US6377854B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for controlled contraction of collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers
Assignee: Solta Medical Inc
•
Filing: 1997-12-15
•
Granted: 2002-04-23
•
Expires: 2017-12-15
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to underlying collagen tissue without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A 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 21:07
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; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00482; A61B2018/00488; A61B2018/00636; A61B2018/0066; A61M2202/00; A61M2202/06; A61M2202/064; A61M2205/00; A61M2205/07; A61M2205/071; A61M2205/073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 26
Claim 1
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for modifying soft tissue by contracting collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers comprising: positioning an apparatus comprising a porous membrane having a skin-contacting surface and a non-skin-contacting surface, and an RF electrode positioned in the membrane, such that the skin-contacting surface of the porous membrane is adjacent an external skin surface of a patient; introducing electrolytic solution into the porous membrane such that the membrane is inflated to substantially conform the skin-contacting surface of the membrane to the external skin surface of the patient; transferring energy from the RF electrode to the electrolytic solution to create an energy delivery electrolytic solution; and treating soft tissue by delivering sufficient amount of energy to contract collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers underlying the skin surface so as to modify a structure of the underlying tissue such that soft tissues in the subcutaneous fat layers are tightened and fat is reduced in lipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layers.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
161 words
A method for modifying soft tissue by contracting collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers comprising: positioning an apparatus comprising a porous membrane having a skin-contacting surface and a non-skin-contacting surface, and an RF electrode positioned in the membrane, such that the skin-contacting surface of the porous membrane is adjacent an external skin surface of a patient; introducing electrolytic solution into the porous membrane such that the membrane is inflated to substantially conform the skin-contacting surface of the membrane to the external skin surface of the patient; transferring energy from the RF electrode to the electrolytic solution to create an energy delivery electrolytic solution; and treating soft tissue by delivering sufficient amount of energy to contract collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers underlying the skin surface so as to modify a structure of the underlying tissue such that soft tissues in the subcutaneous fat layers are tightened and fat is reduced in lipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein energy from the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface creates a controlled cell necrosis.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying a structure of the underlying tissue includes tightening of the skin.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying a structure of the underlying tissue includes tightening the underlying tissue.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled cell necrosis of the skin surface.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled zone of cell necrosis of the skin surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
41 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled zone of collagen contraction of a dermis and fibrous septae of a subcutaneous tissue.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled zone of skin surface ablation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled zone of skin tightening.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the energy delivery electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a controlled zone of subcutaneous tightening.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to create a contraction of collagen in the skin.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to supply energy through a papillary dermis layer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to supply energy through a reticular dermis layer of the skin.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein treating tissue includes having the electrolytic solution receive sufficient energy from the RF electrode to supply energy through a subcutaneous layer and an underlying soft tissue.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 , wherein the RF electrode receives a controlled delivery of energy from an RF power source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing a temperature of the skin surface during delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing a temperature of the skin surface after delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing a temperature of a tissue underlying the skin surface during the delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing a temperature of a tissue underlying the skin surface after delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing an impedance of the skin surface during delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing an impedance of the skin surface after delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing an impedance of a tissue underlying the skin surface during the delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising: sensing an impedance of a tissue underlying the skin surface after delivery of the energy delivery electrolytic solution to the skin surface.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 1 , further comprising cooling the skin surface of the patient.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of claim 24 , wherein the cooling the skin surface of the patient is provided by a cooling fluid contained in a cooling fluid lumen positioned in the membrane.
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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) | 2005-04-22 | 2005-10-22 | 2006-04-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-04-22 | 2009-10-22 | 2010-04-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-04-22 | 2013-10-22 | 2014-04-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |