Feedback Detection for Dermal-Focused EMR Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractionated energy-based treatments for skin rejuvenation cause significant damage to the epidermis, leading to inflammation, blemishes, and prolonged post-treatment downtime, as there is no known chromophore in the dermis that is not present in the epidermis, requiring equal absorption of radiation by both layers, and skin tissue scattering complicates focal region formation.
Innovation Solution
A system using an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source with a transverse ring energy profile, converging optics, and a window assembly with a coolant chamber to minimize epidermal damage, featuring a coolant that is non-absorbent to the EMR beam, and controlled cooling to ensure the focal region is accurately positioned in the dermis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high energy density is delivered to achieve dermal disruption, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but epidermal damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatial variation in energy distribution through a focal region. The EMR beam is focused so that high energy density is concentrated at a specific depth within the dermis, while surrounding and superficial areas receive lower energy densities. This allows selective disruption of dermal collagen networks without causing excessive epidermal damage, as the epidermis lies outside the high-intensity focal zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface treatment to three-dimensional volumetric treatment by focusing EMR energy at a specific depth within the tissue. The focal region is positioned within the dermis at a controlled depth, enabling treatment of the dermal layer while sparring the epidermis. This depth dimension allows selective targeting of the chromophore-containing dermis without proportionally affecting the epidermis.
2Reliability
If EMR wavelength is selected for dermal chromophore absorption, then dermal treatment is improved, but epidermal absorption also occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by selecting specific EMR wavelength ranges that optimize the ratio of dermal to epidermal absorption. Wavelengths in the near-infrared region (e.g., 1064 nm, 1320 nm, 1550 nm) are chosen because they exhibit preferential absorption by dermal chromophores (hemoglobin, water, melanin) while having reduced absorption by epidermal structures. This wavelength selection parameter enables differential heating and disruption between dermal and epidermal layers.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If focal region is positioned deep in dermis, then epidermal protection is improved, but treatment precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focusing systems with optical focusing using lenses or mirrors designed for the specific EMR wavelength. This optical system provides precise control over the focal region position and size, enabling accurate placement within the dermis at depths of 1-5 mm. The optical focusing mechanism achieves high precision in positioning the focal volume while maintaining a tight focal spot size, thereby preserving treatment precision even at deep dermal locations.
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
Minimizes epidermal damage while effectively treating the dermis, reducing post-treatment downtime and improving skin rejuvenation outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Energy-based fractionated treatment of tissue generally requires that a high amount of energy be delivered to and absorbed by a selective portion of tissue to effect a desired disruption or damage
Implementation Method 2
Many skin rejuvenation fractionated treatment systems work by targeting water as a chromophore achieving photothermolysis
Implementation Method 3
a window assembly located down-beam from the optic configured to cool the tissue when placed in contact with an outer surface of the tissue
Implementation Method 4
an optic configured to converge the EMR beam to a focal region located within a tissue
Implementation Method 5
skin tissue is a turbid medium, meaning that radiation propagating through skin scatters
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a system for fractionally treating tissue includes: an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source configured to generate an EMR beam having a transverse ring energy profile; an optic configured to converge the EMR beam to a focal region located within a tissue; and, a window assembly located down-beam from the optic configured to cool the tissue when placed in contact with an outer surface of the tissue.