Electronic devices for biomedical use implementing QMR techniques

Abstract

The electronic device (1) for biomedical use comprises a radio frequency circuit (3) capable of being powered by a voltage (21) and at least one electrode (4) connected to an output to the radio frequency circuit (3) and applicable to a part of the human body. The radio frequency circuit (3) is configured to generate as output a current wave (5) with a fundamental frequency of 2 MHz or more and distorted by the presence of at least a second harmonic. A first percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the second harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 20 and 70% when a load of about 100 Ohms is applied to the electrode (4), while said first percentage is comprised between 25 and 120% when a load of about 830 Ohms is applied to the electrode (4).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to electronic devices for biomedical use that implement QMR techniques. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known in biology that the passage of electric current, or rather electric field, can alter the distribution of surface charges in cell membranes in addition to generating thermal effects through biological tissues. Such variations in charge distribution can induce modifications of membrane proteins and, among others, the opening and closing of voltage-gated ion channels.

[0003] At certain intensities, the current can electroporate the membrane, allowing the movement of molecules, even relatively large ones, across the membrane itself.

[0004] The effect of the current on membrane potential can then induce important biological responses, such as pain management with low frequency currents, or improved trophic function and muscle performance.

[0005] In particular, the applicant has demonstrated that applying current waves with a fundamental frequency higher than 2 MHz and distorted by the presence of harmonics can transfer energy to molecules to which these current waves are applied, which corresponds to a so-called "molecular resonance" known as quantum molecular resonance (QMR).

[0006] As described in EP 1 087 691, this QMR energy is particularly useful when applied, for example, to a scalpel, in order to break the bonds in molecules involved in the passage of electric current. In particular, such molecular resonance advantageously makes it possible to limit the temperature rise in tissue to which such an electric field is applied.

[0007] In fact, the QMR scalpel allows for the incision of the target area without causing any of the following effects around the incision: tearing, laceration, necrosis, thickness increase or decrease, change in fluid content, or other deforming effects.

[0008] Recent studies such as Dal Maschio et al., "Biophysical effects of high-frequency electric field (4-64MHz) on muscle fibers in culture," BAM, 2009, also demonstrate how the effects of QMR-treated cells can depend on the frequency of the current wave in the QMR range and on the harmonic spectrum of the same current wave.

[0009] Depending on the frequency and harmonic spectrum used, the application of an electric field may actually induce deformation of the cell membrane, resulting in, for example, cell damage or stimulation of the treated cells.

[0010] In particular, Dal Maschio et al. demonstrated that application of high-frequency electric fields to stimulus-sensitive cell types, such as muscle cells, generates cellular responses even below the action potential threshold, triggering activation of intracellular signaling pathways even without the treated cells making contact.

[0011] Furthermore, "High Frequency Electrotherapy for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Clinical Science, 2019" by Ferrari et al. showed how the application of QMR to patients with meibomian gland dysfunction significantly reduced the symptoms and signs associated with the condition, thereby postulating a related role in the treatment of evaporative dry eye.

[0012] Yet another unpublished study showed how applying QMR to glioblastoma multiforme cells reduced the mitosis, motility, and aggressiveness of these cancer cells, reducing their ability to migrate through the host tissue, for example, causing cancer metastasis.

[0013] From these studies, it is clear that the application of QMR to various cell types can elicit biological responses, even those that are completely different from each other.

[0014] Moreover, as shown by Dal Maschio et al., applying QMR of the same type but at different frequencies, especially at different harmonic spectra, to cells can also induce cellular stimulation with biological effects and / or result in the activation of completely different cellular pathways.

[0015] This discovery makes it possible to "tune" cellular function and obtain a variety of biological corrections and practical functions.

[0016] Indeed, the applicant has discovered that by suitably varying the ratios between the harmonics that make up the QMR waves, specifically distorted sine waves, it is possible to generate specific "cellular coding" to obtain the desired functions of cell regeneration by acting on adult stem cells, for example, to achieve effective treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions, or to attenuate tumors, or even to treat tinnitus. QMR of suitably regulated current waves may also be effective in aesthetic medicine (rejuvenation medicine) or other types of conditions that have previously been treated with invasive, inadequate, short-lasting, or merely temporary measures.

[0017] It is therefore necessary to identify parameters associated with QMR currents that can be varied to induce different biological effects depending on the cell or tissue being treated and, therefore, on the ohmic load applied to a device configured to generate such QMR currents.

[0018] Advantageously, the applicant has recently identified fundamental properties of QMR currents, even of different types, that make it possible to modulate some of the desired biological effects in the treated tissue or cells. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0019] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1087691 [Non-patent literature]

[0020] [Non-Patent Document 1] Dal Maschio et al., "Biophysical effects of high-frequency electric fields (4-64MHz) on muscle fibers in culture," BAM, 2009 [Non-patent document 2] Ferrari et al., "High Frequency Electrotherapy for the Treatment of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction," Clinical Science, 2019 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0021] Based on this information, the goal of the present invention is to develop an electronic device adapted to generate multiple currents in the range of QMR frequencies, and which is further configured to modulate the current depending on the cells and tissues to be treated and / or depending on the biological effect to be obtained, and consequently depending on the ohmic load applied to the device configured to generate such currents.

[0022] It is a further goal of the present invention to configure such electronic devices to adjust the generated current based on the biological effect achieved in cells or tissues of the same type or in cells or tissues of different types.

[0023] It is a further goal of the present invention to configure such electronic devices to generate such electrical currents without causing concomitant thermal effects on the treated cells or tissue.

[0024] It is a further goal of the present invention to configure such a device to modify, in real time and independently, one or more parameters of the generated current based on the received cell or tissue response and therefore depending on the ohmic load applied to said electronic device.

[0025] It is a further goal of the present invention that such a device have a good safety profile. [Means for solving the problem]

[0026] The above mentioned goal is achieved by an electronic device for biomedical use as claimed in independent claim 1.

[0027] In particular, an electronic device for biomedical use according to the invention comprises a radio-frequency circuit, preferably powered by a continuous suitable voltage, and at least one electrode connected at its output to the radio-frequency circuit and applicable to the human body, in particular the skin or internal tissue. The radio-frequency circuit is configured to generate as output a current wave with a fundamental frequency of 2 MHz or higher, preferably 4 MHz, distorted by the presence of at least a second harmonic. The percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave at the frequency of the second harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave at the fundamental frequency, hereinafter defined as the first percentage, is comprised between 20 and 70% when an ohmic load of about 100 ohms is applied to the electrode. Meanwhile, this first percentage is comprised between 25 and 120% when an ohmic load of about 830 ohms is applied to the electrode.

[0028] Preferably, said current wave has a sinusoidal shape distorted by at least said second harmonic.

[0029] These specific values ​​of the aforementioned first percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave associated with the second harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave associated with the fundamental frequency make it possible to advantageously adjust, depending on the applied load, even if of different types, some of the biological effects obtained with the application of QMR, and therefore some of the treatments that will be performed on the tissue or cells.

[0030] In particular, some of the possible treatments that can be performed using the aforementioned electronic devices for biomedical use in the present invention, by performing the aforementioned QMR, relate non-exclusively to surgery, ophthalmology, large wound treatment, cosmetic medicine, physiotherapy, tissue regeneration, tinnitus, and cancer treatment.

[0031] Further features of the device are set out in the dependent claims.

[0032] The aforementioned goals, together with the advantages that will be mentioned below, will be better highlighted during the description of some technical details of the device of the present invention and some applications of the present invention given, with reference to the accompanying figures and drawings, as non-limiting examples. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an electronic device for biomedical use of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device of the present invention in which two monopolar electrodes are connected to contact the human body to close an electrical circuit. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device of the present invention in which one bipolar electrode is connected to contact the human body to complete an electrical circuit. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the connection of measurement equipment to a device of the present invention for measuring the peak amplitude values ​​of the current waves generated by the device of the present invention at the fundamental frequency and harmonics. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] As mentioned above, the electronic device for biomedical use of the present invention, generally illustrated in Figure 1 and generally designated 1 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, preferably, but not necessarily, comprises a rectifier circuit 2, which may be powered by mains voltage or any other AC voltage source, whereby at the output from the rectifier circuit 2, the output voltage 21 is preferably continuous with a predetermined value, preferably comprised for example of 20 to 300V, more preferably of 50 to 200V.

[0035] However, a variant of the embodiment of the invention cannot be excluded in which the electronic device 1 for biomedical use is not provided with a rectifier circuit 2 but can be powered directly by a voltage generated, for example, by an electric battery, preferably of the continuous type.

[0036] Returning to the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 1, the device 1 is further provided with a radio frequency circuit 3 to which the rectifier circuit 2 applies an output voltage 21, and at least one electrode 4. The electrode 4 is connected at the output to the radio frequency circuit 3 and is applicable to the human body, in particular to the human skin or internal tissue.

[0037] According to an alternative embodiment in which the rectifier circuit 2 is absent, the aforementioned external voltage, preferably of the continuous type, is placed at the input to the radio frequency circuit 3. As regards the electrode 4, it may preferably, but not exclusively, be a monopolar electrode 41, such as an insulated handpiece, a needle-shaped, loop-shaped ball, or blade conductive electrode, a conductive glove, or any type of electrode of a suitable shape that can be brought into contact with a part of the human body. In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the device 1 preferably provides for the presence of a second return electrode 42 connected to the radio frequency circuit 3 so as to precisely close the electrical circuit defined by the device, thereby allowing the current to flow through at least a part of the human body.

[0038] For example, and without limitation, second return electrode 42 may have a flat surface for placement in contact with each to be treated to close the electrical circuit through the body.

[0039] However, it is not excluded that a second electrode 42 cannot be envisaged and that the closing of the circuit is achieved by grounding.

[0040] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode 4 may be a bipolar electrode 43, e.g., bipolar conductive forceps, bipolar scissors, bipolar clamp, etc., provided with two poles, naturally spaced apart from one another, and configured to close an electrical circuit on contact with the body.

[0041] In particular, with regard to the radio frequency circuit 3 according to the invention, it is arranged to generate as output a current wave 5 with a fundamental frequency of 2 MHz or higher and distorted by the presence of at least second harmonic.

[0042] Preferably, but not necessarily, such current wave 5 has a sinusoidal shape distorted by the presence of at least the second harmonic mentioned above.

[0043] More preferably, the current wave has a fundamental frequency of 2 to 64 MHz, particularly 2 to 16 MHz.

[0044] Even more preferably, the current wave generated by the radio frequency circuit 3 has as its fundamental frequency about 4 MHz.

[0045] According to the invention, the radio frequency circuit 3 is configured such that the value of the percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave 5 at the second harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave 5 at the fundamental frequency, hereinafter defined as the first percentage, is comprised between 20 and 70% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4. The same radio frequency circuit 3 is configured such that the value of the same first percentage is comprised between 25 and 120% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to said electrode 4.

[0046] Indeed, applicants have found through experimentation that appropriate variation of the value of the first percentage within the range described above, depending on the variation in the load applied to the device, optimizes the effectiveness of a particular QMR treatment depending on the tissue or cells to which the technique is applied.

[0047] Preferably, said peak amplitude is equivalent to the value of the voltage Vrms (root mean square) measured at the fundamental frequency and the associated second harmonic.

[0048] According to the present invention, preferably, but not necessarily, the radio frequency circuit 3 is also configured such that the aforementioned first percentage comprises 25-95% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0049] This additional control over the value of said first percentage advantageously allows for further optimization of the effect of the QMR treatment intended to be performed.

[0050] Additionally, preferably, but not necessarily, the radio frequency circuit 3 is configured so that the current wave 5 generated by the radio frequency circuit 3 is also distorted by the presence of third harmonics.

[0051] In this case, in particular, the radio frequency circuit 3 is configured such that the percentage value between the peak amplitude of the current wave 5 at the third harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave at the fundamental frequency, hereinafter defined as the second percentage, is comprised between 2 and 60% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, while this second percentage is comprised between 4 and 120% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the same electrode 4.

[0052] Furthermore, preferably, but not necessarily, a second percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave 5 at the third harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave at the fundamental frequency is provided comprising 2 to 90% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, and more preferably, this second percentage is provided comprising 2 to 70% at a load of 430 ohms.

[0053] Furthermore, in this case, for the three aforementioned values ​​of the load applied to the electrodes 4 of the device 1, further control of the peak value of the current wave 5 at the third harmonic makes it possible to further optimize the effect of the QMR treatment to be performed.

[0054] More specifically, the radio frequency circuit 3 is preferably configured such that the current wave 5 generated by the radio frequency circuit 3 is also distorted by the presence of the fourth harmonic.

[0055] In this case, the percentage value between the peak amplitude of the current wave 5 at the fourth harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave at the fundamental frequency, defined below as the third percentage, is comprised between 0 and 40% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, while it is comprised between 0 and 50% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the same electrode 4.

[0056] Advantageously, and more preferably, but not necessarily, said third rate is comprised between 0 and 45%, and more preferably between 4 and 40%, when a load of about 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention described herein, the radio frequency circuit 3 comprises an electronic switch 31 , which is powered by the output potential 21 and driven by a suitable driver circuit 32 .

[0058] Furthermore, the radio frequency circuit 3 comprises an electrical transformer 33 connected to the output of the aforementioned electronic switch 31, thereby preferably defining, together with the same electronic switch 31, a resonant circuit 34 in a frequency band corresponding to the fundamental frequency of the waves generated by the same radio frequency circuit 3.

[0059] However, it is not excluded that the radio frequency circuit 3 according to an alternative embodiment of the invention may comprise different power electronic components instead of including the aforementioned electronic switch 31, provided that it is possible to generate a current wave with the characteristics shown above, starting from the aforementioned output voltage 21.

[0060] Furthermore, as another alternative to the preferred embodiment described herein, the radio frequency circuit 3 may comprise, instead of the aforementioned electrical transformer 33, a wideband filter suitably configured to allow passage of an output current wave with the characteristics indicated above.

[0061] Regarding the configuration mode of the radio frequency circuit 3, it is preferable to suitably configure the electrical / electronic components that make up the radio frequency circuit 3, in particular the aforementioned electronic transformer 33, and more particularly the number of turns of the primary winding 331 and the secondary winding 332 of the aforementioned transformer 33, in order to be able to obtain a current wave 5 with the characteristics shown above at the output section.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, such a configuration mode may be achieved by suitable selection of control software settings in the aforementioned drive circuit 32 of the electronic switch 31, and in particular, preferably, but not necessarily, by suitable selection of the duty cycle percentage value in the aforementioned drive circuit.

[0063] More precisely, according to this latter embodiment of the invention, the electronic device for biomedical use 1 is configured to measure, in use, an impedance value of a part of the human body by said device, in particular by means of the radio frequency circuit 3, in particular when one or more electrodes 4 are placed in contact with said part of the human body. Based on said impedance value, the device 1 of the invention is preferably, but not necessarily, configured to modify the percentage value of the duty cycle in order to generate, depending on the impedance considered, a distorted current wave 5 having the characteristics indicated above.

[0064] However, it is not excluded that in another embodiment variant, provision is made for suitably configuring both the aforementioned electrical / electronic components, in particular the transformer 33, and the value of the duty cycle in order to obtain a current wave 5 with the characteristics shown above.

[0065] Additionally, the device 1 of the present invention is configured to allow for the selection of a nominal power value that can be delivered based on the procedure to be performed. In particular, the device 1 is configured to allow for the selection of said nominal power value within a predetermined power range.

[0066] In particular, preferably, but not necessarily, this power range consists of a deliverable power of 0 to 150 watts at a particular coupling impedance value.

[0067] At this point, it is necessary to identify an unambiguous measurement protocol and use it to determine the values ​​of the aforementioned ratios between the peak amplitudes of the various harmonics and the peak amplitude of the fundamental frequency.

[0068] First, it is desirable to establish that the measurements must be carried out with an oscilloscope O, preferably an Agilent Infiniium DS09104A oscilloscope from Keysight Technologies, or alternatively with an equivalent oscilloscope having the same functions and setting characteristics.

[0069] It is also contemplated to use a differential probe S connected in the manner briefly described. In particular, it is preferred to use the KEYSIGHT N2891A differential probe. However, similar differential probes with equivalent functional characteristics may be used.

[0070] Furthermore, it is envisaged to use an impedance bank I suitable for operating within the frequency ranges indicated above, with a number of resistors R each having a given ohmic value and connectable in series.

[0071] In particular, it is preferably recommended to use the following resistors R to carry out the above measurements: ARCOL FPA100 100R J with an ohm value of -100 ohms; -ARCOL FRA100 330R J with an ohm value of 330 ohms; -ARCOL FPA 1K J with an ohm value of 1000 ohms; -OHMITE's TGHLV500RJE, with an ohm value of 500 ohms; OHMITE's TGHHV50R0JE, with an ohm value of -50 ohms; OHMITE's TGHLV25R0JE, with an ohm value of -250 ohms.

[0072] However, it is not excluded that the above measurements can be carried out using different types of resistors and / or different ohmic values ​​of resistors, provided that they are suitable for operating within the frequency ranges indicated above and that the ohmic values ​​indicated above can be defined as the load to be applied to the electrodes 4 of the device 1.

[0073] Finally, for the connection of the measuring instrument introduced above to the device 1 of the present invention, it is envisaged to use an electrical cable C, 1 meter long and preferably provided with "banana" connectors at both ends.

[0074] In particular, the aforementioned cable C to be preferably used may be a polyurethane-coated, flexible, bipolar cable with red copper connectors, each conductor having a cross section of 0.25 mm2, a maximum operating voltage of 250 V, an electrical resistance of 100 ohms / km, and an insulation test voltage of 1500 V.

[0075] In this case, it cannot be excluded that, as an alternative, an electric cable equivalent to that just described can be used.

[0076] Regarding the measurement setup, as can be seen diagrammatically in Figure 4, the cables C will be connected to the output connectors of the device 1 of the invention, and in particular in the case of a monopolar operating mode, to the neutral and phase connectors, to which the aforementioned electrodes 41 and 42 are typically connected. The cables C will be arranged parallel to each other at a distance of approximately 50 cm.

[0077] In the case of bipolar operating mode, these cables C must be connected to the two poles of the bipolar connector on the device 1.

[0078] In this case, preferably, said cables must be arranged parallel to each other at a minimum distance from each other, and more preferably, they belong to the same ribbon cable.

[0079] The opposite ends of the cable C will be connected to an impedance bank I to define the total ohmic value of the load that will be applied to the device 1 of the present invention, which ohmic value will be selected from at least three of the values ​​indicated above: 100 ohms, 830 ohms, and 430 ohms.

[0080] The two inputs S1 and S2 of the differential probe S will be connected between each of the aforementioned cables C and the impedance bank I.

[0081] Preferably, this connection will be achieved by means of a three-way adapter A interposed between each of these cables C and the impedance bank I.

[0082] The differential probe S must be set with an attenuation equal to 1 / 100.

[0083] The differential probe S must be positioned as far away as possible from the measurement cable C so that it is not affected by the signal to be measured.

[0084] The output S3 of the differential probe S must be connected to the input of the oscilloscope O.

[0085] The oscilloscope O must be set to perform an FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis of the input current wave 5 and to measure the rms DCV values ​​(i.e. the rms (root mean square) values ​​of the signal without removing the continuous components) of the signal at the fundamental frequency and at the frequencies of the second, third and fourth harmonics of the input current wave 5.

[0086] Additionally: - setting the Hanning filter to measure the harmonic peaks; -activating the device 1 of the present invention by setting a delivery power value within a range of values ​​selectable by the device 1 of the present invention; - obtaining voltage values ​​Vrms at the fundamental frequency and at the harmonics for each of the ohmic loads indicated above, namely 100 ohms, 830 ohms and 430 ohms; It is expected that:

[0087] From these obtained values, the aforementioned first, second and third percentage values ​​are calculated for each of the load values ​​considered. [First application example]

[0088] According to a first application example of the electronic device 1 for biomedical use of the invention, which is particularly suitable for the treatment of scalpels or musculoskeletal conditions, eye conditions, tumors, etc., the fundamental frequency of the generated current wave is set to approximately 4 MHz and the aforementioned first percentage is comprised between 35 and 65% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the power 4.

[0089] Furthermore, this first percentage is comprised between 70 and 120% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the electrode 4. More precisely, preferably, but not necessarily, for a load of 830 ohms, this first percentage is between approximately 75% and 100%.

[0090] Furthermore, preferably, this first percentage is comprised between 70 and 90% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to this electrode 4, and in particular this first percentage is comprised between 75 and 85%.

[0091] Furthermore, preferably, according to this first application example, the second percentage is comprised between 15 and 50% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, and between 60 and 120% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0092] Preferably, but not necessarily, this second percentage is comprised between 45 and 70% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4 .

[0093] Furthermore, preferably, but not necessarily, the third percentage is comprised between 8 and 35% when a load of about 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, while the third percentage is comprised between 10 and 50% when a load of about 830 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0094] Furthermore, more preferably, but not necessarily, said third rate is comprised between 10 and 45%, and even more preferably between 15 and 40%, when a load of about 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0095] The type of treatment for which the device 1 of the present invention is used according to the first application example described above also depends on the type of electrodes 4 selected to be connected to the same device 1, in addition to depending on the essential characteristics described. [Second application example]

[0096] A second application example of the electronic device 1 for biomedical use according to the invention is particularly suitable for cosmetic treatments, but also for musculoskeletal conditions and inflammatory and degenerative conditions, in which the fundamental frequency of the generated current wave is set to approximately 4 MHz and the aforementioned first percentage is comprised between 15 and 45% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to the electrodes 4.

[0097] Furthermore, this first percentage is comprised between 25 and 50% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the electrode 4. More precisely, preferably, but not necessarily, for a load of 830 ohms, this first percentage is comprised between 30 and 45%.

[0098] Furthermore, preferably, this first percentage is comprised between 25 and 45% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to this electrode 4, and in particular this first percentage is comprised between 28 and 40%.

[0099] Furthermore, preferably, according to this second application example, the second percentage is comprised between 1 and 10% when a load of about 100 ohms is applied to the electrode 4, and between 1 and 15% when a load of about 830 ohms is applied to the electrode 4.

[0100] Preferably, but not necessarily, this second percentage is comprised between 1 and 15% when a load of approximately 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4 .

[0101] Additionally, preferably, but not necessarily, the third percentage is comprised between 0 and 5% when a load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to electrode 4, while the third percentage is comprised between 0 and 5% when a load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to electrode 4.

[0102] Furthermore, more preferably, but not necessarily, said third rate is comprised between 0 and 5% when a load of about 430 ohms is applied to the electrode 4 .

[0103] The type of treatment for which the device 1 of the present invention is used according to the second application example mentioned above also depends on the type of electrodes 4 selected to be connected to the same device 1, in addition to depending on the essential characteristics described.

[0104] Based on the foregoing, the electronic device 1 for biomedical use of the present invention thus achieves all of its intended goals.

[0105] In particular, the goal of developing an electronic device adapted to generate multiple currents in the range of QMR frequencies, and further configured to modulate the current depending on the cells and tissues to be treated and / or depending on the biological effect to be obtained, and thereby depending on the ohmic load applied to the device configured to generate such currents, has been achieved.

[0106] The goal of achieving a device configured to generate such currents without causing concomitant thermal effects on the treated cells or tissue has also been achieved.

[0107] Another goal achieved is to realize a device configured to modify, in real time and independently, one or more parameters of the generated current based on the received cell or tissue response and therefore depending on the ohmic load applied to said electronic device.

[0108] The goal of achieving a device with a good safety profile was also achieved.

[0109] Advantageously, the specific values ​​of the aforementioned first, second and third percentages advantageously make it possible to adjust some of the biological effects obtained with the application of QMR and therefore the treatments intended to be carried out on different types of tissues or even cells.

Claims

1. An electronic device (1) for biomedical use, comprising: a radio frequency circuit (3) that can be powered by a voltage (21); at least one electrode (4) connected to an output of said radio frequency circuit (3) and applicable to a part of the human body; The radio frequency circuit (3) is configured to generate as output a current wave (5) having a fundamental frequency of 2 MHz or higher and a sinusoidal shape distorted by the presence of at least a second harmonic, wherein the electronic device (1) is a first percentage of the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the second harmonic relative to the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 35 and 65% when a resistive load of about 100 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4), the first percentage is comprised between 75 and 85% when a resistive load of about 430 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4), and the first percentage is comprised between 70 and 120% when a resistive load of about 830 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

2. 2. The electronic device (1) of claim 1, wherein the current wave (5) is also distorted by the presence of a third harmonic, and wherein a second percentage of the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the third harmonic relative to the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 2 and 60% when a resistive load of approximately 100 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4), and wherein the second percentage is comprised between 4 and 120% when a resistive load of approximately 830 ohms is applied to the electrode (4).

3. 3. The electronic device (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the second percentage is comprised between 15 and 50% when a resistive load of about 100 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4) and between 60 and 120% when a resistive load of about 830 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

4. 4. The electronic device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the second percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the third harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 45 and 70% when a resistive load of about 430 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

5. 3. The electronic device (1) of claim 2, wherein the current wave (5) is also distorted by the presence of a fourth harmonic, and wherein a third percentage of the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fourth harmonic relative to the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 0 and 40% when a resistive load of about 100 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4), and wherein the third percentage is comprised between 0 and 50% when a resistive load of about 830 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

6. 6. The electronic device (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the third percentage is comprised between 8 and 35% when a resistive load of about 100 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4) and between 10 and 50% when a resistive load of about 830 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

7. 7. The electronic device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the third percentage between the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fourth harmonic and the peak amplitude of the current wave (5) at the fundamental frequency is comprised between 10 and 45% when a resistive load of about 430 ohms is applied to at least one of the electrodes (4).

8. 8. The electronic device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said third percentage is comprised between 15 and 40% when a resistive load of about 430 ohms is applied to at least one of said electrodes (4).

9. The electronic device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the current wave (5) exhibits a fundamental frequency comprised between 2 and 64 MHz, preferably between 2 and 16 MHz, and even more preferably the current wave (5) exhibits a fundamental frequency of about 4 MHz.

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