WO2014122539A1 - Procédé et appareil pour le traitement de la peau - Google Patents

Procédé et appareil pour le traitement de la peau Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2014122539A1
WO2014122539A1 PCT/IB2014/058257 IB2014058257W WO2014122539A1 WO 2014122539 A1 WO2014122539 A1 WO 2014122539A1 IB 2014058257 W IB2014058257 W IB 2014058257W WO 2014122539 A1 WO2014122539 A1 WO 2014122539A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pattern
conductive material
electrically conductive
applicator
skin
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2014/058257
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jonathan Alambra PALERO
Martin Jurna
Babu Varghese
Margaret Ruth HORTON
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Publication of WO2014122539A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014122539A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00743—Type of operation; Specification of treatment sites
    • A61B2017/00747—Dermatology
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
    • A61B2017/00743—Type of operation; Specification of treatment sites
    • A61B2017/00747—Dermatology
    • A61B2017/00765—Decreasing the barrier function of skin tissue by radiated energy, e.g. using ultrasound, using laser for skin perforation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053—Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00059—Material properties
    • A61B2018/00065—Material properties porous
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00053—Mechanical features of the instrument of device
    • A61B2018/00059—Material properties
    • A61B2018/00071—Electrical conductivity
    • A61B2018/00077—Electrical conductivity high, i.e. electrically conducting
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00452—Skin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00452—Skin
    • A61B2018/0047—Upper parts of the skin, e.g. skin peeling or treatment of wrinkles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636—Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/0066—Sensing and controlling the application of energy without feedback, i.e. open loop control
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00636—Sensing and controlling the application of energy
    • A61B2018/00773—Sensed parameters
    • A61B2018/00875—Resistance or impedance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/1206—Generators therefor
    • A61B2018/1246—Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity
    • A61B2018/126—Generators therefor characterised by the output polarity bipolar
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1405—Electrodes having a specific shape
    • A61B2018/144—Wire
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1472—Probes or electrodes therefor for use with liquid electrolyte, e.g. virtual electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/04—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating
    • A61B18/12—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by heating by passing a current through the tissue to be heated, e.g. high-frequency current
    • A61B18/14—Probes or electrodes therefor
    • A61B2018/1475—Electrodes retractable in or deployable from a housing

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to treatment of skin tissue, in particular radio- frequency treatment of mammalian skin tissue, more in particular human skin and subdermal tissue.
  • the treatment is primarily suitable for skin tightening and/or skin rejuvenation.
  • Various techniques are known for tightening skin, treating wrinkles and/or providing skin rejuvenation.
  • skin tightening by inducing contraction of collagen or creation of small skin lesions which provoke a natural regeneration reaction of the skin tissue has proven to be a successful technique.
  • the lesions may be thermally inflicted, based on thermolysis by heating the dermal tissue.
  • Dermal collagen contracts when it is heated at temperatures between approximately 60°C and 70°C, and it denatures at higher temperatures. Tissue contraction and shrinkage can reach tens of percents of the heated tissue volume, and results in tightening of the skin and reduction of wrinkles, fine lines and skin laxity.
  • the method comprises the steps of: providing a deformable electrically conductive material having an electrical conductivity higher than an electrical conductivity of the skin tissue area, forming a pattern on the skin surface, said pattern having at least one line of the deformable electrically conductive material in electrical contact with the skin tissue area, transmitting electrical radiofrequency energy through at least a portion of the formed pattern, thereby heating a region of the skin tissue area which is in electrical contact with said portion of the pattern to a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius.
  • the pattern enables transmission of the radiofrequency energy and/or distribution of the radiofrequency energy over the pattern generally independently of a particular geometry and/or location of the radiofrequency source.
  • the elevated conductivity with respect to the skin facilitates distribution of the radiofrequency energy along the pattern and over the skin tissue.
  • the line or lines may have a resistivity of about 1 micro-Ohm/cm or less, preferably below 1 milli-Ohm/cm. Good contact between the conductive material and the skin can be established reliably and the
  • radiofrequency energy can be deposited into the skin tissue effectively.
  • the pattern can be formed taking into account anatomic details of the skin tissue area to be treated; the line or lines of the pattern need not be straight. Each line whose length is significantly larger than its width facilitates the application of the treatment over an extended surface area and/or along an elongated and/or non-uniform skin tissue relief feature such as a wrinkle.
  • At least a part of the pattern being formed prior to or at least independently of the transmission of the radiofrequency energy facilitates accurate positioning of the pattern, and possibly correcting thereof, independently of the transmission of the radiofrequency energy.
  • therapy effectiveness and reliability may be improved.
  • the material of at least a portion of the pattern should be plastically, possibly elastically, deformable, enabling it to move and deform together with the surface of the skin tissue it is formed on, but otherwise it should be form-retaining so that the pattern, once formed on the skin, is substantially constant, at least relative to directly adjacent skin surface portions.
  • Heating the region of the skin tissue area which is in electrical contact with the portion of the pattern to a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius provides a comforting warm sensation and assists the blood circulation in the treated area.
  • Heating the region of the skin tissue area to a temperature above 55 degrees Celsius facilitates skin firmness treatment.
  • a temperature range of about 55-65 degrees Celsius reversible denaturation of human collagen occurs.
  • denaturation tends to become irreversible and leads to contraction of the skin tissue.
  • a temperature above approximately 80 degrees Celsius may be used to inflict small-scale lesions to the skin, that incite the skin to repair itself, thereby forming new tissue. Contraction and/or rejuvenation of skin tissue results in a firm, young-looking skin and it may cause a decrease of scar tissue.
  • the method is particularly suited for cosmetic treatment and/or for treating small, delicate and/or arcuate skin tissue areas, such as around the eyes.
  • the at least one line of the pattern on the skin surface is formed by using a drawing technique, in particular by using an applicator for applying the deformable electrically conductive material over the skin surface, and/or by adhering a portion of the deformable electrically conductive material onto the skin surface.
  • a drawing technique in particular by using an applicator for applying the deformable electrically conductive material over the skin surface, and/or by adhering a portion of the deformable electrically conductive material onto the skin surface.
  • any desired pattern shape may be formed and applied onto the skin surface.
  • the term “drawing technique” comprises stamping, rolling, spraying the material, etc, as well as drawing an applicator for the material over the skin surface such as painting, brushing, spraying, smearing, rubbing, such as with a pencil or crayon, and otherwise applying a material onto the surface by deformation of at least a portion of the material from a supply of the material.
  • adhering a portion of deformable electrically conductive material onto the skin surface may comprise gluing a pre-formed pattern onto the skin and/or forming the pattern from one or more deformable portions such as conductive wires. This may comprise adhering a sticker or patch provided with a predetermined pattern of a deformable conductive material onto the skin surface.
  • the deformable electrically conductive material comprises an electrically conductive fluid, such as an ink or paint, which terms include varnishes, lacquers etc.
  • an electrically conductive fluid such as an ink or paint, which terms include varnishes, lacquers etc.
  • a template and/or mask may be used. The latter is particularly effective in combination with application of the material by spraying, stamping and/or brushing.
  • At least part of the pattern is formed using a precursor material allowing stabilizing a form of the pattern prior to the step of transmitting the electrical radiofrequency energy.
  • This facilitates establishing, checking and/or correcting, structural and/or electromagnetic properties of the pattern prior to application of the radiofrequency energy, so that predictability and reliability of the treatment are increased.
  • the term "stabilize” includes drying, gelling and/or solidification etc, which may be achieved by means of any suitable physical and/or chemical process such as drying, solvent evaporation, absorption of a part of the material (e.g. an oil) into the skin tissue, curing, thermo-hardening and/or crystallization, etc.
  • the precursor material may comprise a fluid, a cream and/or a gel etc; the material may itself be conductive or develop or increase its conductivity during or after setting, e.g. in case of a fluid which comprises conductive particles diluted in an insulating solvent so that the fluid is naturally insulating, but which particles contact one another and form a continuous conductive structure on evaporation of the solvent from the fluid.
  • a fluid which comprises conductive particles diluted in an insulating solvent so that the fluid is naturally insulating, but which particles contact one another and form a continuous conductive structure on evaporation of the solvent from the fluid.
  • one or more lines of the pattern may be drawn directly on the skin, using an ink that dries under the influence of body heat and/or convection to form a suitably flexible and conductive trace.
  • the pattern is removable from the skin using water and/or possibly a suitable assistant or solvent, such as a biocompatible soap unassisted, i.e. like removing sticker.
  • the electrical radiofrequency energy is transmitted to the pattern via at least one electrode of a
  • the radiofrequency source in electrical connection with the pattern, wherein a dimension of said electrode is smaller than a length of said at least one line.
  • the length of said at least one line is at least 5 times the dimension of said electrode.
  • said electrode during the transmission of the electrical radiofrequency energy to the pattern, said electrode is maintained in a stationary position relative to the pattern.
  • the electrical radiofrequency energy may be transmitted in bipolar mode via a pair of electrodes of the radiofrequency source. This facilitates localizing at least part of the electrical radiofrequency energy in a predetermined part of the pattern.
  • Such an embodiment may, e.g., be readily achieved by drawing separate and unconnected pattern portions, such as a pattern wherein lines of a pair of lines extend parallel to each other. In such an
  • the different electrodes of the radiofrequency source should be kept electrically separated in the pattern to prevent short circuiting.
  • the pattern comprises a pair of lines of the electrically conductive material, wherein the lines of the pair are electrically separated in the pattern, and wherein the electrical radiofrequency energy is transmitted in bipolar mode to the pair of lines via a pair of electrodes of the radiofrequency source, wherein each electrode of the pair is in electrical contact with a respective one of the lines.
  • an apparatus for treating a skin tissue area comprising a skin surface.
  • the apparatus comprises a conductive material applicator configured to form a pattern on the skin surface, said pattern having at least one line of a deformable electrically conductive material in electrical contact with the skin surface, and said apparatus further comprises a radiofrequency source.
  • the apparatus is configured to transmit electrical radiofrequency energy through at least a portion of the formed pattern for heating a region of the skin tissue area which is in electrical contact with said portion of the pattern to a temperature above 37 degrees Celsius.
  • the apparatus is particularly suitable for performing any embodiment of the method disclosed herein, e.g. for heating the skin tissue area to a temperature above 55 degrees Celsius, e.g. to a temperature in a range of 55-80 degrees Celsius, to induce collagen denaturation and/or contraction.
  • the conductive material applicator comprises a dispenser configured to dispense the conductive material and/or a precursor material thereof for forming the conductive material, from a supply of the material onto the skin surface for formation of the pattern.
  • the dispensed material may be a fluid, a solid (e.g. as in a pencil, a crayon etc), a conductive (e.g. copper) wire and an adhesive, etc.
  • the applicator may comprise one or more supplies of one or more of the materials to be dispensed, e.g. in a container.
  • the dispenser may comprise a heater for softening at least a portion of a solid or viscous material supply such as in a "glue gun", or rather for accelerating stabilization, e.g. drying, of the conductive material and/or a precursor material.
  • the conductive- material applicator comprises a dispenser configured to form said at least one line of the electrically conductive material and/or a precursor material configured to form the conductive material after stabilization of the precursor material, in particular by drawing the conductive-material applicator over the skin surface. This facilitates accurately forming a pattern.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one removable cartridge containing the deformable electrically conductive material and/or the precursor material, respectively, and a supply system for supplying the deformable electrically conductive material and/or the precursor material, respectively, from the cartridge to the applicator.
  • a supply system for supplying the deformable electrically conductive material and/or the precursor material, respectively, from the cartridge to the applicator.
  • the applicator is configured to form at least two lines of the electrically conductive material concurrently.
  • the conductive-material applicator comprises two dispensers mutually arranged at a predefined distance and configured to concurrently form a pair of lines of the electrically conductive material on the skin surface, in particular by drawing the applicator over the skin surface. This accelerates formation of the pattern and in particular of a pattern with two lines formed adjacent to each other. It facilitates in particular formation of lines parallel to each other. Formation of pairs of lines facilitates use of the pattern for bipolar operation.
  • the apparatus comprises radiofrequency contacts configured to match a distance between the two lines formed, so that these two lines may be contacted concurrently.
  • the apparatus comprises radiofrequency contacts connected to the radiofrequency source, at least one of the contacts being configured for electrically contacting a portion of the conductive pattern.
  • electrical radiofrequency energy transfer to the pattern may be increased, resulting in an increased efficiency of the treatment. Further, undesired emission of radiofrequency noise can be reduced or prevented.
  • the apparatus comprises a pair of electrodes connected in a bipolar mode to the radiofrequency source, the electrodes of the pair being mutually arranged at a distance corresponding to the predefined distance between the two dispensers and configured to concurrently contact the pair of lines.
  • the applicator and the radiofrequency source are integrated into a single device, in particular a handheld device.
  • a handheld apparatus may be particularly suited for domestic use.
  • the applicator and the radiofrequency source and/or contact(s) may be arranged so that contact with the conductive material and/or a precursor may be substantially prevented during application of the material for forming the pattern, so that soiling of the contact(s) and short circuiting are substantially prevented, for example by arranging the applicator and radiofrequency contacts on opposite sides of the device.
  • the handheld applicator may be connected to an external power supply or may comprise an integrated power supply, e.g. a battery that may be rechargeable. This increases versatility of the apparatus.
  • An embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention comprises a sensor and circuitry to control operation of at least one of the radiofrequency source and the conductive material applicator, e.g. to control the amount of material to be dispensed, a sensor to check material properties of the pattern, e.g., conductivity and/or short circuits between electrodes, a RF power controller, a temperature controller, etc.
  • a sensor and circuitry to control operation of at least one of the radiofrequency source and the conductive material applicator, e.g. to control the amount of material to be dispensed, a sensor to check material properties of the pattern, e.g., conductivity and/or short circuits between electrodes, a RF power controller, a temperature controller, etc.
  • the apparatus comprises at least one electrode connected to the radiofrequency source and configured to contact said portion of the pattern, and an electrical conductivity sensor associated with the electrode and configured to measure an electrical conductivity of the pattern when the electrode is in contact with said portion of the pattern.
  • the conductive- material applicator is arranged on an applicator carrier which is removable from the apparatus.
  • the electrode is arranged on an electrode carrier which is removable from the apparatus.
  • embodiments provide increased user friendliness.
  • Fig. 1 indicates a method of treating a skin tissue area with an apparatus
  • Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, as generally indicated by means of II in fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of another part of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1, as generally indicated by means of III in fig. 1;
  • Figs. 4 A and 4B show different patterns for use in the method
  • Figs. 5A and 5B indicate operation of the method.
  • the apparatus comprises an RF applicator 100 having a general pen shape, and is configured for forming a pattern 20 of a deformable electrically conductive material having lines 21 on a skin surface 2 of a skin tissue area 30.
  • the apparatus 100 comprises a conductive material applicator 3 in the form of a conductive ink dispenser 3 in a pen-shaped main assembly 4, and a radio frequency applicator assembly 5.
  • the RF applicator 100 is configured to be used like a handheld drawing pen and it may be constructed of materials that are non-conducting and provide a user's hand H with a good grip H.
  • the applicator in the form of a rolling ink dispenser assembly 3 is arranged at one end of the shown applicator 100.
  • the dispenser 3 is configured to dispense a deformable electrically conductive material in the form of a conductive ink 1 from a supply contained in a portion 6 of the assembly 4.
  • the conductive ink 1 is encapsulated in a removable disposable ink cartridge 7.
  • the cartridge 7, at least when in use, is open at one end, allowing conductive ink 1 to flow through an ink channel 8 through a porous ink dispenser roller 9.
  • a permanent supply reservoir or a connection to a remote supply may be provided.
  • a conductive ink may be dispensed through an open channel as in a fountain pen, through a brush- or felt-tip and/or through a channel closed by means of a roller, e.g. a rolling ball as in a ball-pen type dispenser.
  • Suitable conductive ink may comprise a particulate conductive material, a binder and a humectant, the conductive material being present in sufficient amount such that the ink, once dry, is electrically conductive.
  • a drying unit may be included to accelerate ink drying.
  • the rollers 9 of the rolling ink dispenser 3 are held by a roller mount portion 6 of the assembly.
  • the roller mount portion 6 is coupled to the main assembly by means of a screw thread so that dispenser 3 may be removed from the applicator main assembly 4, e.g. for cleaning or to be substituted with a dispenser of different size or material.
  • the rolling ink dispenser 3 is partly or wholly disposable.
  • a dispenser and cartridge are formed as an integral device.
  • One or each ink roller 9 may be made of porous material, e.g. a plastic or metal with channels, a spongiform material etc., and preferably is cylindrical in shape.
  • the rollers 9 can be configured to dispense the conductive ink substantially uniformly and at a constant rate while in contact with the skin.
  • Each ink roller has a thickness 10 that may be configured for forming a line 21 of the conductive material of a predetermined line width. Suitable thicknesses may range from one-hundred microns to a few millimeters, e.g. 5 mm. The mutual distance 11 between the rollers 9 may be measured from the center of each roller 9, and it may have any desired value, e.g. in a range of about one-hundred microns to a few millimetres or more, e.g. 7 mm.
  • two parallel lines 21 of conductive ink 1 may be formed onto the skin (Fig. 1).
  • the lines 21 may be, but need not be, straight and the pattern 20 to be formed may conform to a skin feature and/or a body contour, e.g. two parallel lines drawn along, and on opposite sides of, a fine wrinkle near an eye to treat the wrinkle.
  • the RF applicator assembly 5 is attached to the second end of the pen-type applicator.
  • the RF applicator assembly 5 comprises RF electrodes 12 in the form of conducting applicator tips configured for conducting RF current.
  • the electrodes 12 are arranged as a pair adjacent to each other.
  • the RF applicator assembly 5 further comprises one or more conductance feedback probes 13, configured for providing feedback on an electrical property, e.g. resistance, of the surface that is in conductive contact with the RF applicator tip 12 and the feedback probes 13.
  • the feedback probes 13 are conveniently arranged near the RF applicator tips 12, in particular pairwise adjacent to said applicator tips.
  • the feedback probes 13, in particular for a pair of RF applicator tips 12, may serve as a means to ensure conductive contact of one or more of the RF applicator tips 12 to the skin surface 2 and in particular to dispensed conductive material, here the ink 1, on the skin surface 2.
  • the feedback probes 13 are connected to a control unit 18 which may be connected to a signal emitter (not shown) such as a warning light, an acoustic and/or vibratory signal source.
  • a signal emitter not shown
  • the arrangement is configured for enabling the delivery of RF energy only when both RF applicator tips 12 are in conductive contact with the applied conductive ink 1, in which case the apparatus may be operated to apply the RF energy in bipolar mode between the electrodes 12.
  • the feedback probes 13 are spaced a distance 14 apart, which may be equal to or less than the intended width of the lines 21 of conductive ink 1 formed on the skin surface 2, e.g. less than the roller thickness 10. This allows detecting not only electrical contact between the electrodes 12 and the line 21 of conductive material 21, but it also facilitates detection of the actual width of the line 21.
  • the RF applicator tips 12 are mounted to an applicator mount 15 and are spaced a distance 16 apart, which is equal to the mutual distance 11 between the rollers, so that concurrent contact of adjacent electrode tips 12 with adjacent conductive lines 21 is facilitated and the RF energy may be applied to the skin tissue area between the lines 21.
  • the RF applicator assembly 5 is configured to be easily replaceable by a user, e.g. a medical or cosmetic practitioner.
  • the RF applicator tips 12 and conductance feedback probes 13 may be removably electrically connected to the control unit 18 and RF energy source, e.g. as shown via a set of connector pins 17.
  • the control unit 18 is configured to control the RF treatment parameters, e.g. RF pulse duration, RF power, etc.
  • the control unit 18 may also be configured to control, e.g. via a feedback system coupled with the dispenser, dispense parameters of the conductive material, such that a predetermined amount of conductive material, corresponding to a predetermined length of a conductive line, is dispensed onto the skin tissue surface 2.
  • the said predetermined length of conductive ink may be used to configure RF treatment parameters such as RF pulse duration, RF power, etc., such that a desired RF energy penetration and RF treatment level may be achieved consistently for a pre-configured conductive ink line 21 length.
  • RF treatment parameters such as RF pulse duration, RF power, etc.
  • one or more rollers 9 may be coupled with a detector detecting angular displacement of the roller 9.
  • a detector for determining the amount of dispensed conductive material or a precursor material for it can be incorporated in the device.
  • intersection of conductive ink lines 21 may be prevented. Intersection of conductive ink line pairs in case of bipolar operation may even prevent operation altogether.
  • the sensors 13 and the control unit 18 may be configured to provide a warning signal if an electrical impedance below a predetermined value is detected between a particular pair of electrodes 12, e.g.
  • conductive material applicator 3 two rollers 9 of equal size are shown, more, fewer and/or (mutually) differently shaped rollers may be present.
  • oscillating rollers may be used to provide a pattern 20 with wavy lines 21 having portions with a relatively small separation and portions with a relatively large separation between them (Fig. 4A).
  • the RF field intensity will be highest where the separation between the lines 21 is smallest, so that the skin tissue will he heated most at those skin tissue areas (indicated with reference number 22 in Fig 4A).
  • FIG. 4B shows similarly a pattern 20 with individually formed non-parallel lines 21 nearing each other from a portion with a relatively large separation.
  • a relatively large, elongated and narrow skin tissue area 22 may be treated, e.g. to treat a wrinkle.
  • Fig. 4B also shows that by using a hand drawing technique to form enlarged structures 23, contact pads may be formed for easy and reliable contacting with RF electrodes, at relatively large mutual separation and with a small and different surface area compared to the treatment area 22.
  • Figs 5 A and 5B show cross-sectional views of skin tissue areas 30 with lines
  • the separation between adjacent (portions of) the lines 21 of the pattern affects a distribution 25 of the RF energy in the treatment area 23.
  • a constant width and separation of the lines 21 results in a generally constant RF energy distribution 25 in the skin tissue area 30 that is (to be) treated.
  • Suitable RF frequencies may be chosen from a range of 300 kHz - 100 MHz and suitable RF powers may be in a range of Watts, e.g. in a range of 5 - 200 W.
  • the RF energy may be applied in pulses or substantially continuously, and a varying power level superposed on a substantially continuous base level is also conceivable.
  • a treatment may continue for prolonged periods and/or comprise one or more RF energy pulses with a duration in a range of 1 - 500 ms. Such pulses may be applied at a pulse repetition rate in a range of 0.1 - 10 pulses/second.
  • a computer program may be stored/distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de traitement d'une zone de tissu de peau (30), comprenant une surface de peau (2). Le procédé comprend les étapes suivantes : la fourniture d'un matériau électroconducteur déformable (1) ayant une conductivité électrique supérieure à une conductivité électrique de la zone de tissu de peau, la formation d'un motif (20) sur la surface de peau, ledit motif ayant au moins une ligne (21) du matériau électroconducteur déformable en contact électrique avec la zone de tissu de peau, et la transmission d'une énergie radiofréquence électrique à travers au moins une partie du motif formé, permettant ainsi de chauffer une région de la zone de tissu de peau qui est en contact électrique avec ladite partie du motif à une température supérieure à 37 degrés Celsius. L'invention concerne également un appareil pour traiter une zone de tissu de peau.
PCT/IB2014/058257 2013-02-07 2014-01-14 Procédé et appareil pour le traitement de la peau WO2014122539A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361761778P 2013-02-07 2013-02-07
US61/761,778 2013-02-07

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014122539A1 true WO2014122539A1 (fr) 2014-08-14

Family

ID=50115928

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2014/058257 WO2014122539A1 (fr) 2013-02-07 2014-01-14 Procédé et appareil pour le traitement de la peau

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014122539A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD971415S1 (en) 2019-12-30 2022-11-29 Cynosure, Llc Flexible applicator

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6235020B1 (en) * 1993-05-10 2001-05-22 Arthrocare Corporation Power supply and methods for fluid delivery in electrosurgery
US20100210993A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Lion Flyash Skin treatment apparatus for personal use and method for using same
US20120020033A1 (en) * 2009-02-04 2012-01-26 Bare Conductive Ltd Skin-Safe Conductive Ink and Method for Application on the Body

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6235020B1 (en) * 1993-05-10 2001-05-22 Arthrocare Corporation Power supply and methods for fluid delivery in electrosurgery
US20120020033A1 (en) * 2009-02-04 2012-01-26 Bare Conductive Ltd Skin-Safe Conductive Ink and Method for Application on the Body
US20100210993A1 (en) * 2009-02-18 2010-08-19 Lion Flyash Skin treatment apparatus for personal use and method for using same

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
"Bare Conductive for Innovate10", 15 September 2010 (2010-09-15), XP054975439, Retrieved from the Internet <URL:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ddYM-44RLc> [retrieved on 20140702] *

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD971415S1 (en) 2019-12-30 2022-11-29 Cynosure, Llc Flexible applicator
USD1014763S1 (en) 2019-12-30 2024-02-13 Cynosure, Llc Flexible applicator

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP6244385B2 (ja) 個人エステティック皮膚トリートメント用使い捨て可能パッチ
EP2627400B1 (fr) Timbre à usage unique pour traitement cutané esthétique personnel
US9161802B2 (en) Patterned electrodes for tissue treatment systems
EP1502622B1 (fr) Appareil manuel d&#39;administration transcutanée de médicaments et de prélèvement de fluides biologiques
CN102006909B (zh) 供个人使用的皮肤处置装置及其使用方法
CN107847733B (zh) 用于射频皮肤处理的设备
US20190314638A1 (en) Rf device for skin and fat treatment
US9028480B2 (en) Method and apparatus for fractional skin treatment
KR101679467B1 (ko) 피부 미용 치료를 위한 개인용 전자기 에너지 애플리케이터
EP2892610B1 (fr) Système radiofréquence pour un traitement de la peau comprenant un rouleau ayant une électrode
JP6118456B2 (ja) 無線周波数電流を用いた皮膚のための処置装置
US20100210993A1 (en) Skin treatment apparatus for personal use and method for using same
US20130282085A1 (en) Skin treatment devices and methods
JP2018509264A (ja) 処置設定決定器を備えたｒｆ電流を用いた非侵襲型皮膚処置装置
AU2002307781A1 (en) Handheld apparatus for transdermal drug delivery and analyte extraction
WO2015185352A1 (fr) Dispositif de traitement de peau par radiofréquence
CN101138519A (zh) 电热疗法设备
WO2014122539A1 (fr) Procédé et appareil pour le traitement de la peau
EP4069438A1 (fr) Système de traitement de la peau
JP6633050B2 (ja) 多電極エンドピースを有するイオン導入デバイス
IL158582A (en) Handheld apparatus for transdermal drug delivery and analyte extraction

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 14705213

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 14705213

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1