Surgery – Instruments – Light application
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-28
2001-03-27
Nasser, Robert L. (Department: 3736)
Surgery
Instruments
Light application
C606S015000, C606S016000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206873
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for eliminating adipose layers and to an associated technique for carrying out this elimination using the device.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The reduction of subcutaneous adipose layers constitutes one of the most important areas of aesthetic treatments
Two techniques currently exist for this purpose. The first technique, known as liposuction, consists of introduction into the adipose layers of probes roughly 5 mm in diameter through holes made in the skin of the patient undergoing treatment, for suction and removal of fat. This technique has a number of disadvantages, such as the creation of a lack of homogeneity in the form of depressions in the zone of insertion of the probe which are visible from the outside, as well as excessive bleeding of the patient undergoing treatment. Furthermore, both the cells of fat and the stroma are sucked out non-selectively.
The second technique utilizes subcutaneous ultrasonic probes to rupture the membrane of the adipose cells, thus causing the escape of liquid which then has to be sucked out subsequently. In this case, suction of the stroma is not brought about and bleeding is therefore more limited. However, the disadvantage of the lack of homogeneity of the treatment remains.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
The primary aim of the present invention is to produce a device and an associated method for eliminating adipose layers which do not have the disadvantages mentioned above.
In particular, a first aim of the present invention is the production of a device and a method which allow uniform treatment.
A further aim is the production of a device and a method which allow selective elimination of the adipose cells without damaging the stroma.
Yet another aim of the present invention is the production of a device and a method which eliminate the problem of bleeding and which reduce the dimensions of the holes for insertion of the probes.
These and other aims and advantages, which will be clear to experts in the field from reading the text which follows, are obtained essentially with a device which comprises a first laser source, optical fiber conveying means for conveying the laser beam emitted by said first source, and a hollow needle for guiding the fiber. The fiber ends in the vicinity of the end of the needle. A laser source generates a laser beam through the optical fiber with an intensity and a wavelength for liquefying, and maintaining liquid, the adipose cells. The intensity and wavelength of the laser beam ruptures membranes of the adipose cells and maintains collagen in the adipose layer substantially unaltered or undamaged. Blood vessels in the adipose layer are either also substantially undamaged, especially the large blood vessels, or any blood vessels that are damaged are cauterized, especially the small blood vessels.
With this device, it is possible to implement a method for the reduction of subcutaneous adipose layers, on the basis of introducing into the subcutaneous adipose layers a laser beam at an intensity and at a wavelength which are such that the lipolysis of the adipose cells is brought about, that is a rupturing of the membranes of the cells themselves, with consequent transformation of the adeps into a liquid substance which is then sucked out or preferably left in place in order to be drained by the lymphatic system and by the action of the phagocytes of the patient. In addition to a clear reduction in traumatism and greater selectivity of the method implemented in this manner in comparison with the liposuction system, the advantage is also obtained that the energy of the laser beam can be used to cauterize the small blood vessels which may be damaged by the insertion of the needle into the adipose layers. Loss of blood is thus virtually completely eliminated.
The most important aspect to be highlighted in the area treated by the present invention, is the fact that the collagen fibers remain intact even where the adipose layer has been removed. The presence of the collagen structure is very important for the reconstruction of healthy (non-fatty) tissue in the area where the adeps has been removed.
Usual liposuction techniques remove by suction entire pieces of adipose tissue and together therewith they also remove portions of blood vessels and collagen fibers. Thus present liposuction intervention is heavily invasive. The area under the skin where the collagen fibers have been removed together with the adipose tissue shows depressions and “sinkings” which are highly unaesthetical. Reconstruction of healthy (non-adipose) tissue in these areas is slow and unsatisfactory, due to the reduced vascularization and to the absence (or reduced presence) of collagen.
The method of the present invention is novel and advantageous over the art because it overcomes the above mentioned drawbacks. The method is mainly characterized in that the adipose tissue is removed by lysis, i.e. by rupturing the membranes of the cells forming the adipose layer. As a consequence, the adipose tissue is transformed into a liquid. The liquid thus obtained may be partially or totally suctioned away by means of a vacuum pump, quite in the same way as in the usual techniques. The difference is, however, the material removed through the suction cannula is substantially liquid and a much reduced impact on the patient is obtained. It is obviously easier and less painful to suck a liquid (generated by lipolysis) than pieces of adipose tissue which are solid. The collagen fibers and blood vessels are not damaged by the lysis effect of the laser and remain intact. The subsequent suction does not suck the collagen fibers nor the blood vessels away, as it happens in the traditional liposuction techniques. Subsequent recovery of the healthy tissue is easier.
As an alternative the liquid substance is left inside the body of the patient. In this case the liquid obtained by lysis of the adipose cells is slowly re-absorbed through the organism of the patient himself, namely through action of the lymphatic system and the phagocytes. This second method is slower than the former one, but is even less invasive and less traumatic.
In practice, the needle is borne by a hand unit which, in order to be more easily maneuverable, is inclined in relation to the needle.
In addition to a laser source which emits at a wavelength and at a power which are such that lipolysis is brought about, it is possible, with the same optical fiber, or with an additional optical fiber guided in the same needle, to convey into the adipose layers a beam of visible light which makes possible transcutaneous vision during implementation of the method.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the drawings:
FIG. 1
is a diagram of the device;
FIG. 2
is an enlarged longitudinal section view of the hand unit of the device in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is an enlarged view of the point of the needle, and
FIG. 4
is a view of the device being used in an example of application.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5102410 (1992-04-01), Dressel
patent: 5334190 (1994-08-01), Seller
patent: 5470330 (1995-11-01), Goldenberg et al.
patent: 5649924 (1997-07-01), Everett et al.
patent: 5807385 (1998-09-01), Keller
patent: 6106516 (2000-08-01), Massengill
Maida Maurizio
Mencarelli Fabrizio
Paolini Cesare
EL. EN. S.P.A.
McGlew and Tuttle , P.C.
Nasser Robert L.
LandOfFree
Device and method for eliminating adipose layers by means of... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Device and method for eliminating adipose layers by means of..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Device and method for eliminating adipose layers by means of... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2456658