ES1298754U9 - DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIPEDEMA - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

DEVICE FOR THE TREATMENT OF LIPEDEMA

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this application for invention is the registration of a device for the treatment of lipedema, which incorporates notable innovations and advantages over the techniques used to date.

More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a device for the treatment of lipedema, which due to its particular arrangement, allows to significantly increase the effectiveness in the treatment of lipedema, using a non-invasive technique to quickly reduce localized fatty accumulations. safe and durable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Lipedema is a disorder in the distribution, shape and functionality of adipose tissue, mainly in the lower limbs, predominantly in women, possible

genetic origin and epigenetic influence (diet, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco, alcohol, sleep disturbances, stress management, etc.).

Lipedema is a common, frequently underdiagnosed, chronic and progressive disease, which generates an increasing deterioration in the patient's quality of life.

It consists of the atypical growth and distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue along with alterations of the microcirculatory system, mainly in the lower extremities (upper limbs to a lesser extent), which leads to a bilateral and disproportionate increase in the volume of the affected body area.

Once this pathological entity is established, along with the increase in adipose tissue, other symptoms appear on an equally increasing scale. These symptoms include: pain at rest and on palpation, feeling of tired legs, edema, petechiae, ecchymosis and dermal and dermal hypotrophy. hypodermic.

Associated with lipedema, the following alterations are evident:

• Dysfunctions of the lymphatic system: a decrease in the frequency of contractions of the lymphatic ducts has been described in murine models, lymphatic stasis and microaneurysms.

• Alteration of the superficialis fascia: bulging and thickening of it.

• Thickening of the connective tissue of the lobular septa: with the subsequent entrapment of the arteriovenous microcirculation and nerves contained in these structures, which contributes to hypoxia, hyponutrition, accumulation of debris, etc., a fact that is increased by following factors:

• Increase in adipocyte number and/or volume.

• Alteration of microcirculation.

• Intra-adipocyte and extra-cellular edema.

• Discomfort, feeling of tired legs that progresses to pain on palpation and at rest.

• Irregularities of the skin surface: depressions and indurations.

• Legs with a column morphology that respects the ankle and foot as a supra-malleolar ring, in most cases.

• Decrease in the density of collagen fibers in the dermis with a tendency to sagging.

From the pathophysiological point of view, there would be a polygenic susceptibility combined with hormonal, microvascular and lymphatic disorders that may be partly responsible for the development of lipedema. The diagnosis is eminently clinical and must be differentiated from other pathologies that cause increased volume of the extremities, especially lymphedema, lipodystrophy, cellulitis (P.E.F.E.) and obesity.

The differential diagnosis with PEFE, commonly called cellulitis, is mainly clinical. This entity usually affects specific areas of the body anatomy, more frequently in the lower limbs compared to the upper limbs and trunk. Within the lower limbs, it commonly appears in the thighs and buttocks, and can progress to the legs when associated with obesity (in the case of lipedema, the involvement extends from the supra-malleolar area of the ankle to the buttocks). As its evolution progresses, PEFE becomes an entity with progressive fibrosis that clinically translates into an increasing increase and hardening of fat, discomfort and irregularities in the form of retractions in the skin; In lipedema, pain also appears, petechiae and ecchymoses. In case of leg involvement, cellulite does not respect the ankle area; Lipedema does respect it (cut bracelet at the malleolar base). Sonographically, in cellulite, structural alterations begin in the superficial areolar fat and fascia superficialis, evolving towards lamellar fat; In lipedema, alterations appear in all fat compartments from the beginning, with progressively greater deterioration.

Unlike obesity, the fat deposits and edema associated with lipedema are resistant to changes in diet, restriction of caloric intake, physical activity or classic bariatric surgery.

In these patients, the accumulation of fat characteristically respects the ankle (malleolar height), like a bracelet. On the other hand, as the increase in fat compartments progresses, coexistence with progressive lymphatic insufficiency or lymphedema may occur.

It is important to perform a functional study of the lymphatic system when the diagnosis is doubtful or for the classification of the evolutionary status of lipedema, therefore, the correct interpretation of these results is essential.

The treatment of lipedema is focused on improving the function of the affected tissues, reducing disability and preventing progression, in order to improve quality of life.

The present invention contributes to solving and resolving the present problem, as it allows to significantly increase the effectiveness in the treatment of lipedema, using a non-invasive technique for the elimination of localized fatty accumulations quickly, safely and lastingly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in order to provide a device for the treatment of lipedema, which comprises mechanical massage means, at least one quadrangular body with a plurality of support elements, where said support elements end in a rounded tip. which is enabled for contact with the skin of a patient to be treated, characterized by the fact that on the quadrangular body there are a plurality of laser emitters are housed, and a plurality of current emitting electrodes are housed in the support elements; and where said support elements define a region on the skin that receives a combined action of the laser emitters and the current transmitting electrodes.

Preferably, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the laser emitters are diodes that have an emission capacity in the visible red light spectrum (639 nm) and/or in the invisible IR light spectrum (830 nm).

Preferably, in the lipedema treatment device, the laser emitters in the visible light spectrum operate with a wavelength of 639 nm.

Additionally, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the laser emitters are in the form of visible intense red light and with a tissue penetration capacity between 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm.

Preferably, in the lipedema treatment device, the laser emitters in the invisible light spectrum operate with a wavelength of 830 nm.

Additionally, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the laser emitters emit in the near infrared and with a tissue penetration capacity between 10 mm and 12

m m .

Preferably, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the electrodes are emitters of an electrical current CBA (Buffered Bioactive Current) in capacitive mode.

Additionally, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the electrical current is a d'Arsonval type current between frequencies of 100 Hz and 300 Hz.

Alternatively, the lipedema treatment device comprises six rectangular bodies.

Alternatively, in the lipedema treatment device each rectangular body comprises two support elements.

Alternatively, in the lipedema treatment device, each rectangular body comprises thirteen laser emitters.

Alternatively, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, there are ten laser emitters in the visible light spectrum that operate at a wavelength of 639 nm and three laser emitters in the invisible light spectrum that operate at a wavelength of 830 nm. nm.

Additionally, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, the mechanical massage means comprise a plurality of rotating spheres arranged in a "slaag motion" manner.

Additionally, in the device for the treatment of lipedema, there are 45 spheres that have a rotation speed of up to 400 rpm.

Use of the described device for the treatment of lipedema.

Thanks to the present invention, it is possible to increase the effectiveness in the treatment of lipedema, centralizing the action on adipose tissue, skin and microcirculation, without damaging other adjacent tissues. It is therefore a non-invasive and effective therapy.

The proposed invention acts by increasing the metabolism of adipocytes, favoring the transition of each triglyceride contained within them to a glycerol and three fatty acids. In addition, it increases the permeability of the adipocyte membrane and with it the exit of these molecules to the extracellular space or matrix.

Fatty acids and glycerol will be used as a source of energy by those nearby muscles that are metabolically active and demand substrates.

energy or, transported by the lymphatic system, they will be metabolized remotely by the liver and other muscles or simply excreted.

The therapeutic objectives achieved by the proposed invention are:

1) the reduction of fat volume through a decrease in adipocyte size and extracellular edema;

2) modulation and reduction of adipose tissue inflammation;

3) improvement in detoxification by improving the function of the lymphatic system and venous return microcirculation;

4) the increase in tissue oxygenation and nutrition;

5) the redensification of the dermis and the dermo-hypodermal junction secondary to the stimulation of neocollagenesis;

6) toning of both the dermis and the superficial muscles;

7) the modulation and reduction of the sensation of discomfort and nociceptive dysesthesias at rest and on palpation.

The present invention allows carrying out a direct action on the tissues and also another “at a distance”:

- Direct: overall, the approximate depth of penetration of the red and IR laser emitters is 10-12mm and, in the tissues involved, they stimulate the metabolism of adipocytes, increasing triglyceric lysis into fatty acids and glycerol, facilitating their exit. to the extracellular space through the LLLT and the CBA current (Buffered Bioactive Current), due to the increase in the permeability of adipocyte membranes. Furthermore, the combination of laser emitters and CBA current in the quadrangular body stimulates the lymphatic system and modulates the inflammation mechanisms of the skin and the SAT (Superficial Adipose Tissue), important in the resolution of fat accumulations and edema. present in lipedema. On the other hand, laser emitters stimulate neocollagenesis, contributing to the firming of tissues and their action on microcirculation increases oxygenation and nutrition of the treated area.

- Indirect: the action of the laser emitters on the cells of the immune system and their cytokines, diffuses through the matrix to the surrounding tissues and even at greater distances. This results in a modulation of systemic inflammation and a redistribution of water from extra- and intra-cellular compartments.

The application of the SLAAG MOTION medium supports the quadrangular bodies in the activation of microcirculation, oxygenation and nutrition of the skin, SAT and muscles. Furthermore, this medium allows the flexibility of the fibrosed SAT that appears in lipedema, facilitates the drainage of edema and contributes to the remodeling of the body contour.

Other characteristics and advantages of the device for the treatment of lipedema will be evident from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1.- It is a schematic front and plan view of a preferred embodiment of the device for the treatment of lipedema of the present invention.

Figure 2.- It is a schematic view of another preferred embodiment of the device for the treatment of lipedema of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As shown schematically in Figure 1, the lipedema treatment device of the proposed invention comprises a plurality of laser light emitters 1 and a plurality of current emitters 2, as well as a mechanical massage means, which not represented in the drawings.

More specifically, the laser emitters or diodes 1 are located in the central region of a quadrangular or rectangular body 3 of the device of the invention, and uniformly distributed in the shape of a cross with respect to a central emitter, while the current emitters or electrodes 2 They are located in support elements 31 of said quadrangular body 3 of the device, extending internally and being housed inside a cylinder with a rounded tip 32.

Said current electrodes 2 define a space 4 between them where the emission 41 of the laser diodes 1 is focused on the skin 5 of the patient, in such a way that it is the electrodes 2 that delimit the area of joint action of the emitted current. and the laser.

The cylinders or support elements 31, which are located in the body 3 of the device, include the electrodes 2, which have been made of metal covered with insulating material.

Said laser 1 and current 2 emitters are applied from the quadrangular body 3 for a maximum of twenty minutes. In general, subsequently, a therapy with mechanical massage means with drainage maneuvers, remodeling of the SAT and muscle toning, transporting the waste generated and performing a smoothing effect on the skin, promoting its better appearance and tone.

In a preferred embodiment represented schematically in Figure 2, the quadrangular body 3 incorporates thirteen laser emitters 1, being ten laser emitters 1 in the visible light spectrum that operate with a wavelength of 639 nm and three laser emitters 1 in the invisible light spectrum that operate with a wavelength of 830 nm.

The 639nm laser 1 emitters have a penetration into the tissues between 1,200 and 1,500 microns (1.2-1.5mm), and act mainly on the copper chromophore located essentially in the cytochrome a and a3 of the cellular mitochondria (terminal oxidase complex of the respiratory chain; it collects electrons that are transferred to the reduced cytochrome c group that gives them to molecular oxygen, which is reduced to water), the chromium located in the metabolic cascades of carbohydrates, proteins and fatty acids, which we find impregnating tissues and circulating chromium. To a lesser extent, they can fix their energy in groups containing ferrous sulfate.

The laser 1 emitters of IR light (830nm) have an approximate penetration of 10-12 mm, with direct action on adipocytes, microcirculation and the tissue inflammatory complex.

Both wavelengths of the laser emitters 1 favor the following processes:

- The energy metabolism of cells through the activation of mitochondrial cytochromes a and a3, essential in the sequence of metabolic cascades responsible for obtaining energy (ATP, ADP, NADP and NADPH), from triglycerides and/or glucose. This effect favors the use of fatty acids as a source of energy, reducing the volume of adipocytes.

- The active transport mechanisms of the mitochondrial membranes (supporting the previous result), and of the adipocyte cell membrane (facilitating the exit of the glycerol group and fatty acids to the extracellular species).

- Modulation of inflammatory complexes, regulating cytokines (reduces: IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, COX-2, PGE2, MMP-3, MMP-9, MMP-13, i-NOS; increases IL -10, MMP-2, GAG ), and the function of the cells that participate in these processes.

- Increases neo-collagenesis (type I, type III collagens).

- Increase in microcirculation (due to IR light), increasing oxygenation and nutrition of the tissues.

- Improvement of the function of the lymphatic system, facilitating the transport of fatty acids and glycerol, as well as the detoxification of tissues and the reduction of inflammatory edema.

Laser emission is a precision technique, and depending on its wavelength, it has different functions in the human body.

In a preferred embodiment, the wavelength of 639 nm has been preferably selected, due to its great capacity to stimulate the mitochondria of adipose cells and increase lipolysis naturally through cytochrome a, a3 and lipase enzyme. , which transforms each triglyceride (long chain lipid) into three fatty acids and one glycerol. These lighter lipids are subsequently mobilized by the lymphatic system (whose function is favored by the laser emitters 1 and the current emitting electrodes 2 CBA), and/or will be used as a source of energy by the muscles in daily physical activity.

This biostimulation is athermal (does not cause heat), and respectful of cellular structures.

Precisely, among its advantages are the temporary increase in adipocyte permeability.

Regarding the CBA current (biocurrents with a frequency between 450-950 Hz), it is a cellular electrical stimulation technique, whose electric field allows activating the exchange mechanisms in the cell membranes, improving their intercellular communication and with the matrix. (extracellular space), as a result of which the balance and functionality of the tissues is facilitated.

These currents activate the transport systems of cell membranes mediated by transport proteins, thus producing depolarization and thus increasing their permeability, which favors the expulsion of catabolites and other waste from the combustion of the cell's internal metabolism. , and receiving from the interstitial fluid a greater supply of nutrients and oxygen as well as activators of the energy metabolism (corticosteroids and T3/T4) and cellular peptides that appear due to energy production, with this it is possible to bring the cell to a state of oxidative-reductive balance.

The CBA current (Buffered Bioactive Current), is a buffered d'Arsoval current, of medium frequency, high tension and low intensity, they are responsible for regulating the intra- and extra-cellular water balance, improving the reabsorption of edema or excess fluid. in the tissues; It is also involved in improving the active transport of cell membranes, including adipocytes; increases the volume of myocytes (muscle fibers), and increases basal metabolism.

In another preferred embodiment: SLAG MOTION, the mechanical massage means comprise a plurality of rotating spheres arranged that have a rotation speed of up to 400 rpm.

In this preferred embodiment, the mechanical massage means could be applied before the quadrangular body 3.

As a preferred embodiment, the mechanical massage means in the form of "slaag motion" have a central axis and 45 rotating spheres, variable in speed and pressure exerted on the treatment area, and also:

- With high speed and low pressure: activation of microcirculation, increasing the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the interstitial space.

- With medium speed and medium-high pressure: flexibility and remodeling of the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), simultaneously improving sensitivity to pain and pressure.

- With low speed and high pressure: remodeling of deeper fatty tissue and muscle toning.

The application of the device for the treatment of lipedema of the present invention in the treatment of lipodystrophies launches a series of mechanisms of action:

a) Mechanism of hydro-lipotic action: the increase in the permeability of the cell membrane and the stimulation of mitochondrial cytochrome a and a3 generates an increase in the metabolism of adipocytes; The stimulation of the endings of the neurovegetative system causes the release of intra-adipocyte cyclic AMP that gives rise to the degeneration of triglycerides. CBA Streams Facilitate Active and Passive Exchange through the transport proteins of the membrane, and with it the exit of fatty acids and glycerol to the extracellular space.

b) Anti-inflammatory action: red and IR laser 1 emitters behave as modulating agents of cellular and humoral inflammation (reduces: IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha, COX-2, PGE2, MMP-3, MMP- 9, MMP-13, ¡-NOS; increases IL-10, MMP-2, GAG); The CBA current facilitates membrane transport and intra- and extra-cellular osmosis, redistributing edema in the tissues.

c) Vasodilation action: mediated by the CBA current with action on capillaries, arterioles and vanules. This hypervascularization modifies the metabolism of the cells, allowing them to increase their exchanges and improve their nutrition.

d) Modulating action of nociceptive and discriminative tactile sensitivity, through the action of laser emitters 1 and the SLAG MOTION system, by making the connective tissue of the lobular septa of fatty tissue more flexible.

e) Reduction of edema by stimulating microcirculation, thanks to the combined action of the CBA current and the SLAG MOTION system.

f) Dermal toning secondary to the stimulation of neocollagenesis by laser emitters 1; muscle toning secondary to the mechanical action of SLAG MOTION.

Unlike other technologies known in the state of the art, the device for the treatment of lipedema of the present invention does not cause damage to the walls of the adipocyte or nearby tissues, but rather the emptying of fat accumulations and toning of the tissues. treated, improving both vascularization and cellular metabolism. However, for an effective treatment, the application of the device of the invention can be complemented with a balanced, personalized diet, supported by micronutrition, as well as with physical exercise to eliminate lipids extracted from adipocytes.

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used in the manufacture of the device for the treatment of lipedema of the invention, may be conveniently replaced by others that are technically equivalent and do not deviate from the essentiality of the invention nor the scope defined by the claims included below.

Claims (14)

1. Device for the treatment of lipedema, which comprises mechanical massage means, at least one quadrangular body (3) with a plurality of support elements (31), where said support elements (31) end in a rounded tip (32). ) which is enabled for contact with the skin (5) of a patient to be treated, characterized by the fact that a plurality of laser emitters (1) are housed on the quadrangular body (3), and in the support elements (31) a plurality of current-emitting electrodes (2) are housed; and where said support elements (31) define a region (4) on the skin (5) that receives a combined action of the laser emitters (1) and the current transmitting electrodes (2). 2. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to the previous claim, wherein the laser emitters (1) are diodes that have an emission capacity in the visible light spectrum of red (639 nm) and/or in the light spectrum invisible IR (830nm). 3. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 2, wherein the laser emitters (1) in the visible light spectrum operate with a wavelength of 639 nm. 4. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 3, wherein the laser emitters (1) are in the form of visible intense red light and with a tissue penetration capacity between 1.2 mm and 1.5 mm. 5. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 2, wherein the laser emitters (1) in the invisible light spectrum operate with a wavelength of 830 nm. 6. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 5, wherein the laser emitters (1) emit in the near infrared and with a tissue penetration capacity between 10 mm and 12 mm. 7. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrodes (2) are emitters of an electric current CBA (Buffered Bioactive Current) in capacitive mode. 8. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 7, wherein the electrical current is a d'Arsonval type current between frequencies of 100 Hz and 300 Hz. 9. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to any of the preceding claims, comprising six rectangular bodies (3). 10. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rectangular body (3) comprises two support elements (31). 11. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each rectangular body (3) comprises thirteen laser emitters (1). 12. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 11, wherein there are ten laser emitters (1) in the visible light spectrum that operate with a wavelength of 639 nm and three laser emitters (1) in the light spectrum. invisible that operate with a wavelength of 830 nm. 13. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical massage means comprise a plurality of rotating spheres arranged in a "slaag motion" manner. 14. Device for the treatment of lipedema according to claim 13, in which there are 45 spheres that have a rotation speed of up to 400 rpm.