RF Microneedling with Skin Thickness Feedback for Collagen Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aging leads to reduced collagen production in the skin, resulting in signs of aging such as wrinkles and sagging, and existing treatments are inadequate in effectively inducing collagen regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a handpiece with an electrode array and a non-invasive probe that measures skin thickness and adjusts electrical energy parameters to induce collagen regeneration, using electrical or other energy forms like light, sound, and ultrasound to deliver energy at controlled depths and volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing collagen induction treatments are used, then some collagen regeneration is achieved, but the treatment effectiveness is insufficient and cannot adequately address signs of aging
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts multiple treatment parameters including energy delivery parameters (power, pulse duration, frequency), probe pressure, and treatment pattern based on real-time skin thickness measurements and patient-specific anatomical variations. This personalized parameter optimization enables effective collagen induction while minimizing discomfort and ensuring treatment safety across different skin types and anatomical regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging to measure skin thickness and monitor treatment progress. The measured skin thickness data feeds back to automatically adjust treatment parameters, ensuring optimal energy delivery that promotes collagen regeneration while preventing overheating or damage to underlying structures. This closed-loop control significantly improves treatment reliability and effectiveness.
2Reliability
If energy is delivered deeper into the skin to reach collagen-producing layers, then collagen regeneration is promoted, but the risk of damaging sensitive structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary OCT scanning to map the skin anatomy, identify the precise location and thickness of the epidermis, and locate sensitive structures (nerves, blood vessels, bone) before treatment begins. This pre-treatment anatomical mapping allows the system to plan an optimized treatment path that reaches the dermal collagen layers while maintaining a safe distance from sensitive structures, thereby promoting collagen regeneration without increasing damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies energy delivery with spatially varying parameters tailored to local anatomical conditions. Treatment parameters such as power, pulse duration, and probe pressure are locally adjusted based on real-time OCT measurements of skin thickness and identified anatomical features in each treatment zone. This localized parameter optimization ensures effective collagen induction in the dermis while protecting sensitive structures in different anatomical regions.
3Reliability
If skin thickness is precisely measured to optimize treatment, then treatment safety and effectiveness are improved, but the measurement process adds time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the OCT imaging function and the treatment delivery function into a single integrated probe and handpiece assembly. The OCT probe and treatment probe are co-located and can be used sequentially or simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate measurement and treatment devices. This integration streamlines the workflow, reduces device complexity, and maintains high treatment precision through real-time anatomical guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both diagnostic imaging (OCT for skin thickness measurement and anatomical mapping) and therapeutic energy delivery through the same handheld device. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments, simplifies the overall system complexity, and enables seamless transition from measurement to treatment while maintaining treatment precision.
4Reliability
If multiple parameters are adjusted based on real-time measurements, then treatment effectiveness is maximized, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated parameter adjustment algorithms that self-optimize treatment parameters based on real-time OCT measurements of skin thickness and anatomical features. The processor automatically calculates and adjusts energy delivery parameters (power, pulse duration, frequency, treatment pattern) without requiring manual intervention from the operator. This self-service capability maintains treatment optimization while significantly improving ease of operation, as the operator simply needs to initiate the automated protocol.
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 induces collagen regeneration by delivering energy at precise depths and volumes, promoting wound healing and new collagen formation, minimizing pain and recovery time.
Implementation Method 1
The non-invasive probe is configured to delineate and measure the thickness of at least one layer of the skin of the patient. The probe may be an ultrasound probe, a near-infrared probe, a confocal laser scanning microscopy probe, an optical coherence tomography probe
Implementation Method 2
The probe may be an ultrasound probe, a near-infrared probe, a confocal laser scanning microscopy probe, an optical coherence tomography probe
Implementation Method 3
The distal end includes an electrode array having at least one electrode for delivering electrical energy to the skin of the patient
Implementation Method 4
delivering electrical energy to the skin of the patient... promoting wound healing and new collagen formation
Implementation Method 5
The electrode array may have at least one microneedle electrode configured to be inserted the skin of the patient. The microneedle electrode may be configured to be inserted such that a distal tip of the microneedle electrode reaches the dermis
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedling system may reciprocate a plurality of microneedles disposed on a handpiece into the skin of a patient. The microneedles and/or electrode plates may deliver RF energy to the patient for inducing collagen coagulation and regeneration. An interrogative modality such as ultrasound may combined into the microneedling handpiece or used as a separate instrument to interrogate the skin and identify or measure the thicknesses of constituent layers. The data obtained from the interrogative modality may be displayed and can be used to automatically adjust operating parameters of the microneedling device, including the penetration depth of the needles, the pulse duration, and/or the power level of the RF energy to optimize the treatment for the specific patient and/or condition being treated. The microneedling system may recall the skin measurements for distinct sectors of the skin which are expected to have different properties.