U.S. patent application number 14/233985 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-18 for method and apparatus for damage and removal of fat.
This patent application is currently assigned to THE GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is William G. Austen, JR.. Invention is credited to William G. Austen, JR..
Application Number | 20140277055 14/233985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47558515 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140277055 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Austen, JR.; William G. |
September 18, 2014 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DAMAGE AND REMOVAL OF FAT
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for
damaging and/or removing portions of subcutaneous fatty tissue
while leaving the overlying dermal layer of the skin substantially
undamaged. One or more hollow needles can be provided that include
an arrangement within the lumen configured to retain or damage
portions of fatty tissue that enter the lumen. Properties of the
needle can be selected such that the needle can be inserted into
skin and pass through the dermal layer, allowing fatty tissue to
enter the distal portion of the lumen as it is advanced further,
and then leaving the dermis undamaged when withdrawn. Such
exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such needles, a
reciprocating arrangement to mechanically advance and withdraw the
one or more needles, and/or a vibrating arrangement.
Inventors: |
Austen, JR.; William G.;
(Weston, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Austen, JR.; William G. |
Weston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
THE GENERAL HOSPITAL
CORPORATION
Boston
MA
|
Family ID: |
47558515 |
Appl. No.: |
14/233985 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
July 20, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2012/047708 |
371 Date: |
June 3, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61510242 |
Jul 21, 2011 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
606/186 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 17/205 20130101;
A61B 2017/32004 20130101; A61M 2202/08 20130101; A61M 1/008
20130101; A61M 5/158 20130101; A61B 2017/320064 20130101; A61B
2017/00792 20130101; A61B 17/32053 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
606/186 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/3205 20060101
A61B017/3205 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for affecting subcutaneous fatty tissue,
comprising: at least one hollow needle arrangement comprising a
central lumen; and at least one protrusion provided along at least
one portion of an interior wall of the needle arrangement and
proximal to a distal end of the at least one needle arrangement,
wherein the at least one protrusion is structured to contact a
portion of the subcutaneous fatty tissue when the at least one
hollow needle arrangement is inserted into skin tissue such that at
least a distal portion thereof is located within the subcutaneous
fatty tissue.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the at least
one needle arrangement is configured to be inserted into skin
tissue, pass through a dermal layer thereof, and prevent a
significant portion of the dermal tissue from entering the central
lumen.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the at least
one needle arrangement is provided as an angled tip, and wherein an
angle of the tip is between about 30 degrees and about 50
degrees.
4. (canceled)
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a diameter of the central
lumen of the at least one needle arrangement is about 1 mm.
6. (canceled)
7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein a size of the at least one
needle arrangement is between 14 gauge and 19 gauge.
8. (canceled)
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a reciprocating
arrangement configured to repeatedly insert and withdraw the at
least one needle arrangement from a skin tissue.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the reciprocating arrangement
comprises an actuator and a control arrangement.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion
is configured to retain at least one sample of the subcutaneous
fatty tissue within the central lumen when the at least one needle
arrangement is withdrawn from the skin tissue.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one protrusion
occludes less than about 50% of the cross-sectional area of the
central lumen.
13. (canceled)
14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one needle
arrangement comprises a plurality of the hollow needle
arrangements, and wherein the hollow needle arrangements are
mechanically coupled to a substrate.
15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one protrusion
comprises a flap pivotally affixed to the portion of the interior
wall.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the at least one protrusion
comprises an angled barb directed toward the proximal end of the
needle arrangement.
21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least one needle
arrangement comprises a plurality of the hollow needle
arrangements, and wherein the hollow needle arrangements are
mechanically coupled to a substrate.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion
is configured to generate mechanical damage in the portion of the
subcutaneous fatty tissue.
23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one protrusion
comprises a wire extending across at least a portion of the
lumen.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one needle
arrangement comprises a plurality of the hollow needle
arrangements, and wherein the hollow needle arrangements are
mechanically coupled to a substrate.
27. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a low-pressure
source provided in communication with the central lumen.
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. A method for affecting subcutaneous fatty tissue, comprising:
inserting at least one hollow needle arrangement into a skin tissue
until at least a distal portion of the needle arrangement is
located within the subcutaneous fatty tissue; and withdrawing the
at least one hollow needle arrangement from the skin tissue;
wherein the at least one hollow needle arrangement is configured to
substantially prevent dermal tissue from entering a lumen of the at
least one hollow needle arrangement and to allow a portion of the
subcutaneous fatty tissue to enter the lumen of the at least one
hollow needle arrangement; wherein the at least one hollow needle
arrangement comprises at least one protrusion provided along at
least one portion of an interior wall of the needle arrangement;
and wherein the at least one protrusion is configured to affect the
portion of the subcutaneous fatty tissue.
31. The method of claim 30, further comprising: removing a sample
of the portion of the fatty tissue from the skin tissue when the at
least one hollow needle arrangement is withdrawn from the skin
tissue.
32. The method of claim 30, further comprising: Generating
mechanical damage to the portion of the fatty tissue when the at
least one hollow needle arrangement is inserted into the skin
tissue.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application relates to and claims priority from
U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/510,242 filed Jul.
21, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by
reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for
removing or damaging small regions of fatty tissue, e.g.,
subcutaneous fat, while reducing or avoiding significant damage to
the overlying tissue, e.g., the dermis and epidermis.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
[0003] Procedures and devices for removing fatty tissue, e.g. for
cosmetic reasons, are common and represent a significant market in
the cosmetic procedures sector. Conventional fat-removal procedures
and devices, e.g., liposuction, can be disruptive to surrounding
tissue and often includes many risks such as excessive bleeding,
etc. There are relatively few procedures for removal of small
amounts of fatty tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, for cosmetic
purposes and such procedures generally require a skilled
practitioner for effective removal and can be very time-consuming
and subject to complications.
[0004] Accordingly, there may be a need to provide simpler and
safer method and apparatus for removal of subcutaneous fatty tissue
that addresses and/or reduces the limitations described above.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] The present disclosure describes exemplary embodiments of
simple, inexpensive, and safe methods and devices for affecting
fatty tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, while reducing or avoiding
significant damage to the overlying tissue, such as the dermis and
epidermis. Such methods and apparatus can provide removal of small
portions of subcutaneous fatty tissue, which may optionally be
implanted in other parts of the body or used to harvest stem cells
present therein. Methods and apparatus for locally disrupting small
regions of fatty tissue, which may then be resorbed by the body,
are also described.
[0006] An exemplary apparatus according to the present disclosure
can be provided that includes a hollow needle and at least one
protrusion provided on an inner wall of the hollow needle. The
hollow needle can be configured to be inserted into a biological
tissue such as skin, such that the needle penetrates the upper
tissue layers. The size and geometry of the needle can be
configured such that softer or less resilient subsurface tissue,
e.g., subcutaneous fat, can enter the hollow core of the needle
when the distal end of the needle advances into the fat. The
protrusion can be configured to facilitate retention of a portion
of the fat when the needle is withdrawn from the tissue.
[0007] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
a plurality of such hollow needles that include internal
protrusions can be affixed to a substrate. The substrate and
needles can be arranged to control and/or limit the depth of
penetration of the needles into the tissue when the substrate is
placed on the tissue surface. For example, the lengths of the
distal ends of the needles protruding from a lower surface of the
substrate can be selected to correspond to a depth within the fatty
tissue below the skin surface.
[0008] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
the hollow needle can include a pivoting flap or one or more barbs
provided within the lumen to facilitate detachment and removal of
portions of the fat by the needle.
[0009] In yet further exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, the hollow needle can include a cutting arrangement
provided within the lumen to facilitate mechanical damage and/or
disruption of portions of the fat by the needle.
[0010] In a another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
the exemplary apparatus can further include a vacuum source
provided in communication with the proximal ends of the needles,
which can facilitate separation and/or removal of portions of the
fat from the surrounding tissue when the needle is inserted and
withdrawn.
[0011] In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the exemplary apparatus can include a reciprocating
arrangement affixed to the one or more needles. The reciprocating
arrangement can include a motor or other actuator configured to
repeatedly advance and withdraw the needles relative to the tissue.
The reciprocating arrangement can be provided in a housing that
facilitates manipulation of the apparatus, e.g., placement of the
apparatus on the tissue being treated and/or traversing the
apparatus over the tissue. The housing can optionally be configured
to stretch or otherwise stabilize the tissue proximal to the
needle(s) being inserted, to reduce deformation of the tissue
and/or improve accuracy of the placement of the needle(s) in the
tissue. The reciprocating arrangement can further include a
translational controller configured to translate the needles over
the tissue in at least one direction, and optionally in two
orthogonal directions, to facilitate removal or harvesting of fat
from larger regions of a donor tissue site without translating the
entire apparatus over the tissue surface.
[0012] In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, the exemplary apparatus can include a vibrating
arrangement mechanically coupled to the one or more needles. The
vibrating arrangement can facilitate improved removal and/or
disruption of the fat tissue by the needles.
[0013] These and other objects, features and advantages of the
present disclosure will become apparent upon reading the following
detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure, when taken in conjunction with the appended drawings
and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Further objects, features and advantages of the present
disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures
showing illustrative embodiments, results and/or features of the
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary
apparatus for removal of subsurface fatty tissue in accordance with
exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 1B is a lateral cross-sectional view of the exemplary
apparatus shown in FIG. 1A according to a first embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 1C is a lateral cross-sectional view of the exemplary
apparatus shown in FIG. 1A according to a second embodiment of the
present disclosure;
[0018] FIGS. 2A-2C are schematic side views of the exemplary
apparatus shown in FIG. 1A being used to remove subsurface fatty
tissue in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side view of a second exemplary
apparatus for removal of subsurface fatty tissue in accordance with
further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a schematic frontal view of a first exemplary
embodiment of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;
[0021] FIG. 3C is a schematic frontal view of a second exemplary
embodiment of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 3A;
[0022] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a third exemplary
apparatus for removal of subsurface fatty tissue in accordance with
still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view of a fourth exemplary
apparatus for removal of subsurface fatty tissue in accordance with
still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0024] FIGS. 5B and 5C are schematic side views of the exemplary
apparatus shown in FIG. 5A illustrating removal of subsurface fatty
tissue in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 6A is a view of one end of a first exemplary embodiment
of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 5A;
[0026] FIG. 6B is a view of one end of a second exemplary
embodiment of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 5A;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of a fifth exemplary
apparatus for removal of subsurface fatty tissue in accordance with
still further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary
apparatus for damage or disruption of subsurface fatty tissue in
accordance with yet further exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure;
[0029] FIG. 8B is a view of one end of a first exemplary variant of
the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 8A; and
[0030] FIG. 8C is a view of one end of a second exemplary variant
of the exemplary apparatus shown in FIG. 8A.
[0031] Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals and
characters, unless otherwise stated, are used to denote like
features, elements, components, or portions of the illustrated
embodiments. Moreover, while the present disclosure will now be
described in detail with reference to the figures, it is done so in
connection with the illustrative embodiments and is not limited by
the particular embodiments illustrated in the figures and the
appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide
a method and apparatus for removing or locally damaging or
disrupting soft tissue, e.g., subcutaneous fat, while reducing or
avoiding significant damage to the overlying tissue, e.g., the
dermis and epidermis in skin. Exemplary embodiments of the present
disclosure can thereby facilitate removal, harvesting or disruption
of subsurface tissue while avoiding and/or minimizing adverse
effects such as scarring, bleeding, likelihood of infection,
etc.
[0033] A cross-sectional view of an exemplary apparatus 100 for
removing fatty tissue is shown in FIG. 1A. The exemplary apparatus
100 can include a hollow needle 120 having a central lumen that
further includes at least one protrusion 130 provided along at
least a portion of an inner surface thereof, e.g., extending into a
portion of the central lumen. An open distal end 110 of the needle
120 can be provided with a sharpened and/or angled edge to
facilitate insertion of the needle 120 into skin or other tissue.
For example, the distal end 110 of the needle 120 can be provided
as a wedge shape that can be formed, e.g., by grinding the end of
the needle 120 at an acute angle relative to its longitudinal axis.
The angle of the distal end can be, e.g., approximately 45 degrees,
or between about 30 degrees and about 50 degree, which can provide
the tissue-selective penetration characteristics described herein.
These exemplary angles can be used with any of the exemplary
embodiments described herein.
[0034] The protrusion 130 can be provided along the inner surface
of a shorter side of the angled or tapered end 110 of the needle
120. A handle 140 and/or other gripping arrangement can be provided
at a proximal portion of the needle 120 to facilitate holding and
manipulating the needle 120.
[0035] A frontal view of the exemplary apparatus 100 is shown in
FIG. 1B. The protrusion 130 can be configured to block and/or
occlude a portion of the hollow center of the needle 120. The
exemplary protrusion 130 shown in FIG. 1B can include a
substantially straight edge provided towards the center of the
hollow core of the needle 120. A further exemplary protrusion 130
is shown in FIG. 1C that includes a curved edge oriented towards
the center of the hollow core of the needle 120. Other shapes for
the protrusion 130 can also be used in further exemplary
embodiments of the present disclosure. A plurality of such
protrusions 130 can also be provided in the needle 120. The
cross-sectional shape of the exemplary needle 120 shown in FIG. 1B
is substantially round. The needles 120 having other
cross-sectional shapes can also be used, e.g., needles 120 can be
provided that have oval, square, or triangular cross-sections,
etc.
[0036] For example, the protrusion 130 can block less than about
50% of the cross-sectional area of the hollow center, or optionally
less than about 30% of this area. The protrusion 130 can block more
than about 10% of the cross-sectional area, or more than about 20%
of this area. The size and shape of the protrusion 130 can be
configured to facilitate a retention of fatty tissue in the hollow
core of the needle 120 as described herein.
[0037] The exemplary apparatus 100 can be inserted into a dermal
tissue such that the distal end 110 penetrates at least partially
into the subcutaneous fatty layer 210 beneath the dermis 220, as
shown in FIG. 2. A portion 230 of the fatty tissue can be present
within the hollow core of the needle 120 after such insertion. The
exemplary apparatus 100 can then be withdrawn from the dermal
tissue. As shown in FIG. 2B, the portion 230 of the fatty tissue
can also be removed from the fatty layer 210, and can remain inside
the hollow needle 210. The protrusion 130 can facilitate the
removal of the portion 230 of the fatty tissue from the fatty layer
210. After the removal of the exemplary apparatus 100 from the
dermal tissue, the dermal layer can collapse around the insertion
path, as shown in FIG. 2C, and subsequently heal, whereas a portion
230 of fat from the fatty layer 210 has been removed. Accordingly,
such exemplary method and apparatus can facilitate the removal of
the subcutaneous fat 230 with a relatively little disturbance of
the overlying dermis 220.
[0038] The diameter of the needle 120 can be selected to facilitate
the insertion through the dermal layer 220 without removing a
substantial amount of the dermal tissue, as well as separation and
removal of the portion 230 of the fatty tissue, as described
herein. For example, the needle 120 can have the size of a
conventional 16 gauge needle, or between 14 gauge and 19 gauge.
Such needle diameters can provide the tissue-selective penetration
properties described herein when the apparatus 100 is inserted into
skin. The diameter of the central lumen of the needle 120 can be,
e.g., about 1 mm or about 1.25 mm. These exemplary needle sizes can
be used with any of the exemplary embodiments described herein.
Larger or smaller needle sizes may also be used in embodiments of
the present disclosure if they exhibit the selective tissue
properties described herein, e.g., if the methods and apparatus
described herein are being used on tissues other than skin.
[0039] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the
angled or tapered distal end 110 of the needle 120 as described
herein can divert or push aside the resilient dermal tissue 220 as
the needle 120 is inserted. As the needle 120 penetrates further
into the fatty layer 210, the portion 230 of the softer fatty
tissue can be more easily separated from the surrounding fatty
layer 210, and enter the hollow core of the needle 120. The
protrusion 130 can anchor the portion 230 of fatty tissue within
the needle 120, and facilitate its separation and removal from the
surrounding fatty layer 210 when the exemplary apparatus 100 is
withdrawn from the dermal tissue. The exemplary apparatus 100 can
be inserted and removed a plurality of times to remove further
portions 230 of the fatty tissue.
[0040] A further exemplary apparatus 300 for removal of
subcutaneous fat according to the present disclosure is shown in
FIG. 3A. This exemplary apparatus 300 can include a plurality of
needles 120 affixed to a substrate 330. The substrate 330 can have
a substantially flat lower surface from which the needles 120
protrude, or this surface may be curved or otherwise contoured,
e.g., to more closely match a contour of the surface of the dermal
tissue being treated.
[0041] A frontal view of the exemplary apparatus 300 is shown in
FIG. 3B. The needles 120 can be arranged in a square or rectangular
pattern, as shown in FIG. 3B. Alternatively, the rows of needles
120 can be offset or staggered to form a triangular pattern, as
shown in FIG. 3C. Other exemplary arrangements of needles 120 can
also be used, such as a spatially random distribution of the
needles 120 on the substrate 330. The number of the needles 120 and
spacing between adjacent ones of the needles 120 can be selected
based on the particular tissue being treated, the amount of fat to
be removed, etc.
[0042] The protrusion distance of the needles 120 from the lower
surface of the substrate 330 can also be selected based on a local
depth of the subcutaneous fatty layer 210 and the depth to which
the fatty tissue is to be removed. For example, the exemplary
apparatus 300 can include an arrangement configured to adjust the
protrusion distance of the needles 120. Such arrangement can
include, e.g., a plate or the like affixed to the substrate 330
such that the needles 120 pass through the plate. The distance
between the plate and the substrate 330 can be adjustable to vary
the distance that the needles 120 protrude from the lower surface
of the plate. Other exemplary arrangements that can facilitate the
adjustment of the effective length of the needles 120 protruding
from the bottom of the apparatus 300 may also be used. The location
of the one or more protrusions 130 within the needles 120 can also
be selected to control the size or height of the tissue samples 230
that may be retained and removed in the needles 120 when they are
inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue, as described
herein.
[0043] The exemplary apparatus 300 can be pressed into the dermal
tissue and subsequently withdrawn, such that the needles 120
penetrate into the into the fatty layer 210 and remove portions of
the tissue sample 230 of the fatty tissue from the fatty layer 210,
as described herein and shown in FIGS. 2A-2C for a single needle
210. The exemplary apparatus 300 can facilitate removal or
harvesting of a larger amount of fatty tissue with a single
insertion and withdrawal of the exemplary apparatus 300 from the
dermal tissue.
[0044] A still further exemplary apparatus 400 according to the
present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4 that includes one or more
needles 120 as described herein, which can be affixed to a
reciprocating arrangement 420 provided within a housing 430. The
housing 430 can also include a handle 410. The reciprocating
arrangement 420 can be configured to displace the needle 120 back
and forth along a direction that can be substantially parallel to
the axis of the needle 120. For example, the reciprocating
arrangement 420 can be powered by a motor or the like, and/or
controlled by a switch that can turn the reciprocating arrangement
420 on and off, and can further control the reciprocating frequency
and/or protrusion distance of the needle 120 below the lower
surface of the housing 430. The exemplary apparatus 400 can be
traversed over a region of skin to be treated such that the one or
more needles 120 can be repeatedly inserted and withdrawn from the
tissue, removing a portion of fatty tissue upon each withdrawal as
described herein. The penetration depth of the needles 120 can be
determined by the configuration of the reciprocating arrangement
420.
[0045] In a further exemplary embodiment according to the present
disclosure, the reciprocating arrangement 420 can further include a
translational mechanism configured to translate the one or more
needles 120 over the tissue surface in one or two orthogonal
directions. For example, the reciprocating arrangement 420 can be
configured to translate such one or more needles 120 over an area
of the tissue while the exemplary apparatus 400 is held stationary
with respect to the tissue surface at a donor or treatment site. In
one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the
reciprocating arrangement 420 can be configured to translate the
one or more needles 120 along a single direction to harvest fatty
tissue along one or more rows. The exemplary apparatus 400 can
optionally be translated over the tissue surface after such rows
are formed, e.g., in a direction that is not parallel to the row,
to remove or harvest fatty tissue from a larger area of the donor
tissue site.
[0046] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
any of the exemplary apparatuses described herein can be configured
to remove or harvest fatty tissue from a plurality of locations in
any of a variety of spatial distributions, where each location can
correspond to a single insertion and withdrawal of a single needle
120. For example, the fatty tissue can be removed or harvested from
a plurality of locations configured as one or more rows, a regular
two-dimensional pattern, a random distribution, or the like. Such
exemplary patterns or spatial distributions of fat harvesting or
removal sites can be generated based on, e.g., the configuration of
such one or more needles 120 provided, the properties of the
reciprocating arrangement 420, and/or the rate of translation of
the exemplary apparatus 400 over the tissue surface.
[0047] In still further exemplary embodiments according to the
present disclosure, the housing 430 can be configured to stretch
skin or other tissue when the exemplary apparatus 400 is placed on
the tissue to be treated. Such stretching can facilitate mechanical
stabilization of the tissue, e.g., to reduce or avoid deformation
of the tissue 350 while the needles 120 are inserted into and
withdrawn from the tissue.
[0048] Such stretching of the tissue can also reduce the effective
size of the disrupted region of the upper tissue layers formed by
the exemplary apparatus 400 when the tissue is allowed to relax
after treatment. Alternatively, the surface of the tissue to be
treated can be stretched or stabilized using other techniques prior
to and/or during treatment of the region in accordance with any of
the exemplary embodiments described herein.
[0049] For example, a vacuum or suction source, e.g. a pump or a
reservoir containing a fluid under low-pressure, can be provided in
communication with the lumen of the needle 120, e.g., via a conduit
in communication with the proximal end of the needles 120, in any
of the exemplary embodiments described herein. Such low pressure,
e.g., pressure less than atmospheric or ambient pressure, provided
in the central lumen can facilitate the removal of the portions 230
of fatty tissue when the distal ends of the needles 120 are located
within the subcutaneous fat layer 210. For example, the exemplary
devices described herein can be configured to provide such a vacuum
when the distal ends of the needles 120 are at least partially
inserted into the fatty layer 210, and such vacuum may be applied
as the needles 120 are withdrawn from the fatty layer 210. The
strength of the vacuum can be selected to facilitate removal of the
portions 230 of the fatty tissue within the distal portions of the
needles 120, without causing a significant damage to the tissue
surrounding the inserted needles 120.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,
an apparatus 500 can be provided that is adapted to remove fatty
tissue is shown in FIG. 5A. The exemplary apparatus 500 can include
a hollow needle 120 having a central lumen, where the size and
shape of the needle 120 and distal end 110 thereof can be similar
to those described herein above for the apparatus 100 shown in FIG.
1A. The apparatus 500 can include at least one pivoting flap 510
within the lumen of the needle 120. The flap 510 can be provided in
the distal portion of the needle 120, e.g., and configured such
that one portion of the flap 510 is pivotally connected to an
inside wall of the needle 120 at a pivot point 520.
[0051] A stop arrangement 530 can be provided on another location
on the inside wall of the needle 120 to constrain or prevent
movement of the flap beyond a certain limit in a particular
direction. For example, the stop arrangement 530 can be provided on
an opposite side of the interior needle wall from the pivot point
520, as shown in FIG. 5A. In this exemplary configuration, the flap
510 can be free and configured to pivot upwards towards the
proximal end of the needle 120, but may be constrained from
pivoting towards the distal end 110 of the needle 120 past the stop
arrangement 530. In further exemplary embodiments, the stop
arrangement 530 can be provided at a location further up or down
from the pivot point 520 (e.g., closer to or further from the
distal end 110 of the needle 120). The stop arrangement 530 can
also be provided on a lateral side of the interior needle wall,
instead of diametrically opposite the pivot point 520 as
illustrated in FIG. 5A. The stop arrangement 530 can be provided,
e.g., by indenting an exterior portion of the needle wall such that
the portion of the wall projects or bulges inward into the lumen of
the needle 120. Alternatively, a small object can be affixed to the
interior wall of the needle 120 to form the stop arrangement. Other
techniques and configurations may also be used to provide the stop
arrangement 530.
[0052] The exemplary apparatus 500 can be used to remove or harvest
portions of fatty tissue in a manner similar to that described with
respect to the exemplary apparatus 100 and shown in FIGS. 2A-2C.
For example, the distal end 110 of the apparatus 500 can be
advanced through the dermis 220 and into the subcutaneous fat layer
210, as shown in FIG. 5B. The exemplary apparatus 500 can be
configured such that the distal end penetrates the dermis 220 with
little or no portion of the dermal tissue entering the lumen of the
needle 120. As the distal end 110 penetrates the fat layer 210, a
portion 230 of softer fatty tissue may enter the lumen of the
needle 120. The portion 230 can advance into the lumen, pushing the
flap 510 upward and closer to the inner wall of the needle 120, as
shown in FIG. 5B.
[0053] When the exemplary apparatus 500 is withdrawn from the skin,
the fat portion 230 may be pulled downward slightly within the
lumen, pulling or dragging the flap 510 with it towards the distal
end 110 of the needle 120. For example, an edge of the flap 510 may
`catch` or penetrate the edge of the fat portion 230. As the flap
510 moves downward, it may partially or completely sever the fat
portion 230 from the remainder of the subcutaneous fat below it,
thereby retaining the fat portion 230 within the apparatus 500 as
the apparatus 500 is withdrawn from the skin.
[0054] The flap 510 can be substantially round or moon shaped,
e.g., such that it can block or occlude substantially the entire
lumen when it is lowered against the stop arrangement 530. For
example, an exemplary flap 510 is illustrated in FIG. 6A in a
raised position (e.g., pivoted upward away from the distal end 110
of the needle 120). In this figure, the view of the flap 510 is
from the distal end 110 of the needle 120 along the longitudinal
axis thereof. In this exemplary configuration, the thin round flap
is curved rather than planar, such that it can more closely conform
to the shape of the inner wall of the needle 120 when pivoted
upward as shown in FIG. 6A. Such a curved flap 510 can facilitate
advancement of a fatty tissue 230 into the exemplary apparatus 500
by reducing or minimizing obstruction of the lumen when it is
pivoted upward.
[0055] In a further exemplary embodiment, the flap 510 can be
provided as a substantially rectangular shape or in another shape
that does not fully occlude the lumen when the flap 510 is pivoted
to a lowered position, e.g., resting against the stop arrangement
530, as shown in a view of an end the needle 120 in FIG. 6B. This
exemplary flap shape can also be curved, similar to the flap 510
shown in FIG. 6A, to reduce obstruction of the lumen when the flap
510 is pivoted in an upward position.
[0056] Any of the features of the exemplary apparatus 500 can be
used in conjunction with the other exemplary embodiments described
herein. For example, one or more needles 120 that include a
pivoting flap 510, and the stop arrangement 530 can be affixed to a
substrate 330, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. One or more such
needles 120 that include a pivoting flap 510 can also be coupled to
a reciprocating arrangement 420 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0057] In a still further exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure, an apparatus 700 can be provided that includes one or
more barbs 710 provided on the interior wall of the hollow needle
120. The barb 710 can be angled upward, e.g., sloping away from the
distal end 110 of the needle 120, as shown in FIG. 7. Such
exemplary configuration can facilitate an advancement of fatty
tissue into the lumen as the apparatus 700 is advanced into the fat
layer 210, while promoting retention of a fat portion 230 within
the lumen as the apparatus 700 is withdrawn from the skin. Such
barbs can be formed, e.g., by deforming the outer wall of the
needle 120 inward at an angle at one or more locations, by
attaching pre-formed barbs 710 to the inside wall of the needle
120, or by other techniques. The features of the exemplary
apparatus 700 can be used in conjunction with the other exemplary
embodiments described herein.
[0058] For example, a plurality of needles 120 that include one or
more barbs 710 can be affixed to a substrate 330, e.g., as shown in
FIGS. 3A-3C. One or more such needles 120 can also be coupled to a
reciprocating arrangement 420 as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[0059] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
an apparatus 800 can be provided that includes a cutting
arrangement 810 provided in a distal portion of the lumen of the
hollow needle 120, as shown in FIG. 8A. The apparatus 800 can
facilitate mechanical disruption of fatty tissue 210 without
removing a substantial amount thereof from the surrounding tissue.
As with the other exemplary embodiments described herein, the
exemplary apparatus 800 can affect tissue in the fat layer 210
without significantly affecting or damaging the overlying dermal
layer 220 when the apparatus 800 is withdrawn from the skin. For
example, a generation of mechanical disruption in the fat layer 210
can lead to cellular damage and/or death. The damaged or dead cells
may then be resorbed by the body over time, reducing the amount of
fat present in the treated area.
[0060] The cutting arrangement 810 can include, for example, one or
more thin wires, blades, or the like that extend across a portion
of the lumen of the needle 120. End views of two exemplary cutting
arrangements 810 are shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C. The cutting
arrangement 810 in FIGS. 8B and 8C can include a plurality of thin
wires or blades attached to the inner wall of the needle 120, and
traversing a portion of the lumen. Other configurations of the
cutting arrangement 810 can be provided in further embodiments of
the disclosure.
[0061] The exemplary apparatus 800 can be inserted into skin tissue
and then withdrawn as described herein, for example, with respect
to other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Such
exemplary insertion and withdrawal of the exemplary apparatus 800
can cause a portion of the fat layer 210 to enter the lumen of the
needle 120, with the overlying dermis layer 220 remaining
substantially unaffected after the apparatus 800 is fully
withdrawn. The fat tissue that enters the lumen may be damaged by
the cutting arrangement 810 during the insertion and withdrawal
procedures. The exemplary apparatus can may be partially withdrawn
from the skin and then advanced again a plurality of times before
fully withdrawing it from the skin. For example, the exemplary
apparatus 800 can be withdrawn until the distal end 110 is proximal
to the lower portion of the dermal layer 220, and then re-advanced
deeper into the fat layer 210. Such repeated cycles can create a
greater degree of local damage to the fat tissue. Little or no fat
may remain within the lumen when the apparatus 800 is withdrawn
from the skin. However, the damaged fat cells may die and be
resorbed by the body over time.
[0062] The features of the exemplary apparatus 800 can be used in
conjunction with the other exemplary embodiments described herein.
For example, a plurality of needles 120 that include a cutting
arrangement 810 can be affixed to a substrate 330, e.g., as shown
in FIGS. 3A-3C. One or more such needles 120 can also be coupled to
a reciprocating arrangement 420 as illustrated in FIG. 4, to
generate damage in a broader region of the fat layer 210.
[0063] The exemplary apparatus 800 can include a plurality of
needles 120 having different types of fat-disrupting arrangements
as described herein. For example, different ones of the needles 120
may include a protrusion 130, a pivoting flap 510, or a cutting
arrangement 810. In another exemplary embodiment, a plurality of
needles 120 containing different types of such fat disruption
arrangements 130, 510, 810 can be mechanically coupled to a
reciprocating arrangement 420 as described herein. Different ones
of the needles 120 in such multi-needle devices can optionally have
different lengths, which can facilitate harvesting or damaging of
fat at different depths within the fat layer 210.
[0064] In further exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure,
a vibrating arrangement can be mechanically coupled to any
exemplary apparatus described herein. Inducing vibration in the
needles 120 can facilitate detachment of fat portions 230 from the
surrounding tissue and/or can generate a greater mechanical damage
by a cutting arrangement provided in the needle 120.
[0065] The exemplary methods and devices described herein can be
used for a variety of purposes, for example, to remove small
portions of the fatty tissue for cosmetic purposes, to harvest stem
cells that may be present in regions of the subcutaneous fat layer
to harvest fatty tissue for implantation in other portions of the
body for cosmetic purposes, and/or to generate mechanical damage of
fat cells to promote cell death and resorption of damaged fat by
the body.
[0066] The foregoing merely illustrates the principles of the
present disclosure. Various modifications and alterations to the
described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art
in view of the teachings herein. It will thus be appreciated that
those skilled in the art will be able to devise numerous techniques
which, although not explicitly described herein, embody the
principles of the present disclosure and are thus within the spirit
and scope of the present disclosure. All patents and publications
cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
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