Eschar-Inducing Tattoo Removal System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser tattoo removal methods are costly, painful, and inefficient, particularly for removing a wide range of colors, as they require multiple sessions and can result in scarring and unknown metabolic consequences.
Innovation Solution
A non-laser tattoo removal system using an eschar-inducing material injected into the skin with a needle cartridge, forming a temporary eschar that brings tattoo pigments to the surface for removal, minimizing discomfort and scarring, and allowing for treatment of all colors with fewer sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser treatment is used for tattoo removal, then tattoo pigments can be degraded and removed, but the treatment becomes expensive and requires multiple sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tattoo pigment from the skin by inducing formation of an eschar (scab) that encapsulates and brings the pigment to the surface for removal. This is achieved by injecting eschar-inducing material directly into the tattooed area, causing localized tissue reaction that lifts the pigment outward, eliminating the need for repeated laser sessions to gradually break down pigment particles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the eschar-inducing material injection protocol and template positioning system before treatment. The template with pre-marked dot patterns allows precise placement of eschar-inducing material in a systematic manner, ensuring complete coverage and optimal pigment removal in fewer sessions
2Reliability
If high-intensity laser light is used to degrade tattoo pigments, then pigments can be broken down, but significant heat is generated causing pain and potential scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/thermal mechanism of laser treatment with a chemical/biological mechanism. Instead of using high-intensity light to thermally degrade pigment, the invention uses eschar-inducing material (such as phenol or trichloroacetic acid) to chemically alter the tissue and induce controlled coagulation and eschar formation, thereby removing pigment without significant heat generation and associated pain
Solution Approach 2:
The eschar-inducing material serves as an intermediary substance that mediates between the treatment goal (pigment removal) and the skin tissue. This intermediary chemical agent facilitates pigment removal through controlled tissue reaction and eschar formation, avoiding the direct thermal damage caused by laser energy while achieving effective pigment degradation
3Adaptability or versatility
If laser treatment is applied to remove tattoos, then black, blue, and red pigments can be removed, but other colors respond poorly requiring more sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using eschar-inducing material that functions across all pigment colors equally. Unlike laser treatment that relies on selective photothermolysis (different wavelengths for different colors), the chemical eschar-inducing mechanism works universally on all tattoo pigments regardless of color, making the treatment equally effective for black, blue, red, green, yellow, and other hues in a single session protocol
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 system reduces costs by 50% compared to laser treatments, effectively removes all colors, including exotic hues, with minimal scarring and fewer sessions, and is more comfortable for patients.
Implementation Method 1
The eschar-inducing material thus placed releases the pigments from the deeper tissues of the skin, dissolving them somewhat
Implementation Method 2
an eschar coagulates and forms from the pigments and local tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a system and associated materials and methods for delivering a fluid to a subject's skin, e.g., for tattoo removal. In one embodiment, the fluid is provided in a continuous flow by associating the fluid with a pump. In another embodiment, a disposable template is provided that allows for precise and ideal placement of eschar-inducing material fluid for, for example, tattoo removal.