Abstract:
Treatment apparatus and methods for inducing microburn patterns in tissue. The treatment apparatus comprises a delivery device (10) positionable adjacent to the tissue (34) and a plurality of energy-transfer elements (132). The energy-transfer elements (132) are adapted to contact the skin surface (32) and transfer energy to the tissue (34) over discrete surface contact areas for forming damaged regions in the form of microburns (13) at a corresponding plurality of locations in the tissue (34). Energy may be transferred between the energy-transfer elements (132) and the tissue (34) by either electrical conduction or thermal conduction. Adjacent microburns (13) are separated by non-damaged regions (33), which promotes wound healing and efficacy.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for determining local impedance factors in an electromagnetic energy system (10) for treating patients is disclosed. Respective measureme signals are sent through a patient treatment zone (12) and a local impedance factor is estimated based upon the measurement signals. The estimated impedance factor is used to determine appropriate therapeutic levels of energy for patient treatment.
Abstract:
A method for treating a tissue site couples an energy delivery surface of an electromagnetic energy delivery device with a skin surface. An underlying tissue area beneath the skin surface is created. The cooling creates a reverse thermal gradient, where a temperature of the skin surface is less than a temperature of the underlying tissue area. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the underlying tissue area. The energy delivery modifies the underlying tissue area and decreases irregularities of the skin surface.
Abstract:
An RF device has a support structure. An RF electrode, coupled to the support structure, includes conductive and dielectric portions. A cooling member, coupled to the support structure, is configured to cool a back surface of the RF electrode. The cooling member is distanced from the back surface of the RF electrode.
Abstract:
A method for creating a tissue effect provides a substrate with a releasable coating. At least a portion of the releasable coating is released on a selected skin epidermis surface to create a marked skin epidermis surface. The marked skin surface is used to provide a guide for delivery of energy from an energy source (10) to a tissue site through at least a portion of the marked skin surface.
Abstract:
Treatment apparatus and methods for inducing microburn patterns in tissue. The treatment apparatus comprises a delivery device (10) positionable adjacent to the tissue (34) and a plurality of energy-transfer elements (132). The energy-transfer elements (132) are adapted to contact the skin surface (32) and transfer energy to the tissue (34) over discrete surface contact areas for forming damaged regions in the form of microburns (13) at a corresponding plurality of locations in the tissue (34). Energy may be transferred between the energy-transfer elements (132) and the tissue (34) by either electrical conduction or thermal conduction. Adjacent microburns (13) are separated by non-damaged regions (33), which promotes wound healing and efficacy.
Abstract:
Electrode assemblies and handpieces for energy-based treatment systems that utilize an impedance assembly to facilitate impedance matching between the system and a patient. The electrode assembly (18; 18a; 18b; 18c; 18d; 18e; 18e; 18f) and/or handpiece (14; 14a; 14b; 14c; 14d; 14e; 14e) may include one or more circuit elements configured to introduce at least one supplemental impedance into an electrical circuit coupling the electrode assembly and handpiece. The supplemental impedance, which is related to the impedance of the treatment system (10) and patient, is introduced when the electrode assembly is coupled with the handpiece.
Abstract:
A method of creating a tissue effect at a tissue site during a skin treatment is provided. An electromagnetic energy delivery device (10) is coupled to an electromagnetic energy source. Different levels of cooling are applied to a skin surface during treatment, wherein a reverse thermal gradient through the skin surface is created. Electromagnetic energy is applied through the skin surface to the underlying tissue, wherein a tissue effect is created on at least a portion of the tissue site.
Abstract:
A method for treating a tissue site couples an energy delivery surface of an electromagnetic energy delivery device with a skin surface. An underlying tissue area beneath the skin surface is created. The cooling creates a reverse thermal gradient, where a temperature of the skin surface is less than a temperature of the underlying tissue area. Energy is delivered from the energy delivery device to the underlying tissue area. The energy delivery modifies the underlying tissue area and decreases irregularities of the skin surface.
Abstract:
An apparatus for cooling a skin surface includes an RF device that has an RF electrode with dielectric and conductive portions. The RF device is configured to be coupled to an RF energy source. A cooling member is coupled to the RF device. A memory is coupled to the RF device. The memory is configured to store information to facilitate operation of at least one of the RF electrode, the cooling member, and the RF energy source.