Treatment device using RF energy and control method thereof

Abstract

To minimize deviations in treatment results caused by differences in treatment environment and patient characteristics.SOLUTION: There are provided a treatment device using RF energy and a control method thereof. The treatment device using RF energy includes: a handpiece having an electrode configured to contact a skin surface and to transfer RF energy; an RF energy-generating unit for generating RF energy to be transferred to the electrode; a cooling unit provided to cool the electrode; and a control unit for controlling operations of the RF energy-generating unit and the cooling unit and controlling the cooling unit so as to preliminarily cool the electrode before RF energy is applied to the electrode. The control method thereof is also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a treatment device using RF energy and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for transmitting RF energy to tissue to treat tissue lesions have been developed in various ways. In particular, in recent years, a technique for treating tissue without damaging the skin surface has been developed by transmitting RF energy while cooling the skin with an electrode in contact with the skin surface. Such treatment techniques using RF energy are disclosed in Patent Document 1 and the like. However, in the conventional treatment techniques using RF energy, there has been a problem that the treatment results are not uniform depending on the treatment environment and the characteristics of the patient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a treatment device using RF energy and a control method thereof that can minimize the deviation of treatment results caused thereby even when the treatment environment and the characteristics of the patient are different in treating tissue using RF energy.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above object of the present invention, the present invention provides a treatment apparatus using RF energy, which includes a handpiece having an electrode that contacts the skin surface and transmits RF energy, an RF energy generation unit that generates the RF energy transmitted to the electrode, a cooling unit that is provided to cool the electrode, and a control unit that controls the operations of the RF energy generation unit and the cooling unit, and controls the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrode before applying RF energy to the electrode.

[0006] The control unit controls to preliminarily cool the electrode so that the electrode forms a preset temperature in a state where no RF energy is applied. Here, the preset temperature may be a temperature lower than the normal temperature, and as an example, it may be a value within the range of 0 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

[0007] The control unit can control to preliminarily cool the electrode regardless of the time when the electrode contacts the skin surface or the time when RF energy is applied to the electrode.

[0008] Then, the control unit controls the cooling unit to cool the electrode while RF energy is being applied through the electrode, and the cooling unit can be controlled such that the process of preliminarily cooling the electrode and the process of cooling the electrode while RF energy is being applied are continuously performed.

[0009] As an example, the handpiece further includes a chip module detachably coupled to an end of a main body of the handpiece, with the electrode provided on one surface thereof. When the chip module is coupled to the main body of the handpiece, the control unit can automatically control the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrode. Here, the chip module further includes a memory containing information of the chip module, and the control unit controls to preliminarily cool the electrode based on the information of the chip module stored in the memory.

[0010] The cooling unit includes a refrigerant storage unit for storing refrigerant, a cooling flow path at least partially provided within the handpiece that forms a path through which the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage unit is transmitted to the electrode, and a valve for adjusting the amount of refrigerant transmitted through the cooling flow path. The valve can be a proportional control valve such that the operation of cooling the electrode is continuously performed.

[0011] As an example, the handpiece is disposed adjacent to the electrode and further includes a contact sensor for sensing the contact state between the patient's skin and the electrode. The control unit can control the RF generator to transmit the RF energy after a preset time has elapsed when the electrode is in contact with the patient's skin surface.

[0012] Furthermore, while the user moves the handpiece from the first position to the second position after treating the first position, the control unit can control the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrode.

[0013] On the other hand, the object of the present invention described above can also be achieved by a control method for a treatment device using RF energy, including the steps of sensing that a chip module having an electrode for transmitting RF energy in contact with the skin surface is coupled to one end of the handpiece, preliminarily cooling the electrode by the cooling unit before transmitting RF energy through the electrode, and applying the RF energy generated by the RF energy generation unit to the cooled electrode.

[0014] Also, the object of the present invention described above can also be achieved by a treatment method using RF energy, including the steps of preliminarily cooling an electrode for transmitting RF energy in contact with the skin surface to a preset temperature, and applying RF energy while the electrode cooled to the preset temperature is in contact with the skin surface.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, since the treatment is performed with the electrodes preliminarily cooled to a preset temperature, the treatment can be advanced with electrodes having constant electrical characteristics even if the temperature of the treatment environment or the skin temperature of the patient is different, and uniform treatment is possible.

[0016] In addition, since preliminarily cooled electrodes are used, the treatment can proceed with the patient's skin having a temperature within a certain range, and uniform treatment is possible while preventing damage to the skin surface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a treatment device using RF energy according to an embodiment of the present invention, its control method, and a treatment method using the same will be specifically described. In the following description, the positional relationship of each component is described based on the drawings in principle. And the drawings may display the structure of the invention simply for convenience of explanation or exaggeratedly when necessary. Therefore, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various devices can be added, modified, or omitted and implemented.

[0019] Hereinafter, the “treatment device using RF energy” includes all devices for treating mammals including humans. The treatment device may include various devices that deliver RF energy for the purpose of improving the condition of a lesion or tissue for treatment. In the following embodiments, a device for treating skin lesions will be mainly described. For example, it can be meant to locally heat skin tissue using RF energy and exert the effect of improving Wrinkles, Tone and Textural Changes, Scars and Acne Scarring, Sagging mucosa, Overall Rejuvenation, Hyperhidrosis, laxity, lifting, tightening, Fat reduction, etc. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is clarified that the present invention can be applied to various devices used by transmitting RF energy to various affected parts, including devices for surgically treating internal organ lesions.

[0020] Hereinafter, “tissue” means a collection of cells that make up various body organs of animals including humans. It includes skin tissues of the face, neck, arms, legs, and torso, and also includes various tissues that make up various organs in the body.

[0021] Hereinafter, a treatment device using RF energy according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a treatment device using RF energy according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the treatment device using RF energy according to the present embodiment includes a main body 10, a handpiece 20 connected to the main body 10, and a return electrode pad 30.

[0024] The main body 10 is provided with various components for operating the treatment device of the present embodiment. On the outer surface of the main body 10, various switches and display units for setting / operating the operation of the treatment device are provided. And inside the main body 10, components such as an RF energy generation unit 50 and a refrigerant storage unit may be provided inside.

[0025] The handpiece 20 is configured to perform treatment at the treatment position and is provided in a form that can be held by the user. At one end of the handpiece 20, an electrode 60 for contacting the skin surface of the patient and transmitting RF energy is provided. On the outer surface of the handpiece 20, various operation units for operating the treatment operation may be provided, and inside the handpiece 20, a conductive path for transmitting RF energy to the electrode 60 and a cooling channel for cooling the electrode are provided.

[0026] The return electrode pad 30 includes a return electrode. The return electrode is made of a conductive material and is arranged to contact a position in the patient's body opposite to the treatment position during treatment. Therefore, when applying RF energy, the return electrode forms a path through which RF energy is transmitted to the patient's body together with the electrode of the handpiece.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the handpiece 20 and the return electrode pad 30 are respectively connected to the main body by connection parts. The connection parts can be composed of cables or the like, and each is electrically connected to the main body to form an RF transmission path and is configured to be able to transmit and receive various signals.

[0028] In this embodiment, the electrode 60 of the handpiece is configured in a monopolar type (single-pole type) having one polarity and includes separate return electrode pads, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As another example, when the electrodes of the handpiece are configured in a bipolar type having different polarities from each other, it can be implemented without including the aforementioned return electrode pads.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of the treatment device according to FIG. 1.

[0030] The RF energy generation unit 50 generates the RF energy used for treatment. The RF energy generation unit 50 generates RF pulses having various parameters according to the patient's constitution, treatment purpose, treatment site, etc. The parameters can be at least one of output, pulse duration, pulse interval, and frequency. The RF energy generated by the RF energy generation unit 50 is transmitted to the electrode 60 of the handpiece via the connection part and applied to the skin surface in contact with the electrode 60.

[0031] The RF energy generation unit 50 of the present embodiment generates RF energy having at least two or more different frequencies. That is, the RF energy generation unit 50 can selectively generate RF energy having a first frequency and RF energy having a second frequency. Here, when the frequency range is divided into a first range (2 to 6 MHz), a second range (6 to 10 MHz), and a third range (10 to 30 MHz), the first frequency can be a frequency within the first range, and the second frequency can be a frequency within the second range. Alternatively, the first frequency can be a frequency within the first range, and the second frequency can be a frequency within the third range. Alternatively, the first frequency can be a frequency within the second range, and the second frequency can be a frequency within the third range. When the RF energy generation unit 50 can generate RF energy of three different frequencies, the first frequency can be a frequency within the first range, the second frequency can be a frequency within the second range, and the third frequency can be a frequency within the third range.

[0032] The RF energy generation unit 50 generates RF energy having any one selected frequency according to the selected treatment mode or the progress of the treatment process, or generates RF energy by combining RF pulses of a plurality of frequencies, and can control so that the frequency ratios are different.

[0033] The cooling unit 70 is configured to cool the electrode 60 of the handpiece. The cooling unit 70 can be configured in various cooling methods. As an example, the cooling unit 70 of the present embodiment is configured to cool the electrode by transmitting a refrigerant to the back surface of the electrode. Therefore, since the electrode 60 that contacts the skin during treatment is cooled, it is possible to prevent the skin surface from being thermally damaged during the transmission of RF energy.

[0034] Specifically, the cooling unit 70 includes a refrigerant storage portion for storing a refrigerant, a cooling flow path that forms a path through which the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage portion is transmitted to the electrode, and a refrigerant injection portion 152 that injects the refrigerant transmitted through the cooling flow path onto the back surface of the electrode of the handpiece. The refrigerant storage portion is provided in the main body or at another position. The cooling flow path is connected from the refrigerant storage portion to the refrigerant injection portion, and at least a part thereof is provided inside the handpiece. And, a valve for adjusting the amount of the transmitted refrigerant is provided on the path through which the refrigerant is transmitted, and the on / off operation or the opening / closing amount of the valve can be controlled by the control unit 40.

[0035] The cooling unit 70 can also be configured to continuously inject the refrigerant onto the back surface of the electrode, or can be configured to inject in the form of refrigerant pulses at a predetermined range of cycles by controlling a valve or the like. The cooling performance of the cooling unit 70 can be adjusted by the amount of the refrigerant transmitted per unit time to the back surface of the electrode. Such cooling performance can be adjusted by a method of controlling the pressure of the refrigerant storage portion, the valve on / off cycle, or the opening / closing amount of the valve.

[0036] The sensing unit 80 is configured to sense various information necessary for the operation of the treatment device during the progress of the treatment or before and after the treatment. For example, the sensing unit 80 can be at least one of an impedance sensor that measures the impedance of the tissue, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the electrode or the skin, a contact sensor that senses the presence or absence of contact between the electrode of the handpiece and the skin surface, and a movement sensor that senses the moving speed of the handpiece. As an example, in the present embodiment, the temperature sensor and the contact sensor can be arranged at positions adjacent to the electrode of the handpiece.

[0037] The storage unit 90 is configured to store various types of information necessary for treatment and includes a memory element. The storage unit 90 is provided in the main body 10 and may also be provided in the handpiece 20 and the chip module 100. The storage unit 90 can store parameter information for each treatment mode, patient-related information, control information according to the sensed conditions, etc. And it can update and record the information sensed during treatment and the information input by the user, etc. And in the case of the memory provided in the handpiece 20 or the chip module 100, it may be configured to store the identification information of the handpiece or the chip module.

[0038] The control unit 40 is configured to control the operations of various components of the treatment device such as the RF energy generation unit 50 and the cooling unit 70. For example, the control unit 40 controls various components in various ways using the content set by the user via the setting unit or the control information stored in the storage unit. The control unit receives the information sensed from the sensing unit 80 and controls various configurations by utilizing the sensed information. As an example, the control unit 40 receives the transmission of the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor and controls the parameters of the RF energy and the cooling performance for the electrodes based on this. Here, the control unit 40 is configured to include an arithmetic unit and can calculate real-time control values from the sensed values using a preset algorithm and control various components based on this.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the handpiece of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the handpiece 20 is composed of a main body 21 and a chip module 100. One end of the main body 21 is connected to the connection part, and various components for performing treatment operations such as an RF transmission circuit and a cooling flow path are provided inside. An operation part and a display part such as a display may be provided on the outer surface of the main body 21. The chip module 100 is provided with an electrode 60 for transmitting RF energy in contact with the skin, and is detachably coupled to one end of the main body 21. The chip module 100 is provided with a circuit for transmitting RF energy to the electrode and a cooling structure for cooling the electrode. In the following, the structure of the chip module will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0040] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of the chip module of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the main components of the chip module of FIG. 3. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the chip module is composed of a chip housing 110, an electrode module 140, a cooling flow path block 150, an inner case 120, and a rear cover 130.

[0041] The chip housing 110 and the inner case 120 are coupled to each other to support the electrode module 140. The cooling flow path block 150 is disposed inside the inner case 120. The rear cover 130 is coupled to the back surface of the chip housing 110 with the electrode module 140, the inner case 120, and the cooling flow path block 150 disposed inside the chip housing 110. The chip housing 110 or the rear cover 130 is provided with a coupling structure for being fastened to the end of the main body 21 of the handpiece.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode module 140 is composed of a flexible substrate that can be folded, and an electrical element and a circuit for electrically forming the same are formed thereon. The electrode 60 is disposed in front of the electrode module (based on the state where the electrode module is folded), is exposed through the opening of the chip housing 110, and contacts the skin surface. The electrode 60 is composed of a conductive layer formed on the flexible substrate, and the conductive layer is configured to be covered by a dielectric layer. Therefore, during treatment, when the conductive layer of the electrode contacts the skin through the dielectric layer and RF energy is applied to the electrode, the electrode capacitively couples with the skin tissue through the dielectric layer and transmits the RF energy to the skin tissue.

[0043] On the other hand, as described above, the temperature sensor and the contact sensor of the sensing unit are provided at a position adjacent to the electrode 60 inside the electrode module 140 to measure the temperature of the electrode or the skin surface and sense the presence or absence of contact between the electrode and the skin. Further, the electrode module 140 further includes a memory, and such a memory can store information of the chip module such as the type of the electrode, the size of the electrode, the pattern of the electrode, and the size of the cooling space. The electrode module 140 is provided with a conductive lead that is connected to the aforementioned electrode, each sensor, and the memory and extends rearward. The terminal formed at the end of the conductive lead is exposed rearward with the rear cover 130 coupled thereto, and is electrically connected to the main body 21 side RF circuit of the handpiece when the chip module 100 is coupled.

[0044] And the cooling channel block 150 is provided with a cooling channel 151 that forms a path through which the refrigerant is transmitted, and a refrigerant injection part 152 for injecting the refrigerant transmitted through the cooling channel onto the back surface of the electrode. The cooling channel 151 forms a pipe extending rearward of the cooling injection part, and an end portion is exposed on the rear side of the rear cover 130 when the chip module 100 is assembled. Therefore, when the chip module 100 is coupled to the main body 21 of the handpiece, the end portion of the cooling channel 151 is coupled to the cooling channel on the main body 21 side, forming a path through which the refrigerant transmitted from the refrigerant storage part is transmitted. The refrigerant injection part 152 is disposed in front of the cooling channel 151 and includes a plurality of branched pipes and injection ports formed at the ends of each pipe. Therefore, the refrigerant transmitted through the cooling channel passes through the refrigerant injection part 152, is divided into a plurality of pipes, and is injected into the cooling space provided on the back surface of the electrode through the injection ports.

[0045] The chip module 100 having such a structure is detachably coupled to the end of the main body of the handpiece as described above. When the chip module 100 is coupled, the control unit 40 receives the provision of information of the chip module from the memory of the chip module 100, and in consideration of this, controls the RF energy generation unit 50 and the cooling unit 70 to transmit RF energy to the electrodes of the chip module 100 and proceed with the process of cooling the electrodes. And the chip module 100 may be composed of consumables and can be used alternately with a new chip module 100 when treating a new patient or when exceeding the allowed number of uses.

[0046] As described above, the treatment device 1 using RF energy performs treatment by applying RF energy to the skin surface via the electrode 60. Here, when the treatment starts, the temperature of the electrode 60 is likely to vary depending on the treatment environment and the patient's condition without separate control. Specifically, the initial temperature of the electrode 60 can be affected by the normal temperature of the treatment location and the skin surface temperature of the patient with whom the electrode is in contact. However, the electrode 60 forms a path through which RF energy is transmitted during treatment, and the temperature of the electrode affects the electrical characteristics of the electrode. As a result, when the temperature of the electrode 60 is different even when RF energy with the same parameters is applied, different treatment results can be brought about.

[0047] To overcome such concerns, the treatment device 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to actively control the temperature of the electrode 60 before treatment so that the treatment can start with the electrode 60 maintaining a certain temperature. Generally, the treatment device 1 cools the electrode or the skin surface due to skin surface damage while RF energy is being applied. In comparison, the treatment device of the present embodiment further performs a step of preliminarily cooling the electrode before RF energy is applied to the electrode 60.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the temperature change of the electrode due to preliminary cooling in FIG. 3. As described above, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 to proceed with the preliminary cooling of the electrode 60. By the preliminary cooling control, the temperature of the electrode 60 is cooled from the initial temperature to a preset reference temperature and maintained at the reference temperature T ref . In the preliminary cooling stage of the electrode, the initial temperature of the electrode may be a temperature T room corresponding to the normal temperature of the space where the treatment is performed. And the preset reference temperature T ref is a temperature lower than the normal temperature, can be a value within the range of 0 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius, and more specifically can be a value within the range of 5 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. As an example, the reference temperature of the present embodiment can be 20 degrees Celsius.

[0049] Here, the reference temperature T refIt can have one value in all treatments, but it can also be set so that the reference temperature varies depending on any one of the user settings, treatment mode, position of the target tissue, output of RF energy, frequency, and pulse pattern. For example, in the case of a treatment mode where the tissue adjacent to the skin surface (e.g., dermis) is the target position, the reference temperature T ref can be set lower than in the treatment mode where the tissue located deeper from the skin surface (e.g., subcutaneous fat) is the target position. As another example, when treating with RF energy having a high proportion of frequencies with excellent skin penetration characteristics (e.g., 2 - 6 MHz), the reference temperature T ref is set relatively high, and when treating with RF energy having a high proportion of frequencies with relatively reduced skin penetration characteristics (e.g., 6 - 10 MHz), the reference temperature T ref can be set relatively low. As yet another example, when proceeding with treatment using high-output RF energy, the reference temperature T ref can be set lower than when proceeding with treatment using low-output RF energy.

[0050] At this time, the control unit 40 proceeds with pre-cooling based on the information of the chip module stored in the memory of the chip module 100. The stored chip module information can be at least one of the identification number of the chip module, the model of the chip module, the size of the chip module, the size of the electrode, or the size of the cooling space. Therefore, the control unit 40 can sense the information of the chip module 100 fastened to the handpiece and inject an appropriate amount of refrigerant to cool the electrode. For example, when the information of the chip module sensed through the memory is a large-sized chip module, the control unit injects a relatively large amount of refrigerant to pre-cool the electrode, and if it is a small-sized chip module, it can be controlled to inject a relatively small amount of refrigerant to pre-cool the electrode. Also, when proceeding with pre-cooling, the control unit 40 monitors the temperature of the electrode or the skin surface in contact with the electrode in real time from the temperature sensor of the chip module, and when the temperature of the electrode reaches the reference temperature T refIt can be feedback-controlled to maintain.

[0051] In the following, with reference to FIG. 7, the cooling pattern and the RF application pattern during the treatment process will be specifically described. FIG. 7 is a graph showing the cooling and RF application patterns applied to the electrode according to the treatment process. The horizontal axis of FIG. 7 is the time axis along which the treatment process progresses, and the vertical axis means the cooling performance of the cooling part, the RF energy output, and the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, respectively.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7, the start time t of the preliminary cooling of the electrode 60 o progresses earlier than the RF application time t2 of the electrode and the time t1 when the electrode contacts the skin. The control unit 40 starts the preliminary cooling of the electrode when the preset conditions are satisfied, and this is started regardless of the RF application time of the electrode or the time when the electrode contacts the skin. That is, the interval between the start time of the preliminary cooling of the electrode and the RF application time t2 of the electrode, or the interval between the start time of the preliminary cooling of the electrode and the time when the electrode contacts the skin is not constant and can be varied according to the user's usage mode.

[0053] As an example, when the chip module 100 is fastened to the handpiece, it can be configured to automatically start the preliminary cooling of the electrode. In this case, the chip module is continuously cooled while fastened to the handpiece and can maintain the reference temperature T ref Another example is that when a predetermined condition is satisfied while the chip module 100 is fastened to the handpiece 20, the preliminary cooling can be started. Here, the predetermined condition can be that the user instructs the preliminary cooling through an operation or the user sets the treatment mode.

[0054] During the preliminary cooling stage of the electrode 60, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 to preliminarily cool the electrode, and the user then contacts the thus-cooled electrode 60 with the skin surface corresponding to the treatment position. At this time, the temperature of the skin surface may be higher than that of the electrode. Even when the electrode is in contact with the skin, the control unit 40 performs real-time feedback control based on the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor, and controls the temperature of the electrode 60 to be maintained at the preset reference temperature T ref to maintain it. Therefore, in the state where the electrode and the skin are in contact, the cooling performance of the cooling unit can be slightly increased to compensate for the increase due to the skin temperature.

[0055] At this time, since the skin surface comes into contact with the preliminarily cooled electrode and is pre-cooled before RF application, it is possible to reduce the pain of the patient during treatment and minimize the thermal damage to the skin surface. In addition, when the electrode 60 and the skin surface are in contact for a predetermined time or more, the skin surface can be cooled to the reference temperature of the electrode. Generally, the skin temperature of a patient varies depending on the state and characteristics of the patient. The temperature of the skin surface affects the electrical properties of the tissue, and considering that the treatment using RF energy is a thermal treatment method, the difference in the initial skin temperature can affect the treatment result. Therefore, when the skin surface is pre-cooled to a constant temperature by the preliminarily cooled electrode as in this embodiment and the treatment proceeds, a uniform treatment effect can be expected regardless of the differences in the treatment environment and patient characteristics.

[0056] On the other hand, when RF energy is applied while the electrode 60 is in contact with the skin, treatment of the skin tissue is performed. During the treatment, the control unit controls the cooling unit 70 in real time based on the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor to cool the electrode and the skin surface. Even if heat is generated on the electrode and the skin surface as the RF energy is applied, the temperature of the electrode and the skin surface can be maintained within an appropriate range by such cooling control. However, the aforementioned titration range may be a temperature range higher than the reference temperature in the preliminary cooling stage, and the cooling performance can also be increased compared to just before the RF energy application (the maintenance stage of the preliminary cooling stage).

[0057] When the treatment is completed at the corresponding position (t3), the user releases the contact of the electrode from the corresponding treatment position and moves the handpiece 20 to the next treatment position. At this time, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 so that the electrode can be preliminarily cooled while the handpiece 20 is being moved, so that the temperature of the electrode that has risen during the treatment can be cooled back to the reference temperature again. Therefore, at the next target position as well, the electrode can start the treatment while maintaining the preset reference temperature (t4).

[0058] In this way, the electrode 60 is cooled during the preliminary cooling stage before treatment, the main cooling stage during treatment, the preliminary cooling stage during movement, etc. Such a cooling process adjusts the cooling performance and is continuously performed. Here, the continuous performance means not only continuously supplying the refrigerant to the electrode between the above stages, but also includes the meaning of continuously applying refrigerant pulses at a predetermined cycle. Therefore, in the present embodiment, during the progress of the preliminary cooling stage and the main cooling stage, the temperature of the electrode is actively managed continuously without any interval of leaving it unattended.

[0059] For such cooling control, the cooling unit 70 of the present embodiment uses a proportional control valve as a valve for opening and closing the cooling flow path. The proportional control valve is configured to be able to adjust the opening and closing amount under the control of the control unit 40. Conventionally, a valve with a fixed opening and closing amount was used, and when additional cooling was required, it was controlled by widening the pulse width of the cooling pulse or increasing the number of cooling pulses. However, this is a method of substantially increasing the cooling time, and there is not much difference in the amount of refrigerant transmitted per unit time, which is disadvantageous for continuously progressing the cooling process and performing real-time feedback control as in the present embodiment. In contrast, when using a proportional control valve as in the present embodiment, by adjusting the opening and closing amount while applying cooling pulses having a certain pulse width and period, the cooling performance can be adjusted in real time according to the cooling process.

[0060] For such cooling control, the valve of the cooling unit according to this embodiment is configured to be able to adjust not only the operation of opening and closing the cooling flow path but also the opening and closing amount when the flow path is opened to adjust the cooling performance. In conventional treatment devices, a valve that simply performs an opening and closing operation and forms a flow path with a constant opening and closing amount when the flow path is opened is used. Therefore, when additional cooling is required, control is performed by increasing the pulse width of the cooling pulse or increasing the number of applied cooling pulses. However, this is essentially a method of increasing the cooling time, and there is no significant difference in the amount of refrigerant transmitted per unit time. It is disadvantageous for the cooling process to proceed continuously as in this embodiment or for feedback control based on sensed information. In contrast, when a valve capable of adjusting the opening and closing amount of the flow path as in this embodiment is used, the cooling performance can be adjusted in real time during the cooling process by adjusting the size of the flow path cross-sectional area while applying cooling pulses with a constant pulse width and period to change the amount of refrigerant transmitted per unit time.

[0061] As an example, the valve according to this embodiment can operate in at least three or more modes. In the first mode, the flow path is opened by only the first cross-sectional area (for example, fully opened), in the second mode, the flow path is opened by only the second cross-sectional area (for example, half-opened), and in the third mode, the flow path can be operated to be fully closed. In this case, even when cooling pulses are applied with a constant pulse width and period, the cooling performance can be adjusted in various ways by controlling the opening and closing amount of the valve. In the above, an example of operating in three modes is described, but this is for the convenience of explanation. It is also possible to operate in three or more modes with different opening and closing amounts or to be configured to linearly adjust the opening and closing amount according to a signal. The valve of the cooling unit according to this embodiment is configured using a proportional control valve as an example. However, in addition to this, it is also possible to configure a valve that adjusts the opening and closing amount of the flow path using a servo valve, a solenoid valve, a shutter, a motor, or the like.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of the control method of the treatment apparatus using RF energy of the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

[0063] To proceed with the treatment, the user fastens the chip module 100 to the main body of the handpiece 20 (S10). The control unit 40 senses that the chip module 100 is fastened and receives information about the chip module from the memory provided in the chip module (S20). As described above, the information about the chip module includes at least one of the identification number of the chip module, the model of the chip module, the size of the chip module, the size of the electrode, or the size of the cooling space.

[0064] Upon receiving the information about the chip module, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 to proceed with the pre-cooling stage (S30). The pre-cooling stage can be automatically started after the chip module 100 is fastened and the information about the chip module is received. Alternatively, it can be started by an operation in which the user instructs pre-cooling while the information about the chip module is received. Therefore, the pre-cooling stage is started before the treatment using RF energy is performed and proceeds before the electrode of the handpiece contacts the skin surface.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the detailed steps of the pre-cooling stage of FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a graph showing the cooling pattern and temperature change of the pre-cooling stage of FIG. 7.

[0066] The pre-cooling stage S30 is composed of at least two phases including a cooling phase S30a and a maintenance phase S30b. The cooling phase S30a is a phase in which the temperature of the electrode is rapidly cooled to a level adjacent to the preset reference temperature T ref and the maintenance phase S30b is a phase in which the temperature of the electrode cooled through the cooling phase is controlled to be maintained at the reference temperature T ref .

[0067] As shown in FIG. 10, in the cooling phase S30a, in order to cool the initial temperature of the electrode corresponding to room temperature, a relatively large amount of refrigerant is transferred to the electrode per unit time. In the cooling phase S30a, the control unit 40 determines the required cooling performance based on the set reference temperature, the current temperature (room temperature or sensed temperature), and the chip module information received from the memory of the chip module, and controls the cooling unit 70 based on this. For example, when the difference between the reference temperature and the current temperature is large or the size of the chip module is large, the control unit further increases the opening / closing amount of the proportional control valve to enhance the cooling performance, or controls to increase the duration of the cooling phase.

[0068] Such a cooling phase S30a can also be controlled by a feedback control method based on a temperature sensor. However, in the present embodiment, the storage unit stores the control parameters of the cooling phase corresponding to the reference temperature, the current temperature, and the chip module information, and the control unit advances the cooling phase in a manner of controlling the cooling unit according to the stored parameters without feedback control.

[0069] In the maintenance phase S30b, in order to keep the temperature of the electrode cooled adjacent to the reference temperature T ref constant, a relatively small amount of refrigerant is transferred to the electrode per unit time. The maintenance phase S30b can also control the cooling unit by a feedback control method based on a temperature sensor, and can be controlled according to the control parameters stored in the storage unit like the aforementioned cooling phase.

[0070] However, when the user touches the handpiece electrode on the skin surface of the user prior to RF application, the temperature of the skin surface may affect the temperature of the electrode. Therefore, when it is sensed by the contact sensor that the electrode is in contact with the skin surface (t1) during the maintenance phase S30b, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit so that the temperature of the electrode is the reference temperature T refControl it so that it can be kept constant. At this time, the control unit 40 performs feedback control on the cooling unit 70 based on the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor while the electrode is in contact with the skin. As a result, during the maintenance phase S30b, when the electrode is in contact with the skin, the cooling unit 70 can be controlled to operate with relatively higher cooling performance than when it is not in contact. And as the maintenance phase continues for a predetermined time while the electrode is in contact with the skin, not only the temperature of the electrode but also the temperature of the skin surface can be pre-cooled to a temperature adjacent to the reference temperature.

[0071] Referring again to FIG. 8 for explanation, when the preliminary cooling stage progresses by the method described above, the control unit 40 performs the stage of applying RF energy to the electrode for treatment (S40). The control unit 40 controls the RF energy generation unit and the RF circuit based on the set treatment mode to transmit RF energy in the preset pattern. While the RF energy is being applied, the cooling unit 70 executes the main cooling stage, and in this stage, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 so that the temperature of the skin surface is maintained within an appropriate range. Here, the appropriate range is a temperature range at a level where no damage occurs on the skin surface, and the control unit 40 monitors in real time the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor during the application of RF energy and performs feedback control on the cooling process of the cooling unit based on the sensed value.

[0072] Here, the cooling unit 70 of the present embodiment includes a proportional control valve, and the control unit controls the operation of the cooling unit 70 in consideration of not only the temperature value sensed by the temperature sensor but also the temperature change per unit time. For example, even when the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor itself maintains the appropriate range, if it is sensed that the temperature change rate rises beyond the preset range, the control unit 40 controls the opening / closing amount of the proportional control valve to increase. In this case, since the control of the cooling unit 70 responds not as a result of the temperature rise but anticipates the temperature rise and responds dictionary-wise, safe treatment is possible.

[0073] When the target level of RF energy is applied to the treatment position in the foregoing stage, the energy application stage ends, and the treatment for the position ends (S50). However, in FIG. 9, the stage where the treatment normally ends is shown. If an abnormality occurs during the treatment, the treatment can be terminated emergently for the safety of the patient.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a graph exemplarily showing the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor. As described above, in the treatment stage, the control unit 40 controls the cooling unit 70 based on the temperature value and the temperature change rate sensed by the temperature sensor. However, ideally, when the sensed temperature exceeds the threshold value T thr or the temperature change rate exceeds the threshold change rate, the treatment is terminated emergently without further proceeding. In this case, the control unit 40 maximizes the opening / closing amount of the proportional control valve to perform cooling at maximum performance, and controls the RF energy generation unit 50 to block the transmission of RF energy to the electrode.

[0075] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to another embodiment. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 can further proceed with some stages while executing the stages of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 described above. Therefore, the same stages as those of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 are replaced with the description of FIG. 8.

[0076] In this embodiment, by executing the preliminary cooling stage, when the temperature of the electrode is cooled to the reference temperature T ref , the control unit 40 further executes a stage of notifying this to the user (S31). Whether the reference temperature is reached can be determined based on the value sensed by the temperature sensor. The time point when the reference temperature is reached may be the same as the time point when the foregoing cooling phase ends, or may be a time point slightly later than the time point when the cooling phase ends considering the heat conduction time difference. The control unit 40 can notify the user of the time point when the reference temperature is reached via an alarm sound or the like. After hearing such a notification, the user can proceed with the treatment by bringing the handpiece into contact with the skin surface (S32).

[0077] On the one hand, as described above, when the electrode cooled to the reference temperature is brought into contact with the skin, the skin surface is cooled. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed in the contacted state, the skin surface is cooled to a temperature corresponding to the reference temperature, and treatment can be advanced with the temperature of the skin surface formed to the same temperature. Therefore, although not separately illustrated in FIG. 12, when the electrode of the handpiece comes into contact with the skin (S32), the control unit 40 measures the time elapsed since the contact, and can further execute the step of notifying the user through a notification sound when the predetermined time has elapsed. Therefore, after the user recognizes the fact that the predetermined time has elapsed and confirms that the skin surface has been pre-cooled to a constant temperature, the user can proceed with the treatment, so that a safe and uniform treatment can be advanced. However, even if the control unit 40 is instructed to apply RF without notifying the user of the time point when the predetermined time has elapsed through a separate notification sound and the user instructs RF application via the operation unit, it is also possible to control so that RF energy is applied after the predetermined time has elapsed at the time of skin contact.

[0078] FIG. 13 is also a flowchart showing a treatment method using a treatment device using RF energy according to another embodiment. Compared with the description centered on the control method for one treatment position in the embodiments of FIGS. 8 and 12 described above, FIG. 13 shows a method of moving the handpiece to treat a plurality of treatment positions.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 13, after the chip module is fastened, proceed to the step of pre-cooling the electrode, and proceed to the step of treating the first position with the electrode in contact with the first treatment position. Up to this step, it is performed in the same manner as the steps shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 12, so the detailed description of each step is replaced with the above description.

[0080] When the treatment at the first position is completed through the above stage (S100), the user moves the handpiece 20 to the second position (S200) and executes the treatment stage for the second position (S300). However, due to the application of RF energy during the treatment at the first position, the temperature of the electrode is higher than the reference temperature when the treatment at the first position is completed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, before the treatment at the second position is performed, a stage of preliminarily cooling the temperature of the electrode to the reference temperature again is executed, and this stage can be advanced in the stage of moving the handpiece. (See FIG. 7).

[0081] Specifically, the preliminary cooling stage after the treatment at the first position can be started when the application of RF energy ends at the first position. Alternatively, it can be started when the contact between the electrode and the skin surface at the first position is released. Alternatively, it can be started when movement is detected by the movement sensor after the treatment at the first position ends.

[0082] In the preliminary cooling stage performed in such a movement stage, the control unit 40 can control the cooling unit 70 based on the detected temperature of the electrode, the reference temperature, and the information of the chip module. Specifically, as described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the control unit can execute this stage by dividing it into a cooling phase S30a and a maintenance phase S30b.

[0083] According to the present embodiment, after the treatment at the first position is completed, the treatment at the second position can be performed with the temperature of the electrode formed again at the reference temperature T ref In FIG. 13, the stages of treating the first position and the second position are mainly described. However, even when treating more positions, the treatment can be performed in such a way that the treatment proceeds after the preliminary cooling stage during movement. Thereby, even when treating a plurality of positions, the treatment is performed while maintaining the temperature of the electrode constant, so that a uniform treatment effect can be obtained.

[0084] In the embodiments described above, the description has centered on the treatment field using a monopolar type electrode, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can also be applied to the treatment field using a bipolar type electrode. Further, the foregoing content can be applied to the field of treating skin tissues of various sites such as the face, neck, abdomen, and thighs using RF energy.

[0085] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments. It is clarified that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can implement the present invention with various modifications or changes without departing from the scope of the technical features of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0086] 1 Treatment device, 20 Handpiece, 21 Main body, 40 Control unit, 50 RF energy generation unit, 60 Electrode, 70 Cooling unit, 100 Chip module

Claims

1. A handpiece comprising an electrode that contacts the skin surface and transmits RF energy, an RF energy generating unit that generates RF energy transmitted to the electrode, a cooling unit provided to cool the electrode, and a control unit that controls the operations of the RF energy generating unit and the cooling unit, and controls the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrode before RF energy is applied to the electrode. A treatment device using RF energy.

2. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to preliminarily cool the electrode so that the electrode forms a preset reference temperature in a state where no RF energy is applied.

3. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 2, wherein the reference temperature is a temperature lower than normal temperature.

4. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 2, wherein the reference temperature has a value within the range of 0 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.

5. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 2, wherein the reference temperature is configured to be adjustable according to a treatment mode or user setting.

6. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls to preliminarily cool the electrode regardless of the time when the electrode contacts the skin surface or the time when RF energy is applied to the electrode.

7. The control unit controls the cooling unit to cool the electrode while RF energy is being applied through the electrode, and the cooling unit is controlled such that the process of preliminarily cooling the electrode and the process of cooling the electrode while RF energy is being applied are continuous. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

8. The handpiece further includes a chip module in which the electrode is provided on one surface and is detachably coupled to the main body end of the handpiece, and when the chip module is coupled to the main body of the handpiece, the control unit automatically controls to preliminarily cool the electrode. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

9. The handpiece further includes a chip module in which the electrode is provided on one surface and is detachably coupled to the main body end of the handpiece, The chip module further includes a memory for storing information of the chip module, and the control unit controls to preliminarily cool the electrode based on the information of the chip module stored in the memory. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

10. The cooling unit includes a refrigerant storage unit for storing a refrigerant, a cooling flow path at least partially provided in the handpiece and forming a path through which the refrigerant stored in the refrigerant storage unit is transmitted to the electrode, and a valve for adjusting the amount of the refrigerant transmitted through the cooling flow path. The valve is configured to be able to adjust the opening and closing amount of the flow path so as to adjust the cooling performance. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

11. The handpiece is disposed adjacent to the electrode and further includes a contact sensor for sensing a contact state between the patient's skin and the electrode. The control unit controls to transmit the RF energy after a preset time has elapsed when the electrode is in contact with the patient's skin surface. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

12. While the handpiece is moved from the first position to the second position after the user has treated the first position, the control unit controls the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrode. The treatment device using RF energy according to claim 1.

13. Sensing that a chip module provided with an electrode for transmitting RF energy in contact with the skin surface is coupled to one end of the handpiece; Before transmitting RF energy through the electrode, preliminarily cooling the electrode by the cooling unit; Applying the RF energy generated by the RF energy generation unit to the cooled electrode. A control method for a treatment device using RF energy, including.

14. The step of preliminarily cooling cools the electrode so as to form a preset temperature in a state where the electrode is not in contact with the skin surface. The control method for a treatment device using RF energy according to claim 13.

15. The cooling unit is controlled to continuously cool the electrode from the step of preliminarily cooling the electrode until the treatment is completed. The control method for a treatment device using RF energy according to claim 13.

16. When the control unit senses that the chip module is coupled to the handpiece, the control unit controls the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrodes automatically, the control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to claim 13.

17. When it is sensed that the chip module is coupled to the handpiece, the method further includes receiving information about the chip module from a memory provided in the chip module, The control unit controls the cooling unit to preliminarily cool the electrodes based on the received information about the chip module, the control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to claim 13.

18. The step of applying the RF energy is controlled to apply the RF energy after a preset time has elapsed since the electrode came into contact with the skin surface of the patient, the control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to claim 13.

19. After applying the RF energy, the method further includes cooling the heated electrode while the RF energy is being applied while moving the handpiece to another position, the control method of a treatment apparatus using RF energy according to claim 13.

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