Method and apparatus for damage and removal of fat

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for damaging and / or removing portions of subcutaneous fatty tissue while leaving the overlying dermal layer of the skin substantially undamaged. One or more hollow needles can be provided that include an arrangement within the lumen configured to retain or damage portions of fatty tissue that enter the lumen. Properties of the needle can be selected such that the needle can be inserted into skin and pass through the dermal layer, allowing fatty tissue to enter the distal portion of the lumen as it is advanced further, and then leaving the dermis undamaged when withdrawn. Such exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such needles, a reciprocating arrangement to mechanically advance and withdraw the one or more needles, and / or a vibrating arrangement.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application relates to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 510,242 filed Jul. 21, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0002]The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for removing or damaging small regions of fatty tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, while reducing or avoiding significant damage to the overlying tissue, e.g., the dermis and epidermis.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]Procedures and devices for removing fatty tissue, e.g. for cosmetic reasons, are common and represent a significant market in the cosmetic procedures sector. Conventional fat-removal procedures and devices, e.g., liposuction, can be disruptive to surrounding tissue and often includes many risks such as excessive bleeding, etc. There are relatively few procedures for removal of small amounts of fatty tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, for cosmet...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to an apparatus for removing fat from biological tissue, such as skin. The apparatus includes a hollow needle with protrusions on its inner wall. The needle can be inserted into fat tissue and the protrusions can help retain a portion of the fat when the needle is withdrawn. The apparatus can also have a vacuum source to remove the fat from the surrounding tissue. Additionally, there is a reciprocating arrangement or a vibrating arrangement to improve the removal of fat from the tissue. The apparatus can be used to remove fat from donor tissue sites without translating the entire apparatus over the tissue surface.

Problems solved by technology

Conventional fat-removal procedures and devices, e.g., liposuction, can be disruptive to surrounding tissue and often includes many risks such as excessive bleeding, etc.

There are relatively few procedures for removal of small amounts of fatty tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, for cosmetic purposes and such procedures generally require a skilled practitioner for effective removal and can be very time-consuming and subject to complications.

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