Replaceable and/or easily removable needle systems for dermal and transdermal cryogenic remodeling
US8409185B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 16, 2007 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2018/0293
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments may be particularly well suited for the treatment of dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and alternative embodiments may be configured for treatment of a wide range of target tissues. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Unlike the large format cryogenic cooling systems of the past, small cryogenic cooling needle probes may dull or be damaged by insertion. Careful control over the control of cryogenic cooling fluid into a needle probe can allow the length of the active cooling to be controlled through depletion of liquid from an e…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.