METHOD OF ADIPOSE TISSUE TREATMENT

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for lipolysis using multiple RF electrodes inserted into the subcutaneous fat.

Claims

1. A method for fractional thermal destruction of subcutaneous fat comprising: applying a treatment tip to a skin surface; inserting partially isolated needles from said treatment tip into tissue below the skin surface to place conductive tips of the needles into subcutaneous fat tissue; delivering RF energy to the fat tissue through the conductive tips; and maintaining the RF energy for a period of time to cause fat thermal destruction at said conductive tips.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the needles are inserted to a depth from 0.6 mm up to 10 mm.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the RF energy is applied between said needles and a return electrode applied to the skin surface.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the return electrode surrounds each needle.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the RF energy is delivered in pulses.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the RF energy has power from 1 W up 500 W.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the needles are moved manually.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the needles are moved by an electromechanical element.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In the accompanying drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of skin structure with applied treatment tip.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the needle.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of one example of replaceable tip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0029] Referring first to FIG. 1, an applicator assembly comprises a housing 12 and a handle 13. A replaceable tip 11 is connected to the front side of the hand piece. RF energy and control signals are delivered to the hand piece through a cable 14.

[0030] FIG. 2 shows skin structure with a superficial layer called epidermis and having thickness of about 0.1 mm. The second layer 22 is called dermis and consists mostly of collagenous tissue. The thickness of this layer varies from 0.5 mm to 2 mm depending on gender, age and body area. The third layer is subcutaneous fat 23 which may be as thick as a few centimeters. FIG. 2 shows tip housing 24 with return electrode 25 applied to the skin surface and needles penetrating into the subcutaneous fat 23. The needles have an isolated part 26 which protects the dermis from thermal exposure. An uncoated tip 27 delivers RF energy into the subcutaneous fat.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows microscope photography of the needle with a coated portion 31 and a conductive sharp tip 32 for delivering energy into the sub-dermal area.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a cross section of the disposable tip. An external electrode 44 is attached to a (e.g., plastic) housing 41. Needles 42 are assembled on a PCB 43 which is rigidly connected to a rod 45 which can move along the tip axes. A spring 46 acts to move needles out of the tissue after RF energy is delivered to the fat layer. This spring mechanism is a safety feature to keep needles inside the tip when the tip is not in use.

[0033] The device can be operated in two modes:

[0034] 1. The needles are extended out of the tip prior to the treatment to a predetermined length and then the user applies tip with firm pressure to the treated area and applies RF energy. This method can be use when needle length does not exceed 3 mm.

[0035] 2. The other method includes application of the hand piece with hidden (retracted) needles and then extending the needles out of the tip into the tissue to a predetermined depth at each pulse. The extending of the needles is synchronized with RF pulses. After RF delivery, the needles are retracted back into the tip.

[0036] After the needles 42 penetrate the tissue to the predetermined depth, the RF voltage is applied between the needles and the return electrode. RF energy per needle is high enough to create coagulation or ablation of the adipose tissue in the vicinity of the needles. After delivering the RF energy, the electromechanical mechanism releases the pressure allowing the spring 25 to retract the needles out of tissue. Penetration depth can be preprogrammed in the range of 0.6 mm up to 10 mm, without limitation.

[0037] RF energy delivered to the tissue depends on the number of needles and may be in the range of 0.1 J up to 30 J, without limitation.

[0038] RF pulse duration may be in the range of 1 ms and up to 3 sec, without limitation. The energy can be delivered as a single pulse or structured from the train of pulses.

[0039] Non-limiting parameters for the above described device are:

[0040] 1. Number of conductive elements is in the range of 5 to 100

[0041] 2. Shape of conductive elements is a sharp needle for deep treatment.

[0042] 3. Length of needles is in the range of 0.6 mm to 10 mm.

[0043] 4. Needles are partially coated with electrically isolating material and have electrically conductive ends to deliver RF energy into fat layer and avoid thermal damage of dermis.

[0044] 5. RF voltage applied to the skin may be in the range of 10V up to 1000V RMS

[0045] 6. Pulse repetition rate from 0.2 pps up 3 pps