US5919219A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for controlled contraction of collagen tissue using RF energy
Assignee: Solta Medical Inc
•
Filing: 1997-08-19
•
Granted: 1999-07-06
•
Expires: 2017-08-19
Abstract
Abstract A method for tightening a surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue applies RF energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A porous membrane is adapted to receive an electrolytic solution and become inflated to substantially conform a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. The membrane includes a cooling lumen for receiving cooling fluid. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane and transfers thermal energy to the electrolytic solution. The electrolytic solution and cooling fluid creates a reverse thermal gradient from the skin surface to the underlying collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes, and a source of electrolytic solution is coupled to the membrane.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward W. Knowlton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-22 21:04
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/04; A61B18/12; A61B18/1206; A61B18/14; A61M; A61M15/00; A61M15/0028; A61M15/003; A61M15/0033; A61M15/0035; A61M15/0036; A61M15/0041; A61N; A61N5/00; A61N5/02; A61N5/04; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/0066; A61M2202/00; A61M2202/06; A61M2202/064; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/07; A61M2205/071; A61M2205/073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for tightening an external surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue, comprising: providing an RF energy delivery device with an energy delivery surface; positioning the RF energy delivery surface on the external surface of the skin; creating a reverse thermal gradient through the surface of the skin to sufficiently heat an underlying collagen containing tissue, wherein a temperature of the external surface of the skin is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue; detecting a temperature of the external surface of the skin; heating the external surface of the skin and underlying collagen containing tissue in response to a detected temperature of the external surface of the skin; and tightening at least a portion of the external surface of the skin.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
129 words
A method for tightening an external surface of a skin with an underlying collagen containing tissue, comprising: providing an RF energy delivery device with an energy delivery surface; positioning the RF energy delivery surface on the external surface of the skin; creating a reverse thermal gradient through the surface of the skin to sufficiently heat an underlying collagen containing tissue, wherein a temperature of the external surface of the skin is lower than a temperature of the underlying collagen containing tissue; detecting a temperature of the external surface of the skin; heating the external surface of the skin and underlying collagen containing tissue in response to a detected temperature of the external surface of the skin; and tightening at least a portion of the external surface of the skin.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device is a thermal energy delivery device configured to be coupled to a thermal energy source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the energy delivery device is one or more RF electrodes configured to be coupled to an RF energy source.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: providing a source of electrolytic solution coupled to the surface of the skin.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 4, wherein RF energy is transferred from an RF electrode to the electrolytic solution.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1, further comprising: a cooling fluid lumen coupled to the energy delivery device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 6, further comprising a source of cooling medium coupled to the cooling fluid lumen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is in a subdermal layer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is in a dermal layer.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is in a subcutaneous layer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is in fascial tissue.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is in muscle tissue.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 80 degrees C.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 75 degrees C.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 70 degrees C.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 65 degrees C.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 60 degrees C.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 55 degrees C.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1, wherein the collagen containing tissue is heated to a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees C.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-07-05 | 2003-01-04 | 2003-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-07-05 | 2007-01-04 | 2007-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-07-05 | 2011-01-04 | 2011-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |