A skin treatment device using RF energy with a function to prevent duplicate treatments and its control method.

Abstract

To provide an RF treatment apparatus capable of preventing a treatment region from overlapping on the basis of a partial temperature change of a tissue when treating the skin using RF energy, and a control method thereof.SOLUTION: A skin treatment apparatus using RF energy having an overlap treatment prevention function includes a main body, a handpiece configured to receive RF energy from the main body, an electrode provided in the handpiece and configured to deliver the RF energy to a tissue, a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the handpiece and configured to measure a temperature of the target tissue, and a controller configured to determine whether the target tissue at least partially overlaps a treated tissue based on values measured by the plurality of temperature sensors when the RF energy is delivered to the electrode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a skin treatment device using RF energy capable of preventing repeated treatment for treated tissue and a control method thereof.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for transmitting RF energy to tissue for treatment purposes have been developed in various ways. In particular, recently, devices that use RF energy to cause appropriate modification to the skin and exhibit a skin treatment effect by tissue regeneration have been developed.

[0003] Existing devices for skin treatment, etc. mainly used a method of transmitting RF energy to a region smaller than the entire facial treatment area. Regarding such conventional treatment devices using RF energy, Korean Registered Patent No. 0706155 is disclosed. In such existing devices, etc., since the positions where the handpiece contacts the skin are different, the user repeatedly changes the position of the handpiece. However, it was difficult for conventional skin treatment devices, etc. to accurately recognize the area where the user has already completed treatment and position the handpiece in an untreated area. Also, when the user's proficiency is low, there is a problem that RF energy is transmitted again to the tissue where the treatment has already been completed, causing treatment overlap and resulting in excessive tissue damage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a skin treatment device using RF energy and a control method thereof that has a duplicate treatment prevention function that can prevent duplicate treatments, which is a problem with conventional skin treatment devices using RF energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means of solving the above problems, the present invention provides a skin treatment device using RF energy that has a function to prevent overlapping treatment, comprising a main body, a handpiece configured to transmit RF energy from the main body, an electrode provided in the handpiece and configured to transmit RF energy to tissue, a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the handpiece and configured to measure the temperature of the target tissue, and a control unit that, when RF energy is transmitted to the electrode, determines whether the target tissue overlaps with the treated tissue at least in part based on the values ​​measured from the plurality of temperature sensors.

[0007] On the other hand, the control unit can determine that treatment of the target tissue has been duplicated if one or more of the values ​​measured from multiple temperature sensors rise faster than the other values.

[0008] On the other hand, the control unit can control the system to block the transmission of RF energy if it determines that the target tissues overlap.

[0009] Furthermore, the control unit can control the RF energy transmission to the electrodes if it determines that the target tissue overlaps with the treated tissue during the transmission of RF energy to the electrodes, thereby blocking the RF energy.

[0010] On the other hand, the handpiece may further include a substrate at its distal end, with electrodes mounted on one side of the substrate facing outwards, and multiple sensors mounted on the substrate on the opposite side of that side.

[0011] On the other hand, at least some of the multiple sensors can be mounted on the opposite side of the substrate, at positions corresponding to the outer edge of the electrodes.

[0012] Furthermore, the system may include a display unit configured to receive signals from the control unit and display information related to the location of the target tissue overlapping with the treated tissue.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention may provide a control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy that includes an RF energy transfer step of transferring RF energy from an RF generator to an electrode in contact with tissue, a temperature measurement step in which a handpiece measures the temperature at multiple points in the tissue to which the RF energy is transferred, and a duplicate treatment determination step in which a calculation unit determines whether different change trends appear among the temperatures measured at the multiple points.

[0014] On the other hand, in the step for determining whether treatment is necessary, if the temperature at at least one of the temperature values ​​measured at multiple locations rises more rapidly than the temperatures at other locations, it can be determined that different trends in change have emerged.

[0015] Furthermore, if the overlapping treatment decision step determines that different change trends are appearing, the system may further include an RF energy blocking step to block the transmission of RF energy.

[0016] Furthermore, the duplicate treatment decision step and the RF energy blockade step can be performed during the execution of the RF energy delivery step.

[0017] On the other hand, the temperature measurement step can receive temperature measurements from multiple sensors provided along the frame of the electrode placement area for transmitting RF energy to the tissue.

[0018] On the other hand, the overlapping treatment determination step may further include an overlapping area determination step that determines overlapping treatment sites among the electrode placement areas at multiple locations.

[0019] Furthermore, it can further include a duplicate area display step of displaying the duplicate treatment points determined in the duplicate area determination step on the display unit of the handpiece.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] The skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the present invention and its control method have the effect of preventing duplicate treatment during skin treatment, preventing excessive tissue damage, and maximizing the treatment effect.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a block diagram of a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a graph showing the temperature rise in the duplicate treatment area. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a bottom view of the handpiece in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a plan view showing the substrate in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view taken along I-I' in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of duplicate treatment in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] It is a conceptual diagram showing the concept of preventing duplicate treatment in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] It is a usage state diagram of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] It is a sequence diagram of a control method of a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a sequence diagram of a control method of a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12]This is a sequence diagram of a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent duplicate treatment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a sequence diagram of a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent duplicate treatment according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0022] Hereinafter, a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function and a control method thereof, according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the following description of embodiments, the names of each component may be called by other names in the industry. However, if there is functional similarity and identity, a modified embodiment can be considered equivalent. The reference numerals attached to each component are included for explanatory purposes. However, the illustrated content on the drawings in which these reference numerals are indicated does not limit each component to the scope shown in the drawings. Similarly, even if an embodiment with a partially modified configuration is adopted, if there is functional similarity and identity, it can be considered equivalent. Furthermore, if a component is considered to be a standard component that should be included in light of the general level of skill of the art, its description will be omitted.

[0023] In this specification, treatment is defined as a method of heating skin tissue to improve conditions such as wrinkles, tone and textural changes, scars and acne scarring, sagging mucosa, overall rejuvenation, hyperhidrosis, laxity, lifting, tightening, and fat reduction.

[0024] In the following, a skin treatment device using RF energy with a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0025] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a skin treatment device using RF energy with a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be configured to include an RF generating unit 150, a power supply unit 160, a control unit 170, an electrode 220, a temperature sensor unit 230, and a display unit 250.

[0027] The RF generator 150 can be configured to receive power from the power supply unit 160 and generate RF energy. The RF adjustment unit 140 can be configured to adjust at least one of the RF energy generated by the RF generator 150, such as frequency, power, voltage, or voltage. On the other hand, the power supply unit 160, the RF generator 150, and the RF adjustment unit 140 can be configured using widely known circuit configurations.

[0028] The control unit 170 can be configured to control at least one of the RF generation unit 150, RF adjustment unit 140, and power supply unit based on user input and values ​​received from the temperature sensor unit 230 (described later). The control unit 170 can control the RF generation unit 150 and RF adjustment unit 140 so that the power, frequency, etc. of the RF energy can be adjusted based on user input. The control unit 170 can also be configured to control the RF generation unit 150 and RF adjustment unit 140 based on various sensing values ​​received when transmitting RF energy to the tissue. Furthermore, the control unit 170 can send and receive information with the display unit 250 so that various information can be displayed. The control unit 170 may include a calculation unit and can be configured to update parameters using a predetermined algorithm based on values ​​received from the temperature sensor and to control the RF energy.

[0029] The electrode 220 can be electrically connected to the RF adjustment unit 140 to transmit RF energy, and can be configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue it is in contact with. The electrode 220 can consist of multiple electrodes and can be arranged in a predetermined pattern. The electrode 220 can be configured with at least a portion being planar in order to transmit RF energy to the tissue non-invasively. The electrode 220 can function as a bipolar electrode 220 or a monopolar electrode 220.

[0030] The temperature sensor unit 230 is configured to measure temperature at multiple points during the transmission of RF energy to the tissue. The temperature sensor unit 230 may include multiple temperature sensors. The multiple temperature sensors may be configured to measure temperature at multiple points within the treatment area to which RF energy is transmitted. The control unit 170 determines whether a different temperature change trend appears at at least one point based on the values ​​measured from the multiple temperature sensors. At this time, the temperature of the tissue rises overall as RF energy is transmitted, but if RF energy is transmitted again to an area where tissue degeneration has already occurred due to RF energy transmission, a rapid temperature increase trend will appear. Therefore, if a rapid temperature increase is detected within a certain RF energy transmission area, the control unit 170 controls at least one of the RF generation unit 150 and the RF adjustment unit 140 to block the RF energy.

[0031] The display unit 250 can be configured to display various information acquired during the treatment process using RF energy. The display unit 250 can be configured to display various information such as user information, RF energy setting information, current treatment mode, and number of treatments.

[0032] On the other hand, the control unit 170 can determine whether treatment can be duplicated based on the value measured from the temperature sensor unit 230. The control unit 170 can be configured to transmit RF energy to the tissue within a few seconds, preferably within a few milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds. During the RF energy transmission time of a few milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds, the control unit 170 can receive temperature from the temperature sensor and control the RF energy by receiving the temperature measurement value in real time. As an example, temperature can be measured at multiple points from multiple temperature sensors for a period of a few milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds.

[0033] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can be configured to measure or calculate the impedance of the tissue in order to adjust the RF energy according to the state of the tissue, and to control the power, voltage, current, duration, etc. of the RF energy.

[0034] Figure 2 is a graph showing the temperature increase in the overlapping treatment area.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, when skin tissue is heated, it can be distinguished into temperature rise zones, coagulation zones, and ablation zones depending on the temperature. When energy is transmitted with the same power, the impedance of the tissue can change with the temperature of the tissue. Such temperature-dependent changes in tissue impedance result in a large difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment tissue. Here, post-treatment tissue refers to tissue in a state where at least a portion of the tissue has been denatured after RF energy has been transmitted. That is, when the same power of RF energy is transmitted to pre-treatment and post-treatment tissue for the same amount of time, the temperature change trend will change, as shown in Figure 2. In other words, when already treated (denatured) tissue is subjected to RF energy under the same conditions, the temperature rise of the tissue can be more rapid than that of pre-treatment tissue. Such a temperature rise can cause excessive tissue damage, such as ablation, and it is preferable to avoid the repeated transmission of RF energy to treated tissue.

[0036] The RF energy therapy device according to the present invention, which has a function to prevent duplicate treatment, determines whether the tissue to which RF energy is currently being transmitted is tissue that has already been treated, via temperature measurement, and is configured to block the RF energy if duplicate RF energy is being transmitted.

[0037] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the first embodiment.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, a skin treatment device using RF energy with a duplicate treatment prevention function according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body 100, a handpiece 200 that the user can hold and use to advance the treatment, and a connecting part 400 that connects the main body and the handpiece.

[0039] The main unit 100 may be equipped with an RF generator, an RF adjustment unit, and a control unit (not shown). As described above, the control unit generates a control input to control the RF generator according to the sensing value input from the sensor unit. At this time, the frequency of the RF energy may be adjusted according to the patient's constitution, treatment purpose, treatment site, etc.

[0040] The exterior of the main unit 100 may be equipped with a power on / off switch 110, a frequency adjustment lever 120 for adjusting the frequency of the RF energy generated from the RF generator, and a touchscreen 130 for displaying various information, including the operation status of the treatment device, allowing the user to input commands, and displaying treatment information.

[0041] The handpiece 200 is connected to the main body by a connecting part 400. The handpiece 200 is configured to be held and used by the user. The distal end of the handpiece 200 is equipped with a tip 201, and the user can press the tip against the patient's skin and operate the handpiece to transmit RF energy to the tissue. One side of the handpiece may be equipped with a display unit 250 configured to display information related to the treatment or operation of the device when the user holds and operates the handpiece. The handpiece 200 transmits RF energy generated from the RF generator of the main body via the connecting part 400 to a plurality of electrodes provided at the end of the tip. It is also configured to measure the temperature when the RF energy is transmitted to the tissue from a plurality of temperature sensors provided on the tip and transmit this temperature to the control unit. The user can press the tip of the handpiece 200 against the skin and input RF energy. After RF energy has been transmitted to the skin tissue by the user's input, the user can move the position of the handpiece and then input RF energy again to transmit it to the tissue. Users can repeat this process several times or even hundreds of times to treat large areas of tissue, such as the entire face.

[0042] The electrodes and temperature sensors will be described below with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

[0043] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the handpiece in the first embodiment, Figure 5 is a top view showing the substrate in the first embodiment, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view cut along line I-I' in Figure 4.

[0044] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the bottom surface of the handpiece tip 201 may be equipped with multiple electrodes 220.

[0045] Multiple electrodes 220 are arranged in a planar configuration, and the multiple electrodes 220 can be placed in each of the regions divided by virtual dividing lines. Of the virtual dividing lines, the first dividing line is formed approximately concentrically with the region where the multiple electrodes 220 are placed, forming a closed curve. For example, the first dividing line L1 is formed along a rectangular path, but its edges may have a predetermined curvature. The second dividing line L2 is formed radially and can be composed of a curve. For example, in Figure 4, six second dividing lines may be formed. The multiple divided electrodes 220 can be configured so that RF energy is transmitted to the frame portion of the electrodes 220, preventing the formation of excessive temperature in the tissue in certain areas, and allowing RF energy to be transmitted uniformly throughout the treatment area.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the inner surface where the temperature sensor unit 230 is located is visible, and the substrate 210 is shown in an unfolded state. Here, when the substrate 210 is coupled to the handpiece, the outer surface of the substrate 210 is the surface that may come into contact with the skin, and the inner surface of the substrate 210 is the surface that allows you to view the inside of the handpiece.

[0047] Multiple electrodes 220 may be provided on the outer surface of the substrate 210. The substrate 210 is configured in a flat plate form and can be made flexible in at least part of it. The substrate 210 is made of an insulating material to prevent the RF energy transmitted to the electrodes 220 from directly affecting the temperature sensor unit 230. Multiple connectors 240 are provided on the outside of the substrate 210 and can be connected to a circuit provided inside the handpiece. The multiple connectors 240 may include connectors 240 for transmitting RF energy to each of the multiple electrodes 220 and connectors 240 for electrically connecting to the multiple temperature sensor units 230.

[0048] Multiple temperature sensor units 230 may be provided on the inner surface of the substrate 210. These temperature sensor units 230 can be positioned outward within the inner surface region corresponding to the area where the multiple electrodes 220 are arranged. For example, four temperature sensor units 230 can be positioned at the edges of a roughly rectangular area where the electrodes 220 are arranged. Alternatively, additional temperature sensor units 230 may be provided on the inner surface of the substrate 210 at a position corresponding to the center of the area where the electrodes 220 are arranged. However, this is just an example, and the temperature sensor units 230 can be positioned to measure temperature within the area where RF energy is transmitted. Furthermore, multiple temperature sensor units 230 can be provided.

[0049] Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of duplicate treatment in the first embodiment, and Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of duplicate treatment prevention in the first embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, a first treatment area t1 and a second treatment area t2 are shown. The first treatment area is the area where RF energy has already been transmitted to the tissue and treatment is complete. In this case, the first treatment area can be an area where treatment was completed immediately before or where treatment was performed several times ago. The second treatment area t2 is the area where the electrode is currently in contact and RF energy is being transmitted. In this way, when RF energy is transmitted to the second treatment area t2 in a state t3 where a part of the second treatment area t2 overlaps with the first treatment area t1, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 241 at the 7 o'clock position in Figure 7 rises faster than the temperature measured by the other temperature sensors 242. Based on the received temperature sensor values, the control unit can determine that the temperature measured by one of the temperature sensors is rising faster than the temperature measured by the remaining temperature sensors, and can determine that treatment is overlapping in a part of the area. In this case, the control unit controls the system to block the RF energy.

[0051] As shown in Figure 8, when several treatments have been performed and a large area has already been treated, if the second treatment area t2 for the current treatment does not overlap with the first treatment area t1, then treatment can be performed by transmitting a preset RF energy. At this time, while RF energy is being transmitted to the second treatment area t2, the respective temperature sensors 240 will detect similar temperature rise trends. Therefore, the control unit can perform a preset treatment process and complete the treatment of the second treatment area t2.

[0052] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the usage state of the first embodiment.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, the control unit can further utilize information regarding the orientation in which each temperature sensor is positioned at the end of the handpiece for control. The position of each temperature sensor can be pre-programmed into the control unit. Based on the values ​​measured from each temperature sensor, the control unit can determine whether at least a portion of the current treatment area overlaps with the first treatment area t1, and recognize the direction in which the overlapping treatment is occurring. If the control unit determines that overlapping treatment is occurring, it can shut off the RF energy and display the direction of the overlapping treatment on the display unit 250. Therefore, the user can confirm the direction of the overlapping treatment relative to the handpiece, adjust the handpiece to a position where there is no overlap, and then transmit RF energy while avoiding the overlap. The control unit can calculate and control this process of determining whether treatment overlap occurs and displaying the overlapping location repeatedly during RF energy transmission (shots) that occur several to several hundred times.

[0054] The following describes a control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy that has a function to prevent duplicate treatment, which is another embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 10 is a sequence diagram of a control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy with a duplicate treatment prevention function according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] As shown in Figure 10, the control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the second embodiment of the present invention is as follows: The procedure may include an RF energy transfer step (S110), a temperature measurement step (S120), a duplicate treatment determination step (S130), and an RF energy blockade step (S140).

[0057] The RF energy transfer step (S110) corresponds to the step of transferring RF energy to multiple electrodes in contact with the skin. The RF energy transfer step (S110) can be performed based on values ​​input by the user. The values ​​input by the user can be values ​​related to RF energy transfer, such as RF energy power and frequency. The RF energy transfer step (S110) can be controlled in real time. For example, the output or application time of RF energy can be controlled based on the impedance of the target tissue while in contact with the electrodes.

[0058] The temperature measurement step (S120) corresponds to the step of measuring the temperature at multiple points in the tissue to which RF energy is transmitted from multiple temperature sensors during the execution of the RF energy transmission step (S110). In this step, when RF energy is transmitted to the tissue via electrodes with the handpiece in contact with the skin, the temperature values ​​at various points measured by the handpiece are received due to the rise in the temperature of the tissue.

[0059] The overlapping treatment determination step (S130) is a step in which the control unit determines whether the target tissue to which RF energy is currently being transmitted overlaps with tissue that has already been treated. The control unit determines whether the treatments overlap based on the received temperature measurements. Specifically, the control unit receives temperature measurements at various points on the surface of the tissue to which RF energy is being transmitted and heated in real time, and can determine that the treatments overlap if the temperature measurement at at least one point rises faster than the temperature measurement at other points.

[0060] The RF energy blocking step (S140) is a step in which the RF energy is immediately blocked when it is determined that at least a portion of the target tissue to which RF energy is currently being transmitted is tissue that has already been treated. If the control unit determines in the overlapping treatment determination step (S130) described above that the currently treated area overlaps with an area that has already been treated, it can control the RF generation unit and / or the RF adjustment unit, or related circuits, to block the RF energy transmitted to the electrodes.

[0061] On the other hand, in the duplicate treatment determination step (S130), the control unit first determines whether the rate of increase exceeds a threshold if the temperature measurements taken at multiple locations change similarly in real time. If all measured temperatures change in a similar trend but do not exceed the threshold, it determines that the target tissue to which RF energy is currently being transmitted is being treated for the first time. Then, the treatment for one shot of RF energy is completed. However, if the measured temperatures change in a similar trend but have a trend that exceeds the threshold, it determines that all target tissues to which RF energy is currently being transmitted have been treated multiple times, and the RF energy can be blocked.

[0062] Furthermore, if the duplicate treatment judgment step (S130) determines that the area to which RF energy is currently being transmitted is being treated for the first time, the RF energy transmission can be completed under predetermined conditions using pre-set parameters (S150).

[0063] Figure 11 is a sequence diagram of a control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy with a duplicate treatment prevention function according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] This embodiment can also be configured to include the same steps as in the second embodiment. The same steps will be omitted from the explanation, and the steps that differ will be described.

[0065] As shown in Figure 11, the control method for a skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a duplicate area determination step (S160) and a duplicate area manifestation step (S170).

[0066] The overlapping area determination step (S160) is a step in which the control unit determines which parts have overlapped. Signals received by the control unit from multiple temperature sensors can be distinguished from each other. The control unit can store the location of each temperature sensor in advance. If the control unit determines that the target tissue to which RF energy is currently being transmitted has overlapped treatment, it determines whether a rapid increase in temperature has been detected by a certain temperature sensor.

[0067] The overlapping region display step (S170) corresponds to the step of displaying the overlapping region determined by the control unit on the display unit. The overlapping region display step (S170) can be performed by displaying directions around the handpiece as a reference. For example, the directions in which each temperature sensor is positioned can be displayed in the same way as the directions displayed when the user looks at the display unit, with the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the handpiece as the reference.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined in the overlapping treatment determination step 130 that the treatments are overlapping, the overlapping area determination step (S160), the overlapping area manifestation step 170, and the RF energy blockade step (S140) may be performed immediately.

[0069] The control method for the RF energy-based skin treatment device having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to the present invention, as described above with reference to Figures 10 and 11, can be performed using the RF energy-based skin treatment device described with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0070] The following describes another embodiment of the present invention: a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent duplicate treatments.

[0071] Figure 12 is a sequence diagram of a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent duplicate treatment according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] As shown in Figure 12, the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent overlapping treatments, may include a first treatment step (S210) of delivering RF energy to a first treatment area for treatment, a second treatment step (S220) of delivering RF energy to a second treatment area for treatment, a step of determining overlap between the first and second treatment areas (S220), and interruption of the second treatment step (S230).

[0073] The user can treat the skin by repeatedly delivering RF energy several to several hundred times. When repeatedly delivering RF energy, the treatment can be performed on different areas. In this case, the area over which RF energy is delivered during a single treatment is smaller than the overall treatment area. Therefore, the user can complete the overall treatment by delivering RF energy each time the position of the RF electrode in contact with the skin is changed.

[0074] The first treatment step (S210), which involves delivering RF energy to the first treatment area, corresponds to the step of applying an electrode to any one location on the skin and delivering RF energy to treat the target tissue. The tissue to which RF energy is delivered is heated, causing tissue degeneration.

[0075] The second treatment step (S220), which involves transmitting RF energy to the second treatment area, corresponds to the step in which the user changes the position of the handpiece that transmits RF energy to the second treatment area and transmits the RF energy. The second treatment area is the area that becomes the target of the next treatment after the first treatment step. The user recognizes previously treated areas based on experience, understands changes in the skin surface, and places the electrodes in close contact with areas that have not been treated. Subsequently, RF energy is transmitted to the second treatment area based on the user's input.

[0076] The step of determining whether the treatments overlap between the first and second treatment areas (S230) involves measuring the temperature in real time at various points in the second treatment area while the RF energy is being transmitted, and determining whether the treatments overlap. This step can be performed continuously within a few milliseconds to several hundred milliseconds, which is the time it takes for one RF energy pulse to be transmitted. In this step, the decision of whether the treatments overlap is made based on whether the temperature change trend appears different at at least one of the various points in the second treatment area. Specifically, in the first treatment area, where treatment has already been performed, tissue degeneration occurs, causing the temperature to rise rapidly even when the same RF energy is transmitted. Therefore, the control unit determines that the second treatment area overlaps with the first treatment area if the real-time temperature measurement at at least one point is higher than at other points.

[0077] The second treatment step interruption (S240) is performed when the control unit determines in the overlap determination step (S230) described above that at least a portion of the treatment areas overlap.

[0078] Completion of the second treatment step (S250) is a step in which, if it is determined in the aforementioned overlap determination step (S230) that the second treatment tissue does not overlap with the first treatment tissue, RF energy is applied under predetermined conditions to complete the treatment of the second treatment tissue.

[0079] Figure 13 is a sequence diagram of a skin treatment method using RF energy to prevent duplicate treatment according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Figure 13 can also be configured with the same steps as the fourth embodiment described above, and the steps that differ will be explained below.

[0081] As shown in Figure 13, if the overlap determination step (S230) determines that at least a portion of the second treatment area overlaps with the second treatment area, the second treatment step may be interrupted (S250), and the overlap area determination step (S260) and the overlap area manifestation step (S270) may be performed.

[0082] The overlapping area determination step (S260) is a step in which the control unit determines, in which direction, the overlapping treatment was performed on the handpiece within the second treatment area. This step can be performed by determining which of the multiple temperature sensors provided on the handpiece has shown a sudden increase in temperature.

[0083] The overlapping area display step (S270) corresponds to the step of displaying the area of ​​the second treatment area that overlaps with the first treatment area on the display of the handpiece or the RF treatment device body. After the overlapping area is determined, the handpiece displays to the user where the overlapping treatment occurred, and the position of the handpiece can be moved so that the user can move out of the overlapping area. After that, when the user starts treatment again, the second treatment step is completed (S250), or if it is determined that at least a part of the second treatment area overlaps with the first treatment area again, the second treatment step may be interrupted (S250) or the overlapping area display step (S270) may be performed.

[0084] The RF energy-based skin treatment method for preventing duplicate treatments according to the present invention, as described above with reference to Figures 12 and 13, can be performed using an RF energy-based skin treatment device as described with reference to Figures 1 to 8.

[0085] The skin treatment device using RF energy with a function to prevent duplicate treatment according to the present invention, its control method, and skin treatment method using the same, as described above, can automatically shut off RF energy during duplicate treatment and allow the user to recognize the overlapping areas. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 200 Handpieces 210 circuit boards 220 electrode 230 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. The main unit and A handpiece configured to transmit RF energy from the main body, The handpiece is equipped with an electrode configured to transmit the RF energy to the target tissue, Multiple temperature sensors are provided in the handpiece and are configured to measure the temperature of the target tissue, When the RF energy is transmitted to the electrode, a control unit determines, based on the values ​​measured by the plurality of temperature sensors, whether the target tissue overlaps with the treated tissue in at least part. Equipped with, The control unit determines that the treatment of the target tissue has been duplicated if one or more of the values ​​measured by the plurality of temperature sensors rise faster than the other values, and the skin treatment device using RF energy has a duplicate treatment prevention function.

2. The control unit, A skin treatment device using RF energy having a function to prevent overlapping treatment, as described in claim 1, which controls the transmission of RF energy to block it when it is determined that the target tissues overlap.

3. The control unit, A skin treatment device using RF energy having a function to prevent overlapping treatment, as described in claim 2, wherein if it is determined that the target tissue overlaps with the treated tissue, the RF energy is controlled to be blocked.

4. The handpiece further comprises a substrate provided at its distal end, The electrode is provided on one side of the substrate facing outwards, The RF energy skin treatment device having a duplicate treatment prevention function according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are provided on the substrate on the side opposite to the one side.

5. At least some of the plurality of temperature sensors are A skin treatment device using RF energy having a duplicate treatment prevention function as described in claim 4, provided on the opposite side of the substrate at a position corresponding to the outer edge of the electrode.

6. A skin treatment device using RF energy having a function to prevent overlapping treatment, as described in claim 5, further comprising a display unit configured to receive a signal from the control unit and to display information related to the location of the target tissue overlapping with the treated tissue.

Images