Side-Firing Laser Liposuction Cannula for Uniform Fat Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liposuction methods, such as tumescent liposuction and laser lipolysis, face challenges including significant bleeding, risk of infection, and incomplete fat removal due to the sharp edges of cannulas cutting blood vessels and the absorption of fat into the bloodstream, leading to potential increases in cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Innovation Solution
A side-firing laser device is integrated into a liposuction cannula, emitting laser energy at an angle of 70° to 90° from the axis, concurrently with irrigation, to lyse fat cells and liquefy fat, which is then evacuated through the cannula, minimizing bleeding and allowing for uniform fat removal without damaging dermal tissues or blood vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional liposuction with sharp cannula edges is used, then fat removal efficiency is improved, but bleeding and infection risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting action of sharp cannula edges with laser energy for fat cell lysis. The laser energy disrupts fat cell membranes through photothermal effects, eliminating the need for mechanical cutting that causes bleeding. Blood vessels are coagulated by laser energy, preventing hemorrhage and reducing infection risk while maintaining effective fat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of fat cells through laser energy application. By controlling laser parameters (wavelength, power, pulse duration), fat cells are selectively heated and lysed while surrounding tissues remain intact. This parameter-based approach allows precise control over fat removal without the traumatic mechanical cutting that causes bleeding.
2Loss of time
If rapid cannula withdrawal is used, then procedure time is reduced, but incomplete fat removal and fat absorption into bloodstream occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies laser energy to pre-lyse and melt fat cells before evacuation. This preliminary action softens and liquefies the fat, making it easier to remove completely and uniformly. The fat is prepared in advance for optimal evacuation, ensuring complete removal without rushing the procedure, thereby preventing fat absorption into the bloodstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous laser energy application during the fat removal process, ensuring consistent fat cell lysis and melting. This continuous action allows for uniform fat removal at controlled rates, preventing incomplete removal and subsequent fat absorption into the bloodstream, while maintaining efficient procedure progression.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If laser energy is applied to lyse fat cells, then bleeding is reduced through coagulation, but uniform fat removal becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed laser energy delivery to lyse fat cells uniformly. By using controlled pulse sequences, the laser energy is distributed evenly throughout the target tissue, ensuring consistent fat cell disruption and uniform fat melting. This periodic action maintains hemostasis through coagulation while achieving homogeneous fat removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies laser energy with spatially varying parameters to achieve uniform fat removal. By adjusting laser focus, scanning patterns, and energy distribution, different regions receive appropriate energy doses for consistent fat lysis. This localized control ensures uniform fat removal throughout the treatment area while maintaining bleeding reduction through coagulation.
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 enables safer, more effective, and uniform fat removal, reducing bleeding risks and the absorption of fat into the bloodstream, while allowing for a larger volume of fat to be removed cosmetically effectively.
Implementation Method 1
laser energy to melt and liquefy fat has been introduced
Implementation Method 2
laser energy is transmitted from a laser through an optical fiber disposed within a hollow liposuction cannula... lyses the membranes of the fat cells and softens or liquefies the released fat
Implementation Method 3
the laser energy can coagulate blood vessels in the fatty tissue, which are broken or cut during the liposuction process
Implementation Method 4
Most of the blood vessels in the fatty tissue which are broken or cut are coagulated (cauterized) by the laser energy
Implementation Method 5
the released fat is drawn through the liposuction cannula into a collection bottle by vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
Lysing of fat cells in adipose tissue beneath the skin and liquefying the released fat is achieved by introducing a side-firing thermal energy device into the tissue to be irradiated, while thermal energy, such as laser energy, is emitted at a selected level for a selected period of time, depending on the volume to tissue to be irradiated. The side firing device is advanced into tissue and withdrawn and, while energy is emitted, is aimed separately at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and, is repetitively rotated through an arc of about 120°, producing a bowtie-shaped irradiation pattern. The side firing device may be centered and sealingly held in position in a liposuction cannula by ribs extending inwardly from the interior of the liposuction cannula. At least one of the ribs has a channel for infusion of an irrigating liquid. The use of laser energy during lysis of fat cell membranes and the liquefaction of the released fat also produces photomechanical cross-linking of collagen, which shrinks and tightens the skin, reducing sagging of the skin after removal or absorption of the liquefied fat. Nucleus pulposus tissue can be vaporized in a similar manner.