consisting of sine, cosine, tan, cotangent (cot), sawtooth wave, triangular wave, square wave, rectangular wave, trapezoidal wave, spiked wave, and any combination thereof.
(113) Reference is now made to
(114)
(115)
(116)
(117)
(118) In yet other embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, at least one of the electrodes additionally comprises a hypodermic syringe for penetrating into subcutaneous tissue. By means of such a syringe, a substance with appropriate activity may be injected into the tissue during treatment. Non-limiting examples of such substances include a dye to absorb light in embodiments that use optical means for effecting tissue diathermy, a muscle relaxant, a local anesthetic, etc.
(119) It is also within the scope of the invention to disclose a method for providing cosmetic improvement to the skin, comprising (a) generating N independent signals, where N is either the number of electrodes or the number of pairs of electrodes, of predetermined waveforms, frequencies, amplitudes, and relative phases to control at least one of pulsed electromagnetic frequency generation or tissue diathermy; (b) transmitting each of the N independent signals to at least one electrode; (c) placing at least one of the electrodes at least adjacent to the tissue to be treated; and (d) transmitting power carried by the signals to the tissue. In preferred embodiments, the N independent signals are phase-shifted relative to one another. The method can performed by using a device according to any of the embodiments described herein, or in any variant of a device described herein.
(120) It is also within the scope of the invention wherein the step of generating N independent signals further comprises generating N independent pulsed electromagnetic fields such that the time-dependent amplitude A.sub.t,m of the mth of the N independent signals is given by the relationship A.sub.t,m=A.sub.0,m.Math.F.sub.m(ω.sub.mt+φ.sub.m), where A.sub.0,m is a predetermined constant which greater than or equal to 1, F.sub.m is a predetermined periodic function of time, ω.sub.m is the angular frequency of the mth signal, and ω.sub.m is a predetermined phase shift of the mth signal. While in preferred embodiments of the method, the step of generating N independent signals comprises a step in which A.sub.0,m, F.sub.m, and ω.sub.m are substantially the same for all N signals, and coin is substantially the same for any two pairs of signals m and m+1, this restriction is by no means required, and it is within the scope of the invention to disclose a method in which any or all of them are not identical for all N signals. In preferred embodiments of the method in which coin is substantially the same for all pairs of signals m and m+1, the method further includes a step of providing a phase shift φ.sub.m for each of the N independent signals according to the relationship φ.sub.m=πk(j−1)/N, where 0≤k≤1, m=1, 2, 3 . . . N and j=1, 2, 3 . . . N, where N is the number of electrodes. For example, for one electrode in a set of four (N=4), k=1 and the phase is 135 degrees, while, for another electrode in the set of four, the phase will be 45 degrees, and so on.
(121) In preferred embodiments of the method, it further includes a step of choosing F.sub.m from the group consisting of sine, cosine, tan, cotangent (cot), sawtooth wave, triangular wave, square wave, rectangular wave, trapezoidal wave, spiked wave, and any combination thereof.
(122) Reference is now made to
(123) The system (20) comprises at least two electrodes (41) configured to be placed on a region of a patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof each of the electrodes comprises a coil (42), and a contactor (43), with the contactor (43) configured to contact the patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof and the coil (42) at least partially looped around at least a portion of the contactor (43).
(124) It should be emphasized that each of the electrodes is configured for both (i) providing electromagnetic pulses to a region of a patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof (via the coil); and, (ii) applying heat up to temperature T to the region of the patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof.
(125) Furthermore, it should be emphasized that all of the electrodes simultaneously provide electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof as well as applying heat to the region of a patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof, thereby heating the region of the patient's skin, mucosa and any combination thereof to a temperature T.
(126) The heat is provided to the skin, mucosa and any combination thereof by applying an electrical current through the electrodes which is absorbed by the tissue.
(127)
(128) It should be emphasized that the application of the system (20) increases tissue rejuvenation such that the rejuvenation increase (SRI) due to the present treatment is greater than the sum of the SRI provided by increasing the electromagnetic pulse and the SRI provided by increasing the tissue diathermy.
(129) According to some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic pulses have a frequency between about 10 Hz and about 25 Hz and an intensity of about 20 gauss.
(130) According to some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the electromagnetic pulse is at a frequency of about 15 Hz, with a pulse width of about 5 ms and an intensity of about 12 gauss.
(131) According to some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the system reduces side effects and/or harmful effects of the electromagnetic pulses and/or tissue diathermy such that the reduction of the side effects and/or harmful effects is greater than the sum of the reduction due to the reduction in electromagnetic pulses and the reduction due to the reduction in tissue diathermy.
(132) According to some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the system (20) additionally comprises a control system (6) configured to regulate at least one of the electromagnetic pulses and the tissue diathermy.
(133) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the system is configured to provide a dynamic magnetic field such that the intensity of the electromagnetic pulses varies with time.
(134) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the shape of the electromagnetic pulse is selected in a non-limiting manner from a group consisting of: a square wave, a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, a ramp wave, a spiked wave and any combination thereof.
(135) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the duration of each pulse is in a range between about 3 ms and about 1000 ms.
(136) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the frequency F of the pulses is in a range between about 1 Hz and about 1 MHz.
(137) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the power P applied by the system is in a range between about 1 W and about 150 W of RMS average power.
(138) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the temperature T of the heated tissue is in a range from about 30 degrees C. to about 80 degrees C.
(139) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the control system (6) monitors the physical tissue parameters and changes the applied heat and the electromagnetic pulses so as to maintain the treatment within safe treatment parameters.
(140) In some variants of these embodiments of the present invention, the power supply and control system (6) additionally comprises: a. at least one processor configured to store in a communicable database predetermined parameters defining (i) safe treatment parameters and (ii) unsafe treatment parameters; the parameters selected from a group consisting of: total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of said ultrasound irradiation, depth D of said treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; b. at least one sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation and heat radiation parameters selected from a group consisting of: total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of said ultrasound irradiation, depth D of said treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; c. at least one regulating mechanism configured to allow electromagnetic radiation and heating if the parameters are within safe treatment parameters and to stop the electromagnetic radiation and the heating if the parameters are within unsafe treatment parameters.
(141) In some embodiments of the present invention, the system (6) includes a mechanism for cooling the skin.
(142) In some embodiments of the present invention, the system (20) is especially configured to increase rejuvenation of treated skin, mucosa and any combination thereof in the immediate (short) term (less than about a week).
(143) In some embodiments of the present invention, the system (20) is especially configured to increase rejuvenation of treated skin, mucosa and any combination thereof in the intermediate term (about 2 weeks to about 3 weeks).
(144) In some embodiments of the present invention, the system (20) is especially configured to increase rejuvenation of treated skin, mucosa and any combination thereof in the long term (more than about a month).
(145) Reference is now made to
(146) Reference is now made to
(147) Reference is now made to
(148) Reference is now made to
(149) Reference is now made to
(150) Reference is now made to
(151) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises a step of selecting the temperature T to be in a range of about 30 degrees C. to about 80 degrees C.
(152) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises a step of applying a dynamic electromagnetic field in said region, where the peak intensity of the electromagnetic field varies with time.
(153) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises steps of: a. storing in a communicable database predetermined parameters defining (i) safe treatment parameters and (ii) unsafe treatment parameters; the parameters are selected from a group consisting of: total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of said ultrasound diathermy, depth D of said treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; b. sensing electromagnetic radiation and heating parameters selected from a group consisting of: total duration of a treatment t.sub.t, time t.sub.p during which PEMF is applied, temperature T of the treated tissue, duty cycle t.sub.p/t.sub.t, frequency F of the applied radiation, power P applied by the pulses from a pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator, intensity I of the heating, depth D of treated tissue, magnetic field intensity B, tissue impedance, specific absorption rate (SAR), superficial muscle contractions and any combination thereof; c. allowing the electromagnetic radiation and the heating if the parameters are within said safe treatment parameters and stopping the electromagnetic radiation and the heating if the parameters are in the unsafe treatment parameters.
(154) In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the step of applying heat is performed by RF electromagnetic fields. Devices which can be used to induce heating in the tissue can be selected from a group consisting of: RF tissue diathermy, an ultrasonic diathermy device, an optical device, an electromagnetic induction device, preferably an RF electromagnetic induction device, a device emitting sound waves, a device configured to apply direct heat, or from any other means of heating tissue to a temperature T.
(155) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises a step of selecting the frequency F of the pulses applied during the step of applying pulsed electromagnetic therapy to the region to be in a range from about 1 Hz to about 1 MHz.
(156) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises a step of selecting the power P applied during the step of applying pulsed electromagnetic therapy to the region to be in a range from about 1 W per pulse to about 150 W of RMS average power.
(157) In some embodiments of the present invention, in each of the methods as defined above the step of applying heat lasts in a range from about 0.01 minutes to about 100 minutes.
(158) In some embodiments of the present invention, in each of the methods as defined above, a pulsed electromagnetic field is applied for a time in a range from about 0.01 minutes to about 100 minutes.
(159) In some embodiments of the present invention, in each of the methods as defined above, the steps of applying heat and applying the pulsed electromagnetic therapy are carried out in a manner selected from a group consisting of: simultaneously, sequentially (alternating applying heat and applying pulsed electromagnetic therapy) or separately (applying heat in one phase of a treatment and pulsed electromagnetic therapy in a separate phase of the treatment).
(160) In some embodiments of the present invention, in each of the methods as defined above, the method is repeated 1 to 100 times in each treatment.
(161) In some embodiments of the present invention, a typical protocol for the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (4) includes, for non-limiting example, a preset number of about 1 μs pulses with a duty cycle of about 50% and a pause of up to about 250 μs. In protocols of this type, power is supplied to the tissue during the period in which the preset number of pulses is applied.
(162) In some embodiments of the present invention, a typical protocol for the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (4) includes, for non-limiting example, about 10 pulses of about 1 μs period with about 50% duty cycle and a preset pause of up to about 512 μs. In protocols of this type, power is supplied to the tissue during the period in which the preset number of pulses is applied.
(163) In some embodiments of the present invention, a typical protocol for the pulsed electromagnetic frequency generator (4) includes, for non-limiting example, a variant of the previous protocol, wherein the number of pulses administered is a multiple of about 10.
(164) In some embodiments of the present invention, in each of the methods as defined above, the treatment is repeated more than once.
(165) In some embodiments of the present invention, each of the methods as defined above additionally comprises a step of selecting the shape of the electromagnetic pulse from a group consisting of: a square wave, a sine wave, a triangular wave, a sawtooth wave, a ramp wave, a spiked wave and any combination thereof.
(166) In some embodiments of the system, the tissue to be treated is mucosal tissue, such as vaginal tissue. In such embodiments, the device is inserted into the vagina. The device of the present invention can be used for vaginal rejuvenation with the same processes that occur in facial rejuvenation, as disclosed above, namely production of new collagen, shortening of existing collagen fibers, production of growth factors, and dermal proliferation, with a typical outcome being thicker and more elastic vaginal tissue.
(167) Unlike devices used to treat external skin, in which the device is moved during treatment so that different regions of the skin are treated at different times, in preferred embodiments of a device for treatment of vaginal tissues, the vaginal treatment device is configured so that it remains stationary within the vagina during treatment.
(168) Embodiments of a device configured to treat vaginal tissues are shown in
(169) In reference to
(170) It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the disposable portion (2300) is sterilizable and can be reused.
(171) The device (2300) comprises a distal section (2310) for insertion into the vagina, a ring (2320) to limit the depth of penetration, a medial portion (2330), and a proximal portion (2340) configured to provide connection between the disposable portion (2300) and the re-usable portion. The connection provided by the proximal portion (2340) includes a mechanical connection and electrical communication; it can also include a fluid connection.
(172) The embodiment of
(173) The embodiment of
(174) In preferred variants, the device comprises sensors to monitor the temperature. This can be the temperature of at least a portion of an electrode, the temperature of the tissue adjacent to a portion of an electrode, and any combination thereof.
(175) In preferred variants of these embodiments, the temperature of the tissue is measured.
(176) In embodiments with at least one temperature sensor, preferably, a sensor will be adjacent to an electrode or inside an electrode so that a temperature measured by a temperature sensor can be associated with the at least a portion of an electrode primarily responsible for inducing the temperature. In preferred variants of embodiments with temperature sensors, there is at least one temperature sensor adjacent to each electrode and the temperature is individually and separately controlled for at least a portion of each electrode. The temperatures of any selected portions of a given pair of electrodes can be the same or they can be different. In preferred variants, the temperatures will be different, with higher temperatures for the distal portions of the electrodes and lower temperatures for the proximal portions of the electrodes.
(177) A difference between a device for treating external skin tissue and treating vaginal tissue is that the labial and vulval tissues are much more sensitive to heat than the vaginal tissues.
(178) The temperature sensor is preferably selected from a group consisting of a thermocouple, a thermistor, and any combination thereof.
(179) A difference between a device for treating external skin tissue and treating vaginal tissue is that the labial and vulval tissues are much more sensitive to heat than the vaginal tissues. Therefore, it is preferable that the proximal end of the distal section (2410) of the device be heated less than the remainder of the distal section (2410).
(180)
(181) The embodiment of
(182) In embodiments with at least one temperature sensor, preferably, a sensor will be adjacent to an electrode or inside an electrode so that a temperature measured by a temperature sensor can be associated with the electrode primarily responsible for inducing the temperature. Preferably, the temperature sensors are configured to measure the tissue temperature, not the electrode temperature.
(183) In preferred variants of embodiments with temperature sensors, there is at least one temperature sensor adjacent to each electrode and the temperature is individually and separately controlled for each electrode. The temperatures of any given pair of electrodes can be the same or they can be different. In preferred variants, the temperatures will be different, with higher temperatures for central electrodes and lower temperatures for edge electrodes.
(184) The at least one temperature sensor can be selected from a group consisting of: a thermistor, a thermocouple and any combination thereof.
(185) In preferred embodiments of the device, a predefined temperature profile can be created within the vagina. Typically, at least one predefined temperature profile can be stored in a database in communication with a processor, with the processor in communication with at least one temperature sensor and at least one power supply; the power supply providing power to the electrodes.
(186) In some embodiments of the device, the available temperature profiles can be displayed on a conventional display, such as, but not limited to, a GUI, and the user can select a profile. Selection can be via any conventional means of inputting data such as, but not limited to, a touchscreen, a keyboard, voice recognition and any combination thereof. Once selected, the temperature profile will be maintained in the device for the duration of the treatment, or until the user selects a different temperature profile. In preferred embodiments, the user can select or change a temperature profile while the distal end of the device is within the vagina so that there is no need to remove the device from the vagina in order to select or change a temperature profile.
(187) In preferred embodiments, both PEMF and heating are supplied to the electrodes. In preferred embodiments, RF is used to heat the tissue. A heating mechanism can be selected from a group consisting of RF tissue diathermy, electric current, an inductive electromagnetic field and any combination thereof.
(188) The temperature can vary longitudinally along the distal section (2410) of the device, radially around the distal section (2410) of the device and any combination thereof. Typically, the temperature profile is created via feedback, with a comparison between the temperature measured by each sensor and a predefined, stored temperature profile being used to adjust the power applied to each electrode.
(189)
(190) Under feedback control, more RF power will be supplied to electrodes 3, 4 and 5 and less RF power will be supplied to electrodes 1, 2 and 6 so as to maintain the desired temperature profile in the vagina.
(191) In some embodiments, the temperature in the vagina will be between about 30 degrees C. and about 80 degrees C. during treatment, preferably between about 40 degrees C. and about 50 degrees C.
(192) As can be seen from
(193) In some embodiments, the device can provide at least one of fractional PEMF and fractional tissue diathermy, with only a fraction of the electrodes activated at any one time. This can reduce discomfort to the patient during treatment.
(194)
(195)
(196)
(197)
(198) The suction unit is configured to operate either continuously or in pulses, delivering either a constant suction, or a pulsed suction to the tissue.
(199)
(200)
(201)
(202)
(203)
(204) Reference is now made to
(205) In some embodiments, the coil (310) is coupled to a pulse generator (501).
(206) In some embodiments, the acoustic transducer (300) is made of at least two sections: (i) a piezoelectric material, (502) (to which a pulse generator 503 is coupled); (b) a metallic part (504) which act as an electrode (to which a pulse generator 505 is coupled).
(207) In some embodiments, the device additionally comprises a recess configured to be placed against or in proximity to the skin.
(208) In some embodiments, the skin is drawn into the recess to a depth sufficient that physical contact is made with any tissue diathermy applicators or pulsed electromagnetic frequency electrodes disposed about the inner surface of the recess, and with the ports themselves.
(209) In some embodiments, the skin is drawn into the recess without being in physical contact with any tissue diathermy applicators or pulsed electromagnetic frequency electrodes disposed about the inner surface of the housing.
(210) It should also be appreciated that the above described description of methods and apparatus are to be interpreted as including apparatus for carrying out the methods, and methods of using the apparatus of any type as are known to a person or ordinary skill in the art, and which need not be described in detail herein for enabling a person of ordinary skill to practice the invention.
(211) For the main embodiments of the invention, the particular selection of type and model is not critical, although, where specifically identified, this may be relevant. The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments thereof that are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. No limitation, in general, or by way of words such as “may”, “should”, “preferably”, “must”, or other term denoting a degree of importance or motivation, should be considered as a limitation on the scope of the claims or their equivalents unless expressly present in such claim as a literal limitation on its scope. It should be understood that features and steps described with respect to one embodiment can be used with other embodiments and that not all embodiments of the invention have all of the features and/or steps shown in a particular figure or described with respect to one of the embodiments. That is, the disclosure should be considered complete from combinatorial point of view, with each embodiment of each element considered disclosed in conjunction with each other embodiment of each element (and indeed in various combinations of compatible implementations of variations in the same element). Variations of embodiments described will occur to persons of the art. Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have” and their conjugates, shall mean, when used in the claims, “including but not necessarily limited to.” Each element present in the claims in the singular shall mean one or more element as claimed, and when an option is provided for one or more of a group, it shall be interpreted to mean that the claim requires only one member selected from the various options, and shall not require one of each option. The abstract shall not be interpreted as limiting on the scope of the application or claims.
(212) It is noted that some of the above described embodiments describe the best mode contemplated by the inventors and therefore can include structure, acts or details of structures and acts that may not be essential to the invention and which are described as examples. Structure and acts described herein are replaceable by equivalents performing the same function, even if the structure or acts are different, as is known in the art. Therefore, the scope of the invention is limited only by the elements and limitations as used in the claims.
EXAMPLES
(213) An example is given of use of an embodiment of the present invention. The example, which is a clinical test, describes the manner and process of the present invention and sets forth a best mode contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention, but is not to be construed as limiting the invention.
Example 1
(214) A clinical test was performed to demonstrate the synergistic effect of the combined PEMF and tissue diathermy device.
(215) The aim of the example is to evaluate the synergistic effect of the combined technology and to compare it to the effects of each technology individually.
(216) A multipolar magnetic pulse generator was used which simultaneously emits RF and magnetic pulses in varying phases that homogeneously cause heating in the treated area that penetrate the dermis and hypodermis.
(217) Method
(218) The test included 40 women of ages ranging from 42-61 years.
(219) They were divided to 4 groups; 1 study group and 3 control groups, with each group including 10 clients. The participants were selected according to predefined criteria which included loose skin in the forehead, eye and neck areas.
(220) All groups were treated for skin tightening of the face (forehead and eyes) and neck. In all groups, the right side of the face and neck was treated only by use of the combined technology of the present invention and the left side of the face and neck was treated according the following:
(221) Study group: the combined technology.
(222) First control group: RF technology.
(223) Second control group: PMF (Pulsed Magnetic Field) technology.
(224) Third control group: PMF technology and, 2 hours later, RF technology.
(225) Sessions were conducted once a week for a period of 8 weeks.
(226) Each session lasted 40 minutes (20 minutes each side), except for the third control group, where each session lasted 60 minutes (right side 20 minutes and left side 40 minutes because 2 different technologies were used).
(227) Clinical results were collected by two methods, one objective and one subjective.
(228) Objective Method
(229) The objective method comprised taking photographs in order to assess the changes in the tightness of the skin induced by the treatments.
(230) The pictures were taken before and after treatment by the same operator under the same conditions. The pictures were taken while the participant sat in front of a chart with vertical and horizontal lines with the camera placed at the same height and the same distance from the subject and with the same lighting conditions.
(231) Subjective Method
(232) Subjective method comprised the clients' self-report.
(233) The subjective method was conducted by questions that each client had to fill after every treatment, referring to the immediate results they had noticed on each treated side, the cumulative effect, the satisfaction of the patient with the results, sensations during the treatments, etc.
(234) The patients received a satisfaction questionnaire which included yes/no questions and questions to be graded on a 1 to 5 satisfaction scale (1—represents “Not At All” and 5 represents “Very Much”).
(235) Additionally there were open questions configured to enable the patients to express their feelings following the treatments.
(236)
(237) Results
(238) Study Group
(239) All patients showed immediate and highly noticeable results on both sides after the first treatment; the skin tightness of the face and neck increased, it was smoother and with fewer wrinkles.
(240) Further, after 5 treatments it was noticeable that the results were cumulative (based on comparison between pictures before the first treatment and pictures before the 5.sup.th treatment). After 8 treatments, the skin tightness increased significantly. All clients indicated great satisfaction from the immediate visual results (tightness and stretchiness) as well as the long term results.
(241) The average score of visual results and satisfaction on the right treated side was 4.66 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and on the left treated side the average score was 4.8. 100% of the clients reported that the results on both sides remained all week during the sessions and were cumulative.
(242) They reported a feeling of tightness, firmness and high comfort during the treatment in terms of the sensation (“Feels like hot stones massage”) and expressed satisfaction at the short treatment time.
(243) Reference is now made to
(244) First Control Group
(245) All patients showed immediate results on both sides after the first treatment. However, the results were more significant in terms of tightening and wrinkle fading on the right side compared to the left side.
(246) The average score of visual results and satisfaction on the right treated side was 4.93 compared to the left treated side, which was 4.8.
(247) Following 5 treatments, it was noticeable that the results were significantly more cumulative on the right side in comparison to the results on the left side, which lasted only for a few days. 90% of the clients reported that the results on the right side remained all week during the first 5 treatments and were cumulative, compared to 40% of the clients who reported maintenance of the results on the left side.
(248) After 8 treatments, the skin tightness increased even more on the right side and 100% of the clients reported cumulative results compared to the results of the left side, which remained almost the same with only 50% of the clients reporting maintenance of the results.
(249) All clients indicated higher satisfaction with the immediate and long term results on the right side compared to the left side. No difference between both treated sides in terms of comfort was expressed.
(250) Reference is now made to
(251) Second Control Group
(252) All patients showed immediate and very noticeable results (skin tightening and wrinkle fading) on the right side after the first treatment and the results improved after the 5.sup.th and the 8.sup.th treatment.
(253) The average score of visual results and satisfaction on the right treated side was 5.00 compared to the left treated side, which was only 1.9.
(254) It should be pointed out that, on the left side, they didn't show any results in terms of skin tightness during the treatments, although, after the 4.sup.th treatment, the skin showed some improvement (it looked more glowing and nourished).
(255) All clients indicated high satisfaction from the immediate and long term results on the right side. 100% of the clients reported that the results on the right side remained all week during the first 5 treatments and were cumulative (and up to the 8.sup.th treatment) compared to 10% of the clients who reported maintenance of the results on the left side.
(256) As for the left side, they reported after the 5.sup.th treatment satisfaction from the improved condition and look of the skin, although they expressed some disappointment from not having results in terms of skin tightening. They reported high comfort in terms of the treatment sensation during the treatment of both sides.
(257) Reference is now made to
(258) Third Control Group
(259) All patients showed on the right side very noticeable immediate and cumulative results (skin tightening and wrinkle fading).
(260) The satisfaction was very high.
(261) On the left side visual results are seen; the immediate results were similar to the right side, however the cumulative results were less significant and less noticeable than those on the right side.
(262) The average score of visual results and satisfaction on the right treated side was 4.83 compared to the left treated side, which was only 2.36.
(263) 90% of the clients reported that the results on the right side remained all week during the first 5 treatments (and up to the 8.sup.th treatment) and were cumulative.
(264) Only 30% of the clients reported maintenance of the results on the left side. In terms of satisfaction, the clients expressed inconvenience due to the long duration of the treatment. Reference is now made to
(265) The following tables (tables 3 and 4) summaries the results:
(266) TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 average score (1 to 5 scale) of all participant in each group following all the treatments: Question Study group Control 1 Control 2 Control 3 Do you see any visual changes on 4.7 4.9 5 4.9 the right side that was treated? Are you satisfied with the visual 4.7 5 5 4.8 changes on the right side that was treated? Are you satisfied with the feeling 4.6 4.9 5 4.8 you feel on the right side that was treated? Do you see any visual changes on 4.9 2.5 1.9 2.4 the left side that was treated? Are you satisfied with the visual 4.8 2.6 2 2.3 changes on the left side that was treated? Are you satisfied with the feeling 4.7 2.4 1.8 2.4 you feel on the left side that was treated?
(267) TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 results of “Yes/No” Questions of all the patients in each group following all the treatments Study group Control 1 Control 2 Control 3 Question Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Is there any specific feeling 80% 20% 90% 10% 100% 0% 80% 20% you feel on the right side that was treated? (tightness, lifting stretchiness, fullness, swelling, looseness, ache, itchiness)? Is there any specific feeling 90% 10% 60% 40% 40% 60% 50% 50% you feel on the left side that was treated? (tightness, lifting stretchiness, fullness, swelling, looseness, ache, itchiness)? Answer only after the 5th treatment: Do you feel that the results on 100% 0% 40% 60% 10% 90% 30% 70% the left side that was treated were cumulative from the first treatment? Answer only after the 5th treatment: Do you feel that the results on 100% 0% 90% 10% 100% 0% 90% 10% the right side that was treated were cumulative from the first treatment? Answer only after the 8th treatment: Do you feel that the results on 100% 0% 50% 50% 20% 80% 30% 70% the left side that was treated were cumulative from the first treatment? Answer only after the 8th treatment: Do you feel that the results on 100% 0% 100% 0% 100% 0% 100% 0% the right side that was treated were cumulative from the first treatment?
CONCLUSIONS
(268) The synergistic effect of the device of the present invention clearly shows objectively and subjectively superior results compared to treatments in which only RF, or only PEMF were used.
(269) It has been shown that clients who were treated on the left side with PEMF technology had a much clearer difference between both sides. This is probably since they did not see any tightening effect on the left side.
(270) In addition, it was shown that clients that were treated with the device of the present invention on both sides felt significant changes during the treatment. Yet more, it was harder for them to see a difference between the two sides, since both sides were treated with the device of the present invention and both sides had improved in the same way. 80%-100% of the 40 participants answered “Yes” regarding questions concerning the tightness of the skin and the cumulative results on the right treated area. Of the 30 participants treated on the left side with other technologies, only 10%-50% answered “Yes” regarding questions concerning the tightness of the skin and the cumulative results.
(271) The results with the combined technology (the device of by the present invention) were immediate and they maintained and improved from one treatment to the next. Immediate skin tightening has been seen due to the change of collagen fiber formation induced by thermal technique of the RF (they become shorter and thicker and, as a result, harder).
(272) Long lasting results have been seen due to the increase of new collagen fiber synthesis by the use of both thermal (RF) and non-thermal (PEMF) technologies with the device of the present invention, which enables the formation of a greater number of collagen fibers and, as a result, created a physiological buttress that enables better structural support of the skin. The assets of the device of the present invention to the medical field are: Synergistic effect that stimulates dermal fibroblasts which produce new collagen, elastic and reticular fibers by using different mechanisms (heating and non-heating); Changing the form of a greater number of collagen fiber by making them shorter and thicker; and, Angiogenesis—increasing the formation of new small blood vessels.