System and method for electromagnetic radiation

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for the effective thermal apoptosis of subcutaneous fatty tissues through EMR irradiation and impingement cooling. In some embodiments, EMR systems described herein can generate and deliver EMR radiation to a treatment surface of a treatment area while maintaining a target temperature of the treatment surface through jet impingement. In some embodiments, EMR can be transmitted from an EMR source to a treatment head on an EMR system using square core fiber optic cables to generate a rectangular EMR beam to be directed towards the treatment area.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) systems, and more particularly, to multifunction aesthetic treatment systems.BACKGROUND

[0002] EMR generally and lasers, specifically, have been applied to medical procedures since they became commercially available. Generally, lasers can be used for invasive, minimally invasive, and non-invasive aesthetic procedures such as, for example, skin treatment and body sculpting. However, with a wide range of wavelengths and power levels, more than 50 different treatment protocols are common. Conventional aesthetic treatment systems have low efficiency, requiring large power supplies and cooling systems. For example, some conventional laser aesthetic systems incorporate large flash lamp pumped lasers often weighing more than 100 lbs. Diode pumped solid state lasers are more efficient and somewhat smaller, but are expensive and present increased maintenance challenges. Direct Diode laser systems offer efficiency and potential low cost, but the need for high amperage power, cooling, and poor beam quality has limited their application. Some of those systems rely on optical fibers with round cores to transmit the EMR from a source to the treatment area. Such system requires complex optical element arrangements to achieve desired EMR beam patterns.

[0003] During hyperthermia treatment of tissue, cooling of the treatment area is required to protect the skin while allowing energy to pass through the skin to the underlying tissues. Some conventional systems use light sources to produce energy that passes through an optically transparent but thermally conductive window material such as sapphire, which can be placed in contact with the skin for cooling. The perimeter of the thermally conductive sapphire window is then cooled with chilled water flowing through tubing passages. However, in such configurations, skin cooling is highly non-uniform, with acceptable cooling around the periphery of the window, and less effective cooling toward the center of the window. Effective uniform skin cooling can also be hampered by poor or partial contact of the cold plate with the skin.

[0004] Other implementations involve cryogenic spray cooling (e.g., droplets of liquid with low boiling point are applied in pulsed fashion to the skin region, dropping local temperaturesjust prior to application of laser energy). Extended use of such techniques over large patient areas can introduce a host of practical difficulties. For example, temperature control of the treatment area relative to refrigerant boiling point and the determination of the complex set of variables associated with heat transfer can be challenging.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the following description of embodiments as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the various views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating principles of the disclosure:

[0006] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an EMR system according to an embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a treatment head of an EMR system according to an embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of the treatment head according to an embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an example window according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates a jet impingement cooling fluid flow pattern according to an embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an EMR beam propagating through a window according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an EMR beam and stagnation region pattern according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an optical arrangement of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an optical arrangement of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an optical arrangement of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates a scanning pattern according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates and fluid cooling system according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 1200 for performing an aesthetic procedure using an EMR system according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a device according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the effective thermal apoptosis of subcutaneous fatty tissues through EMR irradiation and impingement cooling. According to some embodiments, the EMR systems described herein can generate and deliver EMR radiation to a treatment surface of a treatment area while maintaining a target temperature of the treatment surface through jet impingement. Jet impingement refers to the process of forcing compressed fluids through discrete openings arranged in specific patterns to generate high velocity fluid flows. In some implementations, the high velocity fluid flows can be directed to the treatment area to effectively cool the treatment area. Such high velocity fluid flows can be referred to as impingement jets. That is, each high velocity jet strikes or impinges on a target plane (e.g., the treatment surface) from each discrete opening thereby creating radial stagnation zones that allow for heat extraction from the treatment area.

[0021] In some embodiments, an EMR system can automatically direct an EMR beam over a plurality of treatment areas of a treatment zone by moving a treatment head over the treatment zone using an articulated arm. The EMR system can move the treatment head in a predetermined pattern or a progressively determined pattern at a movement rate that allows subcutaneous tissue under the treatment surface of the treatment area to reach a target temperature range. In some implementations the EMR system can vary different operation parameters to provide the desired treatment. In some embodiments, the operation parameters can include movement rate of the treatment head 106 and / or the articulated arm 104, position of the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface, the intensity of the EMR (e.g., the output energy of the EMR), the duration of irradiation (e.g., dwell times), and other parameters. In some implementations, the EMR system can vary the EMR output energy and / or dwell times on successive passes over the same treatment area.

[0022] In some embodiments, the EMR system can include several subsystems to support different functionality. For example, in some embodiments, the EMR system can include an EMR subsystem, a fluid management subsystem, a positioning subsystem, a sensor subsystem, a user interface subsystem, and a control subsystem. In some embodiments, the EMR subsystem caninclude an EMR source and an optical pathway to deliver the EMR from the EMR source to the treatment area. In some embodiments, the fluid management subsystem can include a source of fluid and a cooling system for directing a volume of air at a target velocity sufficiently enough to provide impingement cooling to the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the positioning subsystem can include the articulated arm and associated hardware and software to effect precise movement of the treatment head. In some embodiments, the sensor subsystem can include a treatment surface temperature sensor, fluid-cooling temperature sensors, air flow sensors, EMR power sensors, and a positioning sensor. In some embodiments, the user interface subsystem can receive inputs from a user or operator of the EMR system through input devices such as touch screens, keyboards, mice, or other user controls. In some embodiments, the control subsystem can include dedicated hardware and software to control the operation of the different subsystems and interface between them.

[0023] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for generating EMR and irradiating a treatment area while cooling the treatment area. In some aspects, the system comprises an electromagnetic (EMR) source optically coupled to a treatment head using a square core fiber optic cable, the EMR source can generate EMR to be directed as an EMR beam through a plenum of the treatment head towards a treatment surface of a treatment area. In some aspects, the system further comprises a fluid flow source fluidly connected to the treatment head to provide a fluid to the plenum of the treatment head, the plenum fluidly connected to a window on the treatment head, the window having one or more openings for directing the fluid towards the treatment surface, and an articulated arm mechanically connected to the treatment head to position the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface.

[0024] In some aspects, the EMR can have a wavelength between 900 nm and 1200 nm. In some aspects, the fluid can be atmospheric air. In some aspects, fluid flow source can cool the fluid to below room temperature (e.g., less than or equal to 30 °C). In some aspects, the system can include at least one optical element to shape the EMR beam into a rectangular shape. In some aspects, the EMR beam can have a rectangular shape with uniform power distribution. In some aspects, the EMR beam with the rectangular shape can have length to width ratio in a range between 4 to 6 times. In some aspects, the system can include at least one optical element to shape the EMR beam into a square shape.

[0025] In some aspects, the window can include a plurality of openings whereby when the fluid is passed therethrough an impingement jet is created for each opening. In some aspects, each impingement jet can create a stagnation zone in the treatment surface and, In some aspects, the stagnation zone of at least one impingement jet can overlap the stagnation zone of at least one other impingement jet.

[0026] In some aspects, the articulated arm can position the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface to effect a separation between the window and the treatment surface. In some aspects, the articulated arm can position the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface to avoid contact between the treatment head and the treatment surface while directing fluid flow to contact the treatment surface. In some aspects, the fluid flow source including water droplet vortex water trap to remove water condensate from the fluid into a collection pan.

[0027] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for generating EMR and irradiating a treatment area while cooling the treatment area. In some aspects, the method comprises generating electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with an EMR source and a fluid flow with a fluid flow source and transmitting the EMR from the EMR source to a treatment head using a square core fiber optic cable to generate a rectangular EMR beam to be directed from the treatment head towards a treatment area. In some aspects, the method further comprises delivering the fluid from the fluid flow source to a plenum of the treatment head in fluid communication with the fluid flow source; and directing the fluid through a plurality of openings in a window fluidly connected to the plenum to generate corresponding impingement jets to be directed from the treatment head towards the treatment area.

[0028] In some aspects, the method can comprise generating the EMR with a wavelength between 900 nm and 1200 nm. In some aspects, the method can comprise generating the rectangular EMR beam with a length to width ratio in a range between 4 to 6 times. In some aspects, the method can comprise creating by each impingement jet a corresponding stagnation zone in a treatment surface of the treatment area with at least one stagnation zone overlapping at least one other stagnation zone.

[0029] In some aspects, the method can comprise positioning the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface of the treatment area using an articulated arm to effect a separation between the window and the treatment surface. In some aspects, the method can comprise positioning the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface of the treatment area using an articulated arm to avoid contact between the treatment head and the treatment surface. In someaspects, the method can comprise removing by the fluid flow source with a water droplet vortex water trap water condensate from the fluid into a collection pan.

[0030] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an EMR system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the EMR system 100 can include a main housing 102, an articulated arm 104 mechanically connecting the main housing 102 and the treatment head 106. EMR system 100 can further include a tether 108 between the main housing 102 and treatment head 106 to deliver EMR and fluid flow via dedicated pathways to the treatment head 106 as well as electrical power and communications signals. In some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include input device 110 (e.g., a touch screen display) and other user controls 112 (e.g., buttons). In some embodiments, input device 110 and user controls 112 can be referred to as peripheral devices as discussed in relation to peripheral devices 1312 in FIG. 13.

[0032] According to some embodiments, main housing 102 can house, retain, mount, or engage components of the different subsystems of EMR system 100. In some embodiments, the main housing 102 can be constructed of any suitable material for providing structural support to and protection of components housed, retained, mounted, or engaged in, on, or with the main housing 102. For example, main housing 102 can be constructed using plastics, polymers, metals, any other medically compliant material, and combinations thereof. To the extent that it is desired to move the system 10, for example, from one exam room or operating room to another, the main housing 102 can include one or more wheels 114 to provide mobility of the EMR system 100.

[0033] While not shown, in some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include one or more electromagnetic radiation (EMR) sources (not shown). In some embodiments, the EMR sources can be mounted to main housing 102 using any plate, housing, bracket, or other structure for mounting one or more EMR sources thereto. In some embodiments, a mount can be a cold plate for providing cooling to the EMR source mounted thereto.

[0034] In some embodiments, each EMR source can be configured to emit EMR at a particular wavelength. For example, in some embodiments, each EMR source can emit EMR at a wavelength between about 200 nm to about 4500 nm. However, it will be apparent that any EMR source of EMR system 100 can emit EMR at any desired wavelength in accordance with various embodiments. In some embodiments, EMR sources of the EMR system 100 can emit electromagnetic radiation having any suitable wavelength, including, for example, visible light, ultraviolet radiation, x-ray radiation, infrared radiation, microwave radiation, or radio waves. Insome embodiments, EMR system 100 can be configured to emit a different particular wavelength for each EMR source thereby creating combinations of wavelengths required for any one of a plurality of procedures having disparate treatment protocol requirements. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the EMR system 100 can include EMR sources emitting wavelengths suitable for performing one or more procedures including, for example, but not limited to, fat reduction, body skin tightening, facial skin tightening, skin resurfacing, skin remodeling, vein reduction or removal, facial pigment removal or reduction, hair removal, acne treatment, scar reduction and removal, psoriasis treatment, stretch mark removal, nail fungus treatment, leukoderma treatment, tattoo removal, or combinations thereof.

[0035] According to some embodiments, some aesthetic procedures may only require a single wavelength. For example, for some fat reduction procedures, EMR system 100 can include an EMR source which is capable of emitting EMR at a wavelength of about 1064 nm (or any wavelength from about 400 nm to about 3000 nm or about 900 nm to about 1100 nm) can be selected for hyperthermia or apoptosis of fat tissue because it exhibits good transmission through the skin, epidermis, and dermis and deposits energy within the fat cells. On the other hand, skin tightening generally requires other wavelengths that exhibit higher absorption in the epidermis and dermis, where the collagen resides. For example, in some embodiments, a wavelength of about 1320 nm (or any wavelength from about 400 nm to about 3000 nm or about 1300 nm to about 1500 nm) can be used for some body skin tightening procedures. In those embodiments, the EMR beam wavelengths deposit more energy to the collagen, creating apoptosis or necrosis and eventually skin tightening from new collagen regrowth. In some embodiments, such as for some facial pigment reduction or removal procedures and some vein reduction or removal procedures, for example, an EMR source capable of emitting EMR at about 532 nm (or any wavelength from about 700 nm to about 650 nm) can be provided. In some embodiments, performing a procedure utilizing one wavelength can have the resulting benefits of other procedures. For example, in some of those embodiments, one procedure can lead to one or more of fat reduction, skin tightening, skin resurfacing, skin remodeling, vein reduction or removal, pigment removal or reduction, hair removal, acne treatment, scar reduction and removal, psoriasis treatment, stretch mark removal, nail fungus treatment, leukoderma treatment, and tattoo removal concurrently.

[0036] Additionally, some aesthetic procedures or combinations of procedures may require two or more wavelengths. For example, to combine the fat reduction and body skin tighteningprocedures discussed above, a first EMR source capable of emitting EMR at 1064 nm and a second EMR source capable of emitting EMR at 1320 nm can be provided. In another example, for some facial skin tightening procedures, for example, a first EMR source capable of emitting EMR at about 1320 nm and a second EMR source capable of emitting EMR at about 1470 nm can be provided.

[0037] In some embodiments, the one or more EMR sources can include one or more fiber coupled lasers. For example, in some embodiments, the EMR source can include one or more fiber coupled diode lasers and / or flashlamp or diode pumped lasers such as Er:YAG, Er,Cr:YSGG, Nd:YAG, Nd:glass; Erglass, or any other suitable fiber coupled EMR source. In some embodiments, at least one of the EMR source can include a fiber coupled diode laser. In some embodiments, at least one of the EMR source can include the diode laser can be an aircooled laser. Such laser systems can operate at efficiencies exceeding 50%, are relatively small in size, draw relatively low power, and exhibit wide wavelength diversity.

[0038] In some embodiments, an EMR source can be optically coupled to the treatment head 106 through a fiber optic cable or fiber optic relay cable for transmitting or relaying the EMR (also referred to as “EMR energy” or “beam”) emitted by the EMR source. The present disclosure refers to EMR, energy, beam, or laser interchangeable throughout the description. In general, a fiber optic relay cable can be constructed of any fiber optic material capable of transmitting EMR having a wavelength emitted by EMR sources as described herein. In some embodiments, a fiber optic cable can be constructed of, for example, low-OH silica fiber core cables, which transmit wavelengths in a range of about 200 nm to about 2400 nm; Zirconium Fluoride (ZrF4) and / or high purity Chalcogenide glass cables; which transmit wavelengths in a range of about 285 nm to about 4500 nm; or sapphire cables, which transmit wavelengths in a range of about 170 nm to about 5500 nm.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the fiber optic cable can be a Square Core Fiber Optic Cable. In some embodiments, Square Core Fiber Optic Cable can have a square silica core with a circular polymer cladding. Whereas a round (e.g., conventional) fiber optic core employs total internal reflection (TIR) within the critical angle as derived from the index of refraction difference from the core to the surrounding cladding, a Square Core Fiber Optic Cable functions similarly but mixes these reflections in a more uniform spatial profile. In some applications, the symmetry of the round core geometry results in an exit beam profile that is near gaussian with the central area higher power density. In some embodiments, the squarefiber core mixes the internal reflections such that the lack of symmetry results in a uniform beam profile upon exit from the fiber end. This type of uniform beam profile is often referred to as a top hat energy distribution profile. In some embodiments, the top hat profile allows for the minimization of thermal hot spots. In some embodiments, the fiber optic cables described herein can have core diameters from 100 micron to more than 1000 microns.

[0040] According to some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include one or more fluid management subsystems (not shown) for removing heat produced by the EMR source, the control subsystem, and for delivering cooling fluid to the treatment area (e.g., a patient’s skin) during a procedure. In some embodiments, the heat generated by the different components of EMR system 100 can be dissipated by one or more of forced air (e.g., fan) cooling, thermoelectric cooling, flowing coolant directly through the components, or cooling plates. In some embodiments, several cold plates can be connected in series to a master circulating chiller of the fluid management subsystem. In some embodiments, one or more additional master circulating chillers can be provided as required to accommodate different cooling temperature requirements. The elements of the fluid management subsystem will be discussed in more detail in relation to FIG. 11.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the EMR system 100 can include an input device 110 of the user interface subsystem mechanically connected to the main housing 102 and electronically connected to control elements of the control subsystem located withing the main housing 102. In some embodiments, the input device 110 can receive user inputs from a user to effect changes in or set parameters for the operation of the EMR system 100. For example, a user can input patient data such as height, weight, skin type, age, etc. as well as procedural parameters such as desired EMR power, procedure type, wavelength or wavelengths to be applied, dwell times, patterns, beam pattern, temperature limits, positioning, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, as part of the control subsystem, EMR system 100 can include one or more computing devices (not shown) located wholly within the main housing 102 or distributed throughout EMR system 100 for receiving and storing the user input from the input device 110, for storing and executing appropriate procedure protocols according to the user input, for providing control instruction to various components of the subsystems of EMR system 100, and receiving feedback from other components. The computing device can be any suitable computing device as described in relation to device 1300 of FIG. 13, such as, forexample, a laptop, a desktop, a server, a smartphone, a tablet, a personal data assistant, or any other suitable computing device having a memory and a processor.

[0043] According to some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include one or more articulated arms 104 as part of the positioning subsystem. In some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can provide a multi-axis, computer-controlled mechanism for controlled movement, orientation, and positioning of the treatment head 106 while emitting EMR for treatment. In some embodiments, articulated arm 104 can provide movement of the treatment head 106 over a predefined treatment zone. In some embodiments, the computer control provides improved control and movement over stationary or manually operated systems. In particular, computer control can provide for scanning the treatment head 106 across large treatment areas and treatment zones during treatment to provide uniform heating of the target treatment area. For purpose of the describing the present invention, scanning can include controlled movement of treatment head 106 (or another device) over a treatment area or from treatment area to treatment area in a treatment zone. During a scanning operation the device can perform different operations, such as for example, directing energy, performing visual recognition of an area, directing visual indicators, applying cooling, etc. Furthermore, the treatment pattern can be modified to any shape desired for treatment. For example, treatment patterns can be programmed to avoid existing scar tissue or the belly button area.

[0044] In some embodiments, to provide coverage of a treatment zone or a treatment area and permit proper positioning of the treatment head 106, the articulated arm 104 can be provided with any number of degrees of freedom of movement. For example, in some cases a treatment process can employ only one DOF and move the articulated arm 104 back and forth over the treatment area. In some embodiments having a substantially planar target treatment area, the articulated arm 104 can have two degrees of freedom - having a first rail for providing movement along an x-axis and a second rail for providing movement along a y-axis.

[0045] In some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can be a six degree of freedom robotic arm. For example, in some embodiments, articulated arm 104 can include a rotatable base 116 providing a first degree of freedom of rotation, the rotatable base can be pivotably engaged with a first segment 118 to provide a second degree of freedom, the first segment 118 can be pivotably engaged with a second segment 120 to provide a third degree of freedom, the second segment 120 can be pivotably engaged with a third segment 122 to provide a fourth degree of freedom, the third segment 122 can be pivotably engaged with a fourth segment 124 to providea fifth degree of freedom, the fourth segment 124 can include a rotatable portion for rotating the treatment head 106. In general, the rotatable base 116 can be engaged with the main housing 102 of the EMR system 100 or can be attached to a separate platform for positioning nearer the target treatment area. In some embodiments, the six degrees of freedom of the articulated arm 104 can be used to follow the targeted patient’s body shape and match the treatment zone or area desired.

[0046] Articulated arm 104 can be employed in various procedures such as, for example, in the case of subcutaneous fat reduction, where deposition of heat into the subcutaneous fat requires reaching and maintaining a therapeutically acceptable temperature range of, for example, about 40 °C to about 55 °C over a period of time. In particular, in some embodiments, lower temperatures have no fat reduction benefit and higher temperatures can cause severe necrosis, cell damage, and scarring. Conventional devices modulate or cycle the power off and on to maintain this temperature range. However, the low thermal conductivity of fat makes EMR source on / off cycle times compatible with a scanning or moving the device during treatment to cover larger treatment areas and to avoid overheating of the treated tissue. Thus, the articulated arm 104 can be directed by a control module to position treatment head 106 to follow the targeted patient’s body shape and match the treatment zone desired. In such embodiments, the energy delivered, the boundaries of the treatment area, the dwell times on the treatment area, the duty cycle for the EMR source can be adjusted to maintain the target temperature. Patient information, sensors, and feedback can also all be used to maintain a uniform heating over the entire treatment site by scanning the treatment head 106 in such a fashion as to cover the entire site.

[0047] However, it will be apparent in view of this disclosure that, in some embodiments, EMR system 100 may not include an articulated arm 104 and that treatment head 106 can instead be connected to the housing by the tether 108 comprising the fiber optic cable connected to the EMR source and a hose connected to the fluid flow source for manual operation and positioning. It will still further be apparent in view of this disclosure that, in some embodiments, the EMR system 100 may include both treatment head 106 for use with the articulated arm 104 and a manually operated and positioned treatment head 106 for use as required by a particular procedure.

[0048] According to some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include one or more sensors as part of the sensor subsystem. In some embodiments, a sensor can be a treatment surfacetemperature sensor, fluid-cooling temperature sensors, air flow sensors, EMR power sensors, and positioning sensors. In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be disposed on the articulated arm 104 and / or treatment head 106. In some embodiments, the sensors disposed on the treatment head 106 can be electrically connected to the control subsystem directly through the tether 108. The sensors of EMR system 100 will be discussed in further detail in relation to FIG. 2A-4 below.

[0049] In some embodiments, the sensors of EMR system 100 can be monitored in real time by a computing module of the control subsystem to enable the computing module to instruct a control module of the control subsystem in directing the position of the treatment head 106 and the operation of the EMR source and the fluid flow source. For example, in some embodiments, if the sensors detect that treatment surface temperature is too high, the control module can be instructed to direct the articulated arm 104 to move treatment head 106 to a new treatment area in a zone and / or to scan faster between treatment areas to reduce dwell time in one area and prevent overheating. In some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can responsively adjust a position or orientation of the treatment head 106 relative to the treatment surface according to sensor feedback. For example, in some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can position the treatment head 106 while moving or scanning to maintain a predetermined or preselected separation height between the window and treatment surface.

[0050] In some embodiments, different components of EMR system 100 can be modular (e g., easily replaceable with similar component) to facilitate ease of maintenance. For example, in such modular configurations, individual EMR sources can be replaced, for example, to provide additional or different wavelengths or wavelength combinations as needed for particular procedures. However, it will be apparent in view of this disclosure that, in some embodiments, the one or more EMR sources can be permanently attached to the main housing 102.

[0051] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a treatment head 106 of an EMR system 100 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2B is a cutaway view of the treatment head according to an embodiment.

[0052] According to some embodiments, treatment head 106 centralizes and directs EMR and fluid flow towards the treatment area without contacting the treatment surface or any other part of the patient. In some embodiments, treatment head 106 can include a plenum 216 that is mechanically and optically connected to an optical head 202 which in turn is mechanically and optically connected to an EMR source through fiber optic cable 204.

[0053] In some embodiments, optical head 202 can mechanically couple with fiber optic cable 204 to receive the EMR from the EMR source. In some embodiments, optical head 202 can include any fitting capable of engaging the fiber optic cable 204, such as, for example, a Luer slip, a Luer lock, a fitting, a fiber coupler, or any other suitable fitting. More generally, the optical head 202 can include any configuration suitable for directing an EMR beam irradiated by the fiber optic cable 204 through the plenum 216 and toward the treatment area. In some embodiments, optical head 202 can include one or more optical elements to alter, modify, and / or shape the EMR received from the EMR source into an EMR beam to be directed through the plenum 216 and out the window 208. FIG. 7 - FIG. 9 illustrate embodiments of optical arrangements in optical head 202.

[0054] In some embodiments, the fiber optic cables can be mated to the EMR source by a fiber optic connector such as, for example, a SMA 905 connector, an air gap ferrule, a D80 ferrule or any other high power suitable connector. In some embodiments, the fiber core diameter of the fiber optic cable can be driven by the coupling efficiency of diode drivers and the required power. More generally, in some embodiments, by selecting the proper fiber core diameter and connectors capable of handling maximum expected power loadings, safe and reliable routing of the EMR power generated by the EMR source is possible.

[0055] In some embodiments, plenum 216 can be fluidly connected to the fluid flow source through one or more tubes (not shown) connected to one or more fluid ports 206. In some embodiments, fluid port 206 can be any suitable design, size, or shape for connecting to a fluid flow source, including, for example, an opening in the plenum 216, a tube in fluid communication with the housing, a Luer lock connector, a Luer slip connector, a fitting, any other suitable design, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the fluid port 206 can be formed integrally with the plenum 216. In some embodiments, the fluid port 206 can be a separate element attached to, fastened to, or otherwise in fluid communication with the plenum 216.

[0056] In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 204, the one or more tubes, and other power and communications cables can be routed through tether 108 from the main housing 102 to the treatment head 106. In some embodiments, fiber optic cable 204, the one or more hoses, and other power and communications cables can be routed through articulated arm 104 instead of or in combination with tether 108. In some embodiments, data or information from the sensors ontreatment head 106 can be operatively connected to the control subsystem control of through the power and communications cables through tether 108 and / or articulated arm 104.

[0057] According to some embodiments, plenum 216 can be constructed of any suitable material such as metals, plastics, transparent plastics, glass, polycarbonates, polymers, sapphire, any other suitable material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, plenum 216 can be mechanically attached to a window 208 to permit the EMR beam to be transmitted therethrough towards the treatment area. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the window 208 can be manufactured from an optically transparent material. In some embodiments, the entire plenum 216 can be optically transparent. As shown in FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the plenum 216 may not be optically transparent while the window 208 is transparent. However, in general, portions of the window 208 proximate to or coincident with the EMR beam as a coaxial geometry should generally be optically transparent so as not to interfere with transmission of the EMR.

[0058] Referring briefly to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 illustrates an example window according to an embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 3, in some embodiments, a window 208 can include one or more openings 214. In embodiments window 208 includes a plurality of openings 214, the number and arrangement of openings 214 in window 208 can be selected as needed for the intended application. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated, window 208 includes two rows of openings - one row with 4 openings 214 and the other row with 3 openings 214. In some embodiments, each of the openings 214 can have a diameter of 2.54 mm (0.1 in) and have a spacing of between 20.3 mm (0.8 in) between openings. In some embodiments, the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3 can enable fluid flow exit velocities of between 80 m / s and 105 m / s per opening 214 where the fluid has been cooled to 5 °C. In some embodiments, a nominal separation based on the pattern of window 208 can be between 20.3 mm (0.8 in) to 25.4 mm (1 in) to the treatment surface. In some embodiments, an incident EMR beam may overlap one or more of the openings 214.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the window 208 can have one or more openings 214 arranged in specific patterns (depending on the cooling efficiency desired) for directing fluid flow onto the treatment area. While not shown, each opening comprises an inlet disposed on the side of the opening facing an interior volume 218 of the plenum 216 and an outlet facing the exterior of the plenum 216 and directed towards the treatment area during operation. In some embodiments, the fluid flow received into the plenum 216 via the fluid port 206 can be directedthrough the window 208 toward the treatment area for direct fluid cooling of the treatment area. In some embodiments, the openings 214 can be positioned to direct the airflow onto the treatment area at temperatures, flow rates, and exit flow velocities suitable to maintain the treatment area at a therapeutically acceptable temperature range while avoiding interference with the EMR being directed at the treatment area. To that end, in some embodiments, openings 214 can be coincident with or within close proximity to a portion of the window 208 through which the EMR is transmitted. This portion of the window 208 can be referred to as the EMR transmission region and, in some embodiments, can be formed from optically transparent material. To the extent that other openings 214 are not aligned with the EMR transmission region, those openings 214 may not need to be transparent.

[0060] In some embodiments, the one or more openings 214 can be arranged in a pattern that can provide substantially uniform cooling over at least the treatment area irradiated by the EMR. In some embodiments, the substantially uniform cooling can extend over an area larger than the treatment area. In such embodiments, pre and post cooling to the treatment area is permitted as the treatment head 106 is moved from one treatment area to another by the articulated arm 104, whether manually or automatically by the computing module through the control module as programmed to deliver the appropriate energy to maintain the target temperature range for a procedure.

[0061] In order to promote a uniform flow and maintain a desired cooling rate, during use, the openings 214 can be spaced apart from the treatment surface to maintain the substantially uniform cooling and to promote efficient jet impingement cooling. In some embodiments, the spacing between the outlet (e.g., outlet 406) of the openings 214 and the treatment surface can be maintained between 0 millimeters (0 in) to more than a 38.1 mm (1.5 in). In some embodiments, the spacing can be about 12.7 mm (0.5 inches). More generally, any spacing between the openings 214 and the treatment surface can be used so long as substantially uniform cooling can be provided to the treatment area to maintain a therapeutically acceptable temperature range.

[0062] In general, in jet impingement cooling or impingement cooling, cold or chilled high velocity air can be used to establish a very thin boundary layer that efficiently extracts heat from the treatment area. In other words, the target velocity can be high enough for impingement cooling on the tissue surface where a thin boundary layer establishes heat extraction that can be 4 times greater than that from forced convection. In some embodiments,this enables the EMR system 100 to apply a higher EMR power while maintaining a desirable treatment area temperature. The high velocity air can be provided by forcing a large volume of air through one or more openings (e.g., openings 214) within the window 208. For example, in some embodiments, the velocity range can be greater than 50 m / s. In order to ensure that impingement cooling is happening, in some embodiments, the proper fluid velocity and the proper distance of the window 208 above the treatment surface must be chosen and maintained. An example flow map of an impingement cooling jet is described with respect to FIG. 4.

[0063] According to some embodiments, spacing can be maintained by providing instructions for the computing module and / or the control module for operating the articulated arm 104 responsive to real time feedback from one or more position sensors (e.g., proximity sensor 210 and / or temperature sensor 212) mounted to the plenum 216 and directed toward the treatment area. In some embodiments, the proximity sensors 210 can be configured to detect one or more of a distance between the treatment head 106 and the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 210 can be used in addition to positioning sensors (e.g., encoders or accelerometers) distributed throughout the treatment head 106, the articulated arm 104, and the main housing 102. In some embodiments, the position sensors can generally be any suitable sensor for providing non-contact detection of a position of the treatment head 106 relative to the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 210 can be infrared location sensors.

[0064] In some embodiments, EMR system 100 can include one or more temperature sensors disposed in the treatment head 106 to provide the computing module and / or the control module with real time information regarding the temperature of the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the temperature of the subcutaneous portion of the treatment area, that is the portion below the treatment surface can be estimated based on the temperature of the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the temperature sensors 212 can include one or more noncontact pyrometers to provide non-contact temperature monitoring of the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the temperature sensors 212 can be configured to provide real time temperature feedback to the computing module and / or control module. In some embodiments, the computing module and / or the control module can responsively adjust one or more operating parameters to maintain the target area at a therapeutically acceptable temperature. For example, in some embodiments, responsive to the temperature feedback provided by the temperature sensors 212, the control module can at least one of instruct the articulated arm 104 to adjust aspacing between the treatment surface and the window 208; instruct the articulated arm 104 to adjust a scanning velocity of the articulated arm 104, instruct fluid flow source to adjust a flow rate of the cooling fluid, instruct fluid management subsystem to adjust a coolant temperature, thereby adjusting a temperature of the fluid, instruct the EMR source to adjust a power of the emitted EMR, shut off or activate one or more of EMR sources, or combinations thereof.

[0065] FIG. 4 illustrates a jet impingement fluid flow pattern from an opening in a window according to an embodiment.

[0066] According to some embodiments, a window 402 can have one or more openings 404, and each opening 404 can have an outlet 406 that can direct the fluid flow to produce the impingement jets at an exit velocity sufficient to minimize a thermal boundary layer (BL) 408 of the treatment area 410 so as to promote maintaining the treatment area 410 at the therapeutically acceptable temperature. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates a flow map for fluid flow exiting the opening 214. As shown, the outlet 406 of the opening 214 establishes a free jet region 414 and an impingement region 416 wherein the fluid flow of the free jet region 414 has minimized the thermal boundary layer 408. In the impingement region 416, upon impingement through the thermal boundary layer 408 onto the treatment area 410, the fluid flow can be redirected to a wall jet region 418 to further spread the cooling effects on along the surface of the treatment area. Generally, heat transfer is highest towards the center stagnation region 420 and diminishes gradually (e.g., with its radius) in the wall jet region 418.

[0067] By providing the impingement jets with high exit velocity, the thermal boundary layer 408 can be substantially minimized in the treatment area 410, resulting in a higher surface heat transfer rate than for non-minimized boundary layer 408 conditions. Therefore, cooling efficiency can generally be improved by providing higher exit velocities. In some embodiments, exit velocity can generally be controlled by adjusting the total aggregated outlet 406 area of one or more openings 404 and / or the cooling fluid supply flow rate.

[0068] According to some embodiments, effective jet impingement cooling of a treatment area can be achieved by optimizing all the design and operational parameters of EMR system 100. For example, in some embodiments, parameters such as the air flow rate into the plenum (e.g., plenum 216) (generally measured in liters per minute), the opening (e.g., opening 404, opening 214) diameter 422, the number of openings, the opening spacing (e.g., distance between openings in window 402), and the separation 424 from the outlet 406 of the opening 404 to the treatment surface 426. In some embodiments, the optimization of the design and operationalparameters allows for the creation of turbulent fluid flow as measured by the Reynolds number and of maximum heat extraction as estimated by the Nusselt number.

[0069] For example, in a non-limiting implementation, with the following parameters: the separation 424 distance at 31.75 mm (1.25 in); the fluid flow rate from the fluid source at 190 liters per minute; and a window (similar to window 502) having four openings 404 disposed on the lengthwise centerline, each opening 404 having a diameter 422 of 3.2 mm (0.12 in) with a separation center to center of each opening 404 of 19 mm (0.75 in), each created jet had a fluid exit velocity of 101 m / second from each orifice. This implementation yielded a Reynolds number of 21,000 indicating turbulent flow and a Nusselt number of 88. This implementation also creates overlapping stagnation zones (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 6) on the treatment surface leading to uniform cooling. Under the same conditions, during experimentation, traditional forced convection surface cooling results in laminar flow, an air velocity of 1 m / sec, and a Nusselt number of 10 representing 8 times improvement in heat extraction of jet impingement cooling over forced convection.

[0070] As also discussed herein, cooling efficiency can also be adjusted by controlling a spacing between the outlet 406 and the treatment area 410 as well as by adjusting cooling fluid temperature. To the extent that one or more sensors are available for monitoring a temperature of the treatment area 410, in some embodiments, the EMR system 100 can permit adjustment of the cooling fluid supply flow rate, the cooling fluid temperature, the spacing between the outlet 406 and the treatment area 410, or combinations thereof in real time responsive to sensor feedback to maintain the therapeutically acceptable temperature.

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates an EMR beam propagating through a window and FIG. 6 illustrates the resulting EMR beam and stagnation region footprint according to an embodiment.

[0072] Specifically, FIG. 6 superposes the incident footprints of the EMR beam 506 and the stagnation regions 602 from the jets generated by each of the openings 504 disposed on window 502 upon a treatment surface. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the fluid flow from each opening 504 generates radial expansion of the fluid flow thereby producing the stagnation regions 602 as the fluid flow strikes or impinges on the treatment surface. In some embodiments, each stagnation region 602 can overlap with the adjacent stagnation regions 602. In some embodiments, the aggregate area of the stagnation regions 602 incident upon the treatment surface can be larger than incident footprint of the EMR beam 506. As discussed in relation to FIG. 4, each stagnation region 602 continues to spread radially but with decreasingheat extraction. In some embodiments, this arrangement allows for cooling not only of the treatment area but of the surrounding areas as well. In some embodiments, for example as discussed in relation to FIG. 3, with a nominal separation of 25.4 mm (1 in) the stagnation region 602 can have a diameter of approximately 25.4 mm (1 in).

[0073] FIG. 7 illustrates an optical arrangement 700 of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0074] In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates the EMR beam 704 generated by a square core fiber optic cable 204. As will be noted, the naturally occurring EMR beam 704 has a footprint square shape without any additional optical elements to produce a square beam shape. Such characteristic mitigates the additional structure that would be needed for round core fiber optic cables which have a circular incident footprint.

[0075] In some embodiments, EMR beams 704 with incident square footprints allow for racetrack patterns to cover a rectangular or square treatment area thereby lessening the number of passes to provide uniform coverage of multiple treatment areas in a treatment zone while maintaining the duty cycle of the EMR source at 100% as opposed to other techniques found in the art which pulse the EMR source on and off. As noted elsewhere herein, square core fibers allow for uniform energy distribution incident on the target surface (as opposed to the gaussian energy distribution of a round core fiber optic cable).

[0076] According to some embodiments, the EMR beam shape can be an expanding square beam. In the non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, a square core fiber optic cable 204 can have a numerical aperture (NA) of 0.22 resulting in a 25.4 degree full angle divergence. In some embodiments, a square core fiber optic cable 204 can have an NA of .22 and include a lens cap 702 to create far field imaging which generates a uniform 25.4 degree diverging square beam pattern without the need for additional optics. However, although the EMR beam is shown in FIG. 7 is shown as being an expanding square beam, it will be apparent in view of this disclosure that any other beam shape can be used in accordance with various embodiments, including, for example, expanding, converging, straight, homogenized, collimated, circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, oval, any other suitable shape, or combinations thereof.

[0077] FIG. 8 illustrates an optical arrangement 800 of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0078] The non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 7 with an optical element 804 in the optical pathway. As discussed in relation to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the optical element 804 can be disposed in the optical head 202. In some embodiments, the optical element 804 can be a convex cylinder lens to collimate the EMR beam in one axis, thus creating a diverging rectangular EMR beam 802 profile, otherwise referred to as a rectangular or stripe EMR beam shape. In some embodiments, the stripe EMR beam shape can have footprint on the treatment surface of 90 mm by 18 mm. In some embodiments, the stripe or rectangular EMR beam shape can have a length 806 to width 808 ratio of between 4 to 6 times (e.g., 4 to 6 times longer than wider). In some embodiments, selecting an optical element 804 with a given focal length and disposing said 804 in a specific geometry in relation to the output of 204 can allow for the creation of a quasi (approximate) collimation in the elongated axis. In some embodiments, the EMR beam 802 profile can have a uniform power density diverging at orthogonal axis with 1 x 25.4 degrees. In some embodiments, a lens cap 702 (not shown in FIG. 8) on the end of the fiber optic cable 204 before the optical element 804 in the optical path can be included to create far field imaging to improve the Top Hat energy distribution profile. Thus, in some embodiments, rectangular beam patterns generated by square core fibers can allow for lesser treatment times while achieving the same amount of delivered energy into the treatment area adipose tissue with corresponding increased treatment benefits.

[0079] FIG. 9 illustrates an optical arrangement 900 of an EMR pathway according to an embodiment.

[0080] The non-limiting embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 is similar to the arrangement of FIG. 8 with first optical element 804 and a second optical element 904 in the optical pathway. As discussed in relation to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, the optical element 804 and the optical element 904 can be disposed in the optical head 202. In some embodiments, the optical element 804 can be a convex cylinder lens to collimate the EMR beam in one axis, thus creating a diverging rectangular EMR beam 902 profile, otherwise referred to as a rectangular or stripe EMR beam shape. In some embodiments, the stripe EMR beam shape can have footprint on the treatment surface of 90 mm by 18 mm. In some embodiments, the stripe or rectangular EMR beam shape can have a length 906 to width 908 ratio of between 4 to 6 times (e.g., 4 to 6 times longer than wider). In some embodiments, the optical element 804 can be a convex cylinder lens to increase the divergence angle of the EMR beam in one axis, thus creating a divergingrectangular EMR beam 802 profile, otherwise referred to as a rectangular or stripe EMR beam shape. In some embodiments, optical element 904 can be a concave cylinder lens and can be used to increase the divergence in the orthogonal axis to create the desired expanding beam angle.

[0081] As noted, in some embodiments, selecting an optical element 804 with a given focal length and disposing said optical element 804 and optical element 904 in a specific geometry in relation to the output of fiber optic cable 204 can allow for the creation of a quasi (approximate) collimation in the elongated axis. In some embodiments, the EMR beam 902 profile can have a uniform power density diverging at orthogonal axis with 1 x 25.4 degrees. In some embodiments, the inclusion of the optical element 904 in the optical pathway can allow for uniform power density diverging at orthogonal axis with 1 x 40 degrees. In some embodiments, a lens cap 702 ((not shown in FIG. 9) on the end of the fiber optic cable 204 before the optical element 804 in the optical path can be included to create far field imaging to improve the Top Hat energy distribution profile.

[0082] FIG. 10 illustrates a scanning pattern 1000 according to an embodiment.

[0083] As shown, FIG. 10 illustrates a treatment zone 1002 including multiple first treatment areas 1006. In some embodiments, treatment zone 1002 has a rectangular shape. In some embodiments, to irradiate all treatment areas in treatment zone 1002 the articulated arm 104 positions the treatment head 106 in a first treatment area 1006 and scans the first treatment area 1006 to the second treatment area 1008 and to an N treatment area 1010, where N is the number of treatment areas in the treatment zone 1002. In some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can move the treatment heard 106 continuously at near constant speed between treatment areas. In some embodiments, the articulated arm 104 can move the treatment head 106 from treatment area to treatment area in discrete movements. As discussed elsewhere herein, a rectangular EMR beam shape such as EMR beam 1004 can allow for uniform coverage of treatment zone 1002 while delivering uniform energy levels within each treatment area. While FIG. 10 illustrates one possible scanning pattern, those skilled in the art will note that the scanning patterns that can be performed by EMR system 100 are not limited to any one pattern and different scanning patterns may be used depending on the treatment and the patient.

[0084] FIG. 11 illustrates and fluid management subsystem 1100 according to an embodiment.

[0085] According to some embodiments, subsystem 1 100 can include a compressor 1 102, an aftercooler 1106, a heat sink 1108, a separator 1110, a plenum 1112, and opening 1114. Insome embodiments, compressor 1102 can be used to compress a cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid can be atmospheric air, or some other suitable fluid. In some embodiments, the compressor 1 102 can be fluidly connected to an aftercooler 1 106 to lower the temperature of the fluid as received from the compressor 1102. In some embodiments, a flow sensor 1104 can be disposed between the compressor 1102 and the flow sensor 1104 to determine fluid flow from the compressor 1102. In some embodiments, the flow sensor 1104 can be operatively connected to the computing module and the computing module can use the received operation to modify the operation of the compressor 1102 or any other elements of subsystem 1100. In some embodiments, the compressor 1102 can displace high volumes of fluid for example, between 100 and 500 liters per minute. In some embodiments, the compressor 1102 can be an oil free compressor, an air pump, or a blower (used interchangeably). In some embodiments, aftercooler 1106 can be a finned heat exchanger with fan for forced convection cooling. In some embodiments, subsystem 1100 can be referred to generally as a fluid flow source.

[0086] In some embodiments, the cooled fluid from the aftercooler 1106 can be provided to a heat sink 1108 to further cool the received fluid. In some embodiments, the heat sink 1108 can be a refrigerated close-coupled plenum heat exchanger on a cold plate evaporator mated to a folded fin heat exchanger. In some embodiments, the fluid output from heat sink 1108 can then be provided to a separator 1110 to condense the fluid and remove any moisture. In some embodiments, the separator 1110 can be a water droplet vortex water trap. In some embodiments, the vortex water trap removes water condensate by collecting the water droplets in the bottom of the vortex trap where a small hole allows forced drainage when the air compressor creates pressure. In some embodiments, the drainage can be routed to a forced convection drip pan or collection pan. Likewise, in some embodiments, the heat sink 1108 can have a similar condensate collection area in the bottom with a small hole routed to the collection pan.

[0087] In some embodiments, the fluid output from separator 1110 can be provided to a plenum 1112 (e.g., plenum 216 as discussed in relation to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B) on a treatment head (e.g., treatment head 106). In some embodiments, the separator 1110 can be fluidly connected to the plenum 1112 through one or more tubes mechanically connected to a fluid port (e.g., fluid port 206) attached to plenum 1112. In some embodiments, the fluid within theplenum is directed under pressure through one or more openings 1114 to generate impingement cooling jets.

[0088] FIG. 12 illustrates an example method 1200 for performing an aesthetic procedure using an EMR system according to an embodiment.

[0089] Although the example method 1200 depicts a particular sequence of operations, the sequence may be altered without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, some of the operations depicted may be performed in parallel or in a different sequence that does not materially affect the function of the method 1200. In other examples, different components of an example device or system that implements the method 1200 may perform functions at substantially the same time or in a specific sequence.

[0090] In Step 1202, method 1200 can include defining a treatment profile for performing the aesthetic procedure. In some embodiments, an EMR system 100 user or operator can input treatment parameters using input device 110. In some embodiments, the user can select the dimensions of the EMR beam footprint in the treatment surface based on the length of the treatment area. In some embodiments, smaller patients require smaller EMR beam footprints.

[0091] In Step 1204, method 1200 can include the user applying a template to the patient skin to identify and define a treatment zone. In some embodiments, the user uses the template to physically delineate the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the user only marks a starting point for a given scanning pattern.

[0092] In Step 1206, method 1200 can include the user providing inputs to the EMR system 100 via the input device 110 and user controls 112 to direct the articulated arm 104 to position the treatment head 106 in the marked location defining the treatment zone. In some embodiments, the user can define the separation between the window 208 and the treatment surface. In some embodiments, EMR system 100 can determine the separation automatically and position the treatment head 106 accordingly. In some embodiments, the user can activate the EMR source to project a visible EMR beam to position the treatment head 106 in relation to the markings in the treatment surface. In some embodiments, the user can identify areas in the treatment surface to avoid (e.g., ribs, bones, belly button, etc.)

[0093] In Step 1208, the user can direct the EMR system 100 through input device 110 to initiate the treatment. In some embodiments, the computing module can determine the operation parameters and instruct the control module to initiate EMR generation and fluid flow from the EMR source and the fluid flow source, respectively. In some embodiments, thecomputing module instructs the control module to direct the articulated arm 104 to move the treatment head 106 in the predetermined pattern.

[0094] In Step 1210, the user can monitor patient comfort and take steps to modify the treatment. For example, in some embodiments, if patient feels too hot, the user can direct EMR system 100 to cease EMR generation for a period of time and continue moving the treatment head 106 while providing fluid flow to cool the treatment area. After the period of time, the EMR system 100 can continue irradiating the treatment areas. In some embodiments, the patient monitoring can be done automatically. For example, in some embodiments, the computing module can use temperature sensor 212 to determine the treatment surface temperature. In some embodiments, if the treatment surface temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature (e.g., > 42 °C), the computing module can instruct the control module to cease EMR generation. In some embodiments, after a set number of over temperature cycles, the computing module can direct the control module to continue EMR generation at lesser energy level.

[0095] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a device 1300 according to an embodiment.

[0096] As illustrated, the device 1300 can include a processor or central processing unit (CPU) such as CPU 1302 in communication with a memory 1304 via a bus 1314. Device 1300 can also include one or more input / output (I / O) or peripheral devices 1312. Examples of peripheral devices include, but are not limited to, network interfaces, audio interfaces, display devices, keypads, mice, keyboard, touch screens, illuminators, haptic interfaces, global positioning system (GPS) receivers, cameras, or other optical, thermal, electromagnetic sensors, or motor controls.

[0097] In some embodiments, the CPU 1302 can comprise a general-purpose CPU. The CPU 1302 can comprise a single-core or multiple-core CPU. The CPU 1302 can comprise a system- on-a-chip (SoC) or a similar embedded system. In some embodiments, a graphics processing unit (GPU) can be used in place of, or in combination with, a CPU 1302. Memory 1304 can comprise a non-transitory memory system including a dynamic random-access memory (DRAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), Flash (e.g., NAND Flash), or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the bus 1314 can comprise a Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe) bus. In some embodiments, bus 1314 can comprise multiple busses instead of a single bus.

[0098] Memory 1304 illustrates an example of non-transitory computer storage media for the storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Memory 1304 can store a basic input / output system (BIOS) in readonly memory (ROM), such as ROM 1308, for controlling the low-level operation of the device. The memory can also store an operating system in random-access memory (RAM) for controlling the operation of the device.

[0099] Applications 1310 can include computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the device, perform any of the methods (or portions of the methods) described previously in the description of the preceding Figures. In some embodiments, the software or programs implementing the method embodiments can be read from a hard disk drive (not illustrated) and temporarily stored in RAM 1306 by CPU 1302. CPU 1302 may then read the software or data from RAM 1306, process them, and store them in RAM 1306 again.

[0100] The device 1300 can optionally communicate with directly or indirectly with another computing device. One or more network interfaces in peripheral devices 1312 are sometimes referred to as a transceiver, a transceiving device, or network interface card (NIC).

[0101] An audio interface in peripheral devices 1312 produces and receives audio signals such as the sound of a human voice, aural sounds, or other sounds. For example, an audio interface may be coupled to a speaker and microphone (not shown) to enable telecommunication with others or generate an audio acknowledgment for some action. Displays in peripheral devices 1312 may comprise liquid crystal displays (LCD), gas plasma, light-emitting diode (LED), or any other type of display device used with a computing device. A display may also include a touch-sensitive screen arranged to receive input from an object such as a stylus or a digit from a human hand.

[0102] A keypad in peripheral devices 1312 can comprise any input device arranged to receive input from a user. An illuminator in peripheral devices 1312 can provide a status indication or provide light. The device can also comprise an input / output interface in peripheral devices 1312 for communication with external devices, using communication technologies, such as USB, infrared, Bluetooth™, or the like. A haptic interface in peripheral devices 1312 can provide tactile feedback to a user of the device.

[0103] The device can include more or fewer components than those shown in FIG. 13, depending on the deployment or usage of the device. Some devices may include additionalcomponents not shown, such as graphics processing unit (GPU) devices, artificial intelligence (Al) engines, motor controllers, or other peripheral devices.

[0104] The subject matter disclosed above may, however, be embodied in a variety of different forms and, therefore, covered or claimed subject matter is intended to be construed as not being limited to any example embodiments set forth herein; example embodiments are provided merely to be illustrative. Likewise, a reasonably broad scope for claimed or covered subject matter is intended. Among other things, for example, the subject matter may be embodied as methods, devices, components, or systems. Accordingly, embodiments may, for example, take the form of hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof (other than software per se). The following detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0105] Throughout the specification and claims, terms may have nuanced meanings suggested or implied in context beyond an explicitly stated meaning. Likewise, the phrase “in an embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrase “in another embodiment” as used herein does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. It is intended, for example, that claimed subject matter include combinations of example embodiments in whole or in part.

[0106] In general, terminology may be understood at least in part from usage in context. For example, terms such as “and,” “or,” or “and / or,” as used herein may include a variety of meanings that may depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in a singular sense or may be used to describe combinations of features, structures, or characteristics in a plural sense. Similarly, terms, such as “a,” “an,” or “the,” again, can be understood to convey a singular usage or to convey a plural usage, depending at least in part upon context. In addition, the term “based on” may be understood as not necessarily intended to convey an exclusive set of factors and may, instead, allow for the existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described, again, depending at least in part on context.

[0107] The present disclosure is described with reference to block diagrams and operational illustrations of methods, devices, and systems. It is understood that each block of the blockdiagrams or operational illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams or operational illustrations, can be implemented by means of analog or digital hardware and computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer to alter its function as detailed herein, a special purpose computer, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, implement the functions / acts specified in the block diagrams or operational block or blocks. In some alternate implementations, the functions or acts noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality or acts involved.

[0108] For the purposes of this disclosure, a module is a software, hardware, or firmware (or combinations thereof) system, process or functionality, or component thereof, that performs or facilitates the processes, features, and / or functions described herein (with or without human interaction or augmentation). A module can include sub-modules. Software components of a module may be stored on a computer-readable medium for execution by a processor.

[0109] Functionality may be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known. Thus, a myriad of software, hardware, and firmware combinations are possible in achieving the functions, features, interfaces, and preferences described herein. Moreover, the scope of the present disclosure covers conventionally known manners for carrying out the described features and functions and interfaces, as well as those variations and modifications that may be made to the hardware or software or firmware components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art now and hereafter.

[0110] Furthermore, the embodiments of methods presented and described as flowcharts in this disclosure are provided by way of example to provide a complete understanding of the technology. The disclosed methods are not limited to the operations and logical flow presented herein. Alternative embodiments are contemplated in which the order of the various operations is altered and in which sub-operations described as being part of a larger operation are performed independently.

[0111] While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this disclosure, such embodiments should not be deemed to limit the teaching of this disclosure to those embodiments. Various changes and modifications may be made to the elements and operations described above to obtain a result that remains within the scope of the systems and processes described in this disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising: an electromagnetic (EMR) source optically coupled to a treatment head using a square core fiber optic cable, the EMR source generating EMR to be directed as an EMR beam through a plenum of the treatment head towards a treatment surface of a treatment area; a fluid flow source fluidly connected to the treatment head to provide a fluid to the plenum of the treatment head, the plenum fluidly connected to a window on the treatment head, the window having one or more openings for directing the fluid towards the treatment surface; and an articulated arm mechanically connected to the treatment head to position the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the EMR has a wavelength between 900 nm and 1200 nm.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fluid is atmospheric air.

4. The system of claim 1, the system further comprising the fluid flow source cooling the fluid to below room temperature.

5. The system of claim 1, the system comprising at least one optical element to shape the EMR beam into a rectangular shape.

6. The system of claim 5, the EMR beam with a rectangular shape having a uniform power distribution.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the EMR beam with the rectangular shape has length to width ratio in a range between 4 to 6 times.

8. The system of claim 1, the system comprising at least one optical element to shape the EMR beam into a square shape.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the window includes a plurality of openings whereby when the fluid is passed therethrough an impingement jet is created for each opening.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein each impingement jet creates a stagnation zone in the treatment surface and wherein the stagnation zone of at least one impingement jet overlaps the stagnation zone of at least one other impingement jet.

11. The system of claim 1, the articulated arm positioning the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface to effect a separation between the window and the treatment surface.

12. The system of claim 1, the articulated arm positioning the treatment head in relation to the treatment surface to avoid contact between the treatment head and the treatment surface while directing fluid flow to contact the treatment surface.

13. The system of claim 1, the fluid flow source includes a water droplet vortex water trap to remove water condensate from the fluid into a collection pan.

14. A method comprising: generating electromagnetic radiation (EMR) with an EMR source and a fluid flow with a fluid flow source; transmitting the EMR from the EMR source to a treatment head using a square core fiber optic cable to generate a rectangular EMR beam to be directed from the treatment head towards a treatment area; delivering the fluid flow from the fluid flow source to a plenum of the treatment head in fluid communication with the fluid flow source; and directing the fluid flow through a plurality of openings in a window fluidly connected to the plenum to generate corresponding impingement jets to be directed from the treatment head towards the treatment area.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising generating the EMR with a wavelength between 900 nm and 1200 nm.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising generating the rectangular EMR beam with a length to width ratio in a range between 4 to 6 times.

17. The method of claim 14, further comprising creating by each impingement jet a corresponding stagnation zone in a treatment surface of the treatment area with at least one stagnation zone overlapping at least one other stagnation zone.

18. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the treatment head in relation to a treatment surface of the treatment area using an articulated arm to effect a separation between the window and the treatment surface.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioning the treatment head in relation to a treatment surface of the treatment area using an articulated arm to avoid contact between the treatment head and the treatment surface.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing by the fluid flow source with a water droplet vortex water trap water condensate from the fluid into a collection pan.

Images