Method and apparatus for controlled contraction of collagen tissue
US5660836A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Aug 26, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/073
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus applies radiant energy through the skin to an underlying subcutaneous layer or deeper soft tissue layers that includes loculations of fat with fibrous septae made of collagen tissue. This creates a desired contour effect without substantially modifying melanocytes and other epithelial cells in the epidermis. A membrane conforms a contacting exterior surface of the membrane to a skin layer. One or more thermal electrodes positioned in the membrane. A focussing element focuses thermal energy to the underlying collagen tissue. The focusing element and the electrolytic solution create a reverse thermal gradient from the skin to the collagen tissue. A thermal power source is coupled to the thermal electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.