Cold Slurry Delivery Device for Minimally Invasive Fat Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive fat reduction methods, such as CoolSculpting, are often painful, time-consuming, and deliver minimal results, while invasive procedures carry significant risks and require lengthy recovery periods, and existing minimally and non-invasive methods lack convenience and require extensive setup or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A small profile apparatus for generating and delivering a cold slurry directly to fat cells using a cooling source and injectable fluid, with mechanisms for agitation and cooling, allowing for targeted fat reduction without surgical incision and minimal maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-invasive fat reduction methods (e.g., CoolSculpting) are used, then safety is improved, but treatment time and productivity are worsened due to lengthy application duration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the cooling medium from solid ice to liquid slurry form. This allows the cooling agent to be delivered subdermally in liquid form that can be precisely controlled and delivered faster than traditional applicator methods, thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining safety through controlled temperature delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a syringe-based delivery system with plunger mechanism to hydraulically push the cold slurry through a needle into the subdermal space. This allows rapid delivery of the cooling agent directly to the target tissue, significantly reducing the time required compared to external applicators that must remain in contact with skin for extended periods
2Productivity
If invasive fat reduction procedures are used, then productivity is improved through faster results, but harmful factors are worsened due to surgical risks and recovery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential cooling function from invasive surgical procedures and delivers it through a minimally invasive needle injection. By removing the need for surgical incisions and general anesthesia while retaining the fat-freezing capability, the treatment achieves effectiveness similar to invasive procedures without the associated surgical risks and recovery requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cold slurry as an intermediary substance that mediates between the cooling source and the fat tissue. The slurry is delivered through a needle (minimally invasive intermediary) rather than direct surgical contact, allowing effective heat transfer to freeze fat cells while avoiding the harmful effects of invasive surgery
3Manufacturing precision
If existing cold slurry delivery devices are used, then fat reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a disposable syringe and needle assembly that is used once and then discarded. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance procedures associated with reusable devices. The simple, single-use design maintains fat reduction effectiveness while dramatically reducing device complexity and maintenance burden
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the delivery system into separate components: a disposable syringe/needle assembly and a reusable cooling sleeve. This segmentation allows the complex cooling function to be separated from the simple delivery mechanism, enabling the delivery portion to be easily disposed of after use while maintaining the effectiveness of the overall system without requiring maintenance of the disposable portion
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus provides a convenient, minimally invasive means for effective fat reduction, reducing pain and recovery time, and offering controlled, selective fat cell destruction with minimal maintenance and space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The cold slurry can be generated within the device itself or within a separate small chamber, both of which produce a cold slurry at the point of care using a cooling source and an injectable fluid
Implementation Method 2
The delivery device is capable of providing continued agitation to the fluid/slurry at the point of care, such as through rotation of blades within the device, use of vibration or both
Implementation Method 3
The cooling sleeve can cool or maintain the temperature of the cold slurry through a number of mechanisms, such as the provision of a refrigerant, the triggering of an endothermic reaction, and the compression of gas
Implementation Method 4
The cooling sleeve can cool or maintain the temperature of the cold slurry through a number of mechanisms, such as the provision of a refrigerant, the triggering of an endothermic reaction, and the compression of gas
Implementation Method 5
These procedures are based on the principle that fat cells (adipose tissue) are more sensitive to cold temperatures than the skin or other surrounding tissues, with the cold temperatures causing the fat cells to undergo apoptosis
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves the use of a small profile device for preparation and/or delivery of cold slurry into the human body. The cold slurry can be generated within the device itself or within a separate small chamber, both of which produce a cold slurry using a cooling source and an injectable fluid. The delivery device provides continued agitation to the fluid/slurry through rotation and/or vibration of blades within the device. The fluid/cold slurry is cooled/kept cool through the use of an external cooling device, such as a cooling sleeve, that at least partially surrounds the delivery device. The cooling sleeve can cool or maintain the temperature of the cold slurry through a number of mechanisms. The cold slurry can be delivered using a device in accordance with the present invention to any tissue inside the body, including subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, and brown fat.