Patent · US Expired

Systems and methods for ultrasound assisted lipolysis

US6626854B2 · kind B2 · utility

370Cited by
28References
48Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 27, 2000
Grant dateSep 30, 2003
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 26, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61N2007/0078
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Cells are destroyed within a subcutaneous tissue region using a transducer disposed externally adjacent to a patient's skin. The transducer emits acoustic energy that is focused at a linear focal zone within the tissue region, the acoustic energy having sufficient intensity to rupture cells within the focal zone while minimizing heating. The transducer may include one or more transducer elements having a partial cylindrical shape, a single planar transducer element coupled to an acoustic lens, or a plurality of linear transducer elements disposed adjacent one another in an arcuate or planar configuration. The transducer may include detectors for sensing cavitation occurring with the focal zone, which is correlated to the extent of cell destruction. A frame may be provided for controlling movement of the transducer along the patient's skin, e.g., in response to the extent of cell destruction caused by the transducer.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.