Microneedle Array RF Targeting for Selective Sebaceous Gland Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acne treatments, such as radiation therapy, fail to selectively target sebaceous glands without harming surrounding tissue, leading to chronic therapy and potential scarring, and do not effectively address acne vulgaris and sebaceous gland hyperplasia.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle array with electrodes is used to detect and selectively treat enlarged sebaceous glands by measuring impedance differences, delivering RF energy to reduce or destroy these glands, while sparing normal ones, using a multiplexing sequence and hexagonal needle arrangements for precise targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiation therapy is used to destroy sebaceous glands, then acne treatment effectiveness is improved, but surrounding normal tissue is damaged and scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using a microneedle array that delivers RF energy through individual needles to specifically target enlarged sebaceous glands. Each needle acts as an independent energy delivery channel, allowing treatment to be localized precisely to the gland being treated while leaving surrounding normal tissue unaffected. The impedance sensing capability further enhances this localization by identifying the precise location of sebaceous glands before energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the treatment approach by dividing the skin surface into multiple discrete treatment zones, each addressed by individual microneedles. The microneedle array consists of multiple independently controllable needles, allowing selective treatment of different sebaceous glands in different locations. This segmentation enables precise control over which glands receive treatment energy and which are spared.
2Reliability
If conventional acne treatments are used, then acne symptoms are temporarily managed, but chronic therapy is required and scarring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using impedance sensing to identify and locate enlarged sebaceous glands before delivering RF energy treatment. This pre-treatment detection phase allows the system to map the location and characteristics of target glands, ensuring that subsequent energy delivery is precisely targeted. The preliminary impedance measurement also helps distinguish between enlarged glands requiring treatment and normal glands to be spared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using real-time impedance sensing during the treatment process. The system continuously monitors impedance changes as needles are inserted and as RF energy is delivered, allowing dynamic adjustment of treatment parameters. This feedback mechanism ensures that treatment is delivered only to targets that meet the criteria for treatment and stops when the desired effect is achieved, preventing over-treatment and scarring.
3Reliability
If non-selective treatments are used to address acne, then acne symptoms are treated, but sebaceous glands are not specifically targeted and surrounding tissue is harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical visual inspection and manual treatment selection with electrical impedance sensing. Instead of relying on visual identification of acne lesions, the system uses impedance measurements to detect the electrical properties of tissue and identify enlarged sebaceous glands based on their characteristic impedance signatures. This substitution of electrical measurement for mechanical/visual methods significantly improves targeting precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing impedance as a diagnostic parameter to identify target glands. The system measures electrical impedance characteristics of the tissue and uses these parameters to distinguish between enlarged sebaceous glands (which have distinct impedance properties due to their size and composition) and normal tissue. This parameter-based identification enables precise targeting without visual inspection.
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 method effectively reduces acne symptoms by selectively treating enlarged sebaceous glands, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue and reducing sebum production, with potential benefits for collagen remodeling and skin tightening.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a location of an enlarged sebaceous gland... collecting impedance data relative to each of the plurality of needles
Implementation Method 2
energizing one or more of the plurality of needles to treat the enlarged sebaceous gland... sending energy through a needle
Data Source
AI summary
In part the disclosure relates to methods of treating acne, excessive sweating, unwanted hair, and/or unwanted blood vessels. The method may include providing a needle array comprising a plurality of needles; inserting plurality of needles into a dermis of a treatment area; detecting a location of an enlarged sebaceous gland; and energizing one or more of the plurality of needles to treat sebaceous glands, one or more sweat glands, vascular legions, unwanted hair follicles and/or unwanted blood vessels.