Inductive Electrosurgical Device for Deep Tissue Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical devices lack the ability to control the spatial directions and energies of electrical currents effectively, leading to inadequate treatment of skin aging and other dermatological conditions, with non-ablative methods causing minimal effects on the dermis and potential side effects like hyperpigmentation and scarring.
Innovation Solution
The use of a supplemental magnetic field in conjunction with RF energy applied through primary electrodes to modify the current density gradient, allowing for deeper penetration of energy into the tissue while minimizing surface tissue effects, and the incorporation of passive elements with low resistivity to divert current away from the uppermost layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If non-ablative RF devices are used to heat the dermis to trigger collagen renewal, then collagen fiber renewal is achieved, but the upper layers of tissue carry more current causing surface heating and potential side effects
Solution Approach 1:
A passive element with low resistivity is introduced as an intermediary between the electrodes and the tissue. This passive element acts as a current sink that diverts current away from the upper tissue layers, allowing current to penetrate deeper into the dermis while minimizing surface heating and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistivity parameter of the treatment interface is changed by introducing a passive element with specifically low resistivity. This parameter change alters the current distribution profile, enabling deeper current penetration while reducing surface current density and associated thermal damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If bipolar electrodes are positioned close to each other to treat localized lesions, then localized treatment is achieved, but current density varies inversely with depth causing insufficient deep tissue treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The passive element serves as a mediator that extends the effective treatment depth range. By providing a low-resistivity pathway that extends current flow deeper into the tissue, it enables bipolar electrodes to treat both superficial and deep structures effectively, overcoming the inverse current density-depth relationship.
3Temperature
If unipolar RF devices are used to heat deep layers of skin, then deep tissue heating is achieved, but current flows along the lowest impedance path causing unpredictable current distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The passive element provides a controlled low-impedance pathway that guides current flow into deep tissues. Unlike unipolar devices where current follows unpredictable low-impedance paths, the passive element creates a defined current distribution pattern that ensures both deep penetration and spatial control.
4Productivity
If ablative methods are used to resurface the epidermis, then signs of skin aging in the epidermis are treated, but side effects such as wound infections, prolonged healing times, and scarring occur
Solution Approach 1:
The passive element enables selective current delivery that spares the epidermis while treating the dermis. By acting as a current sink at the surface, it prevents excessive current flow through the epidermis, allowing non-ablative treatment of epidermal signs of aging through dermal heating and collagen stimulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistivity parameter modification through the passive element changes the thermal distribution profile from superficial to deep-focused. This parameter change enables effective treatment of epidermal aging signs through indirect dermal heating and collagen remodeling without direct epidermal ablation, improving healing outcomes.
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 enables targeted and selective heating of deeper tissue layers, enhancing the treatment of skin aging and other conditions by reducing surface tissue damage and side effects, while allowing for controlled temperature gradients and improved therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic field is generated by providing RF power to one or more primary electrodes and is effective to create an electrical current in the tissue at a first depth below the surface and an electrical current in the tissue at a second depth below the surface
Implementation Method 2
Radiofrequency (RF) devices are used to ablate or heat different types of tissue
Implementation Method 3
the incorporation of passive elements with low resistivity to divert current away from the uppermost layers
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for modifying biological tissue. In one embodiment, a device is provided suitable for applying RF energy to a treatment site in the presence of a supplemental magnetic field. The device comprises one or more electrodes electrically coupled to an RF generator, and a means for supplying a supplemental magnetic field. In another embodiment, a device is provided suitable for inducing an electrical current in a tissue. The device comprises a means for creating a magnetic field and a passive element adapted for reducing the amount of electrical current at the surface of the tissue. Also provided are methods of use of such devices. The methods and devices disclosed herein find utility, for example, in the field of medicine and cosmetology.