Fractional Skin Electrode Control Using Tissue Impedance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional skin tissue treatment methods lack the ability to tailor treatments to the specific, localized properties of the skin or treated tissue, leading to inefficiencies and potential over-treatment or under-treatment.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) electric currents, combined with elongated electrodes and an actuating mechanism, to selectively apply skin tissue ablation, coagulation, or mechanical insertion, guided by impedance measurements for precise fractional treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fractional skin tissue treatment methods are used, then treatment can be applied to skin tissue, but the treatment cannot be tailored to specific localized tissue properties leading to inefficiencies and potential over-treatment or under-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by measuring electrical impedance at different depths and locations within the skin tissue to identify specific zones with different tissue properties. The system then selectively applies treatment only to those specific localized areas that require it, rather than treating the entire surface uniformly. This enables the treatment to be tailored to the specific needs of different tissue regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through electrical impedance sensing that continuously monitors tissue properties during the treatment process. The impedance measurements provide real-time information about tissue characteristics at different depths, allowing the system to adjust treatment parameters dynamically. This feedback loop ensures precise control and prevents over-treatment or under-treatment by adapting to the actual tissue conditions.
2Reliability
If electrical current is applied to skin tissue for treatment, then tissue ablation or coagulation can be achieved, but without impedance guidance the treatment lacks precision and may cause harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses electrical impedance as a feedback mechanism to monitor tissue conditions in real-time during treatment. By continuously measuring impedance changes, the system can detect when treatment parameters are approaching levels that would cause harmful effects, and automatically adjusts or terminates the treatment to prevent tissue damage. This feedback control significantly improves treatment safety and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes electrical parameters (current amplitude, frequency, duration) based on measured impedance values. The system adjusts these parameters in real-time to match the specific tissue conditions, ensuring that treatment remains within safe limits while maintaining effectiveness. This adaptive parameter adjustment prevents over-treatment and minimizes harmful effects.
3Productivity
If multiple electrodes are used for fractional treatment, then treatment coverage can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment area into multiple discrete zones using an array of electrodes arranged at different depths and locations. Each electrode or electrode group can be independently controlled and treated separately based on local tissue impedance characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to cover large areas efficiently while maintaining precise control over each zone, managing complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can apply treatment, measure impedance, and map tissue properties simultaneously across different depths and locations. The same electrode structure serves both therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, reducing the need for separate systems and managing overall device complexity while maintaining high productivity.
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
Enables tailored fractional treatment of skin tissue, optimizing treatment outcomes by adjusting current profiles and movement patterns based on tissue impedance, reducing over-treatment and enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an electric current source configured to provide Alternating Current (AC); Direct Current (DC) or any combination thereof
Implementation Method 2
a sensing system configured to transmit sensing data of the skin tissue to the controller, wherein the sensing data is indicative of at least one of electrical impedance or mechanical impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A skin tissue treatment device and method comprising at least one first elongated electrode having a first polarity and configured for receiving electric current from an electric current source and for being inserted into the skin tissue to one or more depths. Also comprising at least one second electrode located in vicinity of the at least one first elongated electrode and configured to receive the electric current from the electric current source at a second and opposite polarity to the at least one first elongated electrode and an actuating mechanism being connected to at least to the at least one first elongated electrode and configured to spatially move the first elongated electrode along one or more axes. The at least one controller connected to the at least one first elongated electrode, the at least one second electrode, the electric current source, and the actuating mechanism; and the at least one controller being configured to: control the electric current source; actuate the actuating mechanism; and selectively apply fractional treatment of at least one of skin tissue ablation, skin tissue coagulation, or skin tissue mechanical insertion to the skin tissue.