Cryogenic Probe Heater Element for Skin Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic treatments for cosmetic and dermatological applications face challenges in controlling temperature to avoid unwanted tissue cooling and damage, particularly in maintaining the proximal region of the probe at a higher temperature than the distal region to prevent skin blistering or loss of pigmentation.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic device with a probe and a heater element, where the current temperature of the proximal region is measured, and heating is activated when the temperature slope falls below a threshold, with adjustable heating parameters to maintain the probe's proximal region at a different temperature than the distal region during treatment, using a processor-controlled system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic cooling is applied to target tissue through a probe, then desired tissue remodeling is achieved, but unwanted cooling and damage occurs in adjacent skin areas
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a heater element positioned at the proximal region to create a localized temperature gradient, maintaining the proximal probe region at a higher temperature than the distal tip region. This allows the distal tip to reach cryogenic temperatures for tissue remodeling while the proximal region remains warm to prevent skin damage during probe insertion and treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater element is activated before and during the cryogenic treatment to preemptively counteract the cooling effect in the proximal probe region. By applying heat in advance and concurrently with cooling, the system prevents the proximal skin-contacting region from becoming cold enough to cause blistering or pigmentation loss.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the proximal probe region is heated to prevent skin damage, then unwanted tissue cooling is minimized, but additional energy consumption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes a temperature sensor positioned at the proximal probe region that continuously monitors temperature and provides feedback to the control circuit. The control circuit adjusts the heater element activation and power level based on real-time temperature readings, ensuring the proximal region maintains a safe temperature range without excessive heating, thus optimizing energy consumption while preventing skin damage.
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
This approach effectively controls temperature to minimize unwanted tissue cooling, preventing skin damage while maintaining the desired treatment effects, allowing for precise remodeling of target tissues with reduced risk of collateral injury.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element is disposed along and/or adjacent the proximal region... the proximal region of the probe is heated with the heater element
Implementation Method 2
refrigerant, (also referred to as cooling fluid herein) flows through the probe and probe temperature decreases proximally along the length of the probe toward the probe hub
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A systems and methods for controlling temperature in a cryogenic device includes providing a device having a probe and a heater element. A distal region of the probe is engaged with the target region. Measuring and recording current temperature of a proximal region of the probe and time of the measurement is used to determine slope of a temperature curve defined by two points. The first point is defined by the current temperature and time of measurement and a second point is defined by a previous measurement of proximal region temperature and time of measurement. When the slope is less than a slope threshold value a treatment flag is activated, treatment start time is recorded and the proximal region is heated with the heater element. Heating is discontinued and the treatment flag is deactivated after elapsed treatment time exceeds a duration threshold value.