Atmospheric RF Plasma Nozzle-Electrode for Skin Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin treatment methods, such as chemical peels, mechanical abrasives, lasers, and RF plasma, face limitations including excessive skin heating, incomplete blemish removal, extended healing periods, and skin irritations due to inadequate control over treatment regions and limited operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing an RF plasma gas-discharge system with a nozzle-electrode configured to ignite a plasma gas-discharge outside the nozzle at or above atmospheric pressure, allowing for controlled and localized treatment of biological tissue through ablative, cutting, heating, or transdermal ion delivery, with adjustable plasma profiles and electromagnetic interactions to optimize treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser or RF plasma is used for skin resurfacing, then skin treatment efficacy is improved, but excessive skin heating and burning occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using atmospheric pressure plasma instead of vacuum plasma, and controls plasma temperature through gas composition selection (e.g., helium, argon, nitrogen mixtures) and RF power levels, maintaining therapeutic effect while preventing excessive heating
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inert or controlled gas atmospheres (helium, argon, nitrogen) to create a plasma environment that prevents unwanted thermal damage to surrounding tissue while maintaining effective treatment of the target skin area
2Manufacturing precision
If chemical or mechanical peeling is used for skin treatment, then skin resurfacing is achieved, but skin irritations and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical abrasion and chemical peeling with RF plasma ablation, which removes damaged skin layers through controlled vaporization without the mechanical trauma of abrasives or the chemical irritation of peels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water in skin tissue from liquid to vapor through controlled RF plasma heating, enabling precise removal of damaged tissue layers without mechanical contact or chemical exposure
3Temperature
If Coblation technology with salt solution is used, then low temperature ablation is achieved, but plasma hot spots cause uncontrolled heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different gas compositions and RF power levels to different regions of the treatment area, creating localized plasma zones with controlled temperature profiles that prevent hot spots while maintaining effective ablation in target areas
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a nozzle-electrode configuration with controlled gas flow as an intermediary between the RF energy source and the skin tissue, distributing energy evenly and preventing direct contact that would cause localized overheating
4Reliability
If vacuum plasma is used for skin treatment, then plasma production is achieved, but limited treatment regions and positioning constraints occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by operating plasma at atmospheric pressure instead of vacuum, eliminating the need for vacuum chambers and enabling flexible application to various skin surfaces including contours and irregular geometries
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal plasma treatment system that can be applied to various skin types, treatment areas, and geometries by adjusting gas composition and nozzle positioning, without being constrained by vacuum requirements
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 provides a broader range of skin treatment options with minimized thermal damage, improved control over treatment regions, and enhanced efficacy in wrinkle removal, collagen stimulation, and other skin rejuvenation techniques, while reducing the risk of skin irritations and complications.
Implementation Method 1
conditions for low temperature ablation of the skin layer minimizing thermal damage
Implementation Method 2
controlled and localized heating of the skin layer
Implementation Method 3
transdermal ion delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for treating biological tissue using a plasma gas-discharge are disclosed herein. An electrode for igniting a gas flow to form a plasma gas-discharge, wherein the electrode is configured within the device such that upon encountering a surface of the biological tissue by the electrode, a path of current from the electrode to the surface of the biological tissue is formed, thereby igniting the gas flow and forming the plasma gas-discharge. In some embodiments, electromagnetic interactions between the treated biological tissue and the plasma gas discharge traversing the electromagnetic interaction gap shape the profile of the plasma gas discharge. According to some embodiments, the device includes an electrode for igniting gas of the gas flow, and electromagnetic interactions between the electrode and the skin determine, at least in part, the electromagnetic interactions that shape the profile of the plasma gas discharge. In some embodiments, the device further includes a housing for providing support for the electrode, wherein the electrode is disposed relative to the housing such that the electrode is substantially electrically unshielded by the housing, and the electrode is positioned to electromagnetically interact with a surface of the biological tissue to shape, at least in part, the plasma profile. According to some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a dual-purpose nozzle-electrode for gas delivery and for igniting the gas flow. A method of transdermal ion delivery of a plasma flux to biological tissue as a means of treating the biological tissue is also provided.