JP6425679B2 - Systems and methods for using microwave energy to effect particular tissues - Google Patents

Description

This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,899, filed April 19, 2007, entitled "METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCING SWEAT PRODUCTION" No. 61 / 013,274 (2007), which is expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and whose disclosure is contained in the appended Appendix 1 which is considered as part of the present specification; Filed on December 12, 2008, entitled "METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-INVASIVE DELIVERY OF MICROWAVE
THERAPY ", which is also expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the disclosure of which is also included in Appendix Appendix 2 which is also considered to be part of the specification of the present application); US Provisional Application No. 61 / 045,937 (filed on Apr. 17, 2008, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN EFFECT USING MICROWAVE ENERGY IN SPECIFIED"
"TISSUE", which also is hereby expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. At the same time, the international application number has not yet been assigned, agent case number FOUNDRY. 001 VPC (title of the invention "METHODS AND APPARATS FOR SWEAT PRODUCTION", filed April 18, 2008); and International Application Number not yet assigned, Attorney Docket No. FOUNDRY. 007 VPC, entitled "METHODS, DEVICES, AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-INVASIVE DELIVERY OF MICROWAVE THERAPY," filed April 18, 2008, is also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

(background)
Field of the Invention
The present application relates to methods, devices and systems for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. In particular, the present application relates to methods, devices and systems for non-invasively delivering microwave energy to patient's epidermal tissue, skin tissue and subcutaneous tissue to achieve various therapeutic and / or aesthetic results. .

(Description of related technology)
It is known that energy based treatments can be applied to tissues throughout the body to achieve multiple therapeutic and / or aesthetic results.

  There remains a continuing need to improve the efficacy of these energy-based treatments and provide beneficial pathological changes with minimal adverse side effects or discomfort.

  When the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation (eg, microwave energy), energy is absorbed by each layer of tissue as the electromagnetic radiation passes through the tissue. The amount of energy absorbed by each tissue layer is a function of a number of variables. Some of the variables controlling the amount of energy absorbed by each tissue layer include the power of the electromagnetic radiation reaching each layer; the amount of time that each layer is irradiated; the conductivity or tangent of the tissue in each layer; A power storage pattern from an antenna that radiates radiant energy may be mentioned. The power reaching a particular layer of tissue is a function of a number of variables. Some of the variables that control the power reaching a particular layer of tissue include the power that affects the surface of the skin, and the frequency of electromagnetic radiation. For example, at higher frequencies, the penetration depth of the electromagnetic signal is shallow, and most of the power accumulates in the upper layers of the tissue. At lower frequencies, greater penetration depth results in the accumulation of power in both the upper and lower layers of tissue.

  Heat can be generated in tissue by a number of mechanisms. Some of the mechanisms that generate heat in tissue include resistive heating, dielectric heating and heat transfer. Resistive heating occurs when current is generated in the tissue and causes resistive losses. The tissue can be resistively heated using, for example, monopolar RF energy or bipolar RF energy. Dielectric heating occurs when electromagnetic energy induces increased physical rotation of polar molecules, which converts microwave energy into heat. The tissue can be dielectrically heated, for example, by irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency band. As used herein, microwave frequency band or microwave frequency refers, for example, to induce dielectric heating in tissue when the tissue is irradiated using an external antenna to transmit electromagnetic radiation Get electromagnetic energy of the appropriate frequency. Such frequencies may range, for example, from about 100 megahertz (MHz) to 30 gigahertz (GHz). Whether the tissue is heated by resistance heating or induction heating, the heat generated in one region of the tissue can be transferred to the adjacent tissue, for example by heat conduction, heat radiation or heat convection.

  When a microwave signal is emitted to a dielectric material (eg, water) that is prone to loss, the energy of the signal is absorbed as it penetrates the material and converted to heat. This heat is mainly generated by the physical rotation of the molecules induced when exposed to the microwave signal. The conversion efficiency of microwave energy to heat for a given material can be quantified by the energy dissipation coefficient (ie, the tangent (tan δ)). The tangent varies as a function of material composition and frequency of the microwave signal. Since water has a large tangent, it generates heat efficiently when irradiated with microwave energy. All biological tissues have some water content and are therefore prone to loss so they can be heated using microwave energy. Different tissue types have different amounts of water content. Muscles and skin have relatively high water content, and fats and bones have relatively low water content. Microwave heating is generally more efficient at high water content tissues.

  Applying RF energy (which conducts through the surface of the skin) or microwave energy (which radiates through the surface of the skin) to heat tissue below the surface of the skin generally This produces a temperature gradient that peaks on the surface of the skin and decreases with increasing depth into the tissue. That is, the hottest spot is generally found at or near the surface of the skin. This temperature gradient results from the power lost by the electromagnetic radiation as it travels through the tissue. The power loss density profile generally has a peak in the tissue of the skin surface, regardless of the emitted power or frequency of the electromagnetic radiation, and decreases as the electromagnetic radiation travels through the tissue. Power loss density is measured as watts per cubic meter. An equivalent characterization of power storage in tissue is the specific absorption rate (SAR), which is measured in watts per kilogram. The specific absorption rate in tissue may be, for example, proportional to the square of the magnitude of the electric field in the tissue. For a given radiated power level, the penetration depth generally decreases as the frequency increases. Thus, in general and most important, higher frequencies are generally selected to heat tissue (eg, the epidermis) near the skin surface without damage to the deeper tissue layers. Furthermore, it is generally most important to use lower frequencies generally to heat deep tissue in the skin (e.g. subcutaneous tissue) or tissue below the skin surface (e.g. muscle tissue) Ensure that sufficient energy reaches deep tissue.

When peak energy is used to heat tissue structures below the skin surface and it is desirable to limit or prevent damage to the skin surface or tissue adjacent to the skin surface, the peak temperature is transferred deep into the tissue It is possible to modify the temperature gradient to The temperature gradient within the tissue can be modified to move the peak temperature into the tissue below the skin surface, for example by removing heat from the tissue near the skin surface using an external mechanism. External mechanisms that remove heat from the skin surface can include, for example, heat sinks that cool the skin surface and adjacent layers. If an external mechanism is used to remove heat from the surface of the skin, this heat may be removed as the electromagnetic radiation causes energy to accumulate in the tissue. Thus, when an external mechanism is used to remove heat from the surface and adjacent layers of the skin, energy is still absorbed at substantially the same rate by the tissue adjacent to the skin surface (and the power loss of the tissue being cooled) Density and SAR remain substantially constant and are not affected by cooling, but damage is prevented by removing heat faster than heat can accumulate, and tissue being cooled (eg, on the skin surface) The temperature of the adjacent tissue prevents the tissue injury from occurring or reaching the temperature at which trauma may be formed.
For example, the present invention provides the following items.
(Item 1)
A signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic;
An applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and one tissue interface;
A decompression source connected to the tissue interface;
A source of coolant connected to the tissue interface; and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the source of reduced pressure, and the source of coolant,
A system for applying microwave energy to tissue.
(Item 2)
The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency in the range of about 4 GHz to about 10 GHz.
(Item 3)
The system of claim 2, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency in the range of about 5 GHz to about 6.5 GHz.
(Item 4)
The system of claim 3, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency of about 5.8 GHz.
(Item 5)
The system according to claim 1, wherein the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. .
(Item 6)
The tissue comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer is below the first layer, and the controller is configured to generate a peak power loss density profile in the second layer Item 2. The system according to item 1, wherein the system is configured to deliver energy.
(Item 7)
Organizational interface;
Microwave energy delivery device;
A cooling element disposed between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate disposed at the tissue interface; a cooling element; and the cooling element and the microwave Cooling fluid disposed between the delivery device, the cooling fluid comprising a cooling fluid having a dielectric constant greater than that of the cooling element, for delivering microwave energy to target tissue apparatus.
(Item 8)
A tissue interface having a tissue collection chamber;
A cooling element having a cooling plate; and a microwave energy delivery device having a microwave antenna,
An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a tissue target area.
(Item 9)
A vacuum chamber adapted to raise tissue comprising a target area to bring the tissue into contact with a cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate contacts the skin surface above the target area to cool the skin surface A vacuum chamber adapted to physically separate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device; and configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. Microwave antenna,
An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target area of tissue.
(Item 10)
Microwave antenna;
A fluid chamber disposed between the microwave antenna and the tissue; and a cooling plate disposed between the cooling chamber and the tissue;
A system for coupling microwave energy into tissue.
(Item 11)
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics through the skin surface, the first tissue layer being on the target tissue layer, A step wherein the first tissue layer is adjacent to the surface of the skin; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density profile comprising a peak power loss density in the area of the target tissue layer Process, having
A method of producing a tissue effect in a target tissue layer, comprising
(Item 12)
A method of creating trauma to a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling, wherein the target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer and the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface , The method is
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics through the skin surface, the first tissue layer being on the target tissue layer Producing a power loss density profile, wherein the first tissue layer is adjacent to the surface of the skin; and wherein the power loss density profile is a peak power in the area of the target tissue layer. Process with loss density,
Method, including
(Item 13)
A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a lesion in or near the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer. And the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface, the method comprising
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electrical field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density The profile has a peak power loss density in the area of said target tissue layer,
Method, including
(Item 14)
A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling, said heat being sufficient to produce a tissue effect in or near said target tissue layer, said target tissue layer comprising Below the one tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to the skin surface, the method comprising
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electrical field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density The profile has a peak power loss density in the area of said target tissue layer,
Method, including
(Item 15)
A method of producing a temperature profile in tissue, wherein the temperature profile has a peak in the target tissue layer, the target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer, and the first tissue layer is Adjacent to the skin surface, the method comprises
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electrical field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density The profile has a peak power loss density in the area of said target tissue layer,
Method, including
(Item 16)
A method of producing a temperature profile in tissue in the absence of cooling, the temperature profile having a peak in the target tissue layer, the target tissue layer being below the first tissue layer, the The one tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface and the method comprises
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electrical field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density The profile has a peak power loss density in the area of said target tissue layer,
Method, including
(Item 17)
A method of creating trauma in a first layer of tissue, the first layer having an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent to the second surface of the skin, The method is
Exposing the outer surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field orientation;
Generating an energy density profile having a peak in the lower portion of the first layer; and continuing the exposure of the outer surface of the skin to the microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a trauma. The trauma is initiated in the peak energy density region,
Method, including
(Item 18)
A method of creating trauma in the skin, the skin comprising at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising
Placing a device adapted to emit electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface;
Emitting electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer The standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak in the first layer, and the distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is from the constructive interference peak to the first layer Greater than the distance to the interface between and the second layer,
Method, including
(Item 19)
A method of producing a temperature gradient in the skin, the skin comprising at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising
Placing a device adapted to emit electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface;
Emitting electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer The standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak in the first layer, and the distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is from the constructive interference peak to the first layer Greater than the distance to the interface between and the second layer,
Method, including
(Item 20)
A method of producing trauma in a skin layer of skin, the skin layer having an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous layer of the skin, the method comprising
Exposing the outer surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency, and electric field orientation;
Producing a peak energy density region in the lower portion of the skin layer; and continuing radiation of the skin with the microwave energy for a time sufficient to create a wound, the wound being Starting in the peak energy density region,
Method, including
(Item 21)
A method of producing trauma in the skin layer of skin, said skin comprising at least a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer, said method comprising
Placing a device adapted to emit microwave energy adjacent to the outer surface of the skin; and an electric field component substantially parallel to the area of the outer surface of the skin above the skin layer. Emitting microwave energy having a frequency that causes a standing wave pattern in the skin layer, the standing wave pattern in the skin layer the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer Having an interfering peak near the interface between
Method, including
(Item 22)
A method of producing trauma in the skin layer of skin, said skin comprising at least a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer, said method comprising
Placing a device adapted to emit microwave energy adjacent to the outer surface of the skin;
Emitting microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the region of the outer surface of the skin above the skin layer, the microwave energy producing a standing wave pattern in the skin layer Using the emitted microwave energy, wherein the standing wave pattern has an interfering peak in the skin layer near the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer. Heating the lower portion of the skin area to create the wound;
Method, including
(Item 23)
A method of heating a tissue structure located within or near a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, and the first tissue layer is adjacent to a skin surface. And the method
Irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electrical field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density The profile has a peak power loss density in the area of said target tissue layer,
Method, including
(Item 24)
A method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below the interface between a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer of skin, said skin layer comprising an upper portion adjacent to an outer surface of said skin, and Having a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous area of the skin, the method comprising
Emitting to the skin microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field orientation;
Generating a peak energy density region in the lower part of the skin layer;
Initiating trauma in the peak energy density region by inductive heating of the tissue in the peak energy density region;
Expanding the trauma, wherein the trauma is at least partially expanded by conduction of heat from the peak energy density region to surrounding tissue;
Removing heat from at least a portion of the skin surface and the upper portion of the skin layer; and for the radiation of the microwave energy to the skin to extend beyond the interface into the subcutaneous layer. A process which continues for a sufficient time,
Method, including
(Item 25)
A method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below the interface between a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer of skin, said skin layer comprising an upper portion adjacent to an outer surface of said skin, and Having a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous area of the skin, the method comprising
Placing a device adapted to emit microwave energy adjacent to the outer surface of the skin;
Emitting microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the region of the outer surface above the skin layer, the microwave energy having a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the skin layer The standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak in the lower part of the skin layer;
Creating a trauma in the lower part of the skin area by heating the tissue in the lower part of the skin area using the emitted microwave energy;
Removing heat from at least a portion of the skin surface and the upper portion of the skin layer to prevent the trauma from spreading into the upper portion of the skin layer; and stopping radiation after a first predetermined time A process, wherein said predetermined time is sufficient to raise the temperature of said tissue structure.
Method, including
(Item 26)
A method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue, said method comprising
Generating a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic;
Applying the microwave energy to tissue via a microwave antenna and a tissue interface operably connected to the microwave antenna;
Supplying a reduced pressure to the tissue interface; and supplying a cooling fluid to the tissue interface;
Method, including
(Item 27)
A method of positioning the tissue prior to treating the tissue using the emitted electromagnetic energy, the method comprising:
Placing the tissue interface adjacent to the skin surface;
Engaging the skin surface into a tissue chamber of the tissue interface;
Substantially separating the layer comprising at least one layer of the skin from the muscle layer below the skin; and retaining the skin surface in the tissue chamber;
Method, including

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross section of human tissue structure. FIG. 2 illustrates a system for generating and controlling microwave energy according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a system for delivering microwave energy according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a front view of a tissue head for use with a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a tissue head according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a side cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top perspective partial cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side partial cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, an antenna, and a field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader engaged with tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna engaged with tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 illustrates a tissue head comprising a plurality of waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 illustrates a tissue head comprising a plurality of waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 23 illustrates a tissue head comprising a plurality of waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 illustrates a disposable tissue head for use with an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 25 illustrates a disposable tissue head for use with an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 27 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 28 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 29 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 30 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 31 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 33 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 34 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 35 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 36 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 37 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 38 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 39 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 40 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 41 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 42 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 43 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 44 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 45 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 46 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 47 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 48 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 49 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 50 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 51 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  Description of an embodiment of the invention

  FIG. 1 is an illustration of human tissue structure. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 1, muscle tissue 1301 is coupled to subcutaneous tissue 1303 by connective tissue 1302. The hypodermis 1303 is attached to the dermis 1305 at interface 1308. The epidermis 1304 is on the dermis 1305. The skin surface 1306 is on the epidermis 1304 and includes squamous cells 1345 and sweat holes 1347. Tissue structure 1325 (eg, sweat gland 1341, sebaceous gland 1342 and hair follicle 1344) may be located throughout dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303. Further, tissue structure 1325 may be positioned to cross or sever interface 1308. FIG. 1 further includes an artery 1349, a vein 1351 and a nerve 1353. Hair follicles 1344 adhere to the hair shaft 1343. Tissue structures (eg, apocrine glands, eccrine sweat glands or hair follicles) may be considered to have a size, for example, in the range of about 0.1 millimeters to 2 millimeters, and together a group or group having a larger size It can form a structure. As illustrated in FIG. 1, interface 1308 can be considered to be a non-linear, discontinuous, rough surface, which also divides many tissue structures and groups of tissue structures that cross or break interface 1308. Including. When modeling a tissue layer (e.g., dermis), it is difficult to accurately model the dielectric and / or conductive properties of the tissue layer. This is due to human-to-human variation and within the body area of the individual. Furthermore, the presence of tissue structures and groups of tissue structures creates additional complexity. Assuming an average dielectric constant for a particular layer does not generally reflect the complexity of the actual tissue, but can be used as a starting point. For example, assuming a dielectric constant of about 66 for skin tissue at 100 MHz, the electromagnetic energy at the low end of the microwave range has a wavelength of about 370 millimeters. For example, assuming a dielectric constant of about 38 for skin tissue at 6.0 GHz, the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength of about 8 millimeters in skin tissue. For example, assuming a dielectric constant of about 18 for skin tissue at 30 GHz, the electromagnetic energy at the high end of the microwave range has a wavelength of about 2.5 millimeters in skin tissue. Thus, as the frequency increases, the presence of a coarse discontinuous interface between tissue regions, and the presence of a tissue structure is at least some of this signal if the signal encounters a tissue structure or a discontinuous tissue interface. Cause scattering of For a tissue structure or discontinuity of a certain size, scattering generally increases as the wavelength decreases, and if the wavelength is approximately the same size as the tissue structure, the size of the group of tissue structures or the discontinuity of the interface, It becomes more remarkable.

  When electromagnetic energy is transmitted through a medium having a structure and an interface (including an interface between tissue layers), the electromagnetic energy comprises the electrical and physical properties of these structures and the interface, and such a structure And are scattered and / or reflected by these structures and / or interfaces, depending on the difference between the electrical properties and the physical properties of the interface and the surrounding tissue. When the reflected radiation interacts with the incident radiation, these radiations together, under certain circumstances, one or more constructive interference peaks (e.g., electric field peaks) and one or more interference minima A standing wave may be formed (also referred to as the area of destructive interference).

  In modeling tissue for the purpose of this discussion, skin tissue can be modeled to include the dermis and epidermis. In modeling tissue for purposes of the present discussion, skin tissue can be modeled to have a conductivity of about 4.5 Siemens per meter at about 6 GHz. In modeling tissue for the purpose of this discussion, skin tissue can be modeled to have a dielectric constant of about 40 at about 6 GHz. In modeling tissue for purposes of this discussion, subcutaneous tissue can be modeled to have a conductivity of about 0.3 Siemens per meter at about 6 GHz. In modeling tissue for purposes of this discussion, subcutaneous tissue can be modeled to have a dielectric constant of about 5 at about 6 GHz.

(System and equipment)
FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate the embodiment of the system according to the invention and the components of the embodiment that can be used to generate heat in a selected tissue region. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate components of an embodiment and system of an embodiment according to the present invention that may be used to generate a predetermined specific absorption rate profile in a selected tissue region. . FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 are of a system according to the invention, which can be used to generate a predetermined specific absorption rate profile (e.g. the specific absorption rate profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51) 3 illustrates the embodiment and components of the embodiment. 2 to 25 and 48 to 51 illustrate the embodiment of the system according to the invention and the components of the embodiment that can be used to generate a predetermined power loss density profile in a selected tissue region . FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 can be used to produce a predetermined power loss density profile (e.g., the power loss density profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51). 3 illustrates the embodiment and components of the embodiment.

  FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate the embodiment of the system according to the invention and the components of the embodiment that can be used to generate a predetermined temperature profile in a selected tissue region. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments and implementations of a system according to the present invention that may be used to produce a predetermined temperature profile (e.g., the temperature profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51). Figure 7 illustrates the components of the form.

  FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate the embodiment of the system according to the invention and the components of the embodiment that can be used to create a wound in a selected tissue region. Figures 2-25 and 48-51 can be used to create trauma in selected areas by producing a specific absorption rate profile with peaks in the selected tissue areas 3 illustrates an embodiment of the system and components of the embodiment. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 are for creating trauma in selected tissues by producing a specific absorption rate profile (e.g., the non-absorbable rate profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51) FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the present invention and components of an embodiment that can be used in which the trauma is created in the area of tissue corresponding to the peak specific absorption rate. Figures 2-25 and 48-51 can be used to create trauma in selected areas by creating a power loss density profile with peaks in the selected tissue areas 3 illustrates an embodiment of the system and components of the embodiment. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 are for creating trauma in selected tissues by producing a power loss density profile (eg, the power loss density profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a system according to the present invention and components of an embodiment that can be used in which the trauma is created in the area of tissue corresponding to the peak power loss density. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 show a system according to the invention that can be used to create a trauma in a selected area by producing a temperature profile with peaks in the selected tissue area. 3 illustrates the embodiment and components of the embodiment. FIGS. 2-25 and 48-51 can be used to create trauma in selected tissues by producing a temperature profile (eg, the temperature profile illustrated in FIGS. 26-51) FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the system according to the invention and components of an embodiment, wherein the trauma is created in the area of tissue corresponding to the peak temperature. Further non-limiting examples of embodiments of microwave systems and devices that can be used and configured as described above are, for example, FIGS. 3-7C and pages 8-13 of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,899. Pages and as well as FIGS. 3-9 and 20-26 of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 013,274 and pages 34-48 and FIGS. 20-26, both of which The whole is incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system for generating and controlling microwave energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, controller 302 may be, for example, a custom digital logic timer controller module that controls the delivery of microwave energy generated by signal generator 304 and amplified by amplifier 306. Controller 302 may also control the solenoid valve to control the application of reduced pressure from reduced pressure source 308. In one embodiment of the present invention, signal generator 304 may be, for example, a Model N5181A MXG Analog Signal Generator 100 KHz-6 GHz (available from Agilent Technologies). In one embodiment of the present invention, amplifier 306 is, for example, a Model.
HD 18 288 SP High Power TWT Amplifier 5.7-18 GHz (available from HD Communications Corporation). In one embodiment of the present invention, the reduced pressure source 308 can be, for example, Model 0371224 Basic 30 Portable Vacuum Pump (available from Medela). In one embodiment of the present invention, coolant source 310 may be, for example, 0P9TNAN001 NanoTherm Industrial Recirculating Chiller (available from ThermoTek, Inc.).

FIG. 3 illustrates a system for delivering microwave energy according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, power is supplied by a power supply 318, which may be, for example, an AC mains power line. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the isolation transformer 316 isolates the main power provided by the power supply 318 and controls 302, pressure reduction source 308, signal generator 304, amplifier 306, temperature data Separate power is supplied to the collection system 314 and the coolant source 310. In one embodiment of the present invention, a vacuum cable 372 connects vacuum source 308 to applicator 320. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, signal generator 304 generates a signal, which may be, for example, a continuous wave (CW) signal (eg, having a frequency in the range of 5.8 GHz). And this signal is supplied to an amplifier 306 controlled by the controller 302. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the output signal from amplifier 306 may be conveyed to applicator 320 by signal cable 322. In one embodiment of the present invention, signal cable 322 may be, for example, an optical fiber link. In one embodiment of the invention, applicator 320 can be, for example, a microwave energy device. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the coolant source 310 may supply coolant (eg, cooled deionized water) to the applicator 320 through the coolant piping 324 and so on In particular, coolant may be supplied to the applicator 320 through the inflow line 326 and may be returned to the coolant source 310 through the outflow line 328. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the applicator 320 comprises temperature measurement devices, which relay the temperature signal 330 to the temperature data acquisition system 314, which is The temperature signal is then relayed by the fiber optic link 332 to the temperature display computer 312. In one embodiment of the present invention, isolation transformer 316 may be ISB-100W Isobox (available from Toroid Corporation of Maryland). In one embodiment of the present invention, temperature display computer 312 may be, for example, a custom timer controller developed from a number of commercially available timer relay components and custom control circuits. In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature data acquisition system 314 is, for example, a Thermes-USB Temperature Data Acquisition comprising OPT-1 Optical Link.
System (available from Physitemp Instruments Inc.).

  FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a front view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6, applicator 320 comprises an applicator cable 334, an applicator handle 344, an applicator head 346, and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the tissue head 362 comprises a vacuum port 342, a cooling plate 340, a tissue chamber 338, and a tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, the tissue head 362 comprises an alignment guide 348 comprising alignment features 352. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, the tissue head 362 is placed on the applicator head 346 of the applicator 320. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, the tissue head 362 comprises an alignment guide 348, an alignment feature 352, and a tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, tissue chamber 338 comprises tissue wall 354 and tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 6, the tissue interface 336 comprises a cooling plate 340, a vacuum port 342, and a vacuum channel 350.

  FIG. 7 is a front view of a tissue head for use with a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, the tissue head 362 comprises an alignment guide 348, an alignment feature 352, and a tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, tissue chamber 338 comprises tissue wall 354 and tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 7, tissue interface 336 comprises a cooling plate 340, a vacuum port 342 and a vacuum channel 350. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue head 362 is removable and may be used as a disposable element of a microwave applicator (eg, applicator 320).

  FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of a tissue head according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of tissue head 362 and antenna 358 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide 364, which may include, for example, waveguide tubing 366 and dielectric filter 368. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, the antenna 358 is isolated from the cooling fluid 361 in the coolant chamber 360 by an isolation 376. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, the chamber wall 354 has a chamber angle Z that facilitates tissue collection. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, the tissue interface 336, which may comprise the cooling plate 340, has the smallest dimension X and the tissue chamber 338 has a depth Y.

  FIG. 9 is a side cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a top perspective partial cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a side partial cutaway view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, applicator 320 comprises an applicator housing 356 and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, applicator housing 356 surrounds at least a portion of applicator handle 344 and applicator head 346. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the applicator cable 334 comprises a coolant line 324, an inflow line 326, an outflow line 328, a signal cable 322 and a pressure reduction cable 372. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to a vacuum splitter 374. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the applicator 320 comprises an antenna 258. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the antenna 358 may comprise a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, waveguide antenna 364 may comprise dielectric filter 368 and waveguide tubing 366. In embodiments of the present invention, the cooling chamber 360 may be configured to facilitate continuous flow of the cooling fluid 361 across one surface of the cooling plate 340. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the signal cable 322 is connected to the antenna 358 by an antenna feed 370, which is for example the distal end of a semi-rigid coaxial cable or panel mount connector. It may be an end and comprises the center conductor of this cable or connector. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the applicator 320 comprises a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the tissue head 362 comprises a tissue chamber 338, a chamber wall 354, a cooling plate 340 and a cooling chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 9-11, the cooling chamber 360 is connected to the inflow piping 326 and the outflow piping 328. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to the secondary vacuum cable 375. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the secondary decompression cable 375 is connected to a decompression port 342 (not shown) in the tissue head 362.

  In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 11, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to a secondary vacuum cable 375. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 11, the secondary decompression cable 375 is connected to a decompression port 342 (not shown) in the tissue head 362.

  FIG. 12 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 19 is a cutaway view of a tissue head, antenna and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention with the tissue engaged. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12-19, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12-19, waveguide antenna 364 may comprise, for example, waveguide tubing 366, waveguide filter 368, and, for example, with antenna feed 370, signal cable 322. Can be connected to In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12-19, the tissue head 362 may comprise, for example, a tissue chamber 338, a chamber wall 354, a cooling plate 340 and a cooling chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 12-19, the cooling chamber 360 may include a cooling fluid 361.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 12, the antenna 358 is isolated from the cooling fluid 361 in the coolant chamber 360 by the isolation portion 376. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the antenna 358 is disposed within the coolant chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the waveguide antenna 364 is disposed within the coolant chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 13, waveguide antenna 364 is cooled such that at least a portion of waveguide tubing 366 and dielectric filter 368 are in contact with cooling fluid 361 in coolant chamber 360. It is disposed in the agent chamber 360.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, a field spreader 378 is placed at the output of the waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, field spreader 378 is an extension of dielectric filter 368 and is disposed at the output of waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, field spreader 378 is an extension of dielectric filter 368 that extends into coolant chamber 360. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 14, field spreader 378 is an extension of dielectric filter 368 that extends through coolant chamber 360 to cooling plate 340.

  In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 15, field spreader 380 is integrated within dielectric filter 368 of waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15, field spreader 380 is a region of dielectric filter 368 that has a dielectric constant different from that of the remaining portion of dielectric filter 368. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15, the field spreader 380 is a region having a dielectric constant in the range of about 1-15.

  In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 16, field spreader 382 is integrated into dielectric filter 368 of waveguide antenna 364 and extends into coolant chamber 360. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 16, field spreader 382 is integrated into dielectric filter 368 of waveguide antenna 364 and extends through coolant chamber 360 to cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 16, field spreader 382 has a dielectric constant different from that of dielectric filter 368. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 15, the field spreader 380 is a region having a dielectric constant in the range of about 1-15. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the field spreader may consist of notches 384 in the dielectric filter 368. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the notches 384 are conical notches in the dielectric filter 368. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the notch 384 is connected to the cooling chamber 360 such that the cooling fluid 361 in the cooling chamber 360 at least partially fills the notch 384. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 17, the notch 384 is connected to the cooling chamber 360 such that the cooling fluid 361 in the cooling chamber 360 fills the notch 384.

  In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 18, field spreader 382 is integrated into or protrudes from cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 18, field spreader 382 is integrated into or protrudes from cooling plate 340 at tissue interface 336. In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 18, field spreader 382 is integrated into, or protrudes from, cooling plate 340 and enters tissue chamber 338.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 19, the skin 1307 engages within the tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 19, dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303 engage within tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 19, skin surface 1306 engages within tissue chamber 338 such that skin surface 1306 contacts at least a portion of chamber wall 354 and cooling plate 340. As illustrated in FIG. 19, reduced pressure may be used to elevate dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303, separating dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303 from muscle 1301. As illustrated in FIG. 19, reduced pressure may be used to elevate dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303 to separate dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303 from muscle 1301, for example, to limit electromagnetic energy reaching muscle 1301 or Protecting the muscle 1301 by exclusion.

  FIG. 20 is a cutaway view of a tissue head and antenna engaged with tissue, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20, the applicator 320 comprises an applicator housing 356, an antenna 358, a vacuum channel 350 and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20, the tissue head 362 comprises a vacuum conduit 373, a cooling element 386 and a cooling plate 340. In embodiments of the present invention, the cooling element 386 can be, for example, a solid coolant; a heat sink; a liquid spray, a gas spray, a cooling plate, an electrothermal cooler; or any combination thereof. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 20, the pressure reducing channel 350 is connected to the pressure reducing conduit 373 and the pressure reducing port 342. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 20, the skin surface 1306 is a tissue chamber 338, for example, by the reduced pressure at the reduced pressure port 342 such that the skin surface 1306 contacts at least a portion of the chamber wall 354 and the cooling plate 340. Engage inside. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the reduced pressure at the reduced pressure port 342 can be used to elevate the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303, separating the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 from the muscle 1301. As illustrated in FIG. 20, the reduced pressure at the reduced pressure port 342 can be used to elevate the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303, separating the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 from the muscle 1301, for example reaching the muscle 1301. The muscle 1301 is protected by limiting or eliminating electromagnetic energy.

  21-23 illustrate a tissue head comprising a plurality of waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, the tissue head 362 comprises a plurality of waveguide antennas 364 according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 21, two waveguide antennas 364 are disposed within the tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 21-23, the waveguide 364 comprises a supply connector 388 and an adjustment screw 390. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 22, four waveguide antennas 364 are disposed within the tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 23, six waveguide antennas 364 are disposed within the tissue head 362.

  FIG. 24 illustrates a disposable tissue head 363 for use with an applicator 320 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 24, disposable tissue head 363 places antenna 364 within disposable tissue head 363 to engage applicator housing 356. FIG. 25 illustrates a disposable tissue head 363 for use with an applicator 320 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 25, disposable tissue head 363 engages applicator housing 356 and is held in place by latch 365.

(Organization profile)
26-51 illustrate a series of tissue profiles (e.g., power accumulation profiles in tissue) according to embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-51, the illustrated tissue profiles may represent, for example, SAR profiles, power loss density profiles or temperature profiles. In some embodiments of the present invention, the embodiment of the system illustrated in FIGS. 2-25 and components of the embodiments, and, for example, FIGS. 3-7C and # of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,899. Pages 8 to 13; and FIGS. 3 to 9 and 20 to 26 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 013,274; and pages 34 to 48 and FIGS. What is shown and described in its entirety herein by reference) can be used to generate the tissue profile shown in FIGS. 26-51.

  26-35 illustrate a series of tissue profiles according to embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a simple dipole antenna or a waveguide antenna. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed within the medium 1318. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 radiates an electromagnetic signal into the tissue through the medium 1318 resulting in the patterns illustrated in FIGS. In one embodiment of the present invention, medium 1318 may be, for example, a dielectric material having a dielectric constant of about 10 (which may also be referred to as transmission).

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 26, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 3.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 27, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 3.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 28, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 4.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 29, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 4.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 30, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 5.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 31, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 32, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 6.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 33, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of about 7.5 GHz, for example. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 34, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of about 8.5 GHz, for example. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 35, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of about 9.0 GHz, for example. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue profile (eg, the profiles illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35) may include at least two constructive interference peaks, of which the first constructive interference peak is , Located in the tissue below the second constructive interference peak. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue profile (eg, the profiles illustrated in FIGS. 34 and 35) may include at least two constructive interference peaks, of which the second constructive interference peak is , Located near the skin surface.

  In an embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 358 is a waveguide antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna illustrated in FIG. 48) that radiates through at least a portion of a tissue head comprising a tissue interface, for example. For example, the frequency at which the SAR profile, the power loss profile or the temperature profile) occurs may be different from the frequency at which such profile occurs due to the dipole antenna. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tissue head disposed between the waveguide antenna and the skin surface may be, for example, an isolation 376, a cooling chamber 360 filled with a cooling fluid 361 (eg, deionized water). , And a cooling plate 340 may be provided. In one embodiment of the present invention where antenna 358 is a waveguide, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance of about 1.5 millimeters from skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 34 illustrates the profile obtained when the antenna 358 is a waveguide antenna that radiates energy through the tissue head at a frequency of, for example, about 10 GHz. In one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 35 illustrates the profile obtained when the antenna 358 is a waveguide antenna that radiates energy through the tissue head at a frequency of, for example, about 12 GHz.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 may, for example, have a length of about half the wavelength (measured at the operative frequency). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in a radiation near field region with respect to the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, at a distance of about 10 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-30, antenna 358 may be, for example, a dipole antenna having an antenna height of about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 31, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a dipole antenna having an antenna height of about 8.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 27-35, antenna 358 may be, for example, a dipole antenna having an antenna height of about 7 millimeters.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, power from the antenna 358 is transmitted through the skin surface 1306 and profiles (eg, SAR profile, power loss density profile or temperature profile) in the dermis 1305 Make it happen. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 produces a profile with a peak in the first tissue area 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the power transferred from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 is a profile of decreasing size from the first tissue area 1309 to the second tissue area 1311. Give rise to In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 is reduced in size from the second tissue area 1311 to the third tissue area 1313. Generate a profile. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-35, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 has a profile that decreases in size from the third tissue area 1313 to the fourth tissue area 1315. Give rise to

  In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 26-39, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 is at least partially reflected from the interface 1308 so that, for example, SAR, power The size of the loss density or peak of temperature occurs in the first tissue area 1309 below the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 26-39, interface 1308 is idealized as substantially straight, but in actual tissue, interface 1308 is a non-linear, discontinuous, rough interface. It may also be predicted, which also includes tissue structures and groups of tissue structures that traverse and divide the interface 1308. In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the SAR, the power loss density or the peak magnitude of the temperature is such that the constructive interference between the incident power and the reflected power is lower than the first layer of skin tissue. It is formed as a result of being located in the tissue area 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, for example, the SAR, the power loss density or the minimum magnitude of the temperature is a destructive interference between the incident power and the reflected power is the first layer of skin tissue near the skin surface 1306 It is formed as a result of being located in In one embodiment of the present invention, interface 1308 can be, for example, the interface between skin 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303. In one embodiment of the invention, a first tissue area 1309 may be formed in the lower half of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, interface 1308 can be, for example, an interface between a high dielectric constant / high conductivity tissue layer and a low dielectric constant / low conductivity tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, interface 1308 can be, for example, the interface between the glandular layer and the subcutaneous tissue.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 causes a peak temperature in the first region 1309. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the first area 1309 to a temperature sufficient to induce hyperthermia in the tissue in the area 1309. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to ablate tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to cause cell death in the tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to form a trauma core in the first region 1309. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to create a lesion in the tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature of the tissue in the area 1309 by inductive heating. In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 preferentially raises the temperature of the tissue in the area 1309 above the temperature of the surrounding area.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 generates a temperature sufficient to heat the tissue surrounding the first region 1309 in the first region 1309, for example by conductive heating Let In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 heats tissue structures (eg, sweat glands or hair follicles) in the tissue surrounding the first region 1309 in the first region 1309. A sufficient temperature is generated, for example by conductive heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 is sufficient to cause a high temperature in the tissue surrounding the first region 139 in the first region 1309, for example conductive heating Generated by In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 has a temperature sufficient to cause ablation of the tissue surrounding the first region 1309 in the first region 1309, for example by conductive heating generate. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 is heated to a temperature sufficient to create a lesion in the tissue surrounding the first area 1309 in the first area 1309, for example conductive heating Generated by In one embodiment of the present invention, the energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 has a temperature sufficient to cause trauma in the first area 1309 into tissue surrounding the first area 1309, eg, It is generated by conductive heating.

(Near field)
Figures 36-39 illustrate a series of tissue profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a simple dipole antenna or a waveguide antenna. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be excited at a predetermined frequency of, for example, about 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-38, an antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in a radiation near field region with respect to the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 39, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in a radiation near field region with respect to the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, at a distance A between about 10 millimeters and about 2 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be disposed within the medium 1318. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, antenna 358 may be a dipole antenna having an antenna height of approximately 8.5 millimeters. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 5.8 GHz.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, power from the antenna 358 is transmitted through the skin surface 1306 to produce a SAR profile in the skin 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 produces a SAR profile with a peak in the first skin area 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-39, the power transferred from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 is, for example, SAR, power loss density or temperature, such as SAR, power loss density or temperature magnitude, Reduction from first tissue area 1309 to second tissue area 1311, reduction from second tissue area 1311 to third tissue area 1313, and third tissue area 1313 to fourth tissue area 1315 Generate a tissue profile that may represent a decrease.

  In one embodiment of the invention, illustrated, for example, in FIG. 36, the power transmitted from the antenna 358 through the skin surface 1306 is at least partially reflected from the interface 1308 so that, for example, SAR, power loss density or A peak of temperature occurs in the first tissue area 1309 below the skin surface 1306. For example, in one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 36, constructive interference between incident power and reflected power is formed as a result, eg, SAR, peak of power loss density or temperature is skin tissue Located in the first tissue area 1309 below the layer of For example, in one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 36, the peak of eg SAR, power loss density or temperature, formed as a result of constructive interference between incident power and reflected power, is below the skin Located in half the first tissue area 1309. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 36, the antenna 358 may be located, for example, at a distance A of about 10 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 37, the antenna 358 may be located, for example, at a distance A of about 5 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 38, the antenna 358 may be located, for example, at a distance A of about 3 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 39, the antenna 358 may be located, for example, at a distance A of about 2 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 36-38, the tissue in region 1309 is preferentially heated to the tissue in the layer above the first tissue region 1309.

  In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 36, the antenna 358 may be located at a distance A within the near field radiation radiation of the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 37, antenna 358 may be located at a distance A within the near field radiation radiation of skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 38, the antenna 358 may be located at a distance A within the near field radiation radiation of the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 39, the antenna 358 may be located at a distance A within the reactive near field of the skin surface 1306. As illustrated in FIG. 39, in one embodiment of the present invention, placing the antenna in the reactive near field results in significant reactive coupling, which results in power storage in the upper skin layer. And destroy the preferred heating profile illustrated in FIGS. 36-38.

(Preferred heating-dermis)
40-43 illustrate tissue profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may comprise tissue structures 1325, which may for example be sweat glands (eg eccrine, apocrine or apoecrine) And glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may comprise tissue structures 1325, which may for example be sweat glands (eg eccrine, apocrine or apoecrine) And glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may comprise tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, hair follicles. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 40-43, tissue structure 1325 may include a tube 1329 extending from tissue structure 1325 to skin surface 1306.

  FIG. 40 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the trauma core 1321 causes the tissue in the trauma core 1321 to generate inductive heating, for example by irradiating the dermis 1305 with electromagnetic radiation in certain parts of the dermis 1305 It is made. In one embodiment of the present invention, trauma core 1321 may be, for example, a point or area within the tissue layer at which the trauma begins to grow. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 40, wound core 1321 is created by the heat generated in the skin tissue by dielectric heating of wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the wound core 1321 expands as energy is applied to the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the wound core 1321 may be located in the area of the dermis 1305 where the constructive interference peaks are generated by the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the trauma core 1321 may be located in the area of the dermis 1305 where the constructive interference peaks are generated by the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306, where it is transmitted through the skin surface 1306 At least a portion of the electromagnetic energy being reflected reflects from interface 1308, which may be, for example, an interface between a high dielectric constant / high conductivity tissue and a low dielectric constant / low conductivity tissue. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the trauma core 1321 may be located in the area of the dermis 1305 where the constructive interference peaks are generated by the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306, where it is transmitted through the skin surface 1306 At least a portion of the electromagnetic energy being reflected is reflected from interface 1308 (which may be, for example, the interface between dermis 1305 and subcutaneous tissue 1303).

  FIG. 41 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 41, trauma core 1321 expands as energy is applied to dermis 1305 to generate heat which conducts to surrounding tissue to create expanded trauma 1323. . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 41, the heat conducted from wound core 1321 to expanded wound 1323 damages tissue, including tissue structure 1325. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 41, the heat conducted from wound core 1321 into expanded wound 1323 traverses interface 1308 and causes tissue below interface 1308 (including tissue structure 1325). Get damaged.

  FIG. 42 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 42, the trauma core 1321 is provided by irradiating the predetermined portion of the dermis 1305 with electromagnetic radiation, for example, the dermis 1305 to generate dielectric heating in the tissue in the trauma core 1321. It is made. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, the wound core 1321 expands when energy is applied to the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, heat is removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, heat is removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306 by cooling skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, the heat removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the wound core 1321 from growing in the direction of the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, removal from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the trauma core 1321 from growing into the area 1327 to be cooled.

  FIG. 43 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, the trauma core 1321 is, for example, by irradiating the dermis 1305 with electromagnetic radiation to generate dielectric heating in the tissue in the trauma core 1321 at a predetermined portion of the dermis 1305 Created and expanded trauma 1323 is created by the heat conducted from the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, trauma core 1321 expands when energy is applied to dermis 1305, and dilation injury 1323 expands when heat is conducted from trauma core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, heat is removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, heat is removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306 by cooling skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, heat removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306 prevents trauma core 1321 and dilation trauma 1323 from growing towards skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, removal from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the wound core 1321 and the extended wound 1323 from growing into the area 1327 to be cooled.

(Preferred heating-gland layer)
44-47 illustrate tissue profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may comprise tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (eg, eccrine, apocrine or apoecrine). And glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may comprise tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (eg, eccrine, apocrine or apoecrine). And glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 may include tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, hair follicles. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may include a tube 1329 extending from tissue structure 1325 to skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, tissue structures 1325 may be concentrated in glandular layer 1331. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may be concentrated in glandular layer 1331, where glandular layer 1331 has an upper interface 1335 and a lower interface 1333. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 can have an upper interface 1335 between the glandular layer 1331 and the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 can have a lower interface 1333 between the glandular layer 1331 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, interface 1333 may be a non-linear, discontinuous, rough interface in actual tissue, which is also a group of many tissue structures and tissue structures. These add to the roughness and non-linearity of the tissue interface 1333.

  In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may be at least partially comprised of a high dielectric constant / high conductivity tissue (eg, sweat glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the tissue structure 1325 may be at least partially comprised of tissue (eg, sweat glands) having high water content. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may be at least partially comprised of a high dielectric constant / high conductivity tissue. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, glandular layer 1331 has an upper interface 1335 between glandular layer 1331 and tissue of high dielectric constant / high conductivity (eg, dermis 1305). obtain. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, glandular layer 1331 has a lower interface 1333 between glandular layer 1331 and tissue of low dielectric constant / low conductivity (eg, subcutaneous tissue 1303). It can. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 can have a lower interface 1333 between the glandular layer 1331 and the low dielectric constant tissue.

  FIG. 44 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 44, the trauma core 1321 generates dielectric heating in the tissue in the trauma core 1321 by irradiating the gland layer 1331 with electromagnetic radiation, for example, to a predetermined portion of the glandular layer 1331 It is produced by In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 44, wound core 1321 is created by the heat generated in glandular layer 1331 by dielectric heating of wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 44, wound core 1321 expands as energy is applied to glandular layer 1331. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 44, trauma core 1321 is an area of glandular layer 1331 in which constructive interference peaks of, for example, SAR, power loss density or temperature are caused by electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306. It can be located in In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 44, the wound core 1321 is generated by electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306, for example the SAR, power loss density or temperature constructive interference peak is the area of the glandular layer 1331. , Where at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 reflects from the lower interface 1333. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 44, trauma core 1321 is an area of glandular layer 1331 in which constructive interference peaks of, for example, SAR, power loss density or temperature are caused by electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306. , Where at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the skin surface 1306 reflects from the lower interface 1333 (which may be, for example, the interface between the glandular layer 1331 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303).

  FIG. 45 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 45, trauma core 1321 expands as energy is applied to glandular layer 1331 to generate heat that is conducted to surrounding tissue creating an expanded lesion 1323 Do. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 45, the heat conducted from wound core 1321 into expanded wound 1323 damages tissue, including tissue structure 1325. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 45, heat conducted from wound core 1321 into expanded wound 1323 traverses lower interface 1333 and damages tissue below lower interface 1333.

  Figures 46 and 47 illustrate tissue profiles according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, trauma core 1321 irradiates a portion of gland layer 1331, for example, gland layer 1331 with electromagnetic radiation to conduct dielectric heating into tissue in trauma core 1321. It is produced by generating. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, wound core 1321 expands when energy is applied to glandular layer 1331, and expanded wound 1323 is created by the heat conducted from wound core 1323. Ru. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, heat is removed from the skin layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 46 and 47, heat is removed from the skin layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306 by cooling the skin surface 1306 to create a cooled area 1307 in the dermis 1305. Ru. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 47, the heat removed from the skin layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the growth of dilation lesions 1323 in the direction of the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 46, the heat removed from the glandular layer 1331 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the growth of the expanded trauma 1323 into the area 1327 to be cooled.

48-51 illustrate tissue profiles and devices according to embodiments of the present invention. In FIGS. 48-51, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiments of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 48-49, waveguide antenna 364 may comprise, for example, waveguide tubing 366 and dielectric filter 368. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 48 and 49, electromagnetic energy may be radiated into the dermis 1305 via the tissue head 362, which may, for example, be the isolation 376, coolant chamber 360 and A cooling plate 340 may be provided. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, a peak (which may be, for example, peak SAR, peak power loss density or peak temperature) occurs in the first tissue region 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, reduced levels (eg, reduced SAR, reduced power loss density or reduced temperature) occur in the second tissue region 1311 and further reduced levels. Occur in the third tissue area 1313 and the fourth tissue area 1315. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, the dermis 1305 is separated from the subcutaneous tissue 1303 by interface 1308. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, interface 1308 is idealized as substantially straight for the purposes of this discussion, but in actual tissue, interface 1308 is non-linear, discontinuous rough It is a surface, which also contains many tissue structures that cross and divide this tissue interface. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 48, subcutaneous tissue 1303 is on muscle tissue 1301. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, electromagnetic radiation may be emitted at a frequency of, for example, 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, the dermis 1305 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 38.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 4.54 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, subcutaneous tissue 1303 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 4.9 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.31 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 48, muscle tissue 1301 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 42.22, and a conductivity of, for example, 5.2 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, the isolation 376 may be, for example, polycarbonate and may have, for example, a dielectric constant of 3.4 and, for example, a conductivity of 0.0051 Siemens per meter. . In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 48, the cooling plate 340 may be, for example, alumina (99.5%) and have a dielectric constant of, for example, 9.9, and, for example, 3 × 10 ⁻⁴ per meter. It may have a Siemens conductivity. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 48, the cooling fluid 361 may be, for example, deionized water, and may have, for example, a dielectric constant of 81, and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0001 Siemens per meter.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, a peak (which may be, for example, peak SAR, peak power loss density or peak temperature) occurs in the first tissue region 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 48, reduced levels (which may be, for example, reduced SAR, reduced power loss density or reduced temperature) occur in the second tissue region 1311 and further Decreased levels occur in the third tissue area 1313 and the fourth tissue area 1315. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, the dermis 1305 is separated from the subcutaneous tissue 1303 by interface 1308. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, interface 1308 is modeled as a non-linear interface, and more closely resembles the actual interface between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, subcutaneous tissue 1303 is on muscle tissue 1301. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, electromagnetic radiation may be emitted at a frequency of, for example, 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, the skin 1305 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 38.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 4.54 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 49, subcutaneous tissue 1303 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 4.9 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.31 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, muscle tissue 1301 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 42.22 and a conductivity of, for example, 5.2 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 49, the isolation 376 may be, for example, Plexiglass, and may have, for example, a dielectric constant of 3.4, and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0051 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 49, the cooling plate 340 may be, for example, alumina (99.5%) and have a dielectric constant of, for example, 9.9, and, for example, 3 × 10 ⁻⁴ Siemens per meter. It can have a conductivity of In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 49, the cooling fluid 361 may be, for example, deionized water, and may have, for example, a dielectric constant of 81, and a conductivity of 0.0001 Siemens per meter.

  FIG. 50 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 51 illustrates a tissue profile according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 50 and 51, the antenna 358 can be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the present invention, waveguide antenna 364 may include dielectric filter 368. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 358 may, for example, be disposed on a tissue head 362, which includes, for example, an isolation 376, a coolant chamber 360, and a cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the present invention, cooling chamber 340 may include cooling fluid 361, which may be, for example, deionized water. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue head 362 may comprise a tissue chamber (not shown) adapted to position tissue relative to tissue interface 336. In one embodiment of the present invention, antenna 358 transmits electromagnetic radiation through skin surface 1306 to produce a tissue profile, which may represent, for example, a SAR profile, a power loss density profile or a temperature profile. Be adapted. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue profile comprises a first tissue area 1309, a second tissue area 1311, a third tissue area 1313, and a fourth tissue area 1315. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tissue region 1309 may represent, for example, peak SAR, peak power loss density or peak temperature. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tissue area 1309 may be located, for example, near the interface 1308 of the dermis 1305 and the subcutaneous tissue 1303 of the dermis 1305. The subcutaneous tissue 1303 overlies the muscle tissue 1301. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 51, a field spreader 379 is disposed within the coolant chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 51, a field spreader 379 may be used, for example, to spread and planarize the first tissue area 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 51, a field spreader 379 may be used, for example, to spread and flatten the trauma formed in the first tissue region 1309.

Further General Embodiments
(procedure)
In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic output is delivered to the skin for a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin engages, for example, in the tissue chamber prior to delivery of energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled prior to the application of the electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled during the application of electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled after application of the electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin by applying a predetermined amount of power to an antenna located near the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is placed near the electromagnetic energy device. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is placed near the electromagnetic energy delivery device using a vacuum source to hold the skin in place. In one embodiment of the invention, the area to be treated is anesthetized prior to treatment. In one embodiment of the invention, the area to be anesthetized changes the dielectric properties of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the properties of the electromagnetic radiation emitted through the skin are modified to take into account variables (eg, dielectric properties of the anesthetic) that determine the effect of the anesthetic on the treatment. Variables which may determine the effect of the anesthetic on the treatment include, for example, the time after administration; the vasodilator properties of the anesthetic; the volume of the anesthetic administered; The location / depth of the tissue to which the drug is to be administered; methods of anesthesia (eg, one location or multiple small locations) may be mentioned. In one embodiment of the invention, a template may be used to align a hand piece adapted to deliver electromagnetic energy to tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the template is used to align the handpiece as it moves from position to position, for example in the axilla. In one embodiment of the invention, a template is used, for example, to align the injection site for the delivery of an anesthetic, which may be, for example, lidocaine. In one embodiment of the invention, a template is used to facilitate treatment by indicating a previously treated area. In one embodiment of the invention, the templates may be aligned, for example by using henna, sharpie marks or tattoos.

(Organizational structure)
(region)
In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue may be constructed from layers having specific dielectric and conductive properties. In one embodiment of the invention, a tissue having a high dielectric constant (also referred to as a high dielectric tissue) may have a dielectric constant greater than about 25. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tissue having a low dielectric constant (also referred to as a low dielectric texture) may have a dielectric constant less than about 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue having high conductivity (also referred to as high conductivity tissue) may have a conductivity greater than about 1.0 Siemens per meter. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue having low conductivity (also referred to as low conductivity tissue) may have a conductivity of less than about 1.0 Siemens per meter.

(Low / low)
In one embodiment of the invention, the low dielectric / low conductivity tissue may be, for example, subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the low dielectric tissue, low conductivity tissue may be tissue (eg, fat) found in subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the low dielectric / low conductivity tissue may be, for example, an area of subcutaneous tissue below the glandular layer.

(at most)
In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductivity tissue can be, for example, tissue found in the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductivity tissue can be, for example, tissue found in the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductivity tissue can be, for example, tissue found in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the high dielectric, high conductivity tissue can be, for example, muscle tissue.

(Gland)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer can be, for example, a layer of high dielectric, high conductivity tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer can be a layer of tissue having a high water content. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a tissue layer in the region of the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue, which interface peaks the permittivity and conductivity of the glandular layer in the glandular layer Includes glandular tissue sufficient to raise it to a level sufficient to produce a standing wave pattern with an electric field. In one embodiment of the invention, glandular tissue may occupy an average thickness of 3 to 5 millimeters in a 5 millimeter thick portion of human skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer may include both apocrine glandular leaflets and eccrine glandular leaflets in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a layer within the human axilla in which substantially all sweat glands are localized. In one embodiment of the invention in which the glandular layer comprises both apocrine glandular leaflets and eccrine glandular leaflets, the apocrine glandular modules may be more numerous and larger than eccrine glandular leaflets. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer is a layer of tissue including glands sufficiently concentrated to increase conductivity of tissue surrounding the gland (eg, eccrine sweat gland, apoecrine sweat gland and / or apocrine sweat gland) It can be. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer is a layer of tissue including glands sufficiently concentrated to increase the dielectric constant of tissue surrounding the gland (eg, eccrine sweat gland, apoecrine sweat gland and / or apocrine sweat gland). It can be. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer may be an area of subcutaneous tissue with glandular tissue sufficient to raise the dielectric constant to match that of the adjacent dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a region of subcutaneous tissue having sufficient glandular tissue to raise the dielectric constant of the glandular layer to match that of the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer may be a region of subcutaneous tissue having glandular tissue sufficient to raise the dielectric constant of the glandular layer above the dielectric constant of the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may have a dielectric constant greater than about 20. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer can have a conductivity greater than about 2.5 Siemens per meter.

(interface)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the critical interface (which may also be referred to as a dielectric interface or dielectric discontinuity) is a layer of tissue having a high dielectric constant and a high conductivity, and a tissue having a low dielectric constant And the interface between the In one embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric interface may be the interface between a layer of tissue having a high dielectric constant and high conductivity and a layer of tissue having a low dielectric constant and low conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the important interface is at the interface between the dermis and the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the important interface may be the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the important interface may be the interface between the dermis and the part of the subcutaneous tissue with a limited number of sweat glands. In one embodiment of the present invention, the important interface may be the interface between the dermis and the area of subcutaneous tissue not including the glandular area. In one embodiment of the present invention, the important interface may be the interface between the dermis and the area of subcutaneous tissue that does not contain a significant number of histology.

(treatment)
In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated, for example, by raising the temperature of the tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated, for example, by raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to cause a change in the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated, for example, by raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to damage the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated, for example, by raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to destroy the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to heat tissue to create trauma, wherein the trauma is initiated as a result of damage from heat generated by dielectric heating of the tissue. And, this trauma is at least partially magnified as a result of the heat transfer of the heat generated by the dielectric heating. In embodiments of the invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat the contents (eg, sebum) of tissue structures (eg, hair follicles). In embodiments of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation heats the contents (e.g. sebum) of the tissue structure (e.g. hair follicles), e.g. to a temperature sufficient to damage or destroy bacteria in the contents. Can be used for In embodiments of the invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat the contents (eg, sebum) of tissue structures (eg, hair follicles). In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat tissue to a temperature sufficient to cause a secondary effect in the surrounding tissue or tissue structure.

(Target tissue)
In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be referred to as target tissue, for example by raising the temperature of the tissue.

(Tissue to be treated)
(Organizational layer)
In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue adjacent to the skin / subcutaneous tissue interface. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue in the skin layer, near the skin / subcutaneous tissue interface. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be deep dermal tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue adjacent to the skin / fat interface.

(Physical structure)
In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be axillary tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue of a hair bearing area. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in an area having at least 30 sweat glands per square centimeter. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in an area having an average of 100 sweat glands per square centimeter. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be tissue located about 0.5 mm to 6 mm below the surface of the skin. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in the area of sweat glands, including, for example, apocrine and eccrine glands.

(Organizational characteristics)
In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue subjected to dielectric heating. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be a tissue having a high dipole moment. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be, for example, a tissue comprising an exogenous substance. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may comprise tissue having bacteria.

(Organization type)
In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be human tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be porcine tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, collagen, hair follicles, fatty edema, eccrine glands, apocrine glands, apocrine glands, sebaceous glands, or spider veins. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a hair follicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue is, for example, in the region of the hair follicle, including the lower segment (bulb and suprabulb), the middle segment (gorge), and the upper segment (funnel). possible. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a structure associated with hair follicles (eg, stem cells). In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may, for example, be wound tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may, for example, be the tissue to be injured (e.g. skin tissue before surgery). In embodiments of the present invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a blood supply to tissue structures.

(effect)
In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue is, for example, a region having a SAR equal to 50% of the peak SAR, at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% or such of the peak SAR. A mass of tissue defined by a region having a greater percentage, or in certain embodiments, a region having a SAR of about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% or less of the peak SAR. obtain.

(Method)
(Organization and structure)
In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating target tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of damaging a gland is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of damaging a hair follicle is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of destroying tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating skin tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing damage to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing the growth of trauma towards the skin surface is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of damaging or destroying stem cells associated with hair follicles is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of aligning an electromagnetic field to treat tissue preferentially is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of aligning electromagnetic fields to preferentially treat tissue with higher water content is described. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to heat sebum.

(radiation)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling power storage in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling an electric field pattern in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a mass of high power storage in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the output of a microwave device is described.

(Trauma)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a trauma in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a subcutaneous trauma in tissue is described.

(Slope)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a temperature gradient in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing a temperature gradient having a peak at the skin / subcutaneous tissue interface is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of creating a reverse power gradient in tissue is described.

(Clinical indication)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing sweat is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing sweat production in a patient is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating axillary hyperhidrosis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating hyperhidrosis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of removing hair is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing hair regrowth is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating bromhidrosis is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of denervating a tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a febriform nevus is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating hemangiomas is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating psoriasis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing sweat is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing sweat is described. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to treat epilepsy. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to treat sebaceous glands. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to destroy bacteria. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to destroy Propionibacterium. In an embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to remove sebum from hair follicles. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy may be used to clean the closed hair follicles. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to reverse comedogenesis. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to clean blackheads. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to clean the whiteheads. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to reduce inflammation. Additional conditions and structures that may be treated in some embodiments are, for example, pages 3 to 7 of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,899; and pages 1 to of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 013,274. It is described on page 10, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(Placement)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of placing skin is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of placing a skin / fat interface is described.

(Power loss density)
(Skin)
In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized to the area of the skin below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in areas of high power loss density localized in the layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, high power loss localized in the layer of skin between the skin surface and the important interface adjacent to the important interface by irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin An area of density arises.

(Dermis)
In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized to the area of the dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, emitting electromagnetic radiation to the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized in the area of the dermis below the upper layer of the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface results in an area of high power loss density localized in the area of the dermis adjacent to the interface between the dermis and the epithelium. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized in the area of the dermis adjacent to the critical interface.

(Glandular layer)
In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in areas of high power loss density localized in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in areas of high power loss density localized in the glandular layer adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, by irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin, a high power loss density localized in the glandular layer below the first layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface An area arises. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in an area of high power loss density localized in the glandular layer below at least a portion of the dermis adjacent to the critical interface. It occurs.

(Temperature gradient)
(Skin)
In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the area below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the area of the skin below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiation of tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the layer of skin between the important interface and the surface of the skin adjacent to the critical interface. Let

(Dermis)
In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, which has a peak in the layer of dermis below the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, which has a peak in the layer of dermis below the upper layer of dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation causes a temperature gradient, which has a peak in the region of the dermis adjacent to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, which has a peak in the region of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest.

(Glandular layer)
In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the glandular layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the glandular layer adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiation of tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a temperature gradient with a peak in the glandular layer below the first layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface.

(Reverse power gradient)
(Skin)
In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a reverse power gradient with a peak in the area below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in a reverse power gradient with a peak in the area of the skin below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a reverse power gradient with peaks in the layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, when the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin, there is a reverse power gradient with a peak in the layer of skin between the important interface and the surface of the skin adjacent to the important interface. It occurs.

(Dermis)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a reverse power gradient, which has a peak in the layer of dermis below the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation causes a reverse power gradient, which has a peak in the layer of dermis below the upper layer of dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a reverse power gradient, which has a peak in the region of the dermis adjacent to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a reverse power gradient, which has a peak in the region of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest.

(Glandular layer)
In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a reverse power gradient with a peak in the glandular layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiating tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin results in a reverse power gradient with a peak in the glandular layer adjacent to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, irradiation of tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the surface of the skin produces a reverse power gradient with a peak in the glandular layer below the first layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface.

(Trauma)
(Skin)
In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma in the area below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a trauma in the area below the skin surface, which starts in the layer below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound on the skin, which starts at the layer of skin adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma to the skin, which is adjacent to the critical interface and in the layer of skin between the skin surface and the critical interface. Start.

(Dermis)
In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, which starts in the layer of dermis below the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, which starts in the layer of dermis below the upper layer of the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a trauma on the skin, which starts in the area of the dermis near the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound on the skin, which starts in the area of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest.

(Glandular layer)
In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a trauma that starts in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma that starts in the glandular layer adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a lesion that starts in the glandular layer below the first layer of skin adjacent to the critical interface.

(Skin)
In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma in the area below the skin surface, in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma in the area below the skin surface, which is the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin Below, start with the layer below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma to the skin, which trauma is important in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. Start with the layer of skin adjacent to the interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma to the skin, which trauma is important in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. Starting with the layer of skin between the skin surface and the critical interface, adjacent to the interface.

(Dermis)
In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a lesion in the skin, which is in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. Start with a layer of dermis below the surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a trauma to the skin, which is in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. Start with the dermis layer below the upper layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma to the skin, which in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin, It starts in the area of the dermis near the interface with the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma to the skin, which trauma is important in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. It starts in the area of the dermis adjacent to the interface.

(Glandular layer)
In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma that starts at the glandular layer, in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create trauma that starts in the glandular layer adjacent to the critical interface in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. used. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation is a gland below the first layer of skin adjacent to the interface of interest, in the absence of any external mechanism for removing heat from the surface of the skin. Used to create trauma that starts in layers.

(Start point of trauma)
In one embodiment of the invention, the starting point of the trauma may be located at a point or area of highly dielectric, highly conductive tissue adjacent to the low dielectric tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the origin of trauma may be located at a point or area of highly dielectric, highly conductive tissue adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the start point of the trauma may be located at a point or area where microwave energy emitted through the surface of the skin produces a standing wave pattern with a peak electric field. In one embodiment of the present invention, the starting point of the trauma is located in a high dielectric / high conductivity tissue near the interface of interest where microwave energy emitted through the surface of the skin causes constructive interference. It can.

(Characteristics of electromagnetic radiation)
In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property (more specifically, a particular electric field property). In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in which the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to at least one interface between tissue layers in the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation whose electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in which the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in which the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the interface between the glandular layer and the part of the dermis.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property, more particularly a particular polarization property. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation which is polarized so that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation whose polarization is such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to at least one interface between tissue layers in the skin. Ru. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation which is polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. . In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation whose polarization is such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the interface between the glandular layer and the subcutaneous tissue. Ru.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property, more particularly a particular frequency characteristic. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 4.0 GHz to 10 GHz.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property, more particularly a particular property in tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern with peaks in the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern in the dermis, the constructive interference pattern having a peak in the area of the dermis below the first layer of the dermis. And destructive interference occurs in the first layer of the dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern, the constructive interference pattern having peaks adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern with peaks in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property, more particularly a particular property in the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces destructive interference patterns in the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern in the dermis, which has a peak in the area of the dermis above the deep layer of the dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern, which has a peak adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern with peaks in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a constructive interference pattern that produces a peak electric field in the tissue layer. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a constructive interference pattern that results in areas of localized high power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a destructive interference pattern that produces a minimal electric field in the tissue layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces destructive interference patterns that result in areas of localized low power loss density.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular property, more particularly a particular property in tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern in the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern with a peak in the dermis below the first layer of dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern with peaks adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern with peaks in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a standing wave pattern that produces a peak electric field. In one embodiment of the present invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a standing wave pattern that results in areas of localized high power loss density.

(antenna)
In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular characteristics, more particularly the particular characteristics arising from the position of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated by electromagnetic radiation generated by an antenna located near the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located in a radiation near field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located substantially in the near field radiation field relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located at a distance of less than half a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located at a distance of less than half a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin, which wavelength is within the dielectric material separating the antenna from the skin surface. It is measured. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located at a distance of less than half a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin, which wavelength is within the cooling fluid separating the antenna from the skin surface. It is measured. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna located at a distance of less than about 2.65 millimeters from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wavelength of the emitted signal is the wavelength in air divided by the square root of the dielectric constant of the material separating the antenna from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the wavelength of the emitted signal is the wavelength in air divided by the square root of the dielectric constant of the cooling fluid that separates the antenna from the skin surface.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation having particular characteristics, more particularly the particular characteristics arising from the position of the output of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having an output in the near field region of radiation relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having an output outside the reactive near field region to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having an output that is not in the far-field region to the surface of the adjacent skin.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated with electromagnetic radiation having particular characteristics, more particularly the particular characteristics related to the position of the radiation aperture portion of the antenna that emits electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having a radiation aperture in the radiation near field region with respect to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having a radiation opening outside the reactive near field to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna having a radiating aperture that is not in the far-field area with respect to the surface of the adjacent skin.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the reactive near-field region may be, for example, the portion of the near-field region surrounding the immediate vicinity of the antenna where the near-field reactive field is preferential. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna may be located at a distance from the skin surface which may be about 0.62 times the square root of D ² / λ, where D is the maximum physical dimension of the antenna aperture portion And λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the antenna measured in the medium located between the antenna output and the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the radiated near-field region may be, for example, a field region of the antenna in which the radiated electromagnetic field between the reactive near-field region and the far-field region is preferential. . In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna may be located at a maximum distance from the skin surface which may be about twice D ² / λ, where D is the maximum physical dimension of the antenna aperture portion, and λ is the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the antenna measured in the medium located between the antenna output and the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the far-field region may be, for example, a field region of the antenna where the angular distribution of the field is essentially independent of the distance from the antenna.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular properties, more particularly the particular properties resulting from the configuration of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern mainly in TE ₁₀ mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern in TE ₁₀ mode only. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern in a TEM mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern only in the TEM mode. In embodiments of the present invention, TEM and TE ₁₀ are particularly useful because the electromagnetic energy emitted is a mode that includes a transverse electric field. Thus, if the antenna is properly positioned, the antenna transmitting electromagnetic energy in the TEM mode or TE ₁₀ mode is the skin surface or an important interface adjacent to this antenna (e.g. the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue) Create an electric field which may be parallel or substantially parallel to

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular properties, more particularly the particular properties resulting from the configuration of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern primarily in the TEM mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit an electromagnetic field pattern only in the TEM mode.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular properties, more particularly the particular properties resulting from the configuration of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the interface between the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the interface between the glandular region and the part of the subcutaneous tissue. Be done.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular properties, more particularly the particular properties resulting from the configuration of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to produce a standing wave in adjacent tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to produce a standing wave in the adjacent tissue, which standing wave has a peak adjacent to the interface of interest.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having particular properties, more particularly the particular properties resulting from the configuration of the antenna emitting the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to cause constructive interference to adjacent tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is illuminated by an antenna configured to cause constructive interference to adjacent tissue, the constructive interference having a peak adjacent to the interface of interest.

(Heating of tissue / tissue structure)
In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is heated by transferring the heat generated at the wound to a particular tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is heated by conducting the heat generated in the trauma through the intermediate tissue, the heat of the trauma being generated mainly by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue located below the critical interface is heated by conducting the heat generated in the trauma across this critical interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described for heating tissue located below the critical interface by conducting the heat generated in the trauma located above the critical interface in the trauma The heat generated is mainly generated by dielectric heating, and the heat below the critical interface is mainly generated from the conduction of heat from the wound through the intermediate tissue to the tissue located below the dielectric barrier.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue structures (eg, sweat glands or hair follicles) located in the area of the skin near the interface of interest are heated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue structure located near the critical interface is heated by conduction of heat from the wound, which is created by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue structure located in the first tissue layer is due to heat generated in the first tissue layer as a result of standing waves generated in the first tissue layer by reflection from the critical interface It is heated.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structure located in the area of the skin where the layers of dermis and subcutaneous tissue meet is heated. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in the glandular layer are heated. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in the area of the skin where the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue layer meet are damaged. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structure located in the glandular layer is damaged. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structure located in the area of the skin where the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue layer meet is broken. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue structures located in the glandular layer are disrupted. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue element is heated by conducting the heat generated in the wound to the tissue element through the intermediate tissue, the heat in the wound being mainly generated by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue structure located below the critical interface is the tissue located primarily below the critical interface through the intermediate tissue, heat generated primarily by dielectric heating at the trauma above the critical interface. It is heated by conduction into the structure.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the area adjacent to the critical interface may be heated by storing more energy in this area than the surrounding tissue.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue of the skin layer near the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous tissue layer is preferentially heated.

(cooling)
In one embodiment of the invention, the heat generated in the tissue below the surface of the skin is prevented from damaging the tissue adjacent to the surface of the skin by removing this heat from the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the heat generated in the tissue below the surface of the skin is prevented from damaging the tissue adjacent to the surface of the skin by cooling the surface of the skin.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described which prevents the heat generated in the wound by dielectric heating from damaging the tissue of the skin layer located between the wound and the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the removal of heat from the skin surface prevents the heat generated in the wound by the dielectric heating from damaging the tissue of the skin layer located between the wound and the surface of the skin. The way to do it is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cooling the skin surface to prevent the heat generated in the wound by dielectric heating from damaging the tissue of the skin layer located between the wound and the surface of the skin Is described.

  In one embodiment of the invention, a method of preventing heat generated in a trauma having an origin in a layer of tissue from damaging the tissue of the layer of tissue located between the origin of the trauma and the surface of the skin Is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, by removing heat from the skin surface, the heat generated in the trauma having an origin in the layer of tissue will cause the tissue of the skin layer to be located between the trauma and the surface of the skin. Methods to prevent damage are described. In one embodiment of the present invention, by cooling the skin surface, the heat generated in the trauma having an origin in the layer of tissue damages the tissue of the skin layer located between the trauma and the surface of the skin Methods to prevent that are described.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described to prevent trauma from growing towards the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described that prevents heat from growing towards the surface of the skin by removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described which prevents the trauma from growing towards the surface of the skin by cooling the skin surface.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, cooling may be turned off for some time after energy has been delivered and may be resumed thereafter. In one embodiment of the present invention, cooling may be turned off, for example, for about 2 seconds after energy has been delivered. In one embodiment of the present invention, cooling may be turned on and off in a pulsed manner to control the amount of heat removed through the skin surface.

(Antenna system)
(Antenna type)
In the embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 358 is, for example, a coaxial single slot antenna; a coaxial multi slot antenna; a printed slot antenna; a waveguide antenna; a horn antenna; a patch antenna; It can be an antenna. In embodiments of the present invention, the antenna may, for example, be an array of antennas. In embodiments of the present invention, the antennas may be, for example, an array of antennas in which more than one antenna simultaneously radiates electromagnetic energy. In embodiments of the present invention, the antennas may be, for example, an array of antennas in which at least one but not all of the antennas simultaneously radiate electromagnetic energy. In embodiments of the present invention, the antenna may be, for example, two or more different types of antennas. In embodiments of the present invention, particular antennas in the array may be selectively activated or deactivated.

(Return loss / bandwidth)
In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimized return loss (S11) profile centered at 5.8 GHz. The scattering parameter or return loss (the magnitude of S11 in dB) is a measure of the reflected power measured at the antenna feed divided by the power into the antenna feed and can be used as a measure of efficiency . In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value, which may be, for example, -15 dB or less, which corresponds to 97% power coupling. At 97% power coupling, 97% of the available input power to the antenna (eg, from the microwave generator) is coupled to the input port of this antenna. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value of, for example, -10 dB or less, which corresponds to 90% power coupling. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value, which may be, for example, -7 dB or less, which corresponds to 80% power coupling. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may comprise an adjustment screw. In one embodiment of the invention, an adjusting screw may be used, for example, to adapt the return loss (magnitude of S ₁₁ ) for the expected load.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna is optimized to maintain power coupled to the antenna with -10 dB or more reflection over the optimal frequency band. The optimal bandwidth may for example be about 0.25 GHz (0.125 GHz on each side of the carrier frequency), for example at the frequency of interest (e.g. 5.8 GHz). The optimal bandwidth may be, for example, about 1.0 GHz (0.5 GHz on each side of the carrier frequency) at the frequency of interest (e.g., 5.8 GHz).

(Dielectric filter)
In embodiments of the present invention, dielectric filter 368 may have a dielectric constant of about ten. In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter may have a dielectric constant of about 9.7 to about 10.3. In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter may be impermeable to the fluid (including the cooling fluid in the cooling chamber). In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter may be configured to prevent liquid from entering the waveguide tubing. In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter may be configured to efficiently couple energy from the antenna feed into the tissue. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric filter comprises waveguide piping, coolant chamber (including cooling fluid) and skin at a predetermined frequency (e.g., a frequency in the range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, about 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz). Or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz). In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter may be configured to produce a field having a minimum electric field perpendicular to the tissue surface. In embodiments of the present invention, the dielectric filter is configured to produce a TE ₁₀ field at the target tissue, for example at a frequency in the range of about 4 GHz to ₁₀ GHz, about 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. It can be done.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the cross-sectional inner shape of the waveguide (e.g., WR 62 having a width of 15.8 mm and a height of 7.9 mm) is predetermined by selecting an appropriate dielectric filter. Is optimized at the frequency of In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR 62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting an appropriate filter material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR 62) is optimized at a given frequency by selecting a filter material having a dielectric constant in the range of 3-12. In one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna (e.g., WR 62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a filter material having a dielectric constant of about 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR 62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a dielectric filter material that is impervious to the fluid (e.g., the cooling fluid). In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., WR 62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a dielectric filter material, for example Eccostock. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna can be optimized at a given frequency by selecting a dielectric filter material, for example polycarbonate, Teflon®, plastic or air.

(Field spreader)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna may comprise a dielectric element at the antenna output, which may be referred to as a field spreader, which is microwaved in such a way that the electric field is applied to the tissue over a larger area Perturb or scatter the signal. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader causes the electric field to diverge as the electric field exits the antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may have a dielectric constant of 1-80. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may have a dielectric constant of 1-15. In one embodiment of the present invention, field spreaders may be used, for example, to spread and flatten peak SAR regions, peak temperature regions or peak power loss density regions in tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, field spreaders may be used, for example, to spread and flatten tissue trauma.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be a dielectric element. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to spread the electric field. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to extend from the output of the antenna to the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to extend from the dielectric filter to the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be at least partially disposed in the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be at least partially disposed in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to have rounded features. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be oval. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader at least partially disposed in the cooling fluid may have a contoured shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader at least partially disposed in the cooling fluid may be configured to prevent eddy currents in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader at least partially disposed in the cooling fluid may be configured to prevent the formation of air bubbles in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the system may have multiple field spreaders.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader can be configured to have a dielectric constant that is consistent with the dielectric filter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may be configured to have a dielectric constant different than the dielectric filter. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader can be configured to increase the effective field size (EFS) by reducing the field strength at the center of the waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader reduces the ratio of the 50% SAR contour area at the depth in the target tissue to the surface area of the radiation aperture by reducing the field strength at the center of the waveguide. It can be configured to increase. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader causes the signal emitted from the antenna to diverge around the field spreader to create local electric field peaks, which combine again to create a larger SAR area. Can be configured to form In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may have a cross section of about 2% to 50% of the inner surface of the waveguide antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may have a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may have a rectangular cross section of 6 millimeters by 10 millimeters. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may have a rectangular cross section of 6 millimeters by 10 millimeters when used with a waveguide having an inner surface of 15.8 millimeters by 7.9 millimeters. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may have a rectangular cross section of about 60 square millimeters. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may have a rectangular cross section of about 60 square millimeters when used with a waveguide having an inner surface having an area of about 124 square millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be comprised of, for example, alumina, having a dielectric constant of, for example, ten. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of a dielectric region embedded in a waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of a dielectric region disposed in the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of a notch in the dielectric filter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of a notch in a dielectric filter that is configured to allow cooling fluid (e.g., water) to flow into the notch. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of a cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader may be configured to consist of one or more air gaps.

(Efficiency / fringe)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) is optimized to reduce or eliminate free space radiation due to fringe fields. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) is optimized to redirect the fringe field towards the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. a waveguide antenna) is optimized to improve the efficiency of the antenna, which for example adjacent energy available at the input of the antenna It can be measured by comparing the energy coupled to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. a waveguide antenna) is such that at least 70% of the energy available at the input of the antenna is stored in the tissue adjacent to the output of the antenna It is optimized to improve the efficiency of the antenna. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by positioning the output of the antenna such that the outer edge of the waveguide antenna is in contact with the fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) can be optimized by positioning the output of the antenna such that the output of the antenna contacts the fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g. a waveguide antenna) is optimized by arranging the output of the antenna such that the output of the antenna is covered by an insulator which separates the output of the antenna from the fluid. Can be The insulator has a thickness that reduces free space radiation due to fringe fields in the output of the waveguide. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) is configured such that the antenna output is covered by an insulator that separates the antenna output from the fluid (e.g., a cooling fluid). It can be optimized by placement. The insulator has a thickness of less than 0.005 inches. In one embodiment of the present invention, transfer of power from an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) through the cooling fluid into adjacent tissue reduces the thickness of the insulating layer between the output of the antenna and the cooling fluid. It is optimized by In one embodiment of the present invention, the transfer of power from an antenna (eg, a waveguide antenna) through the cooling fluid into adjacent tissue is optimized by placing the output of the antenna in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. a waveguide antenna) is optimized by covering the output of the antenna with an insulator (e.g. polycarbonate) having a dielectric constant lower than that of the antenna filling material It can be done. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. a waveguide antenna) is optimized by covering the output of the antenna with an insulator (e.g. polycarbonate) having a dielectric constant lower than that of the antenna filling material The thickness of the insulator may be about 0.0001 inches to 0.006 inches. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (eg, a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the output of the antenna with an insulator, the insulator having a thickness of about 0.015 inches. is there. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. waveguide antenna) is optimized by covering the output of this antenna with an insulator (e.g. polycarbonate) having a dielectric constant lower than that of the antenna filling material The thickness of the insulator is about 0.0001 inch to 0.004 inch. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g. waveguide antenna) is optimized by covering the output of this antenna with an insulator (e.g. polycarbonate) having a dielectric constant lower than that of the antenna filling material The thickness of the insulator is about 0.002 inches. In one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) is coated with an insulator (e.g., alumina) having a dielectric constant substantially equal to the dielectric constant of the antenna filling material. Can be optimized.

(Polarization / TE ₁₀ )
In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) optimizes the antenna design, for example, to ensure that the antenna broadcasts in a substantially pure TE ₁₀ mode. Can be optimized.

(Cooling system)
In one embodiment of the invention, a cooling system is disposed between a device adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid and a cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system comprises a cooling fluid flowing through the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid flows through a cooling chamber located between a device adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and a cooling plate. Other cooling systems and various components that may be used with the systems and devices described herein are, for example, shown in FIGS. 11A-11B and pages 21-24 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 013,274, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(temperature)
In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a temperature below 45 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a temperature below 40 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a temperature of about 22 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the cooling plate at a temperature below 40 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a temperature below 45 ° C. In one embodiment of the present invention, a cooling fluid is used to remove heat from the cooling system.

(Cooling fluid)
In one embodiment of the invention, the moving cooling fluid is used to remove heat from the cooling system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid has a temperature of -5 ° C to 40 ° C as it enters the cooling chamber of the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a temperature of 10 ° C. to 25 ° C. as it enters the cooling chamber of the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a temperature of about 22 ° C. as it enters the cooling chamber of the cooling system. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of at least 100 milliliters per second as it travels through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of 250 milliliters to 450 milliliters per second as it travels through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a velocity of 0.18 meters to 0.32 meters per second as it travels through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow of coolant in the cooling chamber is non-laminar. In one embodiment of the invention, the flow of coolant in the cooling chamber is a vortex to facilitate heat transfer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid has a Reynolds number of about 1232-2057 before entering the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid has a Reynolds number of about 5144 to 9256 before entering the cooling chamber.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to be substantially transparent to microwave energy. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to minimize absorption of electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to match the antenna to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to facilitate the efficient transfer of microwave energy to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to conduct heat away from the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid comprises a fluid having a high dielectric constant. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to have a high dielectric constant of 70-90. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to have a high dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to have a dielectric constant as low as 2-10. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to have a dielectric constant as low as about 2. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to have a dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid consists at least partially of deionized water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid consists at least partially of alcohol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid consists at least partially of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid consists at least partially of glycerol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid consists at least in part of a germicide. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid consists at least partly of vegetable oil. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling fluid comprises a fluid having a low dielectric constant. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid comprises a fluid having a conductivity of less than about 0.5 Siemens per meter.

(Cooling plate)
In an embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is, for example, in contact with the skin; to cool the skin tissue; to physically separate the skin tissue from the microwave antenna; having human axillary hair To fit the area; to construct a thermoelectric cooler; to be thermally conductive; to be substantially transparent to microwave energy; sufficiently to minimize microwave reflection To be thin; to consist of ceramic; or to consist of alumina.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to conduct electromagnetic energy to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to conduct heat from the surface of the skin to the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thickness of 0.0035 inches to 0.025 inches and may have a thickness of up to 0.225 inches. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a dielectric constant of 2-15. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a dielectric constant of about 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have low conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a conductivity of less than 0.5 Siemens per meter. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a high thermal conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 18 watts to 50 watts per meter-Kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 10 watts to 100 watts per meter-Kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 0.1 watts to 5 watts per meter-Kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate consists at least partially of a ceramic material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling plate consists at least partially of alumina.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling plate may be, for example, a thin film polymer material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling plate can be, for example, a polyimide material. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate can be, for example, a material having a conductivity of about 0.12 watts per meter-Kelvin and a thickness of about 0.002 inches to 0.010 inches.

(Cooling chamber)
In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for electromagnetic radiation frequency, cooling fluid composition and cooling plate composition. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for the high dielectric cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for a cooling fluid (eg, deionized water) having a dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness of 0.5 millimeters to 1.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness of about 1.0 millimeter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for the low dielectric cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for a cooling fluid (eg, vegetable oil) having a dielectric constant of about 2. Low dielectric, low conductivity cooling fluids can be advantageous if it is desirable to limit losses or to be compatible with the element. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber is optimized to minimize eddy currents as fluid flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber is optimized to minimize air bubbles as fluid flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader located in the cooling chamber is arranged and designed to optimize the laminar flow of the cooling fluid through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader located in the cooling chamber is substantially elliptical in shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader located in the cooling chamber is substantially circular in shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the field spreader located in the cooling chamber is substantially rectangular in shape.

(Thermoelectric module)
In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling system optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature may be, for example, a heat transfer module. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system maintains the skin surface at a predetermined temperature by attaching the cold plate side of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to the face of the cooling plate adjacent to the waveguide antenna. To be optimized. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink, which is operated by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC cool and optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The attachment of the TEC to the cooling plate and heat sink utilizes a ceramic heat bondable epoxy. For example, TEC can be part no. 06311-5L31-03CFL (available from Custom Thermoelectric), heat sink can be part no. It may be available from Arctic Silver, and the axial fan may be part number 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 (available from NMB-MAT).

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is constructed as a cold plate side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) as a cold plate adjacent to or surrounding a waveguide antenna, with an opening on the hot side of the TEC (here (In which a waveguide antenna is present) is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink, which is operated by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC cool and optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The attachment of the TEC to the heat sink utilizes a ceramic heat bondable epoxy. For example, TEC may be available from Laird Technology, and the heat sink may be part number 655-53 AB (Wakefield
(Available from Engineering), ceramic thermoadhesive epoxy may be available from Arctic Silver, and axial flow fan is Part No. 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 (available from NMB-MAT) obtain.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature by attaching the cold plate side of the thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to the face of the waveguide antenna. Ru. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink, which is operated by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC cool and optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The attachment of the TEC to the waveguide antenna and heat sink utilizes a ceramic heat bondable epoxy. For example, the TEC can be part number 06311-5L31-03CFL (available from Custom Thermoelectric), the heat sink can be part number 655-53AB (available from Wakefield Engineering), and the ceramic thermoadhesive epoxy is It may be available from Arctic Silver, and the axial fan may be part number 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 (available from NMB-MAT).

(energy)
In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a time that optimizes the desired tissue effect. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a time of 3 to 4 seconds. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a time of 1 to 6 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to a target area of tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy is delivered to the target area for a sufficient time to produce an energy density of 0.1 joules to 0.2 joules per cubic millimeter in the target tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the target area for a sufficient time to heat the target tissue to a temperature of at least 75 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the target area for a sufficient time to heat the target tissue to a temperature of 55 ° C to 75 ° C. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the target area for a time sufficient to heat the target tissue to a temperature of at least 45 ° C.

(cooling)
In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time that optimizes the desired tissue effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled while energy is being delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time prior to the time the energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time between 1 second and 5 seconds before the energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time about 2 seconds prior to the time the energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time later than the time when energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time of 10 seconds to 20 seconds after the time the energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin surface is cooled for a time of about 20 seconds after the time when energy is delivered to the skin.

(Output power)
In one embodiment of the invention, power is delivered to a device adapted to emit electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, power is delivered to the input to the antenna (eg, a feed to the waveguide antenna). In one embodiment of the present invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna is 50 watts to 65 watts. In one embodiment of the present invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna is 40 watts to 70 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna fluctuates over time.

(Collection of organization)
In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is held in an optimal position with respect to the energy delivery device. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is held in an optimal position with respect to the energy delivery device using reduced pressure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is held in an optimal position relative to the energy delivery device using a vacuum of 400 millimeters mercury to 750 millimeters mercury. In one embodiment of the present invention, the skin is held in an optimal position relative to the energy delivery device using a reduced pressure of about 650 millimeters mercury. Other tissue collection systems, methods and devices that can be used with embodiments of the present invention to hold skin in place and / or protect non-target tissue structures are described, for example, in US Provisional Application No. It can be found in FIGS. 38-52C and pages 46-57 of 899; and FIGS. 12-16B and pages 24-29 of US Provisional Application No. 61 / 013,274, both of , Which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

(Organizational interface)
(Tissue chamber)
In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be, for example, a suction chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber may be configured to collect at least a portion of skin tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, a tissue chamber may be operably coupled to a reduced pressure source. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be configured to have at least one tapered wall. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber may be configured to at least partially collect skin tissue and to bring the skin tissue into contact with the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one suction element. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to lift the skin and place the skin in contact with the cooling element. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to lift the skin and place the skin in contact with the cooling element. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to lift the skin and place the skin in contact with the suction chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to raise the skin and place the skin in contact with the aspiration opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction opening may comprise at least one channel, which may have rounded edges. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may have the shape of an oval or arena track, with the tissue chamber having a straight edge perpendicular to the direction of flow of the cooling fluid . In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to lift the skin and separate the skin tissue from the underlying muscle tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, which may be a thermocouple. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, which is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, which is configured to not significantly perturb the microwave signal.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue interface may comprise a tissue chamber optimized to separate the skin from the underlying muscle. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue interface may comprise a reduced pressure chamber optimized to separate the skin from the underlying muscle when the skin is drawn into the tissue chamber, for example by reduced pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a depth of about 1 millimeter to about 30 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a depth of about 7.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the walls of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an angle of about 2 ° to 45 °. In one embodiment of the present invention, the walls of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a chamber angle Z of 5 ° to 20 °. In one embodiment of the invention, the wall of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a chamber angle Z of about 20 °. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an oval shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have the shape of a stadium track. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio, which may be defined as the smallest dimension of the tissue interface surface to the height of the depressurization chamber. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, the aspect ratio may be, for example, the ratio between the smallest dimension 10 and the tissue depth Y. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio of about 1: 1 to about 3: 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio of about 2: 1.

(Stepwise treatment)
In some embodiments, it may be desirable to perform the treatment step by step. Furthermore, treatment may be performed such that sections of the target tissue are treated in the first step, while other sections are treated in the subsequent steps. Procedures using the systems and devices disclosed herein can be found, for example, in FIGS. 54-57 and pages 61-63 of US Provisional Application No. 60 / 912,899; and US Provisional Application No. 61 / It may be treated at stages as disclosed in FIGS. 17-19 and pages 32-34 of 013, 274, both of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

(Diagnosis)
Embodiments of the invention also encompass methods and devices for identifying and diagnosing patients suffering from hyperhidrosis. Such a diagnosis may be made based on subjective patient data (eg, patient response to questions regarding observed sweating) or objective tests. In one embodiment of the objective test, an iodine solution can be applied to the patient to identify where the patient is sweating and not sweating on the skin surface. In addition, specific patients may be diagnosed based on excessive sweating in various parts of the body in order to specifically identify the area to be treated. Thus, treatment may be applied selectively (eg, selectively in the hands, axilla, foot and / or face) to various parts of the body in need of treatment.

(Quantification of treatment success)
After completion of any of the above treatments, or any stage of treatment, success may be assessed qualitatively by the patient or may be assessed quantitatively in a number of ways. For example, a measurement of the number of damaged or destroyed sweat glands per unit surface area treated may be performed. Such an assessment images the treated area or determines the amount of treatment applied to the treated area (eg, the amount of energy delivered, the measured temperature of the target tissue, etc.) Can be implemented. The above iodine solution test may also be used to determine the extent of the effect of treatment. Furthermore, treatment may be initiated or modified such that the amount of sweating experienced by the patient may be reduced by a desired percentage compared to before treatment under defined test criteria. For example, for patients diagnosed as suffering from particularly severe cases of hyperhidrosis, the amount of perspiration is approximately 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, It can be reduced by 90% or more. For patients diagnosed with less severe or having a more normal sweating profile, a gradual reduction in sweating may be achieved but with less resolution. For example, such patients may only be able to achieve partial anhidrosis in 25% increments.

(Overview of Systems, Methods, and Devices)
In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having areas of localized high power loss density in the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of producing a radiation pattern having regions of localized high power loss density in the region of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having regions of localized high power loss density in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having a first region and a second region of localized high power loss density in the skin, the first region and the step of This second area is separated by an area of low power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of producing a radiation pattern having multiple areas of localized high power loss density in the skin, the first area and the second area being low It is separated by the area of power loss density. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of generating a radiation pattern having multiple areas of localized high power loss density in the skin, wherein the adjacent areas of high power loss density are low It is separated by the area of power loss density.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having areas of localized high specific absorption rate (SAR) in the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of producing a radiation pattern having areas of localized high specific absorption rate (SAR) in the area of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having areas of localized high specific absorption rate (SAR) in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having a first area and a second area of localized specific absorption rate (SAR) in the skin, the first step The region and this second region are separated by a region of low specific absorption rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having a plurality of regions of localized high ratio Kyushu ratio (SAR) in the skin, a first region and a second region Are separated by the area of low specific absorption rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having multiple areas of localized specific absorption (SAR) in the skin, adjacent of high specific absorption (SAR) The areas are separated by areas of low specific absorption (SAR).

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having areas of localized high temperature on the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having areas of localized high temperature in areas of the dermis adjacent to the interface of interest. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having regions of localized high temperature in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having a first region of localized temperature and a second region on the skin, the first region and the second region. The regions of are separated by the regions of low temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of generating a radiation pattern having multiple areas of localized high temperature in the skin, the first area and the second area being by the area of low temperature It is separated. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of generating a radiation pattern having multiple areas of localized temperature on the skin, wherein adjacent areas of high temperature are separated by areas of low temperature .

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of aligning electromagnetic fields to preferentially treat tissue having a relatively high water content is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises irradiating the tissue with an electromagnetic field aligned with the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises irradiating the tissue with TE ₁₀ mode electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation having a minimum electric field in a direction perpendicular to at least a portion of the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method aligns the electric field components of the electromagnetic wave and irradiates the tissue with high water content with a transverse radio wave (TE) or a transverse electromagnetic wave (TEM) Including the step of preferentially heating.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the delivery of energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy comprises delivering energy at a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy comprises delivering energy having a power greater than about 40 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy includes delivering energy for a time of about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method of delivering energy includes the step of precooling the skin surface for a time of about 2 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy includes the step of post-cooling for a time of about 20 seconds. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering energy includes maintaining tissue engagement for more than about 22 seconds. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering energy includes engaging tissue using a reduced pressure of about 600 millimeters mercury. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy comprises the step of measuring the temperature of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method of delivering energy includes: energy delivery duration; pre-cooling duration; post-cooling duration; output power; frequency; decompression; feedback of tissue parameters (eg, skin temperature) Including the step of adjusting as a result. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering energy includes: energy delivery duration; pre-cooling duration, post-cooling duration; output power; frequency; decompression; feedback of tissue parameters (eg, temperature of cooling fluid) Adjusting as a result of

  In one embodiment of the invention, a method of removing heat from tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of cooling tissue is described, the method comprising the step of engaging the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of placing the cooling element in contact with the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of conductively cooling the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of cooling the skin surface by convection. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of cooling the skin surface by conduction and convection.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of damaging or destroying a tissue structure is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of damaging or destroying a gland is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of inducing high temperature into the tissue structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, high temperatures may be achieved by gently heating the tissue to a temperature of, for example, about 42 ° C to 45 ° C. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of ablating the tissue structure, which may be accomplished by heating the tissue to a temperature above about 47 ° C.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating tissue using electromagnetic radiation is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue comprises the step of producing a secondary effect in the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of treating a tissue comprises the step of producing a secondary effect in the tissue, which includes, for example, reducing bacterial colonization Be In one embodiment of the invention, the method of treating tissue comprises the step of producing a secondary effect in the tissue, which comprises clearing or reducing skin spots It can be mentioned. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of treating a tissue comprises the step of producing a secondary effect in the tissue, such as, for example, skin spots resulting from acne vulgaris Clean or reduce. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of treating tissue comprises the step of damaging the sebaceous glands. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating tissue comprises the step of damaging sebocytes. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of treating tissue comprises the step of temporarily damaging sebaceous glands.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering energy to a selected tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of delivering energy via a microwave energy delivery applicator. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes delivering sufficient energy to cause the target tissue in the skin tissue to have a thermal effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of delivering energy to the tissue subjected to dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of delivering energy to tissue having a high dielectric moment. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises targeting in skin tissue selected from the group consisting of collagen, hair follicles, fatty edema, eccrine glands, apocrine glands, apocrine glands, sebaceous glands, spider veins and combinations thereof Delivering energy to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the target tissue in the skin tissue comprises an interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous tissue layer of skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, producing a thermal effect in the target tissue comprises thermal denaturation of at least one sweat gland. In one embodiment of the invention, producing a thermal effect in the target tissue comprises detachment of at least one sweat gland.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering microwave energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of applying a cooling element to skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises applying microwave energy to the tissue with sufficient power, frequency and duration to create a lesion near the interface between the dermal and subcutaneous layers of skin tissue. The steps of applying and applying cooling at a temperature and duration are included, while minimizing thermal denaturation of non-target tissue of the epithelial and dermal layers of the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying to the second layer of skin comprising the sweat glands sufficient microwave energy to thermally alter the sweat glands. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying microwave energy while the first layer of skin is protectively cooled, wherein the second layer is applied to the skin surface. In contrast to the first layer deeper. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of cooling via a cooling element.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes spreading MW energy as it is generated from the antenna using one or more field spreaders. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of creating a continuous trauma greater than one waveguide trauma. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes using multiple antennas. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of creating a continuous trauma greater than one waveguide trauma. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises using an array of waveguides. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of activating a plurality of waveguides in series. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of activating a plurality of antennas. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of activating not all antennas in the array. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of continuously cooling not all of the antennas in the array.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises applying energy at a depth deeper than the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of applying energy to a location not as deep as neural tissue or muscle tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying electromagnetic radiation at a frequency that focuses energy on the target tissue.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of selectively heating tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of selectively heating the tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of selectively heating the gland. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of selectively heating the sweat glands. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises glandular fluid (glandular)
heating the tissue to a temperature sufficient to damage the fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to produce a pathological condition. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to cause death. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to damage the adjacent hair follicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to destroy the adjacent hair follicle. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to induce a high temperature in the tissue at the skin / fat interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to induce a high temperature in the tissue of the skin / fat interface while minimizing the high temperature in the surrounding tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to at least 50 ° C.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing a temperature profile in skin tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of producing a temperature profile having a peak in the region just above the skin-fat interface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of producing a temperature profile in which the temperature decreases towards the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of producing a temperature profile in which the temperature decreases towards the skin surface in the absence of cooling.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of placing the skin is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the steps of suctioning, pinching or using an adhesive. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of lifting the skin and subcutaneous layer away from the muscle layer using suction, pinching or an adhesive.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of placing a microwave energy delivery applicator on the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the microwave applicator comprises a microwave antenna. In one embodiment of the present invention, the microwave antenna is a single slot antenna; multiple slot antenna; waveguide antenna; horn antenna; printed slot antenna; patch antenna; patch trace antenna; Vivaldi antenna and combinations thereof It is selected from the group consisting of In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of placing a microwave energy delivery applicator over the area with the more absorbent tissue element. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of placing a microwave energy delivery applicator over the area with the concentrated sweat glands. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the step of placing a microwave energy delivery applicator on the hair bearing area. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of placing a microwave energy delivery applicator on the axilla. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of collecting the skin in a suction chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of operating a vacuum pump. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of deactivating the vacuum pump to release the skin. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of securing skin tissue near a microwave energy delivery applicator. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the skin tissue near the microwave energy delivery applicator by applying suction to the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing skin tissue near a microwave energy delivery applicator, the skin tissue being at least partially within a suction chamber adjacent to the energy delivery applicator. Including the steps of In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of using a lubricant to enhance the reduced pressure. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of securing skin tissue close to a microwave energy delivery applicator, including elevating the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of securing skin tissue near a microwave energy delivery applicator, and contacting the skin with a cooling station. In one embodiment of the present invention, the method comprises the steps of operating a vacuum pump to collect skin in a suction chamber.

  In one embodiment, disclosed herein is a system for applying microwave energy to tissue, the system adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics. An applicator connected to the generator adapted to apply microwave energy to the tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface; connected to the tissue interface A source of reduced pressure; a source of cooling connected to the tissue interface; and a controller adapted to control the source of signal, the source of reduced pressure, and the source of coolant. In some embodiments, the microwave signal has a frequency in the range of about 4 GHz to about 10 GHz, about 5 GHz to about 6.5 GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. The system may further comprise an amplifier connected between the signal generator and the applicator. The microwave antenna may comprise an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation polarized so that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna. The antenna may comprise an antenna configured to emit in TE10 mode, and / or TEM mode. The tissue interface may be configured to engage and retain tissue. This skin is, in some embodiments, the skin of the axillary region. The microwave antenna may comprise an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is parallel to the outer surface of the tissue.

  In some embodiments, the tissue interface comprises a cooling plate and a cooling chamber disposed between the cooling plate and the microwave antenna. In some embodiments, the cooling plate has a dielectric constant of about 2-15. The reduced pressure source may be configured to supply a reduced pressure to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure is about 400 mmHg to about 750 mmHg, or in some embodiments, about 650 mmHg. The cooling source may be configured to supply a coolant to the tissue interface. The coolant may be a cooling fluid, which in some embodiments has a dielectric constant of about 70-90, about 80, about 2-10, or about 2. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid may have a temperature of about −5 ° C. to 40 ° C., 10 ° C. to 25 ° C., or about 22 ° C. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of about 100 mL to 600 mL per second, or about 250 mL to 450 mL per second, through at least a portion of the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid is configured to flow through the tissue interface at a rate of 0.18 meters to 0.32 meters per second. The cooling fluid may be selected from, for example, glycerin, vegetable oil, isopropyl alcohol, water, water mixed with alcohol, or in some embodiments other combinations. The cooling source may comprise a thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, the tissue comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer is below the first layer, and the controller has a peak power loss density profile of the second layer. The system is configured to deliver energy to occur at

  In another embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to target tissue is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a tissue interface; a microwave energy delivery device; disposed between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device A cooling element comprising a cooling plate disposed at the tissue interface; and a cooling fluid disposed between the cooling element and the microwave delivery device, the dielectric of the cooling element A cooling fluid is provided, which has a dielectric constant greater than the coefficient. In some embodiments, the tissue interface comprises a tissue collection chamber, which in some embodiments may be a reduced pressure chamber. The cooling plate may be made of ceramic. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is configured to contact a skin surface around the target tissue, cool the skin tissue, and physically separate the skin tissue from the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the microwave energy delivery device comprises a microwave antenna, which in some embodiments may be a waveguide antenna.

  In another embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target area of tissue is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a tissue interface having a tissue collection chamber; a cooling element having a cooling plate; and a micro-wave antenna having a microwave antenna. A wave energy delivery device. In some embodiments, the tissue collection chamber comprises a vacuum chamber adapted to raise tissue (including the target area) and contact the tissue with the cooling element. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber has the shape of a stadium track having a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end, the first side And the second side are parallel to one another, and the first end and the second end have an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is configured to contact the skin surface above the target tissue, cool the skin tissue, and physically separate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device . The cooling plate may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna.

  In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target area of tissue is also disclosed, the apparatus raising the tissue (including the target area) to bring the tissue into contact with the cooling plate. A reduced pressure chamber adapted to contact the skin surface above the target area, cool the skin surface, and physically separate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device A vacuum chamber adapted; and a microwave antenna configured to deliver sufficient energy to produce a thermal effect on the target area. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber has the shape of a stadium track having a first side and a second side, and a first end and a second end, the first side And the second side are parallel to one another, and the first end and the second end have an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is substantially transparent to microwave energy. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to produce a radiation pattern having a peak in the target area.

  In one embodiment, a system for coupling microwave energy to tissue is also disclosed, the system comprising: a microwave antenna, a fluid chamber disposed between the microwave antenna and the tissue, and the cooling A cooling plate is disposed between the chamber and the tissue. In one embodiment, the system further comprises at least one field spreader. The field spreader may be disposed in the fluid chamber between the waveguide and the cooling plate. The field spreader may be configured to facilitate laminar flow of fluid through the fluid chamber. In one embodiment, the field spreader may be configured to prevent one or more of eddy currents or bubbles in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a cooling fluid selected to maximize heat transfer while minimizing microwave reflections. The cooling fluid may be selected from the group consisting of alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, deionized water, bactericides and vegetable oils. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna may be a waveguide, comprising a dielectric filter selected to produce a field having a minimum electric field perpendicular to the surface of the tissue at a predetermined frequency. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber has a shape configured to facilitate laminar flow of the cooling fluid through the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber may be rectangular in shape. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is thermally conductive and substantially transparent to microwave energy.

In another embodiment, a method of producing a tissue effect in a target tissue layer is disclosed, the method comprising passing the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics. Irradiating, the first layer being above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to the surface of the skin; and generating a power loss density profile The power loss density profile includes steps having a peak power loss density in the area of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of identifying a patient who desires reduced sweat production. In another embodiment, the method comprises identifying a patient who desires a reduction in fatty edema, identifying a patient having hyperhidrosis, identifying a patient having telangiectasia, a vein of varicose veins It further comprises the steps of identifying the patient having or identifying the patient desiring hair removal. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the tissue layer. In one embodiment, the tissue effect includes trauma. This trauma may have an origin at the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the start of the trauma is in the area of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent trauma from growing into the first layer, the heat being removed from the first layer. The step of removing comprises the step of cooling the skin surface. In one embodiment, the target tissue layer may comprise a dermis, a deep layer of dermis, or a glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. The electromagnetic radiation may have an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the standing wave pattern has an interference peak that reinforces the area of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a minimum of constructive interference in the first tissue layer.

In another embodiment, a method of creating a lesion in a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling is disclosed, wherein the target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer and the first tissue layer is the skin. Adjacent to the surface, the method comprises irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field properties through the skin surface, the first tissue layer Is above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to the surface of the skin; and producing a power loss density profile, the power loss density profile being the target tissue Including the step of having a peak power loss density in the area of the layer. In one embodiment, the trauma has an origin at the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises a dermis, a deep layer of dermis, or a glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the surface of the skin. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. The electromagnetic energy can generate heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a constructive interference peak in the area of the target tissue layer or the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the onset of trauma is in the area of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer is disclosed, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a lesion in or near the target tissue layer, the target tissue layer being a first tissue Below the tissue layer, the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface and the method has the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics Irradiating with electromagnetic energy; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile includes a peak power loss density in the area of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the trauma has an origin at the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises the dermis, the deep layer of the dermis or the glandular layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further includes removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent trauma from growing in the first layer, the heat being removed from the first layer. The removing step includes the step of cooling the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface, while in other embodiments the electric field component is at least a portion of the skin surface It is parallel. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In some embodiments, the standing wave pattern has an interference peak that reinforces the area of the target tissue layer or first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the onset of trauma is in the area of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the heat is sufficient to destroy bacteria in the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method further comprises identifying a patient having acne, or identifying a patient who desires a reduction in sweat production.

In another embodiment, a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer in the absence of cooling is disclosed, the heat being sufficient to produce a tissue effect within or near the target tissue layer The target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer, and the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface, and the method passes the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface, Irradiating with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density profile having a peak power loss density in the region of the target tissue layer Include. In one embodiment, this heat is sufficient to create a lesion having an origin at the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises a dermis, a deep layer of dermis, or a glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface, while in another embodiment the electric field component is at least a portion of the skin surface It is parallel. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In some embodiments, the standing wave pattern has constructive interference peaks in the region of the target tissue layer or the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the standing wave pattern has a minimum of constructive interference to the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the onset of trauma is in the area of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, a method of producing a temperature profile in tissue is also disclosed herein, wherein the temperature profile has a peak in the target tissue layer, the target tissue layer being from the first tissue layer Underlying, the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface, and the method passes the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics. Irradiating; and generating a power loss density profile, the power loss density profile comprising the step of having a peak power loss density in the region of the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises the dermis, the deep layer of the dermis or the glandular layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have an interference peak that is constructive in the area of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a minimum of constructive interference to the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the peak temperature is in the region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, a method disclosed herein for producing a temperature profile in tissue in the absence of cooling, the temperature profile having a peak in the target tissue layer, the target tissue layer Below the first tissue layer, the first tissue layer is adjacent to the skin surface, the method comprises passing the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through the skin surface, the predetermined frequency characteristic and the electric field. Irradiating with electromagnetic energy having characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile includes a peak power loss density in the area of the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises the dermis, the deep layer of the dermis or the glandular layer. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface, or an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation emits in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have an interference peak that is constructive in the area of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a minimum of constructive interference to the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the peak temperature is in the region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

  In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a first layer of tissue is disclosed, the first layer comprising an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent to the second layer of the skin. Exposing the outer surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency, and electric field orientation; generating an energy density profile having a peak at the bottom of the first layer; And continuing the exposure of the outer surface of the skin to microwave energy for a sufficient amount of time to create a trauma, the trauma comprising starting at a peak energy density region. In one embodiment, the first layer of skin has a first dielectric constant and the second layer of skin has a second dielectric constant, the first dielectric constant being Greater than the second dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the first layer has a dielectric constant greater than about 25 and the second layer has a dielectric constant of about 10 or less. In one embodiment, the first layer comprises at least a portion of the dermal layer. In some embodiments, the second layer comprises at least a portion of the subcutaneous layer or at least a portion of the glandular layer.

  Also disclosed herein is a method of creating a wound on the skin, the skin having at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising Placing a device adapted to emit electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface; emitting electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy substantially relative to the area of the outer surface And generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, from the constructive interference peak The distance to the skin surface involves a step which is greater than the distance from this constructive interference peak to the interface between the first layer and the second layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy comprises microwave energy. In one embodiment, the constructive interference peaks are adjacent to this interface. In one embodiment, the first layer has a first dielectric constant and the second layer has a second dielectric constant, the first dielectric constant being the second dielectric constant. Greater than the rate. In one embodiment, the first layer has a dielectric constant greater than about 25 and the second layer has a dielectric constant of about 10 or less. In one embodiment, the first layer comprises at least a portion of the dermal layer. In some embodiments, the second layer comprises at least a portion of the subcutaneous layer or at least a portion of the glandular layer.

  In another embodiment, a method of creating a temperature gradient in the skin is disclosed, the skin having at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising Placing a device adapted to emit electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface; emitting electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy substantially relative to the area of the outer surface And generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, from the constructive interference peak The distance to the skin surface involves a step which is greater than the distance from this constructive interference peak to the interface between the first layer and the second layer.

  In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a skin layer of skin is disclosed, the skin layer having an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous layer of the skin, the method comprising Exposing the outer surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field orientation; generating a peak energy density region at the bottom of the skin layer; and Continuing to radiate wave energy, the trauma includes starting at a peak energy density region.

  In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of creating trauma in the skin layer of skin, the skin having at least a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer, the method emitting microwave energy. Placing the adapted device adjacent to the outer surface of the skin; and emitting microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the area of the outer surface of the skin layer, The microwave energy has a frequency that causes a standing wave pattern in the skin layer, the standing wave pattern having an interference peak in the skin layer near the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer. Includes

  In another embodiment, a method of creating a lesion in a skin layer of skin is disclosed, the skin having at least a skin layer and a subcutaneous layer, the method being a device adapted to emit microwave energy Disposing the second layer adjacent to the outer surface of the skin; emitting microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the region of the outer surface of the skin above the skin layer, the microwave The energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the skin layer, which standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak near the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer; Heating the lower portion of the skin area using microwave energy to create a wound. In one embodiment, the center of the trauma is located at constructive interference peaks.

In another embodiment, a method of heating a tissue structure located within or near a target tissue layer is disclosed, wherein the target tissue layer is below the first tissue layer, and the first tissue layer is Adjacent to the skin surface, the method irradiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics through the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile The process includes the process of having a peak power loss density in the area of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the tissue structure comprises a sweat gland. In one embodiment, heating the tissue structure is sufficient to destroy pathogens located within or near the tissue structure. The pathogen may be a bacterium. In some embodiments, the tissue structure is at least a portion of a sebaceous layer or hair follicle. In some embodiments, the tissue structure may be selected from the group consisting of telangiectasia, fatty edema, varicose veins, and nerve endings. In one embodiment, heating the tissue structure is sufficient to damage the tissue structure. In one embodiment, the heat creates a trauma having an origin at the target tissue layer. This trauma grows to include tissue structure. In one embodiment, the method further includes removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent trauma from growing into the first layer. Removing sufficient heat from the first layer may include cooling the skin surface. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer may comprise the deep or glandular layer of the dermis. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface or parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy radiates in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is caused by standing wave patterns in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have an interference peak that is constructive in the area of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a minimum of constructive interference to the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the onset of trauma is in the area of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the trauma continues to grow by conductive heating after the electromagnetic energy is no longer applied. In one embodiment, the target tissue structure is heated primarily as a result of conductive heating.

  In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer of skin, the skin layer comprising Having an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface and a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous area of the skin, the method emitting microwave energy to the skin with a predetermined power, frequency and electric field orientation; Creating an energy density region; initiating trauma in the peak energy density region by inductively heating the tissue in the peak energy density region; expanding the trauma, the trauma being at least partially: Expanding by conduction of heat from the area of peak energy density to the surrounding tissue; Step of removing, a and trauma for a sufficient time to extend until the subcutaneous layer over a surface, comprising the step of continuing to radiate microwave energy to the skin. In one embodiment, the tissue structure comprises a sweat gland.

  In another embodiment, also disclosed herein is a method of increasing the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer of skin, the skin layer comprising Having an upper portion adjacent to the outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent to the subcutaneous region of the skin, the method positioning a device adapted to emit microwave energy adjacent to the outer surface of the skin Emitting microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the region of the outer surface above the skin layer, the microwave energy having a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the skin layer; And this standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak in the lower part of the skin layer, the process; using the emitted microwave energy, the tissue in the lower part of the skin area Creating a lesion under the skin area by heating; removing heat from at least a portion of the skin surface and the top of the skin layer to prevent the trauma from spreading to the top of the skin layer; Deactivating the radiation after a predetermined period of time, the predetermined period of time including a step sufficient to raise the temperature of the tissue structure. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time is generated for sufficient time to deposit enough energy under the skin layer, or by radiation, to allow the trauma to extend to the skin area Including sufficient time to allow heat to spread to the tissue structure. In one embodiment, the step of removing heat further includes the step of continuing to remove heat for a predetermined time after the step of stopping the radiation. In one embodiment, the constructive interference peaks are located on the skin side of the interface between the skin layer and the subcutaneous layer. In one embodiment, trauma starts with constructive interference peaks.

In another embodiment, a method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue is disclosed herein, the method comprising: generating a microwave signal having a predetermined property; a microwave antenna, and Applying the microwave energy to the tissue through the tissue interface operably connected to the microwave antenna; applying a reduced pressure to the tissue interface; and supplying a cooling fluid to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the microwave signal has a range of about 4 GHz to 10 GHz, a range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz, or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. The microwave antenna may comprise a waveguide antenna. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to emit in TE ₁₀ mode or TEM mode. In one embodiment, the tissue interface is configured to engage and hold the skin. The skin may be tissue of the axillary area. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to emit electromagnetic radiation polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the tissue interface comprises a cooling plate and a cooling chamber disposed between the cooling plate and the microwave antenna. In one embodiment, the cooling plate has a dielectric constant of about 2-15. In one embodiment, the reduced pressure source is configured to supply reduced pressure to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure is about 400 mmHg to about 750 mmHg, or about 650 mmHg. In one embodiment, the cooling source is configured to supply a coolant to the tissue interface. In one embodiment, the coolant is a cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid has a dielectric constant of about 70-90, or about 80, or about 2-10, or about 2. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid has a temperature of about -5 ° C to 40 ° C, or about 10 ° C to 25 ° C. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid has a temperature of about 22 ° C. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of about 100 mL to 600 mL per second, or about 250 mL to 450 mL per second, through at least a portion of the tissue interface. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid is configured to flow through the tissue interface at a rate of about 0.18 meters to 0.32 meters per second. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid is selected from the group consisting of glycerin, vegetable oil, isopropyl alcohol and water, while in another embodiment the cooling fluid is water and a group consisting of water mixed with alcohol. It is selected.

  In another embodiment, a method of placing tissue prior to treating tissue using radiated electromagnetic energy is also disclosed, the method comprising placing a tissue interface adjacent to a skin surface; skin Engaging the surface in the tissue chamber of the tissue interface; substantially separating the layer comprising at least one layer of skin from the muscle layer below the skin; and retaining the skin surface in the tissue chamber Includes In one embodiment, the tissue interface comprises a tissue chamber, the tissue chamber having at least one wall and a tissue contacting surface. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the tissue contacting surface comprises a cooling plate disposed within the tissue chamber. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has an aspect ratio in the range of about 1: 1 to 3: 1, while in another embodiment, the tissue chamber has an aspect ratio of about 2: 1. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has a tissue collection angle between the wall and the tissue contacting surface, wherein the tissue collection angle is in the range of about 2 ° to about 45 ° while the other embodiment. The tissue collection angle is in the range of about 5 ° to about 20 °. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has a tissue collection angle between the wall and the tissue contacting surface, the tissue collection angle being approximately 20 degrees.

  The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. Further details regarding related methods, devices and systems that utilize microwaves and other types of treatments, including other forms of electromagnetic radiation, and treatments that may be made using such treatments are a priority of the present application. Are described in the above-mentioned provisional applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 912,899 (Title of the Invention "Methods and Apparatus for Reducing Sweat Production", filed April 19, 2007); US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 013,274 (Title of the Invention "Methods, Delivery and Systems for Non-Invasive Delivery of Microwave Therapy ", filed December 12, 2007); and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 045,937 (" Systems and Methods for Creating an Effect Using Microwave Energy in Specified ") Tissue, filed 17 April 2008). Although the applications listed above may be incorporated by reference for particular subject matter as described earlier in the present application, the applicant may disclose any and all of the disclosures of the applications incorporated by reference thereto. It is intended that the entire disclosure of the above application be incorporated herein by reference in that it may be combined and incorporated with the embodiments described herein.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with respect to the embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For all of the above embodiments, the method steps need not be performed in that order.

Claims (8)

A system for applying microwave energy to the skin:
A signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic;
An applicator connected to the signal generator for applying microwave energy to the skin and adapted to be disposed adjacent to the outer surface of the skin, the applicator comprising one or more applicators An applicator, comprising: a microwave antenna and one tissue interface;
A vacuum source connected to the applicator for providing a vacuum for moving the skin into contact with the tissue interface;
A coolant source connected to the applicator;
The signal generator, the reduced pressure source and a controller adapted to control the coolant source;
The one or more microwave antennas are configured to emit the microwave signal into the skin, the microwave signal having a frequency that generates a standing wave pattern with constructive interference peaks in the tissue structure of the skin And E-field orientation, thereby producing a peak temperature in the tissue structure. The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave energy has an electric field component substantially parallel to the outer surface of the skin disposed adjacent to the applicator . The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency in the range of 4 GHz to 10 GHz. The system of claim 3, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency in the range of 5 GHz to 6.5 GHz. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency of 5.8 GHz. The system of claim 1, wherein the tissue interface comprises a cooling plate. The system of claim 1, wherein the applicator comprises a tissue chamber configured to include a suction element. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more microwave antennas comprise waveguide antennas.

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