Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously applying a compressive and a reciprocating force to underlying adipose cells from a location external to a patient's skin to rupture or otherwise remove the adipose cells within a subcutaneous tissue region. The adipose cells are ruptured through the mechanical application of compression and shearing forces. The patient's body then re-absorbs and expels the ruptured cells. This eliminates the need for invasive liposuction and the trauma associated with invasive liposuction. Various mechanical devices may be employed to impart the compressive and shearing forces.

Abstract: A surgical device (10) for removing unwanted tissue is disclosed. The surgical device (10) includes a housing (12) having a cavity (14) with a lateral opening. The ends of the cavity (14) are enclosed by an endplate (20) and at a distal end by a motor mount (24). The motor mount (24) provides for the mounting of a pneumatic motor (42). The pneumatic motor (42) drives a cylindrical wire brush (46). The cylindrical wire brush (46) includes a plurality of wire bristles (50) extending radially from a central shaft (48). The pneumatic motor (42) rotatably drives the central shaft (48) at a first end (52) and a high speed bearing (56) mounted in the end plate (20) supports the central shaft (48) at a second end (54). The cylindrical wire brush (46) extends out of the lateral opening (16) in the cavity (14) a predetermined dimension (X). The predetermined dimension may be adjusted with an adjustment mechanism (58) provided to vary the depth of tissue removal.