SYSTEM FOR REDUCING LOCALISED FATTY MASSES BY MEANS OF COLD APPLICATION, APPLICATOR FOR SUCH A SYSTEM AND NON-INVASIVE TREATMENT METHOD FOR REDUCING FATS BY MEANS OF COLD APPLICATION

Abstract

A non-invasive treatment method for reducing fats using a system (10) for performing a non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by cold application. The system (10) includes a central unit (12), a cooling device (14) for cooling a fluid, at least one applicator (16) for performing a non-invasive localized treatment of the fats by cold application, including a cavity, a suction conduit (18) opening up into the cavity (34) and arranged so as to suck up a bead in the cavity (34), and a transport device (20) for conducting the fluid from the central unit inside the applicator. The wall of the cavity (34) is suitable for being indirectly cooled by the cooling device and the cooling device (14) is arranged at a distance from the applicator.

Claims

1.-14. (canceled)

15. A non-invasive fat reducing system (10) which is designed to carry out non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application comprising: a central unit (12) comprising a controller (22); a cooler (14), the cooler (14) being designed to cool a fluid to a cooling temperature lower than 0 C., the controller (22) controlling the cooler (14); at least one applicator (16) which is designed to carry out a localized non-invasive treatment of the fats by application of cold, the applicator (16) comprising a cavity (34) defined by a wall (36), said cavity (34) being designed to receive a localized wad or mass of fat of a patient; a suction duct (18) which opens into the cavity (34), and is designed to suck the wad up into said cavity (34); a transporter (20) which is designed to convey the fluid from the central unit (12) to the interior of the applicator (16), wherein the wall (36) is designed to be cooled indirectly by the cooler (14), and in that the cooler (14) is arranged at a distance from the applicator (16).

16. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fluid has a solidification temperature higher than 13 C.

17. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the fluid has a solidification temperature higher than 11 C.

18. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fluid has a solidification temperature lower than 9 C.

19. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein there is a single cooler (14) which is arranged at a distance from the applicator (16), such as to cool the fluid outside the applicator (16), and wherein the transporter comprises a portion which is accommodated in the applicator (16), the transporter (20) being designed to convey the fluid into the applicator (16), such that the fluid passes through the applicator (16) at an application temperature higher than the cooling temperature and lower than 2 C.

20. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cooler (14) comprises one or a plurality of localized cooling elements at a distance of at least 50 cm from the applicator (16).

21. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cooler (14) is arranged inside the central unit (12).

22. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, comprising electrical and electronic elements (E) which are designed to control parameters of the system (10), and wherein the electrical and electronic elements (E) are arranged at a distance from the applicator (16).

23. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transporter (20) comprises one or a plurality of header tanks (26), and wherein the one or a plurality of header tanks (26) is/are configured to cool the wall (36) of the cavity (34) of the applicator (16) directly.

24. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the transporter (20) is partly integrated in the wall (36) of the cavity (34).

25. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cooler (14) comprises a reservoir (25) comprising a coolant fluid, and wherein the coolant fluid is chosen from the list consisting of: a solution composed of a mixture of water and propylene glycol, a solution composed of a mixture of alcohol and water.

26. The non-invasive fat reducing system (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the cooler (14) comprises Peltier-effect cells or a cold unit.

27. An applicator (16) which is designed to carry out a non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application and is adapted especially to be associated with a central unit (12), a cooler (14) and a transporter (20), such as to form a system (10) which is designed to carry out a non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application as claimed in claim 15, said applicator (16) comprising: a portion of transporter (20) comprising at least one header tank (26) for the transport of a fluid, in particular a subzero fluid; a hollow metal element comprising a wall (36) forming a cavity (34), said cavity (34) being designed to receive a localized wad or mass of fat of a patient; a portion of suction duct (18) opening into the cavity (34) and arranged such as to suck the wad up into said cavity (34), wherein the transporter (20) comprises header tanks (26) arranged directly in thermal connection against the wall (36) of the cavity (34) which is designed to receive a localized wad or mass of fat of a patient, the applicator (16) being without Peltier-effect cells.

28. A method for non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application by a system (10) as claimed in claim 15, comprising the steps of: suction of a wad of fat inside the metal cavity (34) of the applicator (16); cooling of a fluid inside the central unit (12); transport of the fluid from the central unit (12) to the applicator (16); direct absorption of heat between a header tank (26) and the wall (36) of the cavity (34), such as to reduce the fats by means of cold application.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of one of its embodiments, provided by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the appended drawings.

[0050] In the drawings:

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the system designed to carry out non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application according to the invention, comprising a central unit, a cooling device, an applicator according to a first embodiment, and a suction duct;

[0052] FIG. 2 is a view from above of a header tank of the applicator in FIG. 1;

[0053] FIG. 3 is a view in cross-section of an applicator according to a second embodiment of the invention.

MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] FIG. 1 represents schematically a system 10 designed to carry out non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application, comprising a central unit 12, a cooling device 14, at least one applicator 16, a suction duct 18 and a transport device 20.

[0055] The central unit 12 comprises a control device 22, as well as all the elements habitually found in the central unit of a system which is designed to carry out non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application known by persons skilled in the art. The central unit 12 can thus comprise a screen, which is or is not a touchscreen, for control of the system, one or a plurality of electronic boards E, a vacuum pump, a coolant fluid pump, a reservoir for coolant liquid, solenoid valves, fans, and any other elements well known by persons skilled in the art in systems for reducing fats by means of cold application.

[0056] The cooling device 14 is designed to cool a fluid to a cooling temperature lower than 0 C. The control device 22 controls the cooling device 14. More specifically, the control device 22 is designed to control parameters of the cooling device such as, for example, the temperature of the fluid, the flow rate, the cooling time, etc.

[0057] The cooling device 14 comprises for example a cold unit of the type which operates with a coolant gas, such as R134a. A cooling device 14 of this type has cold generation performance such that the fluid to be cooled can reach a particularly cold temperature of approximately 25 C. In particular, the cold unit used with a coolant gas such as R134a is sufficient to permit cooling of the fluid which is designed to pass via the transport device 20 to a satisfactory temperature at the cooling device 14 (or cold unit), in order to reach the applicator with an application temperature which is sufficient to carry out apoptosis of adipocytes in the area to be treated of the patient. For reasons of safety, the cold unit can be restrained electronically such that it can cool the fluid to temperature of 12 C.

[0058] The cooling device 14 is for example integrated in the central unit 12. In other words, the central unit 12 comprises for example a housing which in particular contains the cooling device 14, as illustrated in FIG. 1. According to a variant embodiment, the cooling device 14 can be arranged outside the central unit, in a separate housing for example.

[0059] The fluid cooled by the cooling device 14 can for example be a solution which is a mixture of water and alcohol which ensures advantageous circulation of the fluid. For example, the solution comprises 80% water for 20% alcohol. A mixture of this type has a solidification point which corresponds to a limit solidification temperature. For example, the limit solidification temperature is approximately 12 C. or 10 C. Thus, if a malfunction of the cooling device occurs and the fluid is cooled to below the limit temperature, the fluid solidifies. The solidification of the fluid prevents its free circulation in the transport device 20, which blocks the operation of the system. Thus, the patient is protected against any burning by the cold, since the system can not operate if the fluid is cooled to below a limit temperature which could give rise to burns.

[0060] The fluid cooled by the cooling device 14 can for example be a solution which is a mixture of water and polypropylene glycol. For example, the solution comprises 80% water and 20% polypropylene glycol. The limit temperature for solidification of a fluid of this type is approximately 15 C.

[0061] The minimum treatment temperature observed by the present inventors from amongst the treatments proposed at present is 13 C.

[0062] This is why, advantageously, the fluid used has a solidification temperature of 13 C. or more. Examples of such fluids are: a mixture of water and propylene glycol with a ratio of water to propylene glycol of more than 2 or 2.3; a mixture of water and ethylene glycol with a ratio of water to ethylene glycol of more than 2 or 2.2; a mixture of water to GreenWay Neo (by Climalife dehon) with a ratio of water to GreenWay Neo of more than 1.8 or 2.

[0063] In addition, it seems that there is a greater consensus amongst cryolipolysis professionals not to lower the treatment temperature below 11 C. in order to prevent burning of the skin by the cold. Thus, a fluid with a solidification temperature of 11 C. or more is preferred. Examples of such fluids are: a mixture of water and propylene glycol with a ratio of water to propylene glycol of more than 2.5 or 2.7; a mixture of water and ethylene glycol with a ratio of water to ethylene glycol of more than 3.5 or 3.7; a mixture of water and GreenWay Neo with a ratio of water to GreenWay Neo of more than 2 or 2.3.

[0064] GreenWay Neo is a heat exchange fluid made by the company Climalife dehon based on 1,3-propanediol (2017).

[0065] The use of a fluid of this type makes it possible to dispense with sensors in the applicator and electronic elements for monitoring the temperature of the skin, and to put the system out of service in the event of excessively high-level running of the cooling device, and in particular of the Peltier elements. In addition, an electronic safety system is not protected against electronic malfunction.

[0066] Use of a fluid with a solidification temperature of more than 13 C. or 11 C. makes it possible to put the system out of service without having to count on electronic elements. In addition, the use of a fluid with a solidification temperature of more than 11 C. has the advantage compared with a fluid with a solidification temperature of more than 13 C. of detecting more rapidly any excessively high-level running of the cooling device.

[0067] In addition, in certain cases, such as, for example, in a cryolipolysis device which is designed for treatment of areas of the body where it is agreed that the skin is thicker and less sensitive to cold, and for which particularly low temperatures are the most efficient in order to obtain good results, it is preferable for the liquid to have a solidification temperature lower than 9 C. In this case, examples of fluids are: a mixture of water and propylene glycol with a ratio of water to propylene glycol lower than 3.5 or 3.3; a mixture of water and ethylene glycol with a ratio of water to ethylene glycol lower than 4.7 or 4.5; a mixture of water and GreenWay Neo with a ratio of water to GreenWay Neo lower than 3.5 or 3.

[0068] The fluid which is cooled by the cooling device 14 is conveyed to the applicator 16 by means of the transport device 20. The transport device 20 comprises for example a main duct 24. The main duct 24 is for example made of a plastic material, for example a braided plastic material, and comprises an insulating sheath which extends around its entire periphery. The main sheath 24 extends for example longitudinally over a length of more than 50 cm. The main duct 24 extends for example longitudinally over a length of 1 m to 2 m. The main duct 24 can for example have a substantially circular cross section with a diameter of between 12 mm and 24 mm The transport device 20 is thus designed to convey the fluid from the central unit 12 to the interior of the applicator. More specifically, the transport device 20 comprises the main duct (which can be in the form of a flexible tube for example) extending from a reservoir 25 which is provided for example in the central unit 12. The reservoir 25 is connected to the cooling device 14, such that the fluid which is present in the reservoir is directly cooled by the cooling device 14. A temperature sensor can be provided at the input of the transport device 20, or at the output from the cooling device, in order to measure the temperature of the fluid. For example, the cooling device 14 cools the fluid to a cooling temperature. The cooling temperature is lower than 0 C. The cooling temperature can also be lower than 5 C. The cooling temperature can also be lower than 8 C.

[0069] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 1, and according to a first embodiment, the transport device comprises two main ducts 24 which extend from the cooling device 14, and more specifically from the central unit 12, to the applicator 16. The main ducts 24 are designed to convey the fluid cooled by the cooling device 14 to the applicator 16. As represented in FIG. 1, the transport device 20 also comprises two header tanks 26. The main ducts 24 are connected to the applicator by means of two header tanks 26 which permit thermal transmission from the fluid to the applicator 16.

[0070] In variant embodiments not represented, the transport device can comprise one or more than two main ducts. In addition, the transport device can comprise one or a plurality of boxes, for example 3 or 4 header tanks.

[0071] The header tanks 26 are connected directly to the applicator 16.

[0072] FIG. 2 illustrates according to a view in perspective a header tank 26 in FIG. 1. The header tank 26 comprises an inner cooling duct 28 for circulation of the cooling fluid by means of a fluid circulation circuit.

[0073] The header tank 26 forms a block (for example with a parallelepiped form) provided with a plurality of faces delimited by ridges, and one of the largest faces of which comprises an orifice for an input connector 30 (shown in FIG. 1) for the cooling fluid, and an orifice for output of the cooling fluid via an output connector 32, each of the orifices being designed to supply the fluid circulation circuit of the header tank.

[0074] The header tank 26 is for example made of aluminum. The header tank 26 comprises for example eight faces and has a thickness of approximately 12 mm. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the header tank 26 comprises four lateral faces 26a, 26b, 26c, 26d, and two main faces 26e, 26f, all delimited by straight ridges. The header tank 26 comprises lateral sections which are provided with production holes necessary for creation of the fluid circulation circuit which is arranged inside the header tank 26. The header tank 26 comprises receptacles for screws or other securing units for assembly of the header tank on the applicator 16.

[0075] As can be seen in FIG. 1, the applicator 16 comprises in particular a cavity 34 defined by a wall 36. The cavity 34 is designed to receive a localized wad or mass of fat of a patient. The wall 36 comprises an inner surface 38 and an outer surface 40, opposite the inner surface 38. The inner surface 38 is oriented towards the cavity 34, and in this case the inner surface 38 defines the contours of the cavity 36. The wall 36 of the applicator 16 comprises two longitudinal portions 36a, 36b which are connected at their ends by rounded portions 36c, 36d, such as to have a substantially frusto-conical form. The main faces 26e, 26f of the header tank 26 are disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal portions 36a, 36b. FIG. 1 represents a single applicator. However, in variant embodiments, a plurality of applicators can be provided.

[0076] The wall 36 of the applicator is for example made of metal. Metal permits good thermal conductivity. Thus, the fluid is transported by the transport device 20 firstly into the main duct(s) 24, then into the header tank(es) 26, which is/are arranged directly in thermal connection against the wall of the cavity. The fluid reaches the inside of the applicator or the direct vicinity of the applicator at an application temperature. In this case, the application temperature is slightly higher than the cooling temperature. This is because of the energy losses of the liquid in the transport device 20. For example, if the cooling temperature is lower than 0 C., the cooling temperature can be lower than 2 C. Optionally, if the cooling temperature is lower than 5 C., the cooling temperature can be lower than 0 C. or 1 C. The energy loss is between 1 and 3 C. for a main duct 24 of between 1 and 2 m. In addition, the fluid selected (mixture of water and alcohol in particular) associated with a sufficiently powerful cooling device makes it possible to cool the fluid at a distance from the applicator which is sufficient to avoid having to cool the fluid again inside the applicator. In addition, fluids such as those previously mentioned have relatively low energy losses. Thus, the temperature of the fluid cooled at the central unit is sufficient to carry out apoptosis of the adipocytes of the area of the patient which is situated in the cavity.

[0077] Into the cavity 34 there opens the suction duct 18 which is designed to suck up a localized wad or mass of fat of the patient, such as to retain the wad or mass of fat inside the cavity, so that the wall of the cavity, cooled by means of the fluid circulating in the transport device 20, itself cools the wad or mass of fat of the patient which is retained in the cavity. The suction duct 18 consists for example of a flexible conduit which is connected to a blower. The blower can be arranged inside the central unit 12 for example. According to a variant embodiment, the suction of the wad into the cavity 34 can be carried out by a system of suckers.

[0078] According to a second embodiment of the transport device 20 illustrated in particular partly in FIG. 3, a portion of the transport device is integrated in the wall of the cavity, and substantially surrounds the cavity. In this case, the transport device 20 comprises one or a plurality of main ducts 24 which are extended by secondary ducts 24. The secondary ducts 24, as illustrated in FIG. 3, are accommodated in the wall 36 of the applicator 16. In other words, the secondary ducts 24 are integrated in the wall 36 of the applicator 16. The fluid obtained from the main duct(s) also circulates in the secondary ducts 24, such as to cool the inner surface 38. As represented in FIG. 3, a plurality of secondary ducts are provided. However, according to variant embodiments, a single secondary duct can be provided, which is wound around the cavity 34. The applicator 16 as represented in FIG. 3 has a form slightly different from that of the applicator 16 represented in FIG. 1. In this case, the form of the applicator can depend on the form of the cavity 34 of the applicator required. The form of the cavity 34 can depend on the area to be treated of the patient. Thus, the cavity 34 can have any form, which is or is not complex, and adapts to the morphology of the area to be treated of the patient.

[0079] The applicator 16 connected to the transport device 20 according to the first embodiment represented in FIG. 1, or according to the second embodiment represented in FIG. 3, comprises a portion of transport device comprising at least one header tank for the transport of a fluid, in particular a subzero fluid. The applicator 16 also comprises a portion of suction duct which opens into the cavity. However, the applicator does not comprise any active cooling device. The wall of the applicator is cooled by absorption of direct heat between the wall, which in this case is made of metal, and the fluid circulating in the transport device 20. The applicator is without any generator of cold, Peltier-effect cells, or any electrical or electronic component which is associated directly or indirectly with the generation of a low temperature. In other words, no component for generation of cold is provided inside the applicator. The applicator 16 is thus means or an element or device for cooling. The cooling device which permits cooling of the wall 36 of the applicator indirectly is accommodated outside the applicator and at a distance from it.

[0080] The system 10 can also comprise elements for insulation of the cold equipment, such as to prevent any risk of burning by the cold, and to prevent substantial energy losses of the fluid on the path between the central unit 12 and the applicator 16. For example, the transport device 20 comprises an insulator along the entire length of the main duct 24.

[0081] The system 10 which is designed to carry out a non-invasive treatment for reducing fats by means of cold application can be used in the manner described hereinafter.

[0082] In one step, a mass of fat is sucked up inside the cavity 34 of the applicator. As previously stated, the cavity can be formed by a metal wall 36 for better thermal conductivity.

[0083] In a subsequent step or before the suction, cooling takes place of a fluid provided inside a reservoir. For example, the reservoir can be arranged inside the central unit.

[0084] In one step, the fluid is transported from the reservoir 25 to the applicator 16 by means of the transport device 20.

[0085] In one step, the heat of the wall which forms the cavity 34 is absorbed, for example by a header tank, such as to permit cooling of the wad accommodated in the cavity, and thus reduce the fat by means of cold application.

[0086] No step of generation of cold inside the applicator is necessary, for example by Peltier-effect cells.