Fractional RF Electrode Array for Deep Tissue Treatment Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional skin treatment methods face limitations in spatial density and depth due to mechanical properties of traditional micro-needles, leading to discomfort and potential over-treatment of tissue.
Innovation Solution
The use of elongated micro-electrodes configured to deliver RF energy for fractional treatment, allowing for insertion into deep tissue layers and varying spatial density through controlled insertion and withdrawal of electrode sub-groups, with a combination of RF signal profiles for ablation and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If traditional micro-needles are used for fractional skin treatment, then treatment depth can be achieved, but mechanical force and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical insertion of traditional micro-needles with a RF energy-based system. Elongated electrodes deliver RF energy to create treatment spots without requiring mechanical penetration force, thereby achieving deep tissue treatment while minimizing mechanical stress and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental parameter of tissue interaction from mechanical force to RF energy delivery. By using electrical energy parameters (voltage, frequency, pulse duration) instead of mechanical parameters (insertion force, needle sharpness), the system achieves deep tissue effects without mechanical trauma
2Quantity of substance
If traditional micro-needles are used for fractional skin treatment, then treatment spots are created, but spatial density is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independently controllable groups or individual electrodes. This allows selective activation of specific electrodes to create variable spatial patterns of treatment spots, increasing the number of treatable areas while maintaining control over treatment density and distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts which electrodes are activated and at what energy levels during treatment. This dynamic control enables variable spatial density of treatment spots across different treatment zones, allowing high density in some areas and lower density in others based on treatment requirements
3Reliability
If higher energy is used for tissue ablation, then treatment effectiveness increases, but risk of excessive heating and burning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pulsed RF energy delivery with controlled duty cycles. Energy is delivered in periodic pulses rather than continuous waves, allowing thermal diffusion between pulses and preventing excessive heat accumulation. This periodic action maintains treatment effectiveness while minimizing the risk of burning or overheating
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor tissue response during treatment and adjust energy delivery accordingly. By sensing parameters such as impedance changes or temperature feedback, the system automatically modulates RF energy output to achieve effective ablation while preventing excessive heating and tissue 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
Achieves higher spatial density and comfort in fractional treatment by reducing mechanical force and energy usage, resulting in effective tissue ablation without excessive heating or burning.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spaced-apart elongated electrodes configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signal at a first polarity from an RF energy source
Implementation Method 2
The micro damage in the skin tissue at the treatment spots initiates a natural healing response of the skin tissue. The intact healthy tissue surrounding the treatment spots provides basis for healing the micro damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue treatment device and method comprising a plurality of spaced-apart elongated electrodes configured to receive radio frequency (RF) signal from an RF energy source and for be inserted into tissue at a plurality of depths. The elongated electrodes having a first polarity and a single flat electrode located having a second polarity. The single flat electrode is located in vicinity of the elongated electrodes and configured for contacting the tissue surface and for receiving the RF signal from the RF energy source. An actuating mechanism connected to the plurality of elongated electrodes and configured to move the elongated electrodes in two opposite directions into and out of the tissue. A controller as part of the treatment device configured to apply fractional treatment to the tissue, vary spatial density of the fractional treatment over a treatment period, operate the actuating mechanism to selectively move different elongated electrode sub-groups of the plurality of elongated electrodes according to a treatment time pattern.