Pulsed Laser System for Deep Tissue Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies using optical and near-infrared radiation for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments face challenges in effectively heating tissue at depth due to high scattering and absorption, leading to energy losses and potential damage to surface tissues.
Innovation Solution
The method involves modulating the application of radiation over an extended treatment time to maintain a supraphysiological temperature in tissue regions at depth, using techniques such as Selective Photothermolysis and pulsed laser applications to optimize energy absorption and minimize collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If optical radiation is applied to heat deep tissue, then deep tissue heating is achieved, but surface tissue damage occurs due to high scattering and absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pulsed laser radiation instead of continuous radiation, delivering energy in periodic pulses that allow tissue cooling between pulses. This periodic action enables deep tissue heating while preventing excessive surface temperature buildup that would cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies multiple parameters including wavelength selection (using near-infrared wavelengths that penetrate deeper), pulse duration, pulse frequency, and fluence levels to optimize the balance between deep tissue heating effectiveness and surface tissue safety.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high optical energy is applied to reach deep tissue, then deep tissue heating effect is improved, but surface tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
By delivering optical energy in periodic pulses rather than continuously, the system achieves cumulative heating of deep tissue while allowing surface tissue to dissipate heat between pulses, preventing damage despite high total energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended treatment time with repeated pulses ensures continuous accumulation of thermal effect in deep tissue, maintaining effective heating over the treatment duration while the intermittent nature protects surface tissues.
3Temperature
If extended treatment time is used for photothermal treatment, then deep tissue treatment effectiveness is improved, but treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automatic feedback control where temperature sensors monitor tissue temperature in real-time and the control system automatically adjusts laser parameters to maintain target temperature, reducing the need for manual intervention during extended treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor treatment parameters and tissue response, automatically adjusting energy delivery to maintain optimal therapeutic conditions throughout the extended treatment period.
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 effective photothermal treatment of fatty tissue and other deep tissue regions, achieving desired temperature ranges without causing harm to surface tissues, thus providing a safer and more effective treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
at least one source of electromagnetic radiation for generating treatment energy
Implementation Method 2
the photothermal treatment of fatty tissue can raise the mean tissue temperature at a treatment site at depth above about 40° C.
Implementation Method 3
an optical window having a skin-contacting surface through which the treatment energy is transmitted from the applicator to the treatment region
Implementation Method 4
A plurality of umbilical cords, each of which extends from the housing to a distal end coupled to one of the plurality of applicators, defines a conduit through which treatment energy generated by the at least one electromagnetic radiation source is delivered from the housing to the applicator
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with various aspects of the present teachings, systems and methods for applying treatment energy, e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as laser radiation in the visible and near infrared wavelengths, to body areas having bulges and fat deposits, loose skin, pain, acne and/or wounds. In some aspects, the systems and methods can enable relatively lengthy treatments to be performed by having the practitioner set-up and/or start the treatment, thereafter allowing the treatment to proceed safely and effectively without the continued presence of the practitioner.