AU2016277709A1

AU2016277709A1 - Laser treatment

Info

Publication number: AU2016277709A1
Application number: AU2016277709A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Catherine Lorne MACINNES
Original assignee: Renude Laser Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Renude Laser Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2016-05-11
Filing date: 2016-12-23
Publication date: 2017-11-30

Abstract

A method of minimising negative tissue responses from the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm 2 at a site including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at the site application of the laser of a power over 500mW/cm 2. 17 '\17 17'- 17 Fiur 7

Description

LASER TREATMENT

Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention generally relates to a method and device for laser tattoo removal and laser treatment.

Background of the Invention [0002] Class 4 lasers operate with a power of over 500mW/cm2. Lasers of this power are commonly designed to cut, burn or evaporate. When applied to human skin for cosmetic and tattoo removal purposed without the laser being diffused, class 4 lasers risk leaving scar tissue on the human skin.

[0003] The removal of tattoos with class 4 lasers is used commonly where a person desires to be rid of a tattoo. Laser beams of wavelengths between 500nm and 1070nm for different ink colours are applied to the skin where the tattoo is located to break up the ink particles of the tattoo to a size that allows white blood cells to transport the broken up ink particles to the liver for processing.

[0004] The use of class 4 lasers for other cosmetic purposes is also common and the same risk of scarring applies. There is also the risk of swelling and hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

[0005] Reference to cited material or information contained in the text should not be understood as a concession that the material or information was part of the common general knowledge or was known in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention [0006] In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a method of minimising scarring of the skin from the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2 at a site including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at the site prior to the application of the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0007] Preferably, the photobiomodulation applies a laser to the site.

[0008] Preferably, the photobiomodulation applies a wavelength to the site of between 470nm and 950nm.

[0009] Preferably, the photobiomodulation applies a wavelength with a peak power of between 50kW and 300kW.

[0010] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied to the site before the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0011] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied to the site after the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0012] Preferably, the negative tissue responses include scarring, inflammation, infection, pain, swelling, hyperpigmentation and hypopigmentation.

[0013] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a lymph node proximate the site of the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0014] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a dermatome that is connected to the region of the site of the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0015] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a bio-suppressing frequency.

[0016] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a frequency of 1 kHz to 5kHZ.

[0017] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a bio-stimulating frequency.

[0018] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied at a frequency of 1 and 250Hz.

[0019] Preferably, the photobiomodulation is applied to promote healing.

[0020] In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a system of minimising negative tissue responses including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at a skin site of an animal from the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2 at a site including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at the site prior to the application of the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.

[0021] In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a photobiomodulation device for minimising negative tissue responses including a laser delivery means for delivering radiation at a skin site of an animal; wherein the skin site of the animal is to be the site of the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm2; and wherein the photobiomodulation device delivers bio-suppressive radiation to the skin site of an animal.

[0022] In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a photobiomodulation device for minimising negative tissue responses including a laser delivery means for delivering radiation at a skin site of an animal; wherein the skin site of the animal is to be the site of the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm2; and wherein the photobiomodulation device delivers bio-stimulating radiation to the skin site of an animal.

Brief Description of the Figures [0023] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a photograph of a tattoo after tattoo removal using prior art techniques;

Figure 2 is a photograph of the use of photobiomodulation on a tattoo according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a photograph of the use of photobiomodulation on a tattoo according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a photograph of the use of photobiomodulation on a tattoo according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a photograph of the use of photobiomodulation on a tattoo according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a photograph of scarring in a tattoo;

Figure 7 is a front on image illustrating the lymph node application for photobiomodulation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a rear image illustrating the lymph node application and dermatome points for photobiomodulation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is a front on image of areas of the body associated with spinal vertebrae and associated dermatomes for the application of photobiomodulation according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 10 is a rear image of areas of the body associated with spinal vertebrae and their associated dermatomes for the application of photobiomodulation according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of the Embodiments [0024] Broadly, the present invention relates to a method of reducing negative tissue responses such as damage to skin tissue and pain when class four lasers are used on the skin and for pain prevention. Low power level lasers are used therapeutically, in a non-surgical setting, to attempt to improve blood flow, for musculoskeletal disorders, pain relief, microcirculation, collagen production and wound healing. Class four lasers used for tattoo removal penetrate the tattoo ink molecules in the dermis, breaking them up allowing white blood cells to transport the broken up ink molecules to the liver for filtration. In both these circumstances, the high power of the class four laser risks burning and scarring the skin as well as causing hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation.

[0025] The negative tissue responses and pain noted above can include the forms of inflammation, swelling, tissue trauma (such as scarring), pain, bleeding, redness and erythema.

[0026] The reduction of negative tissue responses and pain prevention is achieved through photobiomodulation applied to, around, and to sites associated with the site of the class 4 laser application. In some circumstances, the photobiomodulation is applied prior to the class 4 laser treatment and in other circumstances the photobiomodulation is applied after the photobiomodulation.

[0027] To reduce the risk of negative tissue response from the application of the class 4 lasers, photobiomodulation is applied to lymph nodes proximal the site of the class 4 laser application site, via dorsal root therapy at the intervertebral points ipsilateral to the class 4 laser application site, via dermatomes on and proximal the class 4 laser application site or through activating descending pain pathways.

[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention photobiomodulation, using a laser of a wavelength between 470nm and 950nm, is applied to the site where class four laser treatment is to be applied. The photobiomodulation is applied to the skin and scar tissue at a peak power of between 50,000mW and 300,000mW.

[0029] It is within the scope of the present invention to apply wavelengths and powers outside this range.

[0030] In one embodiment photobiomodulation is applied using a class 1, 2, 3a or 3b laser. In one embodiment, photobiomodulation is applied with a LED light cluster, infra-red radiation, red radiation or blue radiation.

[0031] In one embodiment blue light is applied to the site after class 4 laser treatment to minimise the risk of infection.

[0032] In one embodiment where the photobiomodulation causes photobiosuppression, the photobiosuppression is to be applied prior to the application of a class 4 laser to a skin site. Photobiomodulation is applied at a bio suppressive frequency of between 1kHz and 5kHz to the site of class 4 laser application. To minimise any pain resulting from the pending application of the class 4 laser photobiomodulation can be applied to a nerve root area or nerve bundle area to target a spinal dermatome relating to the class 4 laser application site. It can also be applied to intervertebral points adjacent the spine associated with the region of the class 4 laser treatment. To minimise the risk of oedema in the vicinity of the class 4 laser application, photobiomodulation is applied to lymph nodes proximate the site of the class 4 laser application.

[0033] To activate descending pain pathways, photobiomodulation can be applied to the suboccipital region as described further below.

[0034] During tattoo removal or other site specific treatment, photobiomodulation for pain management can be applied simultaneously to the suboccipital region or intervertebral points adjacent the spine associated with the region of the class 4 laser treatment.

[0035] With reference to Figure 1, a prior art example of a tattoo 11 post class 4 laser treatment for removal without the application of photobiomodulation, either prior to or post the class 4 laser application, is illustrated. Due to the high power of the class 4 laser, redness, swelling and blistering 13 occurs at, and proximate, to the site of the application of the class 4 laser after the class 4 laser has been applied.

[0036] With reference to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5 a photobiomodulation device 15 applied photobiomodulation to a tattoo 11 before or after a class 4 laser has been applied to the tattoo for removal. The swelling, inflammation and redness 13 on the skin of the person is greatly reduced. The photobiomodulation applied through the photobiomodulation device 15 applies visible blue light radiation, infra-red radiation, LED radiation and visible red radiation over the area that the class 4 laser was applied. This has a bio-stimulating effect that limits the risk of infection and minimises the swelling and inflammation caused by the class 4 laser and promotes tissue healing.

[0037] One to three days after the class 4 laser has been applied to the skin, a further treatment with the photobiomodulation device 15 is performed. This further reduces swelling, and in the case where tattoo removal is being applied further stimulate the lymphatic system to improve the lymph system’s processing of the ink molecules of the tattoo. The photobiomodulation device 15 is applied in the region of a lymph node 17 near the site of the tattoo that is going to be removed to stimulate the lymph system.

[0038] In an alternative embodiment the photobiomodulation is applied the same day of the class 4 laser treatment. In a further alternative embodiment, the photobiomodulation is applied more than 3 days after the class 4 laser treatment.

[0039] Photobiomodulation is applied to the lymph node to stimulate the lymph system to improve the movement of tattoo ink molecules either prior to class 4 laser application or after class 4 laser application.

[0040] With reference to Figures 5 and 6, where scarring 19 is present on a tattoo 11 on the skin where a class 4 laser is to be applied, photobiomodulation is applied prior to the application of the class 4 laser for bio stimulation. Photobiomodulation device 15 is applied to the scarring 15 with a frequency of approximately 1000Hz for a bio-stimulatory effect to promote tissue repair assisting with the healing of the scar tissue.

[0041] In one embodiment, the bio stimulation includes encouraging the production of collagen.

[0042] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the lymph node sites 17 for the application of radiation with the photobiomodulation device 15 are illustrated. When lymphatic movement is beneficial to the treatment with class 4 lasers, such as in tattoo removal as discussed above, the photobiomodulation device 15 applies radiation to a lymph node site 17 nearest to the site for treatment with class 4 lasers.

[0043] Where pain suppression or modulation is desired, the photobiomodulation device 15 is applied at a bio-suppressive frequency between 1kHz and 5kHz to dermatomes proximate the site of class 4 laser treatment, dermatomes 62 associated with the spinal cord for the above noted intervertebral applications or dermatomes 61 in the suboccipital region to activate descending pain pathways. When applied to the suboccipital region to activate descending pain pathways of the reticulospinal tract, the application targets 2nd and 3rd neurons, cerebellum, pons oblongata, medulla oblongata to improve endorphin and encephalin synthesis.

[0044] In one embodiment, the same frequency of laser is applied for both bio-stimulatory and bio-suppressive effects. To achieve either bio-stimulatory or bio-suppressive effects, the time a laser of a particular frequency is applied is varied.

[0045] Figures 8 and 9 show regions 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 97, 29, 30, 31,32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 50, 52, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 associated with different dermatomes and spinal regions. The photobiomodulation device 15 is applied to dermatomes 62 associated with the regions 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 97, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 50, 52, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 associated with where the class 4 laser is to be applied.

[0046] For example, where class 4 lasering is to be applied to the anterior thigh, photobiomodulation device 15 applies bio-suppressive radiation to dermatomes 62 associated with spinal regions L2 38, L3 39 or L4 40 proximal the spine. This will limit the pain experienced in the anterior thigh region from the application of the class 4 laser. If on the other hand class 4 laser treatment is to be applied to the neck regions, photobiomodulation is applied to the dermatomes 62 associated with spinal regions C2, 22, C3 82, C4 83. This can be applied both before and during the class 4 laser treatment to limit pain.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the photobiomodulation device 15 is applied to dermatomes associated with the region where class 4 lasers are being applied during application of the class 4 laser. This allows the above discussed pain limitation to be applied during the application of the class 4 laser.

Alterations and Modifications to the Embodiments [0048] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0049] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”or variations such as “comprises”or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0050] Any reference to prior art contained herein is not to be taken as an admission that the information is common general knowledge, unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of minimising negative tissue responses from the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm2 at a site including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at the site application of the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
2. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the photobiomodulation applies a laser to the site.
3. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the photobiomodulation applies a wavelength to the site of between 470nm and 950nm.
4. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in Claim 1,2 or 3, wherein the photobiomodulation applies a wavelength with a peak power of between 50kW and 300kW.
5. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied to the site before the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
6. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied to the site after the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
7. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the negative tissue responses include scarring, inflammation, infection, pain, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, swelling and micro-bleeding.
8. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a lymph node proximate the site of the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
9. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a dermatome that is connected to the region of the site of the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
10. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a bio-suppressing frequency.
11. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in Claim 10, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a frequency of 1 kHz to 5kHZ.
12. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a bio-stimulating frequency.
13. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied at a frequency of 1 and 250Hz.
14. The method of minimising negative tissue trauma as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the photobiomodulation is applied to promote healing.
15. A system of minimising negative tissue responses including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at a skin site of an animal from the application of laser of a power over 500mW/cm2 at a site including the steps of applying photobiomodulation at the site prior to the application of the laser of a power over 500mW/cm2.
16. A photobiomodulation device for minimising negative tissue responses including a laser delivery means for delivering radiation at a skin site of an animal; wherein the skin site of the animal is to be the site of the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm2; and wherein the photobiomodulation device delivers bio-suppressive radiation to the skin site of an animal.
17. A photobiomodulation device for minimising negative tissue responses including a laser delivery means for delivering radiation at a skin site of an animal; wherein the skin site of the animal is to be the site of the application of a laser of a power over 500mW/cm2; and wherein the photobiomodulation device delivers bio-stimulating radiation to the skin site of an animal.