PELTIER EFFECT CRYOGENIC THERAPY SYSTEM

Abstract

PELTIER EFFECT CRYOGENIC THERAPY SYSTEM A cryogenic device includes a container. The container contains a fluid suitable for use in cutaneous cryotherapy. The cryogenic device includes a heat exchanger connected to an outlet of the container, with the fluid being cooled in the heat exchanger. The cryogenic device includes a multi-stage thermoelectric chiller connected to the heat exchanger to cool the fluid within the heat exchanger. The cryogenic device includes a nozzle after the heat exchanger that discharges the cooled fluid onto a skin surface. The cryogenic device includes a computer configured to open the nozzle when a specific temperature is reached. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: PELTIER EFFECT CRYOGENIC TREATMENT SYSTEM SUMMARY

[0001] A cryogenic device includes a container. The container contains a fluid suitable for use in cutaneous cryotherapy. The cryogenic device includes a heat exchanger connected to an outlet of the container, with the fluid being cooled in the heat exchanger. The cryogenic device includes a multi-stage thermoelectric cooler connected to the heat exchanger to cool the fluid in the heat exchanger. The cryogenic device includes a nozzle after the heat exchanger that discharges the cooled fluid onto a skin surface. The cryogenic device includes a computer configured to open the nozzle when a specific temperature is reached.

[0002] In one embodiment, a reusable carbon dioxide cartridge is inserted into a cooling coil system.

[0003] In one embodiment, a multi-stage thermoelectric cooler is attached directly to the cooling coil.

[0004] In one embodiment, a temperature sensor is also attached to the cooling coil to measure the temperature.

[0005] In one embodiment, a computer activates the thermoelectric cooler to supercool the gas contained in the cooling coils. The computer actively monitors the temperature of the coiled coil until it reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0006] When the predetermined temperature is reached, the computer activates the solenoid to release the supercooled gas directly onto the skin.

[0007] This summary is intended to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0008] The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of the present invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Fig-1] [Fig.1] is a schematic illustration of a cryogenic device;

[0010] [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration of a heat exchanger with serpentine; and

[0011] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic illustration of a heat exchanger with plates. Detailed description

[0012] Cryotherapy is a treatment procedure that uses a fluid to freeze lesions on the skin's surface. Freezing the surface tissue can destroy the lesions and lead to the regeneration of healthier tissue. However, current cryogenic devices use a pressurized cartridge of R-152A (1,1-difluoroethane) gas. The distribution by the device can be restricted to a downward position. Here, downward can mean toward the center of the earth. Furthermore, R152A must be cryogenically in liquid form, and gaseous R152A is regulated in several countries.

[0013] Consequently, the present disclosure aims to address the drawbacks of current devices. The advantages of this disclosure may include the use of a safer and less expensive gas for a cryogenic application, the availability of a reusable or rechargeable system, the regulation of the cooling temperature according to the application, and the distribution of the cryogenic gas in any direction.

[0014] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a cryogenic device 100 according to the disclosure. The cryogenic device 100 includes a container 102. The container 102 contains a fluid 120 suitable for use in cutaneous cryotherapy. The cryogenic device 100 includes a heat exchanger 104 connected to an outlet of the container 102, in which the fluid 120 is cooled. The cryogenic device 100 includes a multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106 connected to the heat exchanger 104 to cool the fluid 120. The cryogenic device 100 includes a nozzle 108 after the heat exchanger 104 that discharges the cooled fluid 120 onto a skin surface. The cryogenic device 100 includes a computer 110 configured to open the nozzle 108 when a temperature is reached to distribute the fluid 120.

[0015] Fluid 120 is a gas or liquid selected from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen, a hydrocarbon such as an ether and propane, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a hydrofluorocarbon, or any combination thereof.

[0016] The cryogenic device 100 includes a temperature sensor 118 measuring a temperature at the heat exchanger 104. The temperature sensor 118 can be placed in external contact with the heat exchanger 104, so that the temperature sensor 118 can indicate a close approximation of the temperature of the fluid 102. In one embodiment, the temperature sensor 118 can penetrate the wall of the heat exchanger to make direct contact with fluid 120 and measure the fluid temperature. The temperature sensor 118 is a thermocouple, a thermistor, and similar devices. More than one temperature sensor 118 can be used.

[0017] The computer 110 is configured to open the nozzle 108 when the temperature is between -40 °C and 0 °C. The computer 110 is configured to open the nozzle 108 when the temperature is between -30 °C and -10 °C. The nozzle 108 includes a solenoid valve to open and close the flow of fluid 120 exiting the nozzle 108. The temperature at which the solenoid valve is allowed to open may depend on the type of fluid and / or the specific application of the device 100. For example, the type of lesion may determine the temperature value allowed for opening the solenoid valve. Lesions include, but are not limited to, hyperpigmentation, skin tags, viral warts, actinic keratosis, and the like.

[0018] The computer 110 includes a power supply. The computer 110, the solenoid inside the nozzle 108, and the thermoelectric cooler 106 can be powered by a rechargeable DC battery or via an AC / DC converter when plugged into a wall outlet. The computer 110 controls the flow of current to the solenoid in the nozzle 108 and to the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106.

[0019] The cryogenic device 100 further includes a heat sink 112 connected to the multistage thermoelectric cooler 106. The heat sinks 112 may incorporate highly thermally conductive metals, such as copper and aluminum, arranged to increase the surface area for heat dissipation. The heat sinks 112 may incorporate liquids, such as water, to remove heat from the multistage thermoelectric cooler 106. The heat sink 112 may incorporate a fan. The heat sink 112 removes heat "Q*" from the multistage thermoelectric cooler 106, thereby increasing the efficiency of the multistage thermoelectric cooler 106.

[0020] In one embodiment, the container 102 is a refillable cartridge. For example, the refillable cartridge is configured to contain 12 g to 16 g of carbon dioxide.

[0021] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger 104 includes a coil heat exchanger 104(2), as schematically illustrated in [Fig. 2]. In another embodiment, the heat exchanger 104 is a plate heat exchanger 104(1), as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0022] The cryogenic device 100 includes one or more housings 114 surrounding the container 102, the heat exchanger 104, the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106, the nozzle 108 and the computer 110.

[0023] In one embodiment, one or more housings 114 can act as a heat sink for the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 108. The housing may include highly thermally conductive metal parts, for example. The housing 114 serving as a heat sink is illustrated in [Fig. 1] by line 116, showing that the heat Q* flows through one or more housings 114.

[0024] In one embodiment, the cryogenic device 100 can be configured to be a portable device. For example, the cryogenic device 100 includes a battery to power the system, allowing the cryogenic device 100 to be mobile and not limited to a power outlet. The one or more housings 114 can also be configured with a handle to allow the device 100 to be operated with one hand. However, in one embodiment, the cryogenic device 100 can include a fixed unit connected to a wand-forming unit, wherein the wand-forming unit includes the nozzle, and the remaining components can be housed within the fixed unit.

[0025] The multistage thermoelectric cooler 106 is based on the Peltier effect, which results in a temperature difference when a DC voltage is applied between two semiconductor electrodes. The Peltier effect is achieved using materials such as bismuth and tellurium. The multistage thermoelectric cooler 106 used in the disclosure includes one or more stages to achieve the low temperatures required for cryotherapy. The construction of each stage includes a plurality of alternating P-type and N-type semiconductor "pillars" arranged in pairs. Each pillar is packed between two thermally conductive plates. The plates may be ceramic. The pillars are electrically connected in series, so that when a direct current is applied to the terminals of the cooler, heat "Q" is extracted from the cold plate and transferred to the opposite hot plate.Heat must be removed from the thermoelectric cooler; therefore, the thermoelectric cooler must be connected to a heat sink that will further remove the heat "Q*" from the hot plate and transfer it to the heat sink 112 or the housing 114. The final low temperature reached by the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106 will depend on several factors, such as the number of pillars, the surface area of ​​the cold and hot ceramic plates, the efficiency of the heat sink, and other factors.

[0026] The computer 110 includes circuitry for implementing processing protocols, functionally coupling two or more components, generating information, determining operating conditions, controlling the device, and similar functions. The computer 110 receives a temperature signal 118 from the heat exchanger 104 indicating the temperature of the cold side of the heat exchanger 104 or of the fluid 120. The computer 110 compares the The temperature is stored in one or more values ​​in its memory. When the computer 110 determines that the temperature reaches or exceeds the predetermined temperature value, the computer 110 can allow the distribution of the fluid 120. The final determination of the distribution can be made by the user of the device, for example by activating a manual button on the device that opens the solenoid valve.

[0027] Any type of circuitry can be used for the computer 110. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes, among other things, one or more computing devices, such as a processor (for example, a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or the like, or any combination thereof, and may include elements or electronics of separate digital or analog circuits, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more ASICs having a plurality of predefined logic components. In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more FPGAs having a plurality of programmable logic components.

[0028] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes one or more memory devices that, for example, store instructions or data. Non-limiting examples of one or more memory devices include volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), or the like), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), or the like), persistent memory, or the like. Other non-limiting examples of one or more memory devices include erasable and programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or the like. The one or more memory devices can be coupled, for example, to one or more computing devices by one or more instructions, data, or power buses.

[0029] In one embodiment, the device includes circuitry comprising one or more modules optionally usable for communication with one or more input / output components configured to transmit user input and / or output. In one embodiment, a module includes one or more examples of electrical, electromechanical, software-implemented, firmware-implemented, or other control devices. Such devices include one or more examples of memory; computer devices; antennas; power supplies or other devices; logic modules or other signaling modules; gauges or other active sensing components; or passive; piezoelectric transducers, shape memory elements, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) elements or other actuators.

[0030] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes hardware circuit implementations (for example, analog circuitry implementations, digital circuitry implementations and the like, and combinations thereof).

[0031] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes combinations of circuits and computer program products having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories that work together to cause the device 100 to execute one or more methodologies or technologies described herein.

[0032] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes circuits, such as, for example, microprocessors or parts of microprocessors, which require software, firmware, and the like, to operate.

[0033] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes an implementation comprising one or more processors or parts thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware and the like.

[0034] In one embodiment, the circuitry includes a baseband integrated circuit or an application processor integrated circuit or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network device, another network device or another computing device.

[0035] In one embodiment, a cryogenic device 100 includes a container 102 containing a fluid 120 suitable for use in cutaneous cryotherapy; a heat exchanger 104 connected to an outlet of the container, in which the fluid is cooled in the heat exchanger; a multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 104 connected to the heat exchanger to cool the fluid in the heat exchanger; a nozzle 108 after the heat exchanger that discharges the cooled fluid; and a computer 110 configured to open the nozzle when a temperature is reached.

[0036] Fluid 120 is a gas selected from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen, a hydrocarbon, a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or any combination thereof.

[0037] The cryogenic device 100 may include a temperature sensor 118 measuring a temperature at the heat exchanger 104.

[0038] The computer 110 is configured to open the nozzle 108 when the temperature is from -40 °C to 0 °C.

[0039] The computer 110 is configured to open the nozzle 108 when the temperature is -30 °C to -10 °C.

[0040] The cryogenic device 100 may include a heat sink 112 or 114 connected to the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106.

[0041] Container 102 is a refillable cartridge.

[0042] The refillable cartridge is configured to contain 12 g to 16 g of carbon dioxide.

[0043] The heat exchanger 104 includes a coil heat exchanger.

[0044] The heat exchanger 104 includes a plate heat exchanger.

[0045] The cryogenic device 100 may include one or more housing parts 114.

[0046] One or more housings 114 can surround the container 102, the heat exchanger 104, the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106, the nozzle 108 and the computer 110.

[0047] The one or more housings 114 are a heat sink for the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler 106.

[0048] The cryogenic device 100 is configured to be a portable device.

[0049] A method for treating a skin lesion includes, with the device 100, the application of the cryogenic fluid 120 to a skin lesion.

[0050] The skin lesion includes hyperpigmentation, skin tag, viral wart, actinic keratosis, and the like.

[0051] The method may further include the distribution of the fluid 120, in which the device 100 is positioned to distribute the fluid other than downwards from the device.

[0052] The process may further include filling the container with the fluid after the container 120 is emptied.

[0053] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it should be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Cryogenic device, comprising: - a container including a fluid suitable for use in cutaneous cryotherapy; - a heat exchanger connected to an outlet of the container, in which the fluid is cooled in the heat exchanger; - a multi-stage thermoelectric cooler connected to the heat exchanger to cool the fluid in the heat exchanger; - a nozzle after the heat exchanger that discharges the cooled fluid; and - a computer configured to open the nozzle when a temperature is reached.

2. A cryogenic device according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a gas selected from carbon dioxide, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, oxygen, a hydrocarbon, a hydrofluorocarbon, a hydrochlorofluorocarbon, or any combination thereof.

3. VI. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, including a temperature sensor measuring a temperature at the heat exchanger; wherein the computer is configured to open the nozzle when the temperature is from -40 °C to 0 °C.

4. Cryogenic device according to claim 3, wherein the computer is configured to open the nozzle when the temperature is from -30°C to -10°C.

5. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, further comprising a heat sink connected to the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler.

6. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, wherein the container is a refillable cartridge.

7. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger includes a coil heat exchanger.

8. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, wherein the heat exchanger includes a plate heat exchanger.

9. A cryogenic device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more housing parts; at least one of the

10. or several housing parts form part of a heat sink for the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler. Cryogenic device according to claim 1, further comprising one or more housings surrounding the vessel, the heat exchanger, the multi-stage thermoelectric cooler, the nozzle and the computer.