Combined RF and Cryotherapy Applicator for Selective Adipose Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive methods for reducing subcutaneous adipose tissue are often ineffective, particularly in selective areas, and may not be suitable for individuals who are injured or ill, as they rely on exercise or weight-loss drugs that can cause adverse reactions, and do not address the uneven distribution of adipose tissue leading to cellulite.
Innovation Solution
A combined modality treatment system that simultaneously or sequentially delivers capacitively coupled radiofrequency (RF) energy and cooling to selectively heat and cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, using a system with a treatment unit, RF energy source, and controller to target fibrous septae and lipid-rich cells, while preserving non-lipid rich cells, thereby reducing the number and size of lipid-rich cells and improving skin irregularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional non-invasive methods (exercise, weight-loss drugs, topical agents) are used to reduce subcutaneous adipose tissue, then general weight loss may be achieved, but selective area fat reduction is ineffective and adverse reactions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies localized thermal energy through applicators positioned on specific body areas. The RF energy is delivered through electrodes that concentrate heating in the subcutaneous layer of targeted regions, enabling selective fat reduction in specific areas rather than general weight loss. The cooling element is also localized to protect the epidermis only in the treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter selectively in the subcutaneous layer by delivering RF energy that heats this specific layer to temperatures between 40-60°C, while the epidermis is cooled to remain below 40°C. This parameter differentiation allows selective heating of adipose tissue without damaging the epidermis, overcoming the limitation of conventional methods that cannot achieve selective area treatment.
2Quantity of substance
If RF energy is delivered to heat subcutaneous tissue, then lipid-rich cells are effectively targeted, but epidermal damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the RF heating element with a cooling element in a single integrated applicator. The cooling element is positioned between the RF electrode and the epidermis, creating a protective barrier that conducts heat away from the epidermis while allowing RF energy to reach and heat the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells. This combination enables simultaneous protection of the epidermis and effective heating of the target tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling element acts as an intermediary between the RF heating source and the epidermis. It absorbs excess heat that would otherwise damage the epidermis, while still allowing the RF energy to penetrate and heat the subcutaneous layer. The cooling element mediates the thermal interaction, protecting the sensitive epidermal layer while enabling effective treatment of the deeper lipid-rich cells.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling is applied to protect epidermis during RF treatment, then epidermal safety is improved, but treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is integrated into the applicator housing in a compact manner, positioned between the RF electrode and the patient's skin. This integration allows the cooling function to be added without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The cooling element shares the same structural footprint as the RF electrode, enabling dual functionality in a single applicator unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an RF heating element and a cooling device. The same applicator structure delivers RF energy for heating subcutaneous tissue while simultaneously providing cooling protection to the epidermis. This universal design eliminates the need for separate heating and cooling devices, reducing overall system complexity despite the added protective function.
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
The system effectively reduces the number and size of lipid-rich cells, addressing cellulite and skin irregularities by inducing apoptosis in lipid-rich cells without damaging non-lipid rich cells, resulting in a non-invasive, efficient, and safe treatment for body contouring.
Implementation Method 1
delivering capacitively or conductively coupled radiofrequency (RF) energy to a target region of the subject to selectively heat fibrous septae in a subcutaneous layer
Implementation Method 2
RF energy source for generating RF current... selectively heat fibrous septae in a subcutaneous layer of the target region
Implementation Method 3
a cooling element in communication with the treatment unit... removing heat from the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of the subject
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that enable delivery of radiofrequency energy and cryotherapy applications to adipose tissue for reduction and contouring of body fat are described herein. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods for reducing surface irregularities in a surface of a subject's skin resulting from an uneven distribution of adipose tissue in the subcutaneous layer. The method can include delivering capacitively coupled or conductively coupled radiofrequency energy to a target region of the subject at a frequency which selectively heats fibrous septae in a subcutaneous layer of the target region to a maximum temperature less than a fibrous septae denaturation temperature. Furthermore, the method can include removing heat such that lipid-rich lobules in the subcutaneous layer are affected while non-lipid-rich cells and lipid-rich regions adjacent to the fibrous septae are not substantially affected.