Cryoprotectant for Selective Subcutaneous Fat Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for reducing subcutaneous fat, such as liposuction and non-invasive treatments, are either invasive, painful, unpredictable, or ineffective, and they often fail to selectively target lipid-rich cells without damaging adjacent tissues.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cryoprotectant in conjunction with a heat exchanging element to selectively cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, thereby affecting them without damaging non-lipid rich cells in the epidermis and dermis, and simultaneously promoting collagen compaction and remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional non-invasive treatments (topical agents, weight-loss drugs, exercise) are used to reduce subcutaneous fat, then fat loss may be achieved, but these treatments are not effective under certain circumstances (physical injury, illness, allergic reactions) and cannot target selective areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a cooling device that targets only specific subcutaneous areas with lipid-rich cells. The cryoprotectant is applied locally to the treatment zone, and the cooling element is positioned to affect only the intended area, allowing selective fat reduction without requiring systemic treatments that cannot target specific locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a cryoprotectant as an intermediary substance between the cooling device and the skin. This intermediary protects the epidermis and dermis from thermal damage while allowing the cooling effect to reach the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, enabling selective treatment that would otherwise be impossible with direct cooling.
2Reliability
If heat is applied to subcutaneous lipid-rich cells to destroy fat cells, then fat cell destruction may be achieved, but thermal damage to adjacent tissue and unpredictable pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using cooling instead of heating to destroy fat cells. This reversal of thermal direction allows selective destruction of lipid-rich cells through cold-induced crystallization of saturated fatty acids, avoiding the thermal damage and unpredictable pain associated with heat-based methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of extreme cold (which could damage tissue) into a beneficial selective treatment. By using controlled cooling with a cryoprotectant, the harmful thermal effects are eliminated while the beneficial fat cell destruction is achieved through the unique composition of lipid-rich cells that crystallize at specific temperatures.
3Temperature
If cooling is applied to subcutaneous lipid-rich cells to selectively affect fat cells, then selective fat cell reduction may be achieved, but the treatment device cannot be pre-cooled below freezing point without ice formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a cryoprotectant as an intermediary substance that prevents ice formation on the treatment device while allowing the device to be pre-cooled to the desired temperature. The cryoprotectant layer between the cooling element and the skin prevents direct ice contact, enabling effective cooling without the harmful effects of ice formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the treatment system by introducing a cryoprotectant that alters the freezing behavior of the system. This allows the treatment device to operate at temperatures that would normally cause ice formation, but the cryoprotectant modifies the phase transition characteristics to prevent unwanted ice while maintaining effective cooling.
4Reliability
If liposuction is performed to selectively remove adipose tissue, then subcutaneous fat removal may be achieved, but the procedure is invasive, painful, requires tumescent anesthetics with bruising, and has serious complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction system of liposuction with a thermal field-based cooling system. Instead of mechanically removing fat cells through suction, the invention uses controlled cooling to selectively destroy lipid-rich cells in situ, eliminating the need for invasive incisions, tumescent anesthetics, and mechanical trauma while achieving similar fat reduction results.
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 allows for the selective reduction of subcutaneous lipid-rich cells while minimizing damage to other tissues, and it can also enhance collagen formation, leading to improved skin texture and reduced appearance of cellulite.
Implementation Method 1
The cryoprotectant prevents ice from forming on the heat exchanging element when the temperature is reduced to or below the freezing point of water (0° C.)
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanging element is placed in contact with the cryoprotectant and the temperature is reduced to a desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoprotectant for use with a treatment device for improved removal of heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin is provided. The cryoprotectant is a non-freezing liquid, gel, or paste for allowing pre-cooling of the treatment device below 0° C. while preventing the formation of ice thereon. The cryoprotectant may also prevent freezing of the treatment device to the skin or ice from forming from moisture seeping out from the skin. The cryoprotectant may further be hygroscopic, thermally conductive, and biocompatible.