APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING AN ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD TO BODY TISSUE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an applicator for applying an electromagnetic field to body tissue, particularly subcutaneous adipose tissue. The applied electromagnetic field is, in particular, a high-frequency wave (HF wave). The applicator according to the invention is preferably used in high-frequency therapy, for example, shortwave therapy or microwave therapy. The applicator is particularly suitable for use in a device for fat reduction, e.g., by temperature-induced cell apoptosis, wherein the heating of the adipose tissue is achieved by means of a high-frequency electromagnetic field applied by the applicator. Preferably, the device or applicator is also used in heat therapy.The electromagnetic field that can be applied by means of the applicator is in particular an alternating electromagnetic field, wherein the frequency of the alternating field is preferably 10 MHz to 50 MHz, in particular 13.56 MHz or 27.12 MHz or 40.68 MHz. However, frequencies in the range of 400 MHz to 500 MHz or even 2 GHz to 3 GHz are also conceivable.

[0002] Applicators for applying an electromagnetic field to body tissue, particularly subcutaneous adipose tissue, are known from the prior art. These devices involve bringing electrodes into contact with the tissue. Electrode gels, also known as conductive gels or contact gels, are frequently used. These gels exhibit high conductivity and serve, among other things, to improve the transmission of electrical impulses against the contact resistance of the skin surface into the body. Such an applicator, in which the electrodes are brought into contact with the body tissue during treatment, is known from KR 101 710 313 B1. To simplify handling, this applicator features a sealing lip surrounding the electrode. This sealing lip can be used to create a vacuum, thereby bringing and maintaining contact between the electrode and the body surface.US 2014 / 0249609 A1 discloses an applicator having the features of the preamble of claim 1. US 4,926,881 A discloses further prior art.

[0003] Methods and devices for fat reduction by means of contactless application of high-frequency electromagnetic waves are known from the prior art. For example, EP 2 780 080 A1 describes a system for the contactless treatment of a patient's subcutaneous tissue containing a volume of lipid-rich cells. The system comprises an applicator with at least one pair of two symmetrical capacitive electrodes, the applicator being designed to be positioned at a distance from the skin of the patient being treated. For this purpose, the applicator has a mechanical holder designed to temporarily fix the applicator in a position relative to the patient. The applicator is further designed to transmit the corresponding RF waves into the subcutaneous tissue in order to heat the subcutaneous tissue by means of the RF waves.In the applicator known from EP 2 780 080 A1, the two capacitive electrodes are each housed in a separate base body, and the two electrodes or base bodies must be positioned independently of each other relative to the patient being treated. The applicator according to EP 2 780 080 A1 is therefore a non-contact applicator, as it is designed to be positioned at a distance from the patient's body. This distanced positioning of the applicator, or rather the electrodes housed in the base bodies, from the patient's body surface has the disadvantage that aligning and adjusting the electrodes relative to each other and their distance from the patient's body surface is quite complex, since the body shapes to be treated vary from patient to patient. Furthermore, the body shape differs depending on the region being treated.For example, when treating fatty tissue in the abdominal area, the body shape tends to be more curved, whereas the body shape in the back area is more flat. Furthermore, for optimal effectiveness, the electrodes must be positioned at a specific distance from the body surface and at a specific distance from each other, which further increases the setup and adjustment effort. Therefore, the time required to set up and adjust the device, or to adapt the electrode arrangement to the specific body region being treated and the individual patient, is very time-consuming. Another disadvantage of the device is that the patient is not allowed to change their position relative to the fixed electrodes during treatment, or only to a very limited extent, in order to achieve the desired effect, which is uncomfortable for the patient.

[0004] The object of the present invention is therefore to create an applicator for applying an electromagnetic field to body tissue that overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages.

[0005] This problem is solved by an applicator having the features of claim 1.

[0006] The applicator according to the invention serves to apply an electromagnetic field to body tissue, in particular to subcutaneous adipose tissue. The applicator according to the invention has at least one electrode and at least one counter electrode, wherein the applicator has a flexible base body, the at least one electrode and the at least one counter electrode being mounted in the base body. The applicator has several spacers on a side facing the body, wherein the applicator has channels for supplying and / or removing air, and wherein the applicator has several openings on the side facing the body that are fluid-connected to the channels.

[0007] Because the electrode and counter electrode are housed within the base body, a fixed distance between them is established, eliminating the need for separate positioning. This shared housing also prevents positioning errors, such as insufficient distance between the electrode and counter electrode. Consequently, the applicator is easier to use and avoids positioning errors that can occur when handling two separate electrodes. Since the base body is flexible, it can be deformed, allowing the applicator to adapt optimally to the body's shape.It is specifically designed that the applicator, with its side facing the body, rests against the body surface, preferably across its entire surface, with the spacers also making contact with the body surface. The spacers ensure that the electrode and the counter electrode, both housed within the base unit, are located at a defined distance from the body surface. Because the applicator rests against the body surface, the patient can move, or the body region being treated can be moved, without this movement negatively affecting the application of the field, as the applicator adapts to the changing body shape and can move with the body.

[0008] Since the applicator has channels for supplying and / or exhausting air, which are fluid-connected to openings on the side facing the body being treated, an airflow can be actively generated in the area of ​​the body surface covered by the applicator. Actively generating an airflow has several advantages. Firstly, the body surface can be cooled, thus preventing uncomfortable skin temperatures, so-called hotspots. This makes the treatment more comfortable for the person being treated and also allows for longer treatment times. Furthermore, generating an active airflow in the area between the applicator and the body surface is advantageous in that it prevents or reduces perspiration and dries the body surface, provided any perspiration is evaporated.Sweating poses a problem during treatment with high-frequency electromagnetic waves, as this saline fluid would heat up considerably in the applied field, potentially leading to burns. An active airflow, particularly one using air at a temperature below body surface temperature, preferably cooled air (i.e., air at a temperature below ambient temperature), offers the advantage of effectively cooling the treated area from the outside. This allows for more intensive treatment of deeper tissue layers through the intensive cooling of the body surface, without overheating the overlying layers.The ability to actively generate an airflow is particularly advantageous when the applicator is applied to the body surface, as is possible with the applicator according to the invention, since covering the body surface can lead to undesirably strong heating of the outer body tissue. Furthermore, selective active cooling allows for the selective heating of specific body tissue regions, thereby enabling local variation in treatment intensity. By appropriately arranging the opening or selectively distributing the air cooling, a form of body contouring can be achieved. For example, by selectively cooling specific regions, the applicator allows the desired fat reduction to be locally varied, thus shaping the body region.

[0009] Preferably, the applicator has a plurality of openings, at least ten openings, preferably at least twenty openings.

[0010] It is considered particularly advantageous if the base body has more than four hundred openings per square meter on the side facing the body. In particular, the base body has between four hundred and one thousand openings per square meter, and especially nine hundred openings per square meter.

[0011] Since the applicator according to the invention enables active cooling of the body surface covered by the applicator, the applicator can be designed with a large surface area. It is considered advantageous if the applicator has an area of ​​at least 500 cm² on its side facing the body. Preferably, the applicator has an area of ​​700 cm² to 900 cm² on the side facing the body.

[0012] It is considered particularly advantageous if the spacers and / or the openings are distributed over the entire surface of the applicator facing the body, preferably in a regular pattern.

[0013] It is considered particularly advantageous if the applicator has an elongated shape. Specifically, the applicator is designed to have a longitudinal extension of 50 to 100 cm and a transverse extension of 10 to 40 cm.

[0014] It has proven particularly advantageous with regard to optimal airflow if the ducts have a cross-sectional area of ​​at least 0.2 cm², and especially a cross-sectional area of ​​0.25 cm². It has also proven particularly advantageous with regard to optimal airflow if the ducts have a cross-sectional area of ​​no more than 1 cm².

[0015] For the purpose of supplying and extracting air via the openings and channels, it is considered advantageous if the applicator has at least one connection, wherein the connection is fluidly connected to the channels and wherein the connection is connectable to a device for supplying and / or extracting air. Preferably, this connection is arranged on a side of the applicator facing away from the body.

[0016] To improve the cooling effect of the airflow and / or the drying of the body surface, it is considered advantageous to have an air guide device in the respective opening to deflect and / or divide the airflow.

[0017] Preferably, the air guidance device is designed such that the deflected airflow, with respect to the body surface, has a tangential component and a normal component, wherein the magnitude of the tangential component is greater than the magnitude of the normal component. Preferably, the airflow over the body surface is substantially tangential.

[0018] It is considered particularly advantageous if the air is directed between the spacers.

[0019] The electrode and the counter electrode are preferably capacitor electrodes.

[0020] With regard to the air guide, it is considered particularly advantageous if the air guide is designed as a separate part and preferably detachably mounted in the opening. It is further advantageous if the air guide is inserted or snapped into the base body. Designing the air guide as a separate part has the advantage that it can be easily replaced with a differently designed air guide, while otherwise leaving the applicator unchanged. This makes it possible to optimally adapt the applicator to the desired cooling effect. In this context, it should be noted that it is quite conceivable to close certain openings with plugs, so that the body surface adjacent to the closed opening is cooled less than other body surfaces.

[0021] The spacers are designed such that, when the applicator is applied to the body, air can flow from the outside into the area between the applicator and the body surface, and / or air can flow from between the applicator and the body surface to the outside; preferably, ambient air can flow into the area between the applicator and the body surface, and / or vice versa. This design of the spacers thus allows ambient air to be drawn into the area between the applicator and the body surface, or air to flow out of the area between the applicator and the body surface.

[0022] The spacers are preferably designed as knobs.

[0023] Regarding the use of the applicator, it has proven particularly advantageous to use the applicator in such a way that air is actively blown through the channels and the openings connected to the fluid in the channels towards the body surface.

[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the applicator, it is provided that the applicator has a longitudinal extension and a transverse extension, wherein the longitudinal extension is greater than the transverse extension, and wherein the electrode is arranged at a distance from the counter electrode in the transverse direction.

[0025] Preferably, the electrode and counter electrode extend essentially along the longitudinal direction of the applicator. A significant advantage of orienting the electrodes in the aforementioned manner is that it allows for an arrangement of the electrode and counter electrode perpendicular to the body axis (electrode at the top, counter electrode at the bottom, or vice versa), whereby peripheral areas of the body are heated only minimally in such an arrangement. Particularly when applied to the abdomen, this ensures that the more sensitive bones containing bone marrow (rib cage, hip bones) are not unnecessarily heated.

[0026] The distance between the electrode and the counter electrode is in particular 30 mm to 100 mm, preferably at least 40 mm.

[0027] It is considered particularly advantageous if the electrode and the counter electrode are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner. Preferably, the electrode and the counter electrode are arranged in a mirror-symmetrical manner about a plane that extends in the longitudinal direction of the applicator and perpendicular to the transverse direction of the applicator.

[0028] The electrode and the counter electrode are preferably made of copper or a copper-tin alloy. However, it is also conceivable to manufacture the electrodes from another, preferably highly conductive material, e.g., a precious metal.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode and the counter electrode are flexible. Because the electrode, the counter electrode, and the base body that accommodates the electrode and the counter electrode are flexible, these structures can be deformed, allowing the applicator to adapt optimally to the body shape.

[0030] It is considered particularly advantageous if the electrode and the counter electrode are designed as flexible metal strips or plates. It is also quite conceivable that the electrode and the counter electrode are each formed from several metal strips that are electrically connected to one another. The individual metal strips themselves can certainly be rigid, with the flexibility of the electrode or counter electrode being achieved through their arrangement, support, and / or connection.

[0031] Preferably, the electrode and / or the counter electrode is a mesh electrode or foil electrode. Particularly preferably, the electrode and the counter electrode are made of metal gauze. This makes the electrode and the counter electrode particularly flexible and also results in an advantageous field strength distribution.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the electrode and / or the counter electrode have a comb-like design.

[0033] The thickness of the counter electrode and the electrode is preferably between 0.1 mm and 5 mm, more preferably between 0.2 mm and 2.0 mm, and particularly between 0.3 mm and 1.0 mm. Preferably, the wires of an electrode or counter electrode designed as a metal gauze have a thickness of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm, preferably 0.125 mm. The mesh size of an electrode or counter electrode designed as a metal gauze or mesh electrode is preferably between 0.1 mm and 0.3 mm, and particularly 0.18 mm.

[0034] Preferably, the applicator has a central section formed between two end sections, wherein the electrode and the counter electrode are designed such that, when the applicator is used, a greater heating of the body tissue can be achieved in the region of the central section of the applicator than in the region of the two end sections. This allows for more intensive heating of the body tissue in the area covered by the central section. For this purpose, the electrode and the counter electrode can have a larger surface area in the central region.

[0035] Preferably, the electrode and / or the counter electrode are formed in one piece.

[0036] Preferably, the applicator has exactly one electrode and exactly one counter electrode.

[0037] To simplify handling the applicator, it is considered advantageous if the applicator has a first electrical connection for the electrode, a second electrical connection for the counter electrode, and at least one connection for supplying and / or removing air into and / or from the channels, with all connections being housed in a common bearing structure. This simplifies connecting the applicator to the corresponding leads of the RF device.

[0038] It is considered particularly advantageous if the common bearing structure is located in a central area of ​​the applicator. This makes the corresponding connections especially easy to access, and such a design also facilitates the positioning and alignment of the applicator on the body, as the central bearing structure serves as a visual aid for positioning. For example, if tissue in the torso area is to be treated, such as abdominal fat, the central bearing structure is typically located in the area of ​​the navel.

[0039] The bearing structure is preferably designed as a socket or plug. This allows for easy connection of the terminals, as only a plug corresponding to the socket needs to be connected to the socket, or vice versa.

[0040] Preferably, the bearing structure is formed on a side facing away from the body. The bearing structure is preferably made of polypropylene to ensure sufficient rigidity.

[0041] The bearing structure is preferably designed as a socket, wherein a plug can be detachably connected to the socket, the plug being connected to a first electrical conductor for the electrode, a second electrical conductor for the counter electrode, and a conductor for the at least one connection for supplying and / or removing air, wherein all conductors are mounted in a flexible, tube-like guide structure. Alternatively, and more preferably, the bearing structure is designed as a plug, wherein a socket can be detachably connected to the plug, the socket being connected to a first electrical conductor for the electrode, a second electrical conductor for the counter electrode, and a conductor for the at least one connection for supplying and / or removing air, wherein all conductors are mounted in a flexible, tube-like guide structure.The embodiment with a guide-structure-side bushing has the advantage that, when handling the guide-structure-side bushing, unintentional contact with contact elements of the bushing connected to the conductors is avoided, thus enabling particularly safe handling of the bushing, especially with live contact elements. It is considered advantageous if the contact elements are recessed relative to the front face of the bushing.

[0042] The guide structure preferably has a first channel for the first electrical conductor and a second channel for the second electrical conductor. By using channels for the first and second electrical conductors, the conductors are positioned precisely within the guide structure, thus facilitating handling. With electrical conductors that move independently of each other, the operator must always ensure that the conductors do not cross, maintain sufficient distance, and do not come into contact with metallic objects. Since the conductors are guided precisely within the guide structure, errors in conductor routing are avoided. The guide structure preferably includes shielding to protect against the electric field.

[0043] It is quite conceivable that the guide structure is guided in a frame to simplify handling.

[0044] It is considered particularly advantageous with regard to the manufacture of the applicator if the base body is formed from several layers, wherein a first layer of the base body has several projections on a first side, the projections forming the spacers, and the first layer has several recesses on a side facing away from the first side, the recesses forming sub-areas of the channels.

[0045] Preferably, the base body has a second layer, wherein the electrode and the counter electrode are arranged between the first and second layers. It is considered particularly advantageous if the electrode and the counter electrode are held between the first and second layers without separate aids.

[0046] In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if the second layer has recesses, with the electrode and the counter electrode being arranged in the recesses.

[0047] It is also conceivable and preferred that the base body has an intermediate layer, wherein the intermediate layer is arranged between the first and the second layer, and the electrode and the counter electrode are arranged between the intermediate layer and the second layer. When using an intermediate layer, it is quite conceivable that the intermediate layer has recesses, wherein the electrode and the counter electrode are arranged in the recesses.

[0048] Preferably, the intermediate layer is designed in such a way that it covers the recesses.

[0049] It is quite conceivable that the first layer has a circumferential border, whereby the border surrounds the second layer and / or the intermediate layer. In this context, it is also quite conceivable that the border of the first layer protrudes beyond the second layer on the side facing away from the body.

[0050] Preferably, adjacent layers of the base body are bonded together.

[0051] To ensure particularly good contact of the applicator with the body surface and to keep the applicator in place, it is considered advantageous if the applicator has an arc-shaped, elastically deformable prestressing structure.

[0052] It is quite conceivable that the prestressing structure is formed within the base body, for example, held between different layers of the base body.

[0053] To enable optimal adaptation of the applicator to different body regions, to use the same base body, or to optimally adapt the applicator to the anatomy of the respective body, it is considered advantageous if the pre-tensioning structure is detachably connected to the base body. To adapt the applicator to the specific body region being treated, only the corresponding pre-tensioning structure of the applicator needs to be replaced and connected to the base body. This allows, for example, adjustment to body circumference.

[0054] The prestressing structure can be detached from or connected to the base body, particularly without tools.

[0055] Preferably, the pre-tensioning structure is arranged on the side of the applicator facing away from the body.

[0056] In order to achieve full-surface pressure of the base body against the body to be treated, it is considered advantageous if the prestressing structure is plate-shaped.

[0057] Preferably, the prestressing structure has a recess for the bearing structure or at least through-openings for the connections.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the applicator, the applicator has a temperature sensor for measuring the body surface temperature. This eliminates the need to interrupt treatment and / or remove the applicator from the body to measure the body surface temperature, thus saving treatment time. Furthermore, the continuous temperature monitoring allows the cooling airflow to be regulated to achieve an optimal surface temperature. This can be fully automated.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the applicator can also have a through-opening that extends from the side facing away from the body towards the side facing the body. This through-opening makes it possible to measure the temperature of the body surface with the applicator in place, for example using an infrared thermometer.

[0060] To enable particularly easy replacement of the pre-tensioning structure, in a preferred embodiment of the applicator, the base body has a retaining section on the side facing away from the body that completely encloses the pre-tensioning structure, preferably in the form of an undercut. Because the base body is flexible, the pre-tensioning structure can essentially be clipped into it.

[0061] Preferably, the base body is made of an elastically deformable material; at least the first layer of the base body is preferably made of an elastically deformable material. The base body, or at least the first layer of the base body, preferably consists of an elastomer. Preferably, the base body, or at least the first layer, consists of silicone or a silicone elastomer. Character description

[0062] The invention is explained in the figures using a preferred embodiment, without being limited thereto.

[0063] They show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of an RF device with applicator according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2 the applicator according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view, Fig. 3 the applicator according to Fig. 1without retaining clip in an undeformed state in a perspective view, Fig. 4 the applicator in a top view according to arrow IV in Fig. 5 , Fig. 5 the applicator in a sectional view along line VV in Fig. 4 , Fig. 6 the applicator according to Fig. 3 in an exploded view in a perspective view, Fig. 7 a first position of a basic body of the applicator in a top view according to arrow VII in Fig. 5 , Fig. 8 an intermediate position of the base body of the applicator in a view according to arrow VIII in Fig. 5 , Fig. 9 an air guide device designed as a nozzle of the applicator in a view according to arrow IX in Fig. 10 , Fig. 10 the air guide device in a sectional view along line XX in Fig. 9 , Fig. 11 the retaining clip of the applicator according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view.

[0064] The Figs. 1 to 11Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the applicator 1 according to the invention or components of the applicator. The applicator 1 serves to apply an electromagnetic field to body tissue, in particular to subcutaneous adipose tissue. Fig. 1 Figure 25 shows a high-frequency device (HF device) equipped with the applicator 1.

[0065] The applicator 1 has a flexible electrode 2 and a flexible counter electrode 3. In this case, the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are copper mesh electrodes. Furthermore, the applicator 1 has a flexible base body 4, in which the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are mounted. The applicator 1 has several spacers 6 on a side 5 facing the body, the spacers 6 being designed as knobs and being an integral part of the base body 4.

[0066] To apply the electromagnetic field to the body tissue, the applicator 1 is placed on the body with its side 5 facing the body. Due to the flexibility of the electrode 2, the counter electrode 3, and the base body 4, the applicator 1 adapts to the body shape, thus deforming and making contact with the body surface with its side 5 facing the body across its entire surface. It is quite conceivable that, when the applicator 1 is placed on the body in the manner described above, its own weight, or the weight of the base body 4, is sufficient to achieve the necessary conformity to the body.

[0067] The spacers 6 ensure that the base body 4 rests against the body, thus conforming the applicator 1 to the body. However, the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are positioned at a defined distance from the body due to the spacers 6. Furthermore, the spacers 6 create an air gap between the base body 4 and the body, allowing air to flow in the area between the base body 4 and the body. The spacers 6 are designed and arranged to allow ambient air to flow into the area between the body surface and the base body 4, and vice versa. In this case, the spacers are evenly distributed across the entire side 5 facing the body.

[0068] The applicator 1 has channels 7 for supplying and / or extracting air, and the applicator 1 has several openings 8 on the side facing the body, which are fluid-connected to the channels 7. Thus, the applicator 1 actively blows air into or extracts air from the area between the base body 4 and the body to be treated. This allows for active drying and cooling of the body surface. In this context, it is considered particularly advantageous if the actively generated airflow is such that air flows from the openings 8 towards the body surface and laterally out of the area between the applicator 1 and the body surface into the surrounding environment. It is considered especially advantageous if the airflow is dry air, as this results in a particularly effective drying effect.With regard to active cooling of the body surface, it is considered advantageous if the air flowing towards the body surface has a lower temperature than the ambient air.

[0069] As in particular the Fig. 4 The base body 4 of the applicator 1, which can be removed, has a plurality of openings 8. For the sake of clarity, the following was shown in the Fig. 4The spacers 6 are not shown, and only the openings 8 are depicted. Preferably, the applicator 1 has more than four hundred openings per square meter; in this case, seventy-eight openings 8 are distributed over the entire surface. The applicator 1 has a longitudinal extent L of approximately 70 cm and a transverse extent Q of approximately 20 cm. The longitudinal extent L is thus greater than the transverse extent Q, with the electrode 2 being spaced apart from the counter electrode 3 in the transverse direction Q. The distance between the two electrodes 2 and 3 is approximately 40 mm. The electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 extend essentially in the longitudinal direction L of the applicator 1 and are arranged symmetrically to each other with respect to this longitudinal direction L.

[0070] In each opening 8, an air guide device 10 is arranged for deflecting and dividing the airflow exiting the respective opening 8. In this case, the air guide devices 10 are designed as nozzles, wherein the Figs. 9 and 10 Detailed views of this nozzle are shown.

[0071] How especially the Figs. 9 and 10 As can be seen, the air guide devices 10 are designed such that the deflected airflow, with respect to the body surface, has a tangential component and a normal component, wherein the magnitude of the tangential component is greater than the magnitude of the normal component. For this purpose, the air guide device 10 has an axial passage opening 26, wherein the air guide device 10 has a conical deflection structure 27 at the end of this passage opening 26, wherein an opening angle α of the deflection structure 27 is approximately 130°.

[0072] The respective air guide device 10 is designed as a separate part and is detachably mounted in the area of ​​the respective opening 8. For this purpose, the air guide device 10 has a bearing structure 28 in the form of a circumferential groove. To mount the air guide device 10 in the area of ​​the respective opening 8, the air guide device 10 is inserted into the base body 4 such that a portion of the base body 4 engages in the groove, so that the respective air guide device 10 is held in the base body 4 by an undercut.

[0073] As in particular the Fig. 3As can be seen, the applicator 1 has a central section 12 formed between two end sections 11, wherein the applicator 1 has a greater extent in the transverse direction Q in this central section 12 than in the region of the two end sections 11. Furthermore, the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are designed such that, when using the applicator 1, a greater heating of the body tissue can be achieved in the region of the central section 12 of the applicator 1 than in the region of the two end sections 11. For this purpose, the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 have a larger surface area in the region of the central section 12 than in the region of the two end sections 11.Applicator 1 is specifically designed for use on the torso, particularly the abdomen. When applied to the abdomen, this design allows for better protection of the patient's rib cage and hip bones, as these areas experience less heat buildup from the electromagnetic field than the abdomen itself. A significant advantage of aligning the electrode and counter-electrode perpendicular to the body axis (one electrode above, one below) is that it minimizes heat exposure to peripheral areas. This is especially important when applying the applicator to the abdomen, ensuring that the more sensitive bones containing bone marrow (rib cage, hip bones) are not unnecessarily heated.

[0074] As can be seen from the exploded view of applicator 1 in the Fig. 6 as well as the Fig. 5As can be seen, the base body 4 is formed from several layers 18, 19, 20, in this case from three layers 18, 19, 20, wherein a first layer 18 of the base body 4 has several projections on a first side 5, in this case the side 5 facing the body. These projections form the spacers 6. Furthermore, the first layer 18 has several recesses 30 on a side 23 facing away from the first side 5, in this case the side 23 facing away from the body, wherein the recesses 30 form partial sections of the channels 7. An intermediate layer 20 rests on the second side 23 of the first layer 18, the intermediate layer 20 covering the open recesses 30 of the first layer 18, thereby forming the channels 7. The intermediate layer 20 has two recesses 21, wherein the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 are each arranged in one of the two recesses 21.Furthermore, the base body 4 has a second layer 19, with the intermediate layer 20 arranged between the first layer 18 and the second layer 19. Thus, the second layer 19 covers the electrode 2 and the counter electrode 3 on the side 23 of the applicator 1 facing away from the body. The first layer 18, the intermediate layer 20, and the second layer 19 are bonded together.

[0075] The applicator 1 has a first electrical connection 13 for the electrode 2, a second electrical connection 14 for the counter electrode 3, and two connections 9 for supplying and / or removing air into and / or from the channels 7. All connections 9, 13, and 14 are mounted in a common bearing structure 15. This bearing structure 15 is designed as a bushing, with a bearing section 32 of this bushing 15 arranged between the second layer 19 and the intermediate layer 20. A portion of the bearing structure 15 passes through a through-opening 31 formed in the second layer 19. The bearing structure 15 is located in the central section 12 of the applicator 1.

[0076] Due to the shared storage of the connections 9, 13, 14 in the storage structure 15, handling the applicator 1 is particularly easy, since only a single connector 16 needs to be connected to the storage structure 15 to operate the applicator 1 or to connect the applicator 1 to a high-frequency source and an air supply or exhaust device, as shown in the Fig. 1The bearing structure 15 is designed as a socket into which the plug 16 can be inserted. The plug 16 is connected to a first electrical conductor for the electrode 2, a second electrical conductor for the counter electrode 3, and at least one conductor for the two terminals 9. All conductors are mounted in a flexible, tube-like guide structure 17, which in this case has a first channel for the first electrical conductor and a second channel for the second electrical conductor in order to guide the electrical conductors in a defined manner and at a distance from each other.

[0077] The applicator 1 has an arc-shaped, elastically deformable prestressing structure 22, which is detachably connected to the base body 4 and has a recess 35 for the bearing structure 15. For the purpose of detachably connecting the prestressing structure 22 to the base body 4, the base body 4, namely the first layer 18, has a circumferential edge 29, a portion of which projects circumferentially on a side 23 facing away from the body and has a retaining section 33 designed as an undercut. The prestressing structure 22 can be inserted into this undercut to connect it to the base body 4. Due to the curved shape of the prestressing structure 22, which is stiffer than the base body 4 and the electrodes 2, 3, the entire applicator 1 is preformed or prestressed in the shape of an arc.The shape imposed on the applicator 1 by the prestressing structure 22 is such that the applicator 1 is approximately adapted to the shape of a person's torso. To connect the applicator 1 to the person being treated, the applicator 1 is slightly bent open against the restoring force of the prestressing structure 22 and placed around the person's torso. Due to the elastic deformation, the applicator 1, namely the flexible base body 4 with the electrodes 2, 3 embedded within it, conforms fully to the person's body and is held in position. The person being treated can therefore perform movements without significantly altering the electrode-skin distance.

[0078] In the present case, the first layer 18, the intermediate layer 20, and the second layer 19 of the base body 4 consist of an elastomer, namely a silicone elastomer. The bearing structure is made of polypropylene. The prestressing structure 22 preferably consists of a plastic, in particular an elastic plastic. The use of an ABS plastic for the prestressing structure 22 has proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0079] To facilitate simple temperature measurement of the body surface, for example using an infrared thermometer, the applicator 1 has a through-opening 24 extending from the side 23 facing away from the body towards the side 5 facing the body. Preferably, the RF device 25 includes both the RF source and an air conveying device, preferably an air supply device, e.g., a compressor. Preferably, the RF device 25 also includes a cooling device for cooling the air supplied to the applicator 1. It is quite conceivable that the RF source, the air conveying device, and the cooling device are housed in a common casing 34. Furthermore, this casing 34 can also serve to accommodate a control device for the RF device 25. It is considered particularly advantageous if the RF device 25 is designed as a mobile device. Reference symbol list

[0080] 1 Applicator 2 Electrode 3 Counter electrode 4 Base body 5 Side 6 Spacer 7 Channel 8 Opening 9 Connection 10 Air guide 11 End section 12 Central section 13 First electrical connection 14 Second electrical connection 15 Bearing structure 16 Connector 17 Guide structure 18 First layer 19 Second layer 20 Intermediate layer 21 Recess 22 Preload structure 23 Side 24 Through opening 25 RF device 26 Through opening 27 Deflection structure 28 Bearing structure 29 Edge 30 Recess 31 Through opening 32 Bearing section 33 Holding section 34 Housing 35 Recess Longitudinal direction, Transverse direction, Angle

Claims

1. Applicator (1) for applying an electromagnetic field in body tissue, in particular in subcutaneous adipose tissue, wherein the applicator (1) has at least one electrode (2) and at least one counter electrode (3), wherein the applicator (1) has a flexible main body (4), wherein the at least one electrode (2) and the at least one counter electrode (3) are mounted in the main body (4), wherein the applicator (1) has a plurality of spacers (6) on a side (5) to be turned towards the body, characterized in that the applicator (1) has channels (7) for supplying and / or discharging air, wherein the applicator (1) has a plurality of openings (8), which are fluidically connected to the channels (7), on the side (5) to be turned towards the body.

2. Applicator according to Claim 1, wherein the applicator (1) has at least one connection (9), wherein the connection (9) is fluidically connected to the channels (7), wherein the connection (9) can be connected to a device for supplying and / or discharging air.

3. Applicator according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein an air guide device (10) for deflecting and / or splitting the air flow is arranged in the respective opening (8).

4. Applicator according to Claim 3, wherein the air guiding device (10) is in the form of a separate part and is preferably detachably mounted in the opening (8).

5. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the spacers (6) are formed in such a way that, when the applicator (1) makes contact with the body, it is possible for air to flow from the outside into the region between the applicator (1) and the body surface and / or for air between the applicator (1) and the body surface to flow to the outside.

6. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the applicator (1) has an extent in the longitudinal direction (L) and an extent in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the extent in the longitudinal direction (L) is greater than the extent in the transverse direction (Q), wherein the electrode (2) is arranged at a distance from the counter electrode (3) in the transverse direction (Q).

7. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein the electrode (2) is in the form of a flexible electrode (2) and / or the counter electrode (3) is in the form of a flexible counter electrode (3), the electrode (2) and the counter electrode (3) preferably being in the form of flexible metal strips and / or mesh electrodes and / or foil electrodes8. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the applicator (1) has a central portion (12) formed between two end portions (11), wherein the electrode (2) and the counter electrode (3) are formed in such a way that, when the applicator (1) is in use, the body tissue can be heated more intensely in the region of the central portion (12) of the applicator (1) than in the region of the two end portions (11).

9. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein the applicator (1) has a first electrical connection (13) for the electrode (2), a second electrical connection (14) for the counter electrode (3) and at least one connection (9) for supplying and / or discharging air into the channels (7) and / or from the channels (7), wherein all the connections (9, 13, 14) are mounted in a common mounting structure (15).

10. Applicator according to Claim 9, wherein the mounting structure (15) is in the form of a socket, wherein a plug (16) can be releasably connected to the socket, wherein the plug (16) is connected to a first electrical line for the electrode (2), a second electrical line for the counter electrode (3) and a line for the at least one connection (9) for supplying and / or discharging air, wherein all the lines are mounted in a tubular, flexible guide structure (17), wherein the guide structure (17) has a first channel for the first electrical line and a second channel for the second electrical line, or wherein the mounting structure (15) is in the form of a plug, wherein a socket can be releasably connected to the plug, wherein the socket is connected to a first electrical line for the electrode (2), a second electrical line for the counter electrode (3) and a line for the at least one connection (9) for supplying and / or discharging air, wherein all the lines are mounted in a tubular, flexible guide structure (17), wherein the guide structure (17) has a first channel for the first electrical line and a second channel for the second electrical line.

11. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the main body (4) is formed from several layers (18, 19, 20), wherein a first layer (18) of the main body (4) has several projections on a first side (5), wherein the projections form the spacers (6), and wherein the first layer (18) has several recesses (30) on a side (23) facing away from the first side (5), wherein the recesses (30) form subregions of the channels (7).

12. Applicator according to Claim 11, wherein the main body (4) has a second layer (19), wherein the electrode (2) and the counter electrode (3) are arranged between the first layer (18) and the second layer (19).

13. Applicator according to any of Claims 1 to 12, wherein the applicator (1) has an arcuate, elastically deformable preloading structure (22).

14. Applicator according to Claim 13, wherein the preloading structure (22) is releasably connected to the main body (4).

15. Applicator according to either of Claims 13 and 14, wherein the main body (4) has a holding portion (33) circumferentially surrounding the preloading structure (22) on a side (23) to be turned away from the body.