WO2004075976A2 - Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004075976A2 WO2004075976A2 PCT/US2004/005524 US2004005524W WO2004075976A2 WO 2004075976 A2 WO2004075976 A2 WO 2004075976A2 US 2004005524 W US2004005524 W US 2004005524W WO 2004075976 A2 WO2004075976 A2 WO 2004075976A2
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- skin
- contact
- heating element
- ohmic heating
- switches
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
- A61B18/203—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser applying laser energy to the outside of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
- A61B18/08—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by means of electrically-heated probes
- A61B18/082—Probes or electrodes therefor
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00057—Light
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00057—Light
- A61B2017/00061—Light spectrum
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00057—Light
- A61B2017/00066—Light intensity
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00137—Details of operation mode
- A61B2017/00154—Details of operation mode pulsed
- A61B2017/00172—Pulse trains, bursts, intermittent continuous operation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00681—Aspects not otherwise provided for
- A61B2017/00734—Aspects not otherwise provided for battery operated
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00005—Cooling or heating of the probe or tissue immediately surrounding the probe
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
- A61B2018/00452—Skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
- A61B2018/00452—Skin
- A61B2018/00476—Hair follicles
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
- A61B18/22—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser the beam being directed along or through a flexible conduit, e.g. an optical fibre; Couplings or hand-pieces therefor
- A61B2018/2255—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips
- A61B2018/2261—Optical elements at the distal end of probe tips with scattering, diffusion or dispersion of light
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B90/00—Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups A61B1/00 - A61B50/00, e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
- A61B90/06—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for
- A61B2090/064—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension
- A61B2090/065—Measuring instruments not otherwise provided for for measuring force, pressure or mechanical tension for measuring contact or contact pressure
Definitions
- TITLE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PIGMENTED LESIONS
- the present invention relates generally to dermatologic treatment methods and apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus and method for treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
- Benign pigmented lesions are extremely common in both men and women, with estimates as high as 30-40% of adults. The lesions appear brown in color due to an excess of melanin in a localized area compared to the surrounding, lighter-colored skin. Those lesions in which the excess melanin is primarily or exclusively confined to the upper layer of skin (the epidermis) are often referred to medically as lentigines, or commonly as age spots, liver spots or freckles.
- Treatment methods include topical creams such as hydroquinone; chemical or mechanical peels such as glycolic acid or dermabrasion; and various forms of cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, dry ice or a sprayed refrigerant such as Freon.
- Topical creams having any degree of effectiveness require prescriptions, cause only modest lightening, and necessitate sun avoidance to prevent subsequent re-darkening of the lesions.
- Chemical or mechanical destruction of the epidermis is problematic because of the risk of unwanted damage to the underlying dermis, which can result in permanent scarring.
- crude thermal injury to the epidermis typically by very cold substances, and thus termed cryotherapy
- cryotherapy also runs the risk of dermal injury due to the difficulty in controlling the depth of cold-induced cell death.
- overly conservative treatment to avoid scarring inevitably results in the absence of any therapeutic benefit.
- cryotherapy is the most common conventional treatment method. Regions of the epidermis containing excessive pigmentation are intentionally damaged, and the body regenerates new epidermal tissue with normal levels of pigment, matching the skin surrounding the lesion. Adjacent regions of epidermis which are normally pigmented, but which are inadvertently also damaged by the cryotherapy, also rapidly heal with normal pigmentation.
- an apparatus and method for the treatment of a benign pigmented lesion.
- the apparatus includes an energy source, one or more switches, and electronic control circuitry.
- the apparatus has a surface that is placed in contact with a region of a person's skin containing a benign pigmented lesion.
- a heating element that is heated by passing electrical current through the element and that is thermally coupled to the surface. When current is passed through the heating element, this surface is heated rapidly and then is subsequently cooled rapidly.
- the rate of heating, maximum temperatures achieved, and rate of cooling the thermal injury can be confined primarily to the epidermal region of the skin in contact with the surface.
- Thermal injury primarily within the epidermis containing the benign pigmented lesion, stimulates a healing process and subsequent normal re- pigmentation of the skin.
- Activation of the heating element may be achieved by having a user of the apparatus depress a button on the housing.
- activation of the heating element is achieved by activation of a contact sensor located near the surface of the apparatus in contact with the skin.
- This contact sensor may be a type of membrane switch such that, when the apparatus is pressed against the skin, the membrane switch closes, initiating the thermal pulse.
- the surface is cooled to a temperature below an average temperature of the skin prior to contact with the skin surface.
- the surface may be cooled to a temperature of 5 - 25 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 25 degrees C provide little cooling effect, and temperatures near or below 0 degrees C create problems with excessive condensation and/or ice on the surface.
- the pre-cooling of the surface, and especially the rapid cooling of the surface following heating further serve to reduce the discomfort associated with the use of the device.
- the apparatus may be hand-held and self-contained, thereby eliminating the need to use the device near an electrical outlet. This cordless device utilizes one or more batteries for its source of electrical power.
- one or more heat- removal elements are included within the hand-held apparatus.
- the one or more heat- removal elements may be a conventional finned heat sink and fan, or may incorporate a more type of thermal battery described in more detail below.
- a method of treatment of a benign pigmented lesion utilizes an apparatus which includes an energy source, a surface configured for contact with the benign pigmented lesion and capable of being rapidly heated and rapidly cooled, an ohmic heating element, and a heat removal element.
- the method includes coupling the ohmic heating element between the heat removal element and the surface in a manner so that heat is transferred more quickly to the surface than to the heat removal element, applying a designated amount of power to the ohmic heating element from the energy source to produce a rapid heating of the surface for a designated period of time, removing power from the ohmic heating element following the designated period of time so that heat can flow between the surface and the heat removal element to provide a rapid cooling of the surface, whereby, during operation of the apparatus, thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
- the apparatus can further include one or more switches, so that a step can involve controlling the application of power to the ohmic heating element with the one or more switches.
- one or more of the switches is a contact sensor positioned near the surface to detect substantial contact between the surface and skin
- a further embodiment of the method of the present invention can involve the step of inhibiting the application of power to the ohmic heating element unless the substantial contact is detected by the contact sensor, h another embodiment the detection of substantial contact initiates the application of power to the ohmic heating element.
- power is applied in a manner so that the rapid heating of the surface heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling of the surface cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
- Further steps in a method of the present invention involve cooling the surface below an average temperature of the skin, and placing the surface in contact with the skin prior to applying power to the ohmic heating element.
- FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held, self- contained apparatus for causing heat-induced thermal injury to a region of a person's skin in accordance with the present invention.
- FIGURE 3 displays a graph of temperatures of various elements of the apparatus and of the skin as a function of position, and at a variety of different times.
- a schematic drawing of a portion of the apparatus is drawn in the proper scale and with the proper alignment with respect to the graph, to help correlate the position coordinates on the abscissa of the graph with the physical elements of the apparatus.
- the surface contacting the epidermis 10 is a sheet 12 of material having sufficiently high thermal conductivity and sufficiently low thermal mass as to allow heating and cooling in milliseconds; such heating being achieved by either placement of a heating element 14 (or elements) on said sheet, or by designing sheet 12 to serve as its own heating element by virtue of its own electrical resistance.
- This type of heating is termed ohmic heating. (Suitable materials for sheet 12 and its means of heating 14 are discussed in more detail below.)
- Sheet 12 and its means of heating 14 are in turn backed by a sheet of material 16 which serves as a thermal insulator (on a time scale of milliseconds) but which is a thermal conductor on longer time scales (on the order of seconds).
- the presence of this thermally insulating layer temporarily isolates sheet 12 from the cooled heat- removal element 18, allowing sheet 12 to be rapidly heated.
- Insulating sheet 16 is in turn backed by a large heat-removal element 18, as for example a block of copper or aluminum that has been cooled to a temperature below that of the skin surface.
- the device in a preferred embodiment is first activated for a period of time, perhaps tens of seconds, during which time the heat-removal element 18 is cooled below the skin surface temperature, and during which time sheets 16 and 12 are also cooled.
- the device is then placed against the skin surface (at a location containing all or a portion of a benign pigmented lesion) and pressed against the skin for a period of seconds to pre-cool both the contacted epidermis 10 and some fraction of the underlying dermis 11.
- Sheet 12 is then rapidly heated (rising in temperature to near 100 degrees Celsius in a time period of the order of milliseconds) bypassing electrical current through a heating element or heating elements 14 in contact with the sheet or though the sheet itself.
- the rapid heating of the sheet 12 in contact with the skin causes heat to propagate through the epidermis 10, causing the desired thermal damage.
- the portion of the dermis 11 adjacent to the epidermis has been pre-cooled, and because the sheet 12 in contact with the skin is backed by the cooled heat- removal element 18, the heated epidermis rapidly cools (after the electrical current is turned off) by thermal conduction both downward into the dermis and upward into the cooled thermal mass of the device.
- the device design allows for a thermal pulse that is analogous to that induced by a laser or IPL, but in a much simpler and lower cost manner.
- the heating of sheet 12 can be precisely controlled by virtue of the electrical energy deposited, and the cooling of sheet 12 can be equally controlled by the design (e.g., thickness and choice of material) of the thermally insulating sheet 16, of the heat-removal element 18, and of sheet 12 itself.
- the drawbacks of other more elaborate the ⁇ nal approaches like a laser-heated metal cap, or simple thermal approaches such as cryotherapy, are avoided. As described above, these drawbacks include over-treatment resulting in scarring, or under-treatment resulting in lack of efficacy.
- the energy requirements to cool the heat-removal element 18 below skin temperature and to heat the sheet 12 in contact with the skin are small; thus the entire device can be battery-powered in its preferred embodiment.
- the heat-removal element 18 itself may be a "thermal battery” containing, for example, a block of copper having a high heat capacity, hi this design, the thermal battery may be "charged” by placing the entire apparatus in a refrigerator.
- the thermal battery may contain a material having a melting point somewhat below the skin temperature; the resulting phase change upon heat input clamps the temperature of the material at the melting point until sufficient heat is absorbed to overcome the heat of fusion of the material.
- the heat-removal element 18 could be a thermoelectric module.
- heat-removal element 18 comprises a conventional finned heatsink and fan for discharging waste heat into the air. Further discussion and details about heat removal elements, thermal batteries, and heatsinks suitable for use in the present invention can be found in the above mentioned Cross- Referenced Non-Provisional Applications.
- a sensor near the tip of the device may also be incorporated to ensure that the device has been in contact with the skin for a sufficient cooling period, prior to activation of the heating element.
- This sensor can be a simple contact sensor such as a micro-switch or membrane switch that is closed when the tip is pressed against a firm surface such as the skin. These types of switches are well known to those skilled in the art, and are widely used in a variety of products, such as cell phones.
- the device is not pre-cooled, and the desired epidermal damage is achieved by virtue of the rapid heating and rapid cooling described herein, without prior cooling of the skin below its average temperature.
- the invention permits, for the first time, effective and safe home treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
- Sheet 12 is preferably a disc or rectangle of the order of one square centimeter in area, and is constructed so that it can be heated rapidly (on the order of milliseconds) by an electrical current.
- a sheet of silicon Universal Wafer, South Boston, MA
- a serpentine pattern was drawn on the nickel with a pen containing an etch-resistant ink.
- the silicon sheet was then placed in an acid bath to remove the unprotected regions of the nickel coating, leaving a conductive path of nickel to serve as the heating element 14.
- This method of creating a conductive path (in this case, with some resistance) is similar to that used for creating printed circuit boards, and is well known to those familiar with the art.
- a conductive path could be created in the silicon by ion implantation, or by bonding of conventional heating elements to its surface.
- the insulating layer 16 utilized in the prototype was a piece of transparent tape, although there are many other possible choices, such as glass or mica.
- a battery is the preferred embodiment (to allow portability of the device) although a standard electrical cord and outlet could alternatively be used. Further discussion and details about battery packs, and battery powered configurations, and circuitry for controlling the above components, suitable for use in the present invention can be found in the above mentioned Cross-Referenced Non-Provisional Applications.
- FIGURE 2 shows one possible embodiment of the device, in a form that is both handheld and battery-powered. Output from the battery 20 passes through a standard capacitor-charging circuit 22, when switch 24 is depressed. FIGURE 2 also shows a possible location of the heat-removal element 18, and a possible location of a chamber containing a phase-change material 26 to maintain the cooled temperature of the heat-removal element. The device is placed against a benign pigmented lesion 28 located on the patient 30.
- FIGURE 3 shows the temperatures of the skin and of the device as a function of distance, for several different times.
- the device has been oriented to align with the graph, with the skin surface located at 0.0 cm.
- silicon is utilized as sheet 12 having a thickness of 0.5 mm, backed by a nickel trace 14 having an electrical resistance of approximately 100 ohms and into which an electrical energy of 20.0 joules is deposited; a thermal insulator 16 of glass is employed having a thickness of 0.1 mm; and a heat-removal element 18 is at an initial temperature of 5.0 degrees Celsius.
- the simulation shows that the epidermis 10 reaches an average temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius, but only for the very brief period of about 100 milliseconds, before heat transfer both into the dermis 11 and heat-removal element 18 return the epidermis to near normal temperature.
- the remaining curves of dots and crosses indicate the thermal profiles at 0.5 s and 15 s, respectively, after the activation of the heating element 14.
- the utility of the apparatus and method disclosed above is not limited to the treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
- new collagen can be generated by thermal stimulation of the skin, reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles.
- the appearance of a person suffering from acne may be improved by the application of the thermal pulse produced by the subject invention, through destruction of bacteria or unclogging of facial pores.
- the present invention may be well suited for these dermatologic conditions as well, particularly for home treatment. While exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments discussed.
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and method which employs an energy source (20), one or more switches (24), electronic control circuitry (22), and a surface (12) that can be placed in contact with a region of a person’s skin containing a pigmented lesion. Within the apparatus, electrical current is passed through a heating element (14) that is thermally coupled to the surface so that this surface is heated rapidly and then is subsequently cooled rapidly. By judicious choice of the rate of heating, maximum temperatures achieved, and rate of cooling, thermal injury to the skin can be confined primarily to the epidermal region of the skin in contact with the surface.
Description
IN THE PATENT COOPERATION TREATY APPLICATION FOR PATENT
TITLE: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PIGMENTED LESIONS
INVENTORS: Robert E. Grove, Mark V. Weckwerth and Tobin C. Island Atty. Docket: 2502187-991600
PRIORITY
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to United States provisional patent applications nos. 60/451,091, filed February 28, 2003; 60/456,379, filed March 20, 2003; 60/458,861, filed March 27, 2003; 60/472,056, filed May 20, 2003; 60/450,243, filed February 25, 2003; 60/450,598, filed February 26, 2003; 60/452,304, filed March 4, 2003; 60/451,981, filed March 4, 2003; 60/452,591, filed March 6, 2003; and 60/456,586, filed March 21, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to dermatologic treatment methods and apparatus, and in particular to an apparatus and method for treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
BACKGROUND ART
Description of the Related Art
Benign pigmented lesions are extremely common in both men and women, with estimates as high as 30-40% of adults. The lesions appear brown in color due to an excess of melanin in a localized area compared to the surrounding, lighter-colored skin. Those lesions in which the excess melanin is primarily or exclusively confined
to the upper layer of skin (the epidermis) are often referred to medically as lentigines, or commonly as age spots, liver spots or freckles.
Despite their harmless nature, these lesions are often viewed as cosmetically undesirable, especially by women. As a result many treatment modalities have been employed by dermatologists for generations. Conventional treatment methods include topical creams such as hydroquinone; chemical or mechanical peels such as glycolic acid or dermabrasion; and various forms of cryotherapy using liquid nitrogen, dry ice or a sprayed refrigerant such as Freon.
However, all of these methods have significant drawbacks. Topical creams having any degree of effectiveness require prescriptions, cause only modest lightening, and necessitate sun avoidance to prevent subsequent re-darkening of the lesions. Chemical or mechanical destruction of the epidermis is problematic because of the risk of unwanted damage to the underlying dermis, which can result in permanent scarring. Similarly, crude thermal injury to the epidermis (typically by very cold substances, and thus termed cryotherapy) also runs the risk of dermal injury due to the difficulty in controlling the depth of cold-induced cell death. On the other hand, overly conservative treatment to avoid scarring inevitably results in the absence of any therapeutic benefit.
Because of its simplicity and low cost, cryotherapy is the most common conventional treatment method. Regions of the epidermis containing excessive pigmentation are intentionally damaged, and the body regenerates new epidermal tissue with normal levels of pigment, matching the skin surrounding the lesion. Adjacent regions of epidermis which are normally pigmented, but which are inadvertently also damaged by the cryotherapy, also rapidly heal with normal pigmentation.
The superficial nature of the excess pigmentation, and the ability of the body to regenerate the epidermis without scarring, suggest that even simpler methods might be employed to treat these lesions. For example, one might imagine that a simple heated rod, pressed against the skin, could effect the desired thermal damage. However, in practice such a device either causes insufficient heating to effect pigmentation change, or creates unwanted deeper (dermal) injury, resulting in a blister or scar. In addition, it is quite painful.
More recently, lasers and intense pulsed light (IPL) sources have gained acceptance among dermatologists for treatment of benign pigmented lesions. The
absorption of light by melanin causes localized heating and thus the desired thermal injury to the melanized epidermal layer. Because the lesion (by definition) contains a higher concentration of melanin than the surrounding skin, heat is created preferentially in the area of the lesion as opposed to the adjacent normally-pigmented skin. Through careful choice of wavelength, fluence and pulse duration, considerable lightening or occasionally complete clearing of these lesions can be achieved after three to five treatments.
Light-based treatments of benign pigmented lesions have the dual advantages of light-absorption-based (and thus targeted) heating, as well as good control of the amount and time duration of energy deposition. Thus the risks of scarring or under- treatment are greatly reduced, and these methods have largely replaced cryotherapy among physicians having access to a laser or IPL. However, major disadvantages remain. First, the devices cost tens of thousands of dollars, and can be used only by medical professionals. Secondly, multiple treatments are almost always required. In contrast, when cryotherapy is done such that thermal damage is aggressive enough to cause cell death and yet is limited to the epidermis (a difficult task), the lesion often clears in a single treatment.
The above results suggest that, if the desired thermal injury can be created by some much simpler and less expensive means than laser or LPL, and at the same time confined primarily to the epidermis, a safe, therapeutic outcome would result using a device of much lower cost. In addition, if such a device were designed so that the total energy delivered to the skin is limited, the device could in principle be sufficiently safe for home use. In this way the cost and inconvenience of doctor's appointments could be totally avoided.
Current State Of The Art
In an attempt to achieve controlled heating of the epidermis, at least one product has been developed that utilizes a diode laser to heat a metal cap placed against the skin (Y-Beam Technologies, Lake Forest, CA). This approach enables rapid, controlled heating of a surface in contact with the skin, but provides no means for subsequent rapid cooling of this surface. Thus the same inherent difficulties described above limit the utility of this device in effecting controlled thermal injury to the epidermis.
In U.S. patent 6,660,000 Neuberger et al describe a device utilizing light energy to treat a variety of dermatologic conditions. Fuller et al (U.S. patent 5,968,034) discloses a pulsed, high-energy filament lamp for similar applications. A multitude of laser sources for treatment of biologic targets is described in U.S. patent 6,610,052 to Furumoto, and use of diode lasers for dermatologic applications including pigmented lesions is disclosed in U.S. patent 5,658,323 to Miller. However, in all of the above inventions, treatment of the lesion results from the application of light energy, which induces thermal injury to the skin. None discloses the application of heat energy directly, followed by rapid cooling of the skin.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, in view of and in accordance with the above, an apparatus and method is provided for the treatment of a benign pigmented lesion. The apparatus includes an energy source, one or more switches, and electronic control circuitry. The apparatus has a surface that is placed in contact with a region of a person's skin containing a benign pigmented lesion. Within the apparatus is a heating element that is heated by passing electrical current through the element and that is thermally coupled to the surface. When current is passed through the heating element, this surface is heated rapidly and then is subsequently cooled rapidly. Byjudicious choice of the rate of heating, maximum temperatures achieved, and rate of cooling, the thermal injury can be confined primarily to the epidermal region of the skin in contact with the surface. Thermal injury, primarily within the epidermis containing the benign pigmented lesion, stimulates a healing process and subsequent normal re- pigmentation of the skin.
This rapid heating and subsequent rapid cooling is termed a thermal pulse. Activation of the heating element may be achieved by having a user of the apparatus depress a button on the housing. Alternatively, in a preferred embodiment, activation of the heating element is achieved by activation of a contact sensor located near the surface of the apparatus in contact with the skin. This contact sensor may be a type of membrane switch such that, when the apparatus is pressed against the skin, the membrane switch closes, initiating the thermal pulse.
In an alternative embodiment, the surface is cooled to a temperature below an average temperature of the skin prior to contact with the skin surface. For example,
the surface may be cooled to a temperature of 5 - 25 degrees Celsius. Temperatures above 25 degrees C provide little cooling effect, and temperatures near or below 0 degrees C create problems with excessive condensation and/or ice on the surface. The pre-cooling of the surface, and especially the rapid cooling of the surface following heating further serve to reduce the discomfort associated with the use of the device. In yet another preferred embodiment, the apparatus may be hand-held and self-contained, thereby eliminating the need to use the device near an electrical outlet. This cordless device utilizes one or more batteries for its source of electrical power. To dispose of waste heat, and for effecting pre-cooling if desired, one or more heat- removal elements are included within the hand-held apparatus. The one or more heat- removal elements may be a conventional finned heat sink and fan, or may incorporate a more type of thermal battery described in more detail below. hi accordance with the present invention a method of treatment of a benign pigmented lesion utilizes an apparatus which includes an energy source, a surface configured for contact with the benign pigmented lesion and capable of being rapidly heated and rapidly cooled, an ohmic heating element, and a heat removal element. The method includes coupling the ohmic heating element between the heat removal element and the surface in a manner so that heat is transferred more quickly to the surface than to the heat removal element, applying a designated amount of power to the ohmic heating element from the energy source to produce a rapid heating of the surface for a designated period of time, removing power from the ohmic heating element following the designated period of time so that heat can flow between the surface and the heat removal element to provide a rapid cooling of the surface, whereby, during operation of the apparatus, thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
In accordance with a method of the present invention, the apparatus can further include one or more switches, so that a step can involve controlling the application of power to the ohmic heating element with the one or more switches. Where one or more of the switches is a contact sensor positioned near the surface to detect substantial contact between the surface and skin, a further embodiment of the method of the present invention can involve the step of inhibiting the application of power to the ohmic heating element unless the substantial contact is detected by the contact sensor, h another embodiment the detection of substantial contact initiates the application of power to the ohmic heating element.
In another embodiment of the above method, power is applied in a manner so that the rapid heating of the surface heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling of the surface cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
Further steps in a method of the present invention involve cooling the surface below an average temperature of the skin, and placing the surface in contact with the skin prior to applying power to the ohmic heating element.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for treatment of benign pigmented lesions which employs a thermal pulse applied to the lesion through contact with a surface.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for treatment of benign pigmented lesions which employs the rapid heating and subsequent rapid cooling of a surface which is configured for contact with a region of skin having a benign pigmented lesion, in which the surface is capable of being rapidly heated from an ohmic heating element and can rapidly transfer such heat to the lesion, and in which the surface is capable of being rapidly cooled, once the ohmic heating element has been turned off, through a thermal coupling to a heat removal element. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for treatment of benign pigmented lesions in a region of skin in which a thermal pulse is supplied to the lesion through contact with a surface that is rapidly heated through an ohmic heating element and subsequently rapidly cooled, and in which a contact sensor is employed to inhibit the activation of the ohmic heating element when a contact sensor indicates the absence of contact between the surface and the region of skin.
These and other objectives, features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments, and accompanying drawings.
BRLEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 schematically illustrates an apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions in accordance with the present invention. FIGURE 2 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a hand-held, self- contained apparatus for causing heat-induced thermal injury to a region of a person's skin in accordance with the present invention.
FIGURE 3 displays a graph of temperatures of various elements of the apparatus and of the skin as a function of position, and at a variety of different times. For purposes of clarification, a schematic drawing of a portion of the apparatus is drawn in the proper scale and with the proper alignment with respect to the graph, to help correlate the position coordinates on the abscissa of the graph with the physical elements of the apparatus.
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE
What follows is a list of citations corresponding to references which are, in addition to those references cited above and below, and including that which is described as background and the invention summary, hereby incorporated by reference into the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below, as disclosing alternative embodiments of elements or features of the preferred embodiments that may not otherwise be set forth in detail below. A single one or a combination of two or more of these references may be consulted to obtain a variation of the elements or features of preferred embodiments described in the detailed description below. Further patent, patent application and non-patent references are cited in the written description and are also incorporated by reference into the preferred embodiment with the same effect as just described with respect to the following references:
United States patent nos. 5,658,323; 5,968,034; 6,610,052; 6,660,000; United States provisional patent applications no. 60/451,091, filed February 28, 2003; 60/456,379, filed March 20, 2003; 60/458,861, filed March 27, 2003; 60/472,056, filed May 20, 2003; 60/450,243, filed February 25, 2003; 60/450,598, filed February 26, 2003; 60/452,304, filed March 4, 2003; 60/451,981, filed March 4, 2003; 60/452,591, filed March 6, 2003; and 60/456,586, filed March 21, 2003, all of
which are assigned to the assignee of the subject application (collectively, the "Cross- Referenced Provisional Applications"); and
United States non-provisional patent application nos. 10/ , filed
February , 2004, entitled "Self-Contained Eye-Safe Hair-Regrowth-Inhibition Apparatus And Method," naming as inventors Tobin C. Island, Robert E. Grove, and
Mark V. Weckwerth; 10/ , filed February , 2004, entitled "Eye-Safe
Dermatologic Treatment Apparatus And Method," naming as inventors: Robert E.
Grove, Mark V. Weckwerth, Tobin C. Island; and 10/ , filed February ,
2004, entitled "Self-Contained, Diode-Laser-Based Dermatologic Treatment Apparatus And Method," naming as inventors: Mark V. Weckwerth, Tobin C. Island, Robert E. Grove, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the subject application (collectively "the Cross-Referenced Non-Provisional Applications").
Attention is drawn to the aforementioned Cross-Referenced Provisional Applications and Cross-Referenced Non-Provisional Applications by the same inventors of the subject application that disclose various aspects of dermatologic devices, including hair removal devices and methods and eye safety devices and methods. It is clear that one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that aspects and features disclosed in those applications may be configured so as to be suitable for use in the treatment device and method described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the preferred embodiment of the device (FIGURE 1), the surface contacting the epidermis 10 is a sheet 12 of material having sufficiently high thermal conductivity and sufficiently low thermal mass as to allow heating and cooling in milliseconds; such heating being achieved by either placement of a heating element 14 (or elements) on said sheet, or by designing sheet 12 to serve as its own heating element by virtue of its own electrical resistance. This type of heating is termed ohmic heating. (Suitable materials for sheet 12 and its means of heating 14 are discussed in more detail below.)
Sheet 12 and its means of heating 14 are in turn backed by a sheet of material 16 which serves as a thermal insulator (on a time scale of milliseconds) but which is a thermal conductor on longer time scales (on the order of seconds). The presence of this thermally insulating layer temporarily isolates sheet 12 from the cooled heat-
removal element 18, allowing sheet 12 to be rapidly heated. Insulating sheet 16 is in turn backed by a large heat-removal element 18, as for example a block of copper or aluminum that has been cooled to a temperature below that of the skin surface.
The device in a preferred embodiment is first activated for a period of time, perhaps tens of seconds, during which time the heat-removal element 18 is cooled below the skin surface temperature, and during which time sheets 16 and 12 are also cooled. The device is then placed against the skin surface (at a location containing all or a portion of a benign pigmented lesion) and pressed against the skin for a period of seconds to pre-cool both the contacted epidermis 10 and some fraction of the underlying dermis 11. Sheet 12 is then rapidly heated (rising in temperature to near 100 degrees Celsius in a time period of the order of milliseconds) bypassing electrical current through a heating element or heating elements 14 in contact with the sheet or though the sheet itself.
The rapid heating of the sheet 12 in contact with the skin causes heat to propagate through the epidermis 10, causing the desired thermal damage. However, because the portion of the dermis 11 adjacent to the epidermis has been pre-cooled, and because the sheet 12 in contact with the skin is backed by the cooled heat- removal element 18, the heated epidermis rapidly cools (after the electrical current is turned off) by thermal conduction both downward into the dermis and upward into the cooled thermal mass of the device. Thus the device design allows for a thermal pulse that is analogous to that induced by a laser or IPL, but in a much simpler and lower cost manner.
The heating of sheet 12 can be precisely controlled by virtue of the electrical energy deposited, and the cooling of sheet 12 can be equally controlled by the design (e.g., thickness and choice of material) of the thermally insulating sheet 16, of the heat-removal element 18, and of sheet 12 itself. Thus the drawbacks of other more elaborate theπnal approaches, like a laser-heated metal cap, or simple thermal approaches such as cryotherapy, are avoided. As described above, these drawbacks include over-treatment resulting in scarring, or under-treatment resulting in lack of efficacy.
The energy requirements to cool the heat-removal element 18 below skin temperature and to heat the sheet 12 in contact with the skin are small; thus the entire device can be battery-powered in its preferred embodiment. The heat-removal element 18 itself may be a "thermal battery" containing, for example, a block of
copper having a high heat capacity, hi this design, the thermal battery may be "charged" by placing the entire apparatus in a refrigerator. Alternatively, the thermal battery may contain a material having a melting point somewhat below the skin temperature; the resulting phase change upon heat input clamps the temperature of the material at the melting point until sufficient heat is absorbed to overcome the heat of fusion of the material. Alternatively, the heat-removal element 18 could be a thermoelectric module. Yet another type of heat-removal element 18 comprises a conventional finned heatsink and fan for discharging waste heat into the air. Further discussion and details about heat removal elements, thermal batteries, and heatsinks suitable for use in the present invention can be found in the above mentioned Cross- Referenced Non-Provisional Applications.
A sensor near the tip of the device may also be incorporated to ensure that the device has been in contact with the skin for a sufficient cooling period, prior to activation of the heating element. This sensor can be a simple contact sensor such as a micro-switch or membrane switch that is closed when the tip is pressed against a firm surface such as the skin. These types of switches are well known to those skilled in the art, and are widely used in a variety of products, such as cell phones.
In an alternative embodiment of the device, the device is not pre-cooled, and the desired epidermal damage is achieved by virtue of the rapid heating and rapid cooling described herein, without prior cooling of the skin below its average temperature.
In addition to its small overall size and battery-powered operation, the limited heating and rapid cooling of the surface of the device in contact with the skin makes the device safe for use by individuals with no medical training. Thus the invention permits, for the first time, effective and safe home treatment of benign pigmented lesions.
Materials And Methods For Construction Of The Device
Sheet 12 is preferably a disc or rectangle of the order of one square centimeter in area, and is constructed so that it can be heated rapidly (on the order of milliseconds) by an electrical current. To construct a prototype of the device, a sheet of silicon (University Wafer, South Boston, MA) was coated in a vacuum chamber with a thin (-1000 Angstroms) layer of nickel. A serpentine pattern was drawn on the
nickel with a pen containing an etch-resistant ink. The silicon sheet was then placed in an acid bath to remove the unprotected regions of the nickel coating, leaving a conductive path of nickel to serve as the heating element 14. This method of creating a conductive path (in this case, with some resistance) is similar to that used for creating printed circuit boards, and is well known to those familiar with the art.
Alternatively, a conductive path could be created in the silicon by ion implantation, or by bonding of conventional heating elements to its surface. The insulating layer 16 utilized in the prototype was a piece of transparent tape, although there are many other possible choices, such as glass or mica. To provide electrical current to the heating element 14, a battery is the preferred embodiment (to allow portability of the device) although a standard electrical cord and outlet could alternatively be used. Further discussion and details about battery packs, and battery powered configurations, and circuitry for controlling the above components, suitable for use in the present invention can be found in the above mentioned Cross-Referenced Non-Provisional Applications.
FIGURE 2 shows one possible embodiment of the device, in a form that is both handheld and battery-powered. Output from the battery 20 passes through a standard capacitor-charging circuit 22, when switch 24 is depressed. FIGURE 2 also shows a possible location of the heat-removal element 18, and a possible location of a chamber containing a phase-change material 26 to maintain the cooled temperature of the heat-removal element. The device is placed against a benign pigmented lesion 28 located on the patient 30.
To establish and confirm the proper design of the device, a finite-difference heat transfer model was developed, and many cases run on a personal computer to determine the regions of heating and cooling, and the corresponding temperatures and time scales. An example of these simulations is contained in FIGURE 3, which shows the temperatures of the skin and of the device as a function of distance, for several different times. In the figure, note that the device has been oriented to align with the graph, with the skin surface located at 0.0 cm. For the computer simulation, the following materials and values are used: silicon is utilized as sheet 12 having a thickness of 0.5 mm, backed by a nickel trace 14 having an electrical resistance of approximately 100 ohms and into which an electrical energy of 20.0 joules is deposited; a thermal insulator 16 of glass is employed having a thickness of 0.1 mm; and a heat-removal element 18 is at an initial temperature of 5.0 degrees Celsius. With
reference to FIGURE 3, the solid black curve labeled as "-20.0 s" indicates the temperatures of the various elements immediately upon contact of the device to the skin. Twenty seconds later, at time t = 0.0 s as shown by the long-dashed curve, note that the epidermis has cooled to approximately 10 degrees Celsius. At this time a current pulse is passed through the heating element 14, causing sheet 12 (in contact with the skin) to rise to nearly 100 degrees C, and the layer of skin within 100 microns of the surface (approximately the location of the epidermis 10) rises to a temperature of 50 to approximately 95 degrees C (as shown by the short-dashed curve) resulting in the desired cell damage. After 100 milliseconds (at the completion of energy deposition into the heating element) sheet 12 begins to cool. This can be seen by reference to the solid gray curve in FIGURE 3, which is calculated at a time of t = 0.2 s, or 100 milliseconds after the heating element is turned off. The simulation shows that the epidermis 10 reaches an average temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius, but only for the very brief period of about 100 milliseconds, before heat transfer both into the dermis 11 and heat-removal element 18 return the epidermis to near normal temperature. The remaining curves of dots and crosses indicate the thermal profiles at 0.5 s and 15 s, respectively, after the activation of the heating element 14. Thus the computer model verifies that the desired thermal damage to the epidermis can be effected in a handheld device that, in its most desired embodiment, is both battery-powered and both simple and safe enough for home use.
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
The utility of the apparatus and method disclosed above is not limited to the treatment of benign pigmented lesions. For example, it is known that new collagen can be generated by thermal stimulation of the skin, reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles. Similarly, the appearance of a person suffering from acne may be improved by the application of the thermal pulse produced by the subject invention, through destruction of bacteria or unclogging of facial pores. Thus the present invention may be well suited for these dermatologic conditions as well, particularly for home treatment. While exemplary drawings and specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it is to be understood that that the scope of the present invention is not to be limited to the particular embodiments discussed. Thus,
the embodiments shall be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and it should be understood that variations may be made in those embodiments by workers skilled in the arts without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims and structural and functional equivalents thereof. h addition, in methods that may be performed according to preferred embodiments herein and that may have been described above, the operations have been described in selected typographical sequences. However, the sequences have been selected and so ordered for typographical convenience and are not intended to imply any particular order for performing the operations, unless expressly set forth in the claims or as understood by those skilled in the art as being necessary.
Claims
1. An apparatus for treatment of a benign pigmented lesion on a region of skin comprising: an energy source; a surface of the apparatus configured for contact with the benign pigmented lesion and capable of being rapidly heated and cooled; an ohmic heating element within the apparatus and thermally coupled to the surface; a heat removal element within the apparatus and thermally coupled to the surface; electronic control circuitry responsive to an activation signal so that the energy source is coupled to the ohmic heating element to cause rapid heating of the surface and thereafter to permit rapid cooling of the surface; whereby thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further including one or more switches and wherein the activation signal is provided by the one or more switches.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the one or more switches is a contact sensor.
6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electronic control circuitry couples the energy source to the ohmic heating element so that the rapid heating heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the one or more switches is a contact sensor.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
10. A handheld, self-contained apparatus for causing controlled heat-induced thermal injury to a region of skin of a person comprising: a housing configured for gripping by a person's hand; an energy source within the housing; an ohmic heating element within the housing and thermally coupled to the surface; one or more heat-removal elements within the housing and thermally coupled to the surface; a surface of the housing configured for contact with skin; electronic control circuitry responsive to an activation signal so that the energy source is coupled to the ohmic heating element to cause rapid heating of the surface and thereafter to permit rapid cooling of the surface; whereby thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, including one or more switches which provide the activation signal.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the energy source comprises one or more batteries within the housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the rapid heating and subsequent rapid cooling of the surface is adapted to provide thermal injury to the region of the skin suitable for treatment of a benign pigmented lesion.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the electronic control circuitry couples the energy source to the ohmic heating element so that the rapid heating heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
22. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
24. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more heat-removal elements includes a thermal battery.
25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
26. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
28. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the rapid heating and subsequent rapid cooling of the surface is adapted to provide thermal injury to the region of the skin suitable for treatment of a benign pigmented lesion.
29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
30. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
32. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the electronic control circuitry couples the energy source to the ohmic heating element so that the rapid heating heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
34. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
36. An apparatus for treatment of a benign pigmented lesion on a region of skin comprising: an energy source; a surface of the apparatus configured for contact with the benign pigmented lesion and capable of being rapidly heated and cooled; an ohmic heating element within the apparatus and thermally coupled to the surface; a heat removal element within the apparatus and thermally coupled to the surface, wherein the surface is capable of being heated more rapidly than the heat removal element; electronic control circuitry responsive to an activation signal and which couples the energy source to the ohmic heating element at a power level or duration, or both, sufficient to cause rapid heating of the surface and thereafter permits rapid cooling of the surface; whereby thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
37. The apparatus of claim 36, further including one or more switches and wherein the activation signal is provided by the one or more switches.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
39. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the one or more switches is a contact sensor.
41. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the power level or duration, or both, are selected so that the rapid heating heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the one or more switches is a contact sensor.
43. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the surface is cooled below an average temperature of the skin and placed in contact with the skin prior to activation of the ohmic heating element.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein the one or more switches includes a contact sensor.
45. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy source is coupled to the ohmic heating element for a selected period of time, and further wherein the heat removal element includes a thermal insulating portion; and a heat absorbing portion; wherein the thermal insulating portion is selected to have a thermal transfer rate so that it operates as a thermal insulator during at least a portion of the selected period of time, and as a thermal conductor following the selected period of time.
46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the thermal insulating portion is a layer selected from a group of materials including transparent tape, glass or mica, and the heat absorbing portion is selected from a block of metal, a phase change material, a thermo-electric module, or a finned heatsink.
47. A method of operating an apparatus for treatment of a benign pigmented lesion on a region of skin, wherein the apparatus includes an energy source, a surface configured for contact with the benign pigmented lesion and capable of being rapidly heated and rapidly cooled, an ohmic heating element, and a heat removal element, the method comprising the steps of: thermally coupling the ohmic heating element to the surface in a manner so that the surface rises in temperature more rapidly than the heat removal element; applying a designated amount of power to the ohmic heating element from the energy source to produce a rapid rise in temperature of the surface for a designated period of time; removing power from the ohmic heating element following the designated period of time so that heat can flow between the surface and the heat removal element to provide a rapid cooling of the surface; whereby, during operation of the apparatus, thermal injury to the region of skin in contact with the surface is limited primarily to an epidermal layer.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the apparatus further includes one or more switches, and further including the step of controlling the application of power to the ohmic heating element with the one or more switches.
49. The method of claim 47, wherein the apparatus further includes a contact sensor capable of detecting substantial contact between the surface and the region of skin, and further including the step of inhibiting the application of power to the ohmic heating element unless the substantial contact is detected by the contact sensor.
50. The method of claim 48, wherein the designated amount of power is selected so that the rapid heating of the surface heats the lesion to a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius in less than 200 milliseconds, and the subsequent rapid cooling of the surface cools the lesion to a temperature of less than 50 degrees Celsius in less than 500 milliseconds.
51. The method of claim 48, including the steps of cooling the surface below an average temperature of the skin, and placing the surface in contact with the skin prior to applying power to the ohmic heating element.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2004/005524 WO2004075976A2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions |
US10/787,969 US7981111B2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions |
Applications Claiming Priority (21)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US45024303P | 2003-02-25 | 2003-02-25 | |
US60/450,243 | 2003-02-25 | ||
US45059803P | 2003-02-26 | 2003-02-26 | |
US60/450,598 | 2003-02-26 | ||
US45109103P | 2003-02-28 | 2003-02-28 | |
US60/451,091 | 2003-02-28 | ||
US45230403P | 2003-03-04 | 2003-03-04 | |
US45198103P | 2003-03-04 | 2003-03-04 | |
US60/451,981 | 2003-03-04 | ||
US60/452,304 | 2003-03-04 | ||
US45259103P | 2003-03-06 | 2003-03-06 | |
US60/452,591 | 2003-03-06 | ||
US45637903P | 2003-03-20 | 2003-03-20 | |
US60/456,379 | 2003-03-20 | ||
US45658603P | 2003-03-21 | 2003-03-21 | |
US60/456,586 | 2003-03-21 | ||
US45886103P | 2003-03-27 | 2003-03-27 | |
US60/458,861 | 2003-03-27 | ||
US47205603P | 2003-05-20 | 2003-05-20 | |
US60/472,056 | 2003-05-20 | ||
PCT/US2004/005524 WO2004075976A2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2004075976A2 true WO2004075976A2 (en) | 2004-09-10 |
WO2004075976A3 WO2004075976A3 (en) | 2004-12-29 |
Family
ID=39281471
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2004/005524 WO2004075976A2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-02-25 | Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US7981111B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004075976A2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES2570987T3 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2016-05-23 | Tria Beauty Inc | Dermatological treatment device, based on diode laser and autonomous |
EP2604215B1 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2017-10-11 | Tria Beauty, Inc. | Eye-safe dermatologic treatment apparatus and method |
US8777935B2 (en) | 2004-02-25 | 2014-07-15 | Tria Beauty, Inc. | Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin |
US8177702B2 (en) | 2004-04-15 | 2012-05-15 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Method and apparatus for determining the proximity of a TMS coil to a subject's head |
US7749260B2 (en) * | 2004-12-10 | 2010-07-06 | Da Silva Luiz B | Devices and methods for treatment of skin conditions |
US8277495B2 (en) | 2005-01-13 | 2012-10-02 | Candela Corporation | Method and apparatus for treating a diseased nail |
US7824324B2 (en) * | 2005-07-27 | 2010-11-02 | Neuronetics, Inc. | Magnetic core for medical procedures |
WO2007038567A1 (en) | 2005-09-28 | 2007-04-05 | Candela Corporation | Treating cellulite |
US7891362B2 (en) | 2005-12-23 | 2011-02-22 | Candela Corporation | Methods for treating pigmentary and vascular abnormalities in a dermal region |
US8048089B2 (en) | 2005-12-30 | 2011-11-01 | Edge Systems Corporation | Apparatus and methods for treating the skin |
US20080031833A1 (en) * | 2006-03-13 | 2008-02-07 | Oblong John E | Combined energy and topical composition application for regulating the condition of mammalian skin |
EP2194899A4 (en) | 2007-08-08 | 2012-11-28 | Tria Beauty Inc | Capacitive sensing method and device for detecting skin |
KR101836310B1 (en) | 2008-01-04 | 2018-03-08 | 엣지 시스템즈 엘엘씨 | Appratus and method for treating the skin |
JP5628792B2 (en) | 2008-04-25 | 2014-11-19 | トリア ビューティ インコーポレイテッド | Optical sensor and method for distinguishing skin presence and skin pigmentation |
KR20110042099A (en) * | 2008-08-07 | 2011-04-22 | 더 제너럴 하스피탈 코포레이션 | Method and apparatus for dermatological hypopigmentation |
US9814331B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2017-11-14 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware |
US10010213B2 (en) | 2010-11-02 | 2018-07-03 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled dishware and drinkware and food containers |
CN116236339A (en) * | 2011-11-16 | 2023-06-09 | 通用医疗公司 | Method and device for the cryogenic treatment of skin tissue |
WO2013142708A1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2013-09-26 | Tria Beauty, Inc. | Dermatological treatment device with one or more vertical cavity surface emitting laser (vcsel) |
EP3903704B1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2022-11-02 | HydraFacial LLC | Devices and systems for treating the skin |
US20160030233A1 (en) * | 2014-08-01 | 2016-02-04 | Empire Technology Development Llc | Apparatuses and methods for cooling a surface |
ES2802993T3 (en) * | 2014-11-10 | 2021-01-22 | Sanhe Laserconn Tech Co Ltd | High power VCSEL laser treatment device with skin cooling function and its packaging structure |
EP3237055B1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2020-08-12 | Edge Systems LLC | Devices and methods for treating the skin using a rollerball or a wicking member |
CN104473712B (en) * | 2015-01-13 | 2016-10-05 | 东莞乐域光电科技有限公司 | A kind of skin care device |
US9782036B2 (en) | 2015-02-24 | 2017-10-10 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled portable drinkware |
EP3344176A4 (en) | 2015-09-04 | 2019-04-17 | R2 Dermatology, Inc. | Medical systems, methods, and devices for hypopigmentation cooling treatments |
WO2017192396A1 (en) | 2016-05-02 | 2017-11-09 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Heated or cooled drinkware |
WO2017197026A1 (en) | 2016-05-12 | 2017-11-16 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Drinkware and plateware and active temperature control module for same |
WO2017210619A1 (en) | 2016-06-03 | 2017-12-07 | R2 Dermatology, Inc. | Cooling systems and methods for skin treatment |
KR20180035662A (en) | 2016-09-29 | 2018-04-06 | 엠버 테크놀로지스 인코포레이티드 | Heated or cooled drinkware |
US9995529B1 (en) * | 2016-12-08 | 2018-06-12 | Nova Laboratories | Temperature-regulating containment system |
KR20200024241A (en) | 2017-06-30 | 2020-03-06 | 알2 더마톨로지, 인크. | Dermatological Refrigeration Spray Devices and Methods of Use With a Linear Array of Nozzles |
US20190110643A1 (en) * | 2017-10-14 | 2019-04-18 | Gloria Contreras | Smart charger plate |
EP4268687A3 (en) | 2018-01-31 | 2023-12-06 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Actively heated or cooled infant bottle system |
EP3781884A1 (en) | 2018-04-19 | 2021-02-24 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler with active temperature control |
EP3906383A2 (en) | 2019-01-11 | 2021-11-10 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler with active temperature control |
US11668508B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2023-06-06 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
US11162716B2 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2021-11-02 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
EP3990841A1 (en) | 2019-06-25 | 2022-05-04 | Ember Technologies, Inc. | Portable cooler |
USD1016615S1 (en) | 2021-09-10 | 2024-03-05 | Hydrafacial Llc | Container for a skin treatment device |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4354092A (en) * | 1978-10-05 | 1982-10-12 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Electric hair curling iron with rechargeable battery power supply |
US20020049483A1 (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 2002-04-25 | Knowlton Edward W. | Fluid delivery apparatus |
US20020151887A1 (en) * | 1999-03-09 | 2002-10-17 | Stern Roger A. | Handpiece for treatment of tissue |
Family Cites Families (185)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3307533A (en) | 1963-11-26 | 1967-03-07 | Meredith | Apparatus for generating and controlling pressure |
US3538919A (en) | 1967-04-07 | 1970-11-10 | Gregory System Inc | Depilation by means of laser energy |
US3622743A (en) | 1969-04-28 | 1971-11-23 | Hrand M Muncheryan | Laser eraser and microwelder |
US3693623A (en) | 1970-12-25 | 1972-09-26 | Gregory System Inc | Photocoagulation means and method for depilation |
US3834391A (en) | 1973-01-19 | 1974-09-10 | Block Carol Ltd | Method and apparatus for photoepilation |
US3821510A (en) | 1973-02-22 | 1974-06-28 | H Muncheryan | Hand held laser instrumentation device |
FR2390968A1 (en) | 1977-05-16 | 1978-12-15 | Skovajsa Joseph | Local acupuncture treatment appts. - has oblong head with end aperture and contains laser diode unit (NL 20.11.78) |
US4140130A (en) * | 1977-05-31 | 1979-02-20 | Storm Iii Frederick K | Electrode structure for radio frequency localized heating of tumor bearing tissue |
US4240738A (en) * | 1979-06-14 | 1980-12-23 | Vivitar Corporation | Light mixing system for a photographic enlarger |
US4449528A (en) * | 1980-03-20 | 1984-05-22 | University Of Washington | Fast pulse thermal cautery probe and method |
US4388924A (en) | 1981-05-21 | 1983-06-21 | Weissman Howard R | Method for laser depilation |
US4573466A (en) | 1981-05-29 | 1986-03-04 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Surgical equipment |
US4423736A (en) | 1981-10-13 | 1984-01-03 | Purdue Research Foundation | Method for evaluation of erythema utilizing skin reflectance measurements |
GB2123287B (en) | 1982-07-09 | 1986-03-05 | Anna Gunilla Sutton | Depilaton device |
US4551628A (en) | 1983-04-01 | 1985-11-05 | Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation | Radiation dispersing cavities |
US4608978A (en) | 1983-09-26 | 1986-09-02 | Carol Block Limited | Method and apparatus for photoepiltion |
US4592353A (en) | 1984-05-22 | 1986-06-03 | Surgical Laser Technologies Ohio, Inc. | Medical and surgical laser probe |
IL75998A0 (en) | 1984-08-07 | 1985-12-31 | Medical Laser Research & Dev C | Laser system for providing target tissue specific energy deposition |
AU586996B2 (en) | 1984-10-25 | 1989-08-03 | Candela Laser Corporation | Long pulse tunable dye laser |
FR2579884B1 (en) | 1985-04-09 | 1988-12-02 | Sanofi Sa | |
US4690141A (en) | 1985-09-16 | 1987-09-01 | Castel John C | Fresnel lens light applicator |
EP0272325A1 (en) | 1986-06-30 | 1988-06-29 | MEDICAL LASER RESEARCH Co., LTD. | Semiconductor laser therapeutic apparatus |
US4860744A (en) * | 1987-11-02 | 1989-08-29 | Raj K. Anand | Thermoelectrically controlled heat medical catheter |
US5259380A (en) | 1987-11-04 | 1993-11-09 | Amcor Electronics, Ltd. | Light therapy system |
US4930504A (en) | 1987-11-13 | 1990-06-05 | Diamantopoulos Costas A | Device for biostimulation of tissue and method for treatment of tissue |
US5059013A (en) * | 1988-08-29 | 1991-10-22 | Kantilal Jain | Illumination system to produce self-luminous light beam of selected cross-section, uniform intensity and selected numerical aperture |
US5057104A (en) | 1989-05-30 | 1991-10-15 | Cyrus Chess | Method and apparatus for treating cutaneous vascular lesions |
US5486172A (en) | 1989-05-30 | 1996-01-23 | Chess; Cyrus | Apparatus for treating cutaneous vascular lesions |
US5846252A (en) | 1989-12-21 | 1998-12-08 | Mehl, Sr.; Thomas L. | Method of removing hair from the body and inhibiting future growth |
US5109465A (en) | 1990-01-16 | 1992-04-28 | Summit Technology, Inc. | Beam homogenizer |
US5059192A (en) | 1990-04-24 | 1991-10-22 | Nardo Zaias | Method of hair depilation |
FR2665366A1 (en) | 1990-07-10 | 1992-02-07 | Rameil Jean | Apparatus for dermal electrostimulation |
US5075971A (en) | 1990-07-17 | 1991-12-31 | Wahl Clipper Corporation | Methods and apparatus for trimming hair and disposing of hair clippings |
DE4032860A1 (en) | 1990-10-12 | 1992-04-16 | Zeiss Carl Fa | POWER-CONTROLLED CONTACT APPLICATOR FOR LASER RADIATION |
US6390370B1 (en) | 1990-11-15 | 2002-05-21 | Symbol Technologies, Inc. | Light beam scanning pen, scan module for the device and method of utilization |
US5549660A (en) | 1990-11-15 | 1996-08-27 | Amron, Ltd. | Method of treating acne |
DE4137983C2 (en) | 1990-12-19 | 1997-03-06 | Schott Glaswerke | Application device for the treatment of biological tissue with laser radiation |
US5107832A (en) * | 1991-03-11 | 1992-04-28 | Raul Guibert | Universal thermotherapy applicator |
IL97531A (en) | 1991-03-12 | 1995-12-31 | Kelman Elliot | Hair cutting apparatus |
EP0792663B1 (en) | 1991-04-05 | 2001-11-21 | Indigo Medical, Incorporated | Apparatus using a laser lucent needle |
US5769844A (en) | 1991-06-26 | 1998-06-23 | Ghaffari; Shahriar | Conventional light-pumped high power system for medical applications |
US5817089A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1998-10-06 | Thermolase Corporation | Skin treatment process using laser |
US5752948A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1998-05-19 | Thermolase Corporation | Hair removal method |
US5226907A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1993-07-13 | Tankovich Nikolai I | Hair removal device and method |
US5425728A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1995-06-20 | Tankovich; Nicolai I. | Hair removal device and method |
US5871480A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1999-02-16 | Thermolase Corporation | Hair removal using photosensitizer and laser |
US5752949A (en) | 1991-10-29 | 1998-05-19 | Thermolase Corporation | Hair removal method |
US5344418A (en) | 1991-12-12 | 1994-09-06 | Shahriar Ghaffari | Optical system for treatment of vascular lesions |
US5342404A (en) | 1992-04-03 | 1994-08-30 | Intermedics, Inc. | Implantable medical interventional device |
US5405368A (en) | 1992-10-20 | 1995-04-11 | Esc Inc. | Method and apparatus for therapeutic electromagnetic treatment |
US5295052A (en) * | 1992-10-09 | 1994-03-15 | Luxtec Corporation | Light source assembly |
US5683380A (en) | 1995-03-29 | 1997-11-04 | Esc Medical Systems Ltd. | Method and apparatus for depilation using pulsed electromagnetic radiation |
US6280438B1 (en) | 1992-10-20 | 2001-08-28 | Esc Medical Systems Ltd. | Method and apparatus for electromagnetic treatment of the skin, including hair depilation |
US5643252A (en) | 1992-10-28 | 1997-07-01 | Venisect, Inc. | Laser perforator |
US5707403A (en) | 1993-02-24 | 1998-01-13 | Star Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method for the laser treatment of subsurface blood vessels |
US5647866A (en) | 1993-11-09 | 1997-07-15 | Zaias; Nardo | Method of hair depilation |
US6277111B1 (en) | 1993-12-08 | 2001-08-21 | Icn Photonics Limited | Depilation |
US5628744A (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1997-05-13 | Laserscope | Treatment beam handpiece |
US5591127A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1997-01-07 | Barwick, Jr.; Billie J. | Phacoemulsification method and apparatus |
US5556612A (en) | 1994-03-15 | 1996-09-17 | The General Hospital Corporation | Methods for phototherapeutic treatment of proliferative skin diseases |
US5464436A (en) | 1994-04-28 | 1995-11-07 | Lasermedics, Inc. | Method of performing laser therapy |
US5519534A (en) | 1994-05-25 | 1996-05-21 | The Government Of The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Department Of Health And Human Services | Irradiance attachment for an optical fiber to provide a uniform level of illumination across a plane |
US5473408A (en) * | 1994-07-01 | 1995-12-05 | Anvik Corporation | High-efficiency, energy-recycling exposure system |
US5431647A (en) | 1994-07-13 | 1995-07-11 | Pioneer Optics Company | Fiberoptic cylindrical diffuser |
US5669916A (en) | 1994-09-28 | 1997-09-23 | The General Hospital Corporation | Method of hair removal |
US5632741A (en) | 1995-01-20 | 1997-05-27 | Lucid Technologies, Inc. | Epilation system |
US5735844A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1998-04-07 | The General Hospital Corporation | Hair removal using optical pulses |
US5595568A (en) | 1995-02-01 | 1997-01-21 | The General Hospital Corporation | Permanent hair removal using optical pulses |
US5728090A (en) | 1995-02-09 | 1998-03-17 | Quantum Devices, Inc. | Apparatus for irradiating living cells |
US5611798A (en) * | 1995-03-02 | 1997-03-18 | Eggers; Philip E. | Resistively heated cutting and coagulating surgical instrument |
US5885273A (en) | 1995-03-29 | 1999-03-23 | Esc Medical Systems, Ltd. | Method for depilation using pulsed electromagnetic radiation |
US5624435A (en) | 1995-06-05 | 1997-04-29 | Cynosure, Inc. | Ultra-long flashlamp-excited pulse dye laser for therapy and method therefor |
US5658323A (en) | 1995-07-12 | 1997-08-19 | Miller; Iain D. | Method and apparatus for dermatology treatment |
JP3551996B2 (en) | 1995-08-25 | 2004-08-11 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Medical laser probe |
US5849029A (en) | 1995-12-26 | 1998-12-15 | Esc Medical Systems, Ltd. | Method for controlling the thermal profile of the skin |
US5824023A (en) | 1995-10-12 | 1998-10-20 | The General Hospital Corporation | Radiation-delivery device |
US5792137A (en) * | 1995-10-27 | 1998-08-11 | Lacar Microsystems, Inc. | Coagulating microsystem |
US5879346A (en) | 1995-12-18 | 1999-03-09 | Esc Medical Systems, Ltd. | Hair removal by selective photothermolysis with an alexandrite laser |
IL118229A0 (en) | 1996-05-12 | 1997-03-18 | Laser Ind Ltd | Apparatus and method for cutaneous treatment employing a laser |
US7115123B2 (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 2006-10-03 | Thermage, Inc. | Handpiece with electrode and non-volatile memory |
US5630811A (en) | 1996-03-25 | 1997-05-20 | Miller; Iain D. | Method and apparatus for hair removal |
US5871479A (en) | 1996-11-07 | 1999-02-16 | Cynosure, Inc. | Alexandrite laser system for hair removal and method therefor |
US5843072A (en) | 1996-11-07 | 1998-12-01 | Cynosure, Inc. | Method for treatment of unwanted veins and device therefor |
CN1220591A (en) | 1996-04-09 | 1999-06-23 | 希诺索尔公司 | Alexandrite laser system for treatment of dermatological specimens |
US5766214A (en) | 1996-04-18 | 1998-06-16 | Mehl, Sr.; Thomas L. | Melanin enhanced photothermolysis hair removal |
US5743901A (en) | 1996-05-15 | 1998-04-28 | Star Medical Technologies, Inc. | High fluence diode laser device and method for the fabrication and use thereof |
DE19629978A1 (en) | 1996-07-25 | 1998-01-29 | Heinz Renner | Cable-less laser pistol for firearms training |
US6096029A (en) | 1997-02-24 | 2000-08-01 | Laser Skin Toner, Inc. | Laser method for subsurface cutaneous treatment |
US6106514A (en) | 1996-08-12 | 2000-08-22 | O'donnell, Jr.; Francis E. | Laser method for subsurface cutaneous treatment |
JP3036232U (en) | 1996-09-26 | 1997-04-15 | ヤーマン株式会社 | Optical hair removal device |
JPH10153720A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1998-06-09 | Sony Corp | Optical transmitter and receiver |
IL119683A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 2002-12-01 | Rachel Lubart | Method and device for light irradiation into tissue |
US7204832B2 (en) | 1996-12-02 | 2007-04-17 | Pálomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Cooling system for a photo cosmetic device |
US6015404A (en) | 1996-12-02 | 2000-01-18 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Laser dermatology with feedback control |
US6653618B2 (en) * | 2000-04-28 | 2003-11-25 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Contact detecting method and apparatus for an optical radiation handpiece |
US8182473B2 (en) * | 1999-01-08 | 2012-05-22 | Palomar Medical Technologies | Cooling system for a photocosmetic device |
US6517532B1 (en) | 1997-05-15 | 2003-02-11 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Light energy delivery head |
US6063108A (en) | 1997-01-06 | 2000-05-16 | Salansky; Norman | Method and apparatus for localized low energy photon therapy (LEPT) |
US6134475A (en) * | 1997-01-22 | 2000-10-17 | Will; Frank J. | Therapeutic device |
US5810801A (en) | 1997-02-05 | 1998-09-22 | Candela Corporation | Method and apparatus for treating wrinkles in skin using radiation |
US6208749B1 (en) | 1997-02-28 | 2001-03-27 | Electro-Optical Sciences, Inc. | Systems and methods for the multispectral imaging and characterization of skin tissue |
US5966210A (en) | 1997-03-20 | 1999-10-12 | Hartford Hospital | Apparatus for evaluating the performance characteristics of endoscopes |
US6441943B1 (en) | 1997-04-02 | 2002-08-27 | Gentex Corporation | Indicators and illuminators using a semiconductor radiation emitter package |
JP4056091B2 (en) | 1997-05-15 | 2008-03-05 | パロマー・メディカル・テクノロジーズ・インコーポレーテッド | Dermatological treatment method and apparatus |
CA2206203A1 (en) | 1997-05-27 | 1998-11-27 | University Of British Columbia | Photoactivation of endogenous porphyrins for treatment of psoriasis |
US6099520A (en) | 1997-06-10 | 2000-08-08 | Shimoji; Yutaka | Method of using a cordless medical laser to cure composites and sterilize living tissue |
US5968034A (en) | 1997-06-24 | 1999-10-19 | Laser Aesthetics, Inc. | Pulsed filament lamp for dermatological treatment |
US6273885B1 (en) | 1997-08-16 | 2001-08-14 | Cooltouch Corporation | Handheld photoepilation device and method |
US6251127B1 (en) | 1997-08-25 | 2001-06-26 | Advanced Photodynamic Technologies, Inc. | Dye treatment solution and photodynamic therapy and method of using same |
US20030133292A1 (en) | 1999-11-18 | 2003-07-17 | Mueller George G. | Methods and apparatus for generating and modulating white light illumination conditions |
EP1026999B1 (en) | 1997-10-08 | 2006-06-07 | The General Hospital Corporation | Phototherapy systems |
US6165170A (en) | 1998-01-29 | 2000-12-26 | International Business Machines Corporation | Laser dermablator and dermablation |
US6080146A (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2000-06-27 | Altshuler; Gregory | Method and apparatus for hair removal |
US6059765A (en) | 1998-02-26 | 2000-05-09 | Allergan Sales, Inc. | Fluid management system with vertex chamber |
WO1999046005A1 (en) | 1998-03-12 | 1999-09-16 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | System for electromagnetic radiation of the skin |
AU3363999A (en) | 1998-03-27 | 1999-10-18 | General Hospital Corporation, The | Method and apparatus for the selective targeting of lipid-rich tissues |
US6516013B1 (en) | 1999-12-20 | 2003-02-04 | Lambda Physik Ag | Laser beam monitoring apparatus and method |
WO2000002491A1 (en) | 1998-07-09 | 2000-01-20 | Curelight Ltd. | Apparatus and method for efficient high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea |
US6322584B2 (en) * | 1998-07-31 | 2001-11-27 | Surx, Inc. | Temperature sensing devices and methods to shrink tissues |
US6138041A (en) | 1998-09-23 | 2000-10-24 | Ccm Cellular Connection Of Miami, Inc. | Device for safe use of a portable cellular telephone while driving |
US6451226B1 (en) | 1998-09-25 | 2002-09-17 | Q2100, Inc. | Plastic lens compositions |
US6228074B1 (en) | 1998-10-15 | 2001-05-08 | Stephen Almeida | Multiple pulse photo-epilator |
US6160831A (en) | 1998-10-26 | 2000-12-12 | Lambda Physik Gmbh | Wavelength calibration tool for narrow band excimer lasers |
US6887260B1 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2005-05-03 | Light Bioscience, Llc | Method and apparatus for acne treatment |
US6663659B2 (en) | 2000-01-13 | 2003-12-16 | Mcdaniel David H. | Method and apparatus for the photomodulation of living cells |
US6514242B1 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 2003-02-04 | David Vasily | Method and apparatus for laser removal of hair |
US6183500B1 (en) | 1998-12-03 | 2001-02-06 | Sli Lichtsysteme Gmbh | Process and apparatus for the cosmetic treatment of acne vulgaris |
US6183773B1 (en) | 1999-01-04 | 2001-02-06 | The General Hospital Corporation | Targeting of sebaceous follicles as a treatment of sebaceous gland disorders |
ES2240078T3 (en) * | 1999-03-09 | 2005-10-16 | Thermage, Inc. | APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF FABRICS. |
US6243406B1 (en) | 1999-03-12 | 2001-06-05 | Peter Heist | Gas performance control system for gas discharge lasers |
US6383176B1 (en) | 1999-03-15 | 2002-05-07 | Altus Medical, Inc. | Hair removal device and method |
US6419873B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2002-07-16 | Q2100, Inc. | Plastic lens systems, compositions, and methods |
DE19915000C2 (en) | 1999-04-01 | 2002-05-08 | Microlas Lasersystem Gmbh | Device and method for controlling the intensity distribution of a laser beam |
DE60032127T2 (en) | 1999-04-05 | 2007-10-25 | Sharp K.K. | SEMICONDUCTOR LASER DEVICE AND ITS MANUFACTURING METHOD, OPTICAL COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND OPTICAL SENSOR SYSTEM |
US6408212B1 (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2002-06-18 | Joseph Neev | Method for treating acne |
US6533775B1 (en) | 1999-05-05 | 2003-03-18 | Ioana M. Rizoiu | Light-activated hair treatment and removal device |
US20020173833A1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2002-11-21 | Avner Korman | Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris, seborrhea and other skin disorders |
US20020128695A1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2002-09-12 | Yoram Harth | Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris and seborrhea |
US20040122492A1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2004-06-24 | Yoram Harth | Phototherapeutic treatment of skin conditions |
US20030216795A1 (en) | 1999-07-07 | 2003-11-20 | Yoram Harth | Apparatus and method for high energy photodynamic therapy of acne vulgaris, seborrhea and other skin disorders |
US6290713B1 (en) | 1999-08-24 | 2001-09-18 | Thomas A. Russell | Flexible illuminators for phototherapy |
US6406474B1 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2002-06-18 | Ceramoptec Ind Inc | Device and method for application of radiation |
US6567696B2 (en) * | 2001-02-06 | 2003-05-20 | Mediseb Ltd. | Physiotherapeutic device |
IL150604A0 (en) | 2000-01-25 | 2003-02-12 | Palomar Medical Tech Inc | Method and apparatus for medical treatment utilizing long duration electromagnetic radiation |
US20020097587A1 (en) | 2000-02-11 | 2002-07-25 | Krietzman Mark Howard | Variable output laser illuminator and targeting device |
TWI240788B (en) * | 2000-05-04 | 2005-10-01 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | Illumination system, light mixing chamber and display device |
US6862307B2 (en) | 2000-05-15 | 2005-03-01 | Lambda Physik Ag | Electrical excitation circuit for a pulsed gas laser |
CN2442726Y (en) | 2000-06-05 | 2001-08-15 | 罗建平 | Cordless laser gun |
US6655810B2 (en) * | 2000-06-21 | 2003-12-02 | Fujitsu Display Technologies Corporation | Lighting unit |
US20020031160A1 (en) | 2000-08-04 | 2002-03-14 | Lambda Physik Ag | Delay compensation for magnetic compressors |
AU2002245163A1 (en) | 2000-10-20 | 2002-07-24 | Photomedex | Controlled dose delivery of ultraviolet light for treating skin disorders |
CA2433022C (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2016-12-06 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for therapeutic emr treatment of the skin |
EP1365699A2 (en) | 2001-03-02 | 2003-12-03 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for photocosmetic and photodermatological treatment |
DE10123926A1 (en) | 2001-03-08 | 2002-09-19 | Optomed Optomedical Systems Gmbh | irradiation device |
US6941675B2 (en) | 2001-04-02 | 2005-09-13 | Fred M. Slingo | Hair dryer employing far infrared radiation and negative ions |
EP1401347B1 (en) | 2001-05-23 | 2011-08-24 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Cooling system for a photocosmetic device |
US7217266B2 (en) | 2001-05-30 | 2007-05-15 | Anderson R Rox | Apparatus and method for laser treatment with spectroscopic feedback |
AU2002344234B2 (en) | 2001-05-31 | 2007-11-08 | Miravant Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Metallotetrapyrrolic photosensitizing agents for use in photodynamic therapy |
US6723090B2 (en) | 2001-07-02 | 2004-04-20 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Fiber laser device for medical/cosmetic procedures |
US20030009158A1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2003-01-09 | Perricone Nicholas V. | Skin treatments using blue and violet light |
FR2826856B1 (en) | 2001-07-09 | 2004-03-12 | Oreal | DEVICE FOR DETERMINING THE DEGREE OF A BODY TYPOLOGY CHARACTERISTIC |
JP4035418B2 (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2008-01-23 | 株式会社本田電子技研 | Proximity switch and object detection device |
US6922523B2 (en) | 2001-11-08 | 2005-07-26 | Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc. | Method of promoting skin care products |
US6648904B2 (en) | 2001-11-29 | 2003-11-18 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for controlling the temperature of a surface |
ES2287304T3 (en) | 2001-12-10 | 2007-12-16 | Inolase 2002 Ltd. | METHOD AND APPLIANCE FOR IMPROVING SECURITY DURING EXPOSURE TO A MONOCROMATIC LIGHT SOURCE. |
WO2003057059A1 (en) | 2001-12-27 | 2003-07-17 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for improved vascular related treatment |
US6722498B2 (en) | 2002-02-06 | 2004-04-20 | Salton, Inc. | Integrated storage container for an attachment to a personal grooming tool |
US6739071B2 (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2004-05-25 | Andis Company | Combined diffuser and concentrator for a hair dryer |
IL163946A0 (en) | 2002-03-12 | 2005-12-18 | Gen Hospital Corp | Method and apparatus for hair growth managment |
AU2003223613A1 (en) | 2002-04-16 | 2003-11-03 | Lumerx, Inc | Chemiluminescent light source using visible light for biotherapy |
US20030233138A1 (en) | 2002-06-12 | 2003-12-18 | Altus Medical, Inc. | Concentration of divergent light from light emitting diodes into therapeutic light energy |
BR0311901A (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2005-04-05 | Gen Hospital Corp | Process and apparatus for photothermal deep tissue treatment |
BR0312430A (en) | 2002-06-19 | 2005-04-26 | Palomar Medical Tech Inc | Method and apparatus for treating skin and subcutaneous conditions |
US7250047B2 (en) * | 2002-08-16 | 2007-07-31 | Lumenis Ltd. | System and method for treating tissue |
CN1682137A (en) * | 2002-09-18 | 2005-10-12 | 皇家飞利浦电子股份有限公司 | Light generating device having polarized light emitting waveguide plate |
US20040120151A1 (en) * | 2002-12-20 | 2004-06-24 | Cao Group, Inc. | Forensic light using semiconductor light source |
WO2004058352A2 (en) | 2002-12-20 | 2004-07-15 | Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus for light treatment of acne and other disorders of follicles |
US7413567B2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2008-08-19 | Spectragenics, Inc. | Optical sensor and method for identifying the presence of skin |
ES2570987T3 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2016-05-23 | Tria Beauty Inc | Dermatological treatment device, based on diode laser and autonomous |
US7250045B2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2007-07-31 | Spectragenics, Inc. | Self-contained, eye-safe hair-regrowth-inhibition apparatus and method |
US7452356B2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2008-11-18 | Tria Beauty, Inc. | Eye-safe dermatologic treatment apparatus |
WO2004075731A2 (en) | 2003-02-25 | 2004-09-10 | Spectragenics, Inc. | Acne treatment device and method |
WO2004080279A2 (en) | 2003-03-06 | 2004-09-23 | Spectragenics, Inc. | In the patent cooperation treaty application for patent |
US7749260B2 (en) * | 2004-12-10 | 2010-07-06 | Da Silva Luiz B | Devices and methods for treatment of skin conditions |
BRPI0607903A2 (en) * | 2005-02-18 | 2009-10-20 | Palomar Medical Tech Inc | dermatological treatment device |
-
2004
- 2004-02-25 US US10/787,969 patent/US7981111B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2004-02-25 WO PCT/US2004/005524 patent/WO2004075976A2/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4354092A (en) * | 1978-10-05 | 1982-10-12 | Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. | Electric hair curling iron with rechargeable battery power supply |
US20020049483A1 (en) * | 1996-01-05 | 2002-04-25 | Knowlton Edward W. | Fluid delivery apparatus |
US20020151887A1 (en) * | 1999-03-09 | 2002-10-17 | Stern Roger A. | Handpiece for treatment of tissue |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7981111B2 (en) | 2011-07-19 |
WO2004075976A3 (en) | 2004-12-29 |
US20040167592A1 (en) | 2004-08-26 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US7981111B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for the treatment of benign pigmented lesions | |
US8282630B2 (en) | Home use device and method for treating skin conditions | |
CN101087567B (en) | Skin treatment device and method | |
AU2010325682B2 (en) | A method and apparatus for personal skin treatment | |
AU2008264220B8 (en) | A Photocosmetic Device and Method | |
US8182473B2 (en) | Cooling system for a photocosmetic device | |
EP1830730B1 (en) | Device for treatment of skin conditions | |
AU2002303863A1 (en) | Cooling system for a photocosmetic device | |
WO2003086217A1 (en) | Method for treatment of tissue | |
WO2008008971A1 (en) | Compact, handheld device for home-based acne treatment | |
IL189272A (en) | Photocosmetic device and method of operating a photocosmetic device | |
Richter et al. | Laser skin treatment in non-Caucasian patients. | |
AU2011202724B9 (en) | A Photocosmetic Device and Method | |
US20120150163A1 (en) | Home Use Device and Method for Treating Skin Conditions | |
Kilmer | Cutaneous lasers | |
Kelly et al. | Skin Cooling in Laser Dermatology | |
Woolery-Lloyd et al. | Laser Application for Ethnic Skin |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BW BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE EG ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NA NI NO NZ OM PG PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL SY TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A2 Designated state(s): BW GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |