Systems and methods for ultrasound assisted lipolysis
US6645162B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2001 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 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.