Method of treatment body tissue using a non-uniform laser beam
US7856985B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 3, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 28, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 5, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/2211
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for treatment, such as skin rejuvenation treatment, using non-uniform laser radiation. A high-intensity portion of the laser radiation causes collagen destruction and shrinkage within select portions of the treatment area, while a lower-intensity portion of the radiation causes fibroblast stimulation leading to collagen production across other portions of the treatment area. An output beam from a laser source, such as an Nd:YAG laser, is coupled into an optical system that modifies the beam to provide a large-diameter beam having a non-uniform energy profile, comprised of a plurality of high-intensity zones surrounded by lower-intensity zones within the treatment beam. The higher-intensity zones heat select portions of the target tissue to temperatures sufficient for a first treatment (e.g. collagen shrinkage), while the lower-intensity zones provide sufficient energy for a second treatment (e.g. stimulated collagen production). A large area of tissue, preferably 7-10 mm in diameter, can be treated simultaneously, while minimizing the risk of burning or other damage to the skin.In one embodiment, the invention uses a fiber bundle to provide a non-uniform energ…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.