Dermatological Patents (Class 606/9)
  • Publication number: 20120071794
    Abstract: A robotic system for delivering energy for medical or cosmetic treatment of a region of skin of a subject includes a multi-axis robotic arm mounted on a base and terminating at a holder. An applicator for delivering energy to the skin is mounted in the holder. The holder has at least three range sensors generating outputs of a distance to at least three spaced apart locations on the surface of the skin. A controller associated with the robotic arm and the range sensors processes the outputs from the at least three range sensors to determine an orientation of the holder relative to the skin, and actuates the robotic arm to adjust an orientation of the holder such that an orientation of the applicator relative to the skin is maintained within a predefined range of desired angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Alma Lasers Ltd.
    Inventor: Ziv KARNI
  • Publication number: 20120065551
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating tissue includes a first energy application device to direct energy at tissue of a patient to cause at least one channel to be formed and a controller to control application of energy from the first energy application device to form the at least one channel. The at least one channel may be in the shape of a spiral-like shape or may be in a flower-like shape. Mechanisms are provided to help open channels formed in the human skin structure. A second energy application source may be used to maintain the channel open after formation. The controller may cause the first energy application device to form a plurality of channels of varying depth, width and distribution over the human skin surface. The apparatus to control the application of energy may be operated using a foot-activated pedal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: Lumenis Ltd.
    Inventors: Idan Aviad, Yoni Iger, Assaf Gelstein, Jason A. Mirabito, Omer Peled
  • Patent number: 8133180
    Abstract: A method and system for providing ultrasound treatment to a deep tissue that contains a lower part of dermis and proximal protrusions of fat lobuli into the dermis. The invention delivers ultrasound energy to the region creating a thermal injury and coagulating the proximal protrusions of fat lobuli, whereby eliminating the fat protrusions into the dermis. The invention can also include ultrasound imaging configurations using the same or a separate probe before, after or during the treatment. In addition various therapeutic levels of ultrasound can be used to increase the speed at which fat metabolizes. Additionally the mechanical action of ultrasound physically breaks fat cell clusters and stretches the fibrous bonds. Mechanical action will also enhance lymphatic drainage, stimulating the evacuation of fat decay products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Guided Therapy Systems, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Michael H. Slayton, Peter G. Barthe, Inder Raj S. Makin
  • Patent number: 8127771
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that will alter the fibrous strands in the fatty layers of the skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively shrink or alternatively photoacoustically ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: CoolTouch Incorporated
    Inventor: David R. Hennings
  • Publication number: 20120035599
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to devices for harvesting a skin graft(s). The present invention provides a blister raising device integrated with a member for cutting the blister.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: MoMelan Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Sameer Ahmed Sabir, Andrew Ziegler
  • Patent number: 8110968
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an irradiation device having a radiation source and a filter which is arranged in the optical path and has two transparent filter disks which are substantially arranged in parallel with each other and which are held with their surrounding edges in a frame made of a material of good heat conduction, the filter disks and the frame defining a closed cavity which has provided therein a medium which selectively influences the radiation spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Maxs AG
    Inventors: Werner Braun, Dietmar Loffler
  • Patent number: 8109924
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignees: Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc., The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, R. Rox Anderson
  • Patent number: 8105369
    Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Morgan Lars Ake Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8105322
    Abstract: A dermatologic treatment device having a light source emitting optical radiation beneficial to at least one dermatologic treatment, a brightness enhancer enhancing the brightness of at least some of the emitted optical radiation, and a replacement cartridge containing the light source and brightness enhancer. The cartridge facilitating replacement of the light source and brightness enhancer by a user of the device between dermatologic treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Shaser, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Ely, Daniel L. Roth, Elias Behrakis
  • Patent number: 8103355
    Abstract: A RF electrode for use in a device for thermal fat destruction and skin tightening is provided. The RF electrode comprises a handle, a cannula shaft that extends from the handle and in turn comprises a dielectric material. The shaft is insertable inside a body at a treatment area. The shaft also comprises an electrode tip that is positioned on the cannula at a location distal to the handle. The electrode tip comprises a RF conductive material. A device for thermal fat destruction and skin tightening and method therefore are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Invasix Ltd
    Inventor: R. Stephen Mulholland
  • Patent number: 8097029
    Abstract: A stand-alone laser device that provides low level laser therapy using one or more laser sources. The laser sources are attached to one or more arms which can be positioned to cause the laser light to impinge on a desired area of a patient's body. A scanning apparatus is attached to the arms which comprise structures that cooperate to cause an optical element to be able to simultaneously rotate about a central axis and move in a linear motion along that axis to achieve any desired scan pattern. Laser light of different pulse widths, different beam shapes and different scan patterns can be applied externally to a patient's body. In the preferred embodiment, red light having a wavelength of about 635 nm is used to stimulate hair growth on a patient's scalp.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Patent number: 8092447
    Abstract: A handpiece for tissue treatment is provided. The handpiece has receiving means for receiving a first light beam, at least two components and selector device being movable between at least two positions, each position corresponding to a component. The selector device may be moved between the two positions, thereby positioning a selected component in a beam path of the first light beam. The selected component provide one or more functions, such as sensing, emitting a third light beam, emitting no light beam, and/or emitting a second light beam in response to the first light beam being incident on the selected component. The second or third light beam may, if present, be emitted towards a target area, or said light beam(s) may be deflected towards a target area. Furthermore, a method for tissue treatment using such a handpiece, and a selector device for use in such a handpiece is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Asah Medico A/S
    Inventor: Casper Dolleris
  • Patent number: 8088123
    Abstract: A hair growth modulation device is configured to impart a suitable quantity of irradiated light to a target site while lowering the irradiation intensity required by a light irradiator that generates modulating light for modulating hair growth. This device is provided with a hair follicle approximating means that causes hair follicles of body hairs at the target site to approach the skin surface, thereby enhancing the irradiation efficiency of modulating light irradiated to the hair follicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masato Kinoshita, Chosei Hamada
  • Patent number: 8083785
    Abstract: A hand-held laser device that can simultaneously provide multiple types of low level laser therapy treatments to multiple areas of a patient's body simultaneously. The device enables laser light of different pulse repetition rate, different beam shapes and spot sizes to be applied to a patient's body. The device includes multiple laser sources. In the preferred embodiment, two semiconductor diode laser sources simultaneously provide two separate laser beams from separate probes, one laser beam producing laser light at a first pulse repetition rate and the other producing laser light at a second pulse repetition rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Steven C. Shanks, Kevin B. Tucek
  • Publication number: 20110313408
    Abstract: A laser skin treatment process and system. The system includes features for producing a first laser beam of long pulse duration and a second laser beam of short pulse duration and a skin cooler for cooling the surface of a region of skin. The system is designed to utilize the first laser beam for heating a volume of skin tissue below the cooled surface region to a temperature to produce skin tissue modification but below skin tissue damage threshold. This volume of skin tissue is called a “thermal cavity”. The second laser beam is divided into a plurality of separate laser beams that are directed through separate optical fibers and via separate paths through skin tissue to a single tiny volume of skin tissue within the thermal cavity to produce in that tiny volume mechanical damage. This tiny volume is called an energy droplet. Thus tiny regions of tissue are damaged while minimizing or preventing any significant damage to adjacent tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Nikolai Tankovich, Alexei Lukashev
  • Publication number: 20110306955
    Abstract: The invention relates to a laser system for skin treatment and a method for treatment of skin. The laser system comprises a first laser resonator comprising at least a first gain medium for generating a first optical field along a first optical axis. The first laser resonator further comprises a first reflective element and a partly reflective first output coupler. The laser system also comprises a second laser resonator comprising at least a second gain medium for generating a second optical field along a second optical axis. The second laser resonator further comprises a second reflective element and a partly reflective second output coupler. The laser system comprise at least one nonlinear medium for generating a third optical field along a third optical axis by a nonlinear interaction between the first optical field and the second optical field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: Advalight Aps
    Inventors: Morten THORHAUGE, Jesper Liltorp Mortensen
  • Patent number: 8048064
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of curing inflammatory acne by applying a carbon lotion onto a face covered with acne, irradiating the applied carbon lotion with a laser pulse having a pulse width of microsecond, and irradiating the applied carbon lotion with a laser pulse having a pulse width of nanosecond to sterilize acne bacilli and open skin pores clogged with sebum, thereby entirely treating the inflammatory acne. The method includes applying the carbon lotion onto epidermis to be cured and pores, irradiating the carbon lotion with a laser pulse to heat and burst the applied carbon lotion. With the method, the inflammatory acne is simply cured without scar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Lutronic Corporation
    Inventors: Hae Lyung Hwang, Sung Huan Gong, Jing Mei Li
  • Publication number: 20110257640
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of laser treatment of tissue, and particularly, to a system and method for creating microablated channels in skin. The present invention is more particularly directed to treating subsurface tissue through the created channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Ray Choye, Vladimir Lemberg
  • Patent number: 8029501
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of laser processing of materials, specifically laser induced ablation processes for laser removal of material particularly important in medical and dental applications in which the laser removal of material should be done in such a way as to not damage any of the surrounding soft or hard biomaterial. The ablation process is achieved by impulsive heat deposition (IHD) by direct and specific excitation of short lived vibrations or phonons of the material in such a way as to not generate highly reactive and damaging ions through multiphoton absorption. The heat deposition and ensuing ablation process under prescribed time and wavelength conditions for laser irradiation is achieved faster than heat transfer to surrounding tissue by either acoustic or thermal expansion or thermal diffusion that otherwise would lead to excess heat related damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Attodyne Inc.
    Inventor: R. J. Dwayne Miller
  • Publication number: 20110237860
    Abstract: The invention provides tissue markings (such as tattoos) comprising magnetic particles, e.g., magnetite, and methods for making and altering, e.g., removing them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Misbah H. Khan, Richard Rox Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110238047
    Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Morgan Lars Ake Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20110230817
    Abstract: An electromagnetic energy system configured to reduce scar formation associated with a skin wound includes: an electromagnetic energy source configured to generate an electromagnetic energy beam having a plurality of beam parameters; an optical energy conduit having a proximal and a distal end, said optical energy conduit coupled to said electromagnetic energy source at said proximal end; a handpiece coupled to the distal end of said optical energy conduit; and a memory, comprising predetermined, stored values of said plurality of beam parameters, said predetermined values of said beam parameters configured to reduce scar formation associated with a skin wound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald L. Moy
  • Publication number: 20110230870
    Abstract: A method of reducing scar formation associated with a skin wound includes providing an electromagnetic energy source, delivering energy from the electromagnetic energy source to opposing edges of a skin wound, and sealing the wound after delivering the energy. The electromagnetic energy source can include a laser, such as a fractional laser, including a fractional CO2 laser. Handpieces configured to reduce scar formation include one or more of a tissue eversion system, a medication delivery system, and a wound sealing system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventor: Ronald L. Moy
  • Patent number: 8021405
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the treatment of Otitis or other type ear infections with the use of blue/violet light positioned to shine into the ear canal. The treatment quickly clears up infections and reduces the reoccurrence of ear infections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Inventor: Susan Lemons White
  • Patent number: 8012190
    Abstract: A device that treats chemically damaged hair by stimulating the circulation of blood and nutrients to the scalp while simultaneously promoting an environment that is not favorable for the propagation of bacteria. The device is composed of a blower that is attached to an air chiller. The blower houses a blue LED that irradiates a blue light outward from the mouth of blower. The device simultaneously blows cold air out of the mouth of the blower and irradiates the hair and scalp of the person being treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventor: Antonio Ramirez Lobo
  • Patent number: 8002768
    Abstract: A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, Henry H. Zenzie
  • Publication number: 20110197447
    Abstract: A hair removal device is provided comprising a solid moisturizing composition, the solid moisturizing composition comprising: a. A linear ABA block copolymer; b. At least 50% moisturizing hydrophobic phase by weight of the solid moisturizing composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Alison Fiona Stephens, Alan Brooks
  • Patent number: 7998181
    Abstract: A fluorescence concentrator system that provides for high brightness light source. The system can include a host doped with fluorescent material, which is optically pumped by an adjacent illumination source. The fluorescence concentrator captures a portion of the isotropically emitted fluorescent light and guides it to an output surface. The fluorescent energy emerging the output surface provides a high brightness light source suitable for a number of applications. For example, the fluorescence concentrator system can be used as the light source in a medical apparatus suitable for various aesthetic procedures. Further aspects of the fluorescent concentrator system can include providing for controlling the illumination source to output pumping energy suitable for high energy applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Cutera, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Nightingale, Gregory J. Spooner, David A. Gollnick, Dean A. MacFarland
  • Patent number: 8000838
    Abstract: The subject invention relates to systems and methods that facilitate motion between different coordinate systems in an industrial control environment. The systems and methods accept data in one coordinate system and transform the data to a different coordinate system. Suitable transformations include instructions that transform between Cartesian, pre-defined non-Cartesian, and user-defined non-Cartesian coordinate systems, including transformations between a non-Cartesian coordinate system to another non-Cartesian coordinate system. Such transformations can be programmed in essentially any industrial control language and can be seamlessly integrated with the control environment. The systems and methods can be utilized to generate a motion instruction that includes, among other information, source and target coordinate systems and the transformation between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jatin P. Bhatt, Fabio Malaspina, Michael Piatka, William C. Schwarz, Jeffrey W. Brooks, Slobodan Milosevic
  • Publication number: 20110196351
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preventing or treating toxicities of the skin, hair, and/or nails, which are associated with administration of one or more multikinase inhibitors, with light-emitting diode photomodulation treatment, either alone or in combination with other agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Maitland M. DeLand, Robert A. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110196353
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preventing or treating toxicities of the skin, hair, and/or nails, which are associated with administration of one or more epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, with light-emitting diode photomodulation treatment, either alone or in combination with other agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Maitland M. DeLand, Robert A. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110196352
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of preventing or treating toxicities of the skin, hair, and/or nails, which are associated with administration of one or more vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors, with light-emitting diode photomodulation treatment, either alone or in combination with other agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Maitland M. DeLand, Robert A. Weiss
  • Publication number: 20110190745
    Abstract: A treatment of sweat glands in a target region of skin includes generating electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength of about 1,064 nm to about 1,800 nm. To decrease sweat production in a plurality of sweat glands, the electromagnetic radiation is delivered to a dermal interface defined by a dermal region and a subcutaneous fat region in the target region of skin to cause thermal injury to at least one of the dermal region, the subcutaneous fat region or the dermal interface. An epidermal region of the skin can be cooled at least one of before, during or after delivering the electromagnetic radiation to the dermal interface in the target region of skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Nathan S. Uebelhoer, Peter Shumaker, Yacov Domankevitz
  • Publication number: 20110184396
    Abstract: The handpiece for treating the skin with irradiation using a light beam (F1), comprises a first window (1) and a second window (2) and first means for cooling the first window (1). Said first window (1) and said second window (2) are positioned opposite one another and are separated by a gas-filled space. They are capable of transmitting a light beam (F1) and said first window (1) is intended to be applied in contact with the skin during the treatment. The handpiece comprises means for heating the gas between the two windows (1, 2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Jaouad Zemmouri, Jean Ringot, Mohammed Zemmouri
  • Patent number: 7985219
    Abstract: An irradiation device (1) and a method for the treatment of acne and acne scars, comprising at least one source of radiation (2), the source of radiation emitting at least one broadband spectrum in the wavelength range of 320-at least 540 nm and the radiation source (2) being pulseoperable and/or movable relatively to the area to be irradiated, the pulse energy being between 0.05-10 J/cm2 and the peak irradiation intensity being between 0.5 W/cm2 and 100 kW/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Spectrometric Optoelectronic Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Jan Hennrik Wilkens, Rolf Stirner
  • Publication number: 20110172651
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dermatology treatment are provided which involve the use of continuous wave (CW) radiation, preheating of the treatment volume, precooling, cooling during treatment and post-treatment cooling of the epidermis above the treatment volume, various beam focusing techniques to reduce scattering and/or other techniques for reducing the cost and/or increasing the efficacy of optical radiation for use in hair removal and other dermatological treatments. A number of embodiments are included for achieving the various objectives indicated above.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicants: PALOMAR MEDICAL TECHNOLGIES, INC., The General Hospital d/b/a Massachusetts General Hospital
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, R. Rox Anderson
  • Publication number: 20110166559
    Abstract: Disclosed is a skin treatment device for personal use. The device includes an optical radiation providing module operating in pulsed or continuous operation mode, a mechanism for continuously displacing the device across the skin, and a device displacement speed monitoring arrangement. When the device is applied to skin, the optical pulses repetition rate establishes the power of the optical radiation as a function of the device displacement speed. The device a hair removal mechanism configured to mechanically remove hair from the treated segment of the skin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Shimon Eckhouse, Tuvia Dror Kutscher, Boris Vaynberg
  • Publication number: 20110166560
    Abstract: A skin care laser device is provided, which mainly includes a photograph unit, a distance measuring unit, a computing unit, a laser unit, a moving unit, and a comparing unit. The photograph unit scans a patient and generates an image signal. The distance measuring unit measures a distance from the patient and generates a distance signal. The computing unit receives the image signal and the distance signal, computes the signals, and generates a displacement instruction and a control instruction. The moving unit receives the displacement instruction and drives the photograph unit, the distance measuring unit, and the laser unit to make dynamic movement. The comparing unit receives the control instruction, compares an energy data of the laser unit with a control data of the control instruction, and determines whether to excite a laser to the patient or not.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: SOLAR SYSTEM BEAUTY CORPORATION
    Inventor: I-Ku Kuo
  • Publication number: 20110160712
    Abstract: A laser process for tissue treatment. Preferred embodiments include features for producing a first laser beam and a second laser beam and a skin cooler for cooling the surface of a region of skin. The system is designed to utilize the first laser beam for heating a volume of skin tissue below the cooled surface region to a temperature below skin tissue damage threshold. This volume of skin tissue is called a “thermal cavity”. The second laser beam is divided into a plurality of separate laser beams that are directed through separate optical fibers and via separate paths through skin tissue to a single tiny volume of skin tissue within the thermal cavity to heat that tiny volume to a temperature above the damage threshold. This tiny volume is called an energy droplet. Thus tiny regions of tissue are damaged while minimizing or preventing any significant damage to adjacent tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Nikolai Tankovich, Alexei Lukashev
  • Patent number: 7967016
    Abstract: A platform Smart Scalpel system using rapid real-time feedback for effecting laser treatment. The platform system includes an imaging system for rapid real-time detection of tissue characteristics, a processing system for processing the detected characteristics, and a treatment system for effecting treatment in accordance with results of the processing. The platform system provides for preprogramming and real-time inputting conditions and parameters for diagnosis using the imaging system and/or treatment using the treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: The General Hospital Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: R. Rox Anderson, Ian W. Hunter, Colin J. H. Brenan, Keng Hui Lim, Elizabeth Sebern
  • Publication number: 20110152847
    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).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: CYNOSURE, INC.
    Inventors: Mirko Georgiev Mirkov, Rafael Armando Sierra, George E.S. Cho
  • Patent number: 7955262
    Abstract: A system and method for treating skin. The System comprises one or more ultrasound transducers and one or more pairs of RF electrodes. The ultrasound transducers are adapted to focus ultrasound energy at one or more focal volumes in the skin. The RF electrodes are adapted to deliver RF energy to the one or more focal volumes. The method comprises heating the skin to a first temperature at one or more focal volumes in the skin by focusing ultrasound energy at the one or more focal volumes. The focal regions are then heated to a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature, by generating an RF current in a region of the skin containing the focal regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Syneron Medical Ltd.
    Inventor: Avner Rosenberg
  • Patent number: 7955367
    Abstract: A handpiece can treat biological tissue using electromagnetic radiation, which can be substantially fluorescent light. The handpiece includes a source of electromagnetic radiation and a nonlinear waveguide. The nonlinear waveguide is adjacent the source, receives electromagnetic radiation from the source, and delivers the electromagnetic radiation to the biological tissue. The handpiece also includes a system for circulating a fluorescent substance through the nonlinear waveguide. The fluorescent substance is capable of modulating at least one property of the electromagnetic radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Inventor: Morgan Lars Ake Gustavsson
  • Publication number: 20110130711
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for increasing hair growth in subjects in need thereof due to male- or female-pattern hair loss, pathological hair loss, or hair loss after injury. By any use of any appropriate mechanical, electromagnetic, or chemical means, the present disclosure pertains to the segmentation of hair follicles into two or more disunited subunits in order to form new follicles from the respective subunits. In contrast with known techniques for bisecting hair follicles and as described more fully herein, the present methods and systems permit the bisection of single follicles or populations of follicles with a high degree of efficiency, and thereby represent an effective treatment option for those in need of increased hair growth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FOLLICA, INC.
    Inventors: Seth M. LEDERMAN, Scott C. KELLOGG, Shikha P. BARMAN
  • Publication number: 20110130748
    Abstract: The present methods and systems provide the induction of preselected injury types to target areas of tissue in an iterative manner in order to provide beneficial treatment with respect to a desired body surface. The methods and systems disclosed herein may include the precise selection of target areas for treatment, which may itself involve identifying physical features that require treatment, distinguishing areas or features that are not suitable for treatment, or both. The present modalities are distinguishable from prior methodologies having lower rates of success because of the failure of the latter to match treatment or treatment type with specific physical features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: FOLLICA, INC.
    Inventors: Scott C. KELLOGG, Shikha P. BARMAN, Seth M. LEDERMAN
  • Patent number: 7951138
    Abstract: A mechanical element allows the tip of the handpiece of a dermatological treatment system to rotate to adjust for deviations in handpiece angle with respect to the surface of the treatment area. The tip may glide over the surface of the skin, the tip may include wheels or rotating cylinders on which the tip rolls across the skin, or the tip may be removed from the skin and placed in a new location in a stamping motion. The tip of the handpiece rotates around a single axis, or around two perpendicular axes, so that pressure on the tip moves the flat surface of the tip into proper orientation for planar contact with the skin. An element can be included in the handpiece to apply a restoring force on the tip so that the tip rests in its optimal position in the absence of external forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Reliant Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Kenton Whitaker, Danica Wyatt
  • Patent number: 7947067
    Abstract: This invention is a scanning laser device with a universal carriage that holds any type of optical element. The carriage rotates about an axis that is substantially co-axial to the incident laser beam, thereby causing the laser energy passing through the optical element to sweep through a 360° circle. The preferred embodiment uses a rod lens as the optical element, resulting in a large circular beam spot. The device may utilize laser sources of various wavelengths and pulse frequencies, and multiple devices may be combined to scan an even larger area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Erchonia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin Tucek, Steven C. Shanks, Lawrence Owens
  • Patent number: 7942869
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a skin treatment device (1, F). The device comprises a radiation source (13) in a housing, such that radiation can be emitted through an exit opening in the housing. It further comprises at least one skin presence sensor (43, 63) capable of measuring the presence of skin (7) in a number of respective positions, and a control unit (37). The control unit (37) is constructed to determine a covered portion of the exit opening (15) from a measurement signal of the skin presence sensor and to restrict emission of the radiation (13) to the covered portion of the exit opening (15), e.g. by modifying the control of a radiation beam manipulator (11), or by controlling radiation-blocking means, such as blinds, in the exit opening (15). The invention provides a more efficient and yet safe treatment device (1, 1?), since a larger exit opening (15) can be selected, while unwanted emission of radiation (13) through uncovered portions of the exit opening (15) is still prevented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Erik Houbolt, Jasper Zuidervaart, Mathijs Niehaus, Antonius Maarten Nuijs, Robbert Adrianus Maria Van Hal, Rieko Verhagen, Paul Anton Josef Ackermans
  • Patent number: 7942915
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for phototreatment in which replaceable containers comprising one or more adjuvant (consumable or re-useable) substances are employed. The adjuvant substance can be, for example, a topical substance or a coolant. Systems are disclosed for using a topical substance to detect contact of a phototreatment device with a tissue, detect speed of a phototreatment device over the tissue, detect regions of tissue that have been treated by a phototreatment device and/or to provide other benefits to the tissue such as improved skin tone and texture, tanning, etc. Safety systems are also disclosed that ensure that a proper consumable substance and/or container is connected to a phototreatment device and/or directed to a proper target. Additionally, cooling systems and methods that utilize phase change materials for extracting heat from a light generating device are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Palomar Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Altshuler, Ilya Yaroslavsky, James Burke, III, Andrei V. Erofeev, Henry Zenzie, Robert R. Lopez, Christopher Gaal
  • Patent number: RE42594
    Abstract: A laser treatment device and process with controlled cooling. The device contains a cooling element with high heat conduction properties, which is transparent to the laser beam. A surface of the cooling element is held in contact with the tissue being treated while at least one other surface of the cooling element is cooled by the evaporation of a cryogenic fluid. The cooling is coordinated with the application of the laser beam so as to control the temperatures of all affected layers of tissues. In a preferred embodiment useful for removal of wrinkles and spider veins, the cooling element is a sapphire plate. A cryogenic spray cools the top surface of the plate and the bottom surface of the plate is in contact with the skin. In preferred embodiments the wavelength of the laser beam is chosen so that absorption in targeted tissue is low enough so that substantial absorption occurs throughout the targeted tissue. In a preferred embodiment for treating large spider veins with diameters in the range of 1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Reliant Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolai Tankovich, Eugene Baranov