Surgery – Instruments – Electrical application
Patent
1997-01-31
1998-12-15
Bahr, Jennifer
Surgery
Instruments
Electrical application
606 41, A61B 1741
Patent
active
058490094
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
The invention relates to treatment of the skin by high-frequency electric means, particularly for so-called "permanent" or "long lasting" depilation, as well as for regrowth of hair.
STATE OF THE ART
WO 93/0463 describes a method based on the observation that by mixing a conductive gel of a usual type suitable for coupling ultrasound probes with the skin with a treating product, for example a lotion for producing atrophy of the hair roots, it was possible by high-frequency transcutaneous induction to cause the treating product to penetrate into the hair follicles (pores) and hence carry out a treatment.
This method hence enables a treatment of the skin to be carried out, notably a cosmetic treatment, for example to achieve long lasting depilation, and which moreover allows a punctual and effective application down to the follicles without a delicate manual intervention. The same technique is also suitable for introducing other cosmetic products into the skin, for example for hair regrowth, or against wrinkles, as well as pharmaceutical products, for example for treating achne, seborrhea, wounds, or pains.
To carry out the method, WO 93/04636 also describes an apparatus comprising a handleable member, for contacting the skin, having a non-conductive body provided with a contact surface adapted to be applied to the skin. This surface comprises a plurality of discrete conductive electromagnetic emission points, for example formed by exposed parts of turns of a solenoid embedded in the body of the contact member. These points are accessible through openings in this surface and are preferably set back with respect to the latter, so that during use of the apparatus, these points may contact conductive gel applied to the skin. These discrete emission points emit a high-frequency flux of electromagnetic energy, advantageously a pure emissive current, supplied by a high-frequency oscillatory power circuit.
The handleable member of the above-described apparatus thus forms a focalised probe whose high-frequency energy produces a pointwise action through the loaded gel. By arranging the discrete emission points in a suitable manner on the contact surface, a simultaneous action is obtained on all of the follicles of an area of the skin. For example, the discrete emission points are aligned in one or several rows along an oblong contact surface whose dimensions are adapted to the part of the body to be treated. Preferably, several interchangeable rigid contact members are provided having contact surfaces of different shapes and/or of different sizes, and possibly also an interchangeable needle fitment, thus enabling treatments suitable for all types of pilosity.
The high-frequency electric generator circuit of the apparatus advantageously comprises a high-frequency oscillatory power circuit comprising a transistor connected as a power oscillator in combination with a pair of square-wound self-inductance coils, and an electrode by means of which the impedance of a treated person's body may be added to that of the self-inductance coils to increase the frequency of the emissive current during use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an applicator probe for applying a flux of high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the skin, useful notably in the method described in WO 93/04636 or any other method necessitating application of a conductive gel, this applicator probe being provided with a non-conductive contact surface adapted to be applied to the skin, this surface having a plurality of discrete conductive electromagnetic emissive points or areas formed by parts of turns of a coil which are set back in relation to this surface.
The applicator probe according to the invention is a "morphological" applicator probe, characterized in that it is in the form of a flexible sheet able to conform to the part of the body to which it is applied. This flexible sheet comprises a non-conductive lower/internal part (or "sole") and an upper/external part (or "back"), said contact surface being present at least o
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Bahr Jennifer
Engellenner Thomas J.
Harris-Ogugua Sonya
Lichauco Faustino A.
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