U.S. patent application number 17/714249 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-21 for method and device for skin treatment by muscle stimulation and pressure.
The applicant listed for this patent is POLLOGEN LTD.. Invention is credited to Zion Azar, Pinchas Shalev.
Application Number | 20220226648 17/714249 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-07-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220226648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shalev; Pinchas ; et
al. |
July 21, 2022 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR SKIN TREATMENT BY MUSCLE STIMULATION AND
PRESSURE
Abstract
A method and a system for skin treatment are presented. A muscle
stimulating element is configured to provide muscle stimulation to
a muscle layer located below the skin tissue, at least one pressure
application element is configured to apply pressure on the skin
tissue, a handheld applicator is configured to be placed in
vicinity of the skin tissue to deliver said muscle stimulation from
said muscle stimulating element and said pressure from said at
least one pressure application element to one or more muscles in
the muscle layer located below the skin tissue; and a control board
is configured and operable to activate the muscle stimulating
element and the at least one pressure application element according
to one or more activation patterns adapted to provide one or more
treatments to the skin tissue.
Inventors: |
Shalev; Pinchas; (Herzeliya,
IL) ; Azar; Zion; (Shoham, IL) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
POLLOGEN LTD. |
TEL AVIV-YAFO |
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IL |
|
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Appl. No.: |
17/714249 |
Filed: |
April 6, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16907252 |
Jun 21, 2020 |
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17714249 |
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15587487 |
May 5, 2017 |
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16907252 |
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13510062 |
May 16, 2012 |
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PCT/IL10/00947 |
Nov 16, 2010 |
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15587487 |
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61261381 |
Nov 16, 2009 |
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International
Class: |
A61N 1/32 20060101
A61N001/32; A61H 9/00 20060101 A61H009/00; A61H 23/00 20060101
A61H023/00; A61N 1/36 20060101 A61N001/36; A61B 18/04 20060101
A61B018/04 |
Claims
1. A method of treating a person's skin tissue, comprising:
providing a skin tissue treatment apparatus comprising: a muscle
stimulating element configured to provide muscle stimulation to a
muscle layer located below the skin tissue, at least one pressure
application element configured to apply pressure on the skin
tissue, a handheld applicator configured to be placed in vicinity
of the skin tissue to deliver said muscle stimulation from said
muscle stimulating element and said pressure from said at least one
pressure application element to one or more muscles in the muscle
layer located below the skin tissue; and providing a control board
configured and operable to activate the muscle stimulating element
and the at least one pressure application element according to one
or more activation patterns adapted to provide one or more
treatments to the skin tissue.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said one or more
treatments to the skin tissue comprise one or more of the
following: skin tightening, reducing distance between epidermis
layer and the muscle layer, fibroblast metabolism and/or collagen
production in a skin layer above the muscle layer.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is configured to apply at least one of
positive and negative pressure on the skin tissue.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein said handheld
applicator comprises one or more heads configured to contact the
skin tissue during said one or more treatments.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is formed by at least one of said one
or more heads, the pressure application element is configured to
apply a positive pressure to the skin tissue by manually moving
said handheld applicator over the skin tissue.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein said pressure
application element is configured to apply a positive pressure to
the skin tissue by one or more of the following: vibrating,
pushing, and pounding at least one of said one or more heads.
7. The method according to claim 3, wherein said at least one
pressure application element comprises a vacuum source configured
to apply the negative pressure by suction to the skin tissue.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is configured to apply both positive
and negative pressure to the skin tissue, said control board is
configured to activate the muscle stimulating element to provide
pulses of muscle stimulation signals to the skin tissue, said at
least one pressure application element being activated to apply the
positive pressure simultaneously with the pulses of the muscle
stimulation signals and to apply the negative pressure during
intervals between the pulses of the muscle stimulation signals.
9. The method according to claim 4, wherein said one or more heads
comprise one or more electrodes in electrical communication with
said muscle stimulating element, wherein said muscle stimulating
element comprises an electrical pulse generator configured to
provide electrical muscle stimulation signal (EMS) to the one or
more muscles in the muscle layer located below the skin tissue, and
wherein said one or more electrodes are configured to deliver the
electrical muscle stimulation signal to the skin tissue.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said activation
pattern of said EMS is user selectable and includes one or more of
the following: signal intensity, frequency, and duration, thereby
enabling to optimize the one or more treatments for different users
or different positions on body of the treated person.
11. The method according to claim 1, wherein said control board is
configured and operable to activate said muscle stimulation and
pressure application in one or more of the following activation
patterns: sequentially, intermittently and simultaneously, to
thereby provide muscle stimulation flow and cause selective
contraction and expansion of the one or more muscles in the muscle
layer located below the skin tissue.
12. A system of treating a person's skin tissue, comprising: a skin
tissue treatment apparatus comprising: a muscle stimulating element
configured to provide muscle stimulation to a muscle layer located
below the skin tissue, at least one pressure application element
configured to apply pressure on the skin tissue, a handheld
applicator configured to be placed in vicinity of the skin tissue
to deliver said muscle stimulation from said muscle stimulating
element and said pressure from said at least one pressure
application element to one or more muscles in the muscle layer
located below the skin tissue; and a control board configured and
operable to activate the muscle stimulating element and the at
least one pressure application element according to one or more
activation patterns adapted to provide one or more treatments to
the skin tissue.
13. The system according to claim 13, wherein said one or more
treatments to the skin tissue comprise one or more of the
following: skin tightening, reducing distance between epidermis
layer and the muscle layer, fibroblast metabolism and/or collagen
production in a skin layer above the muscle layer.
14. The system according to claim 12, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is configured to apply at least one of
positive and negative pressure on the skin tissue.
15. The method according to claim 12, wherein said handheld
applicator comprises one or more heads configured to contact the
skin tissue during said one or more treatments.
16. The system according to claim 15, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is formed by at least one of said one
or more heads, the pressure application element is configured to
apply a positive pressure to the skin tissue by manually moving
said handheld applicator over the skin tissue.
17. The system according to claim 15, wherein said pressure
application element is configured to apply a positive pressure to
the skin tissue by one or more of the following: vibrating,
pushing, and pounding at least one of said one or more heads.
18. The method according to claim 14, wherein said at least one
pressure application element comprises a vacuum source configured
to apply the negative pressure by suction to the skin tissue.
19. The system according to claim 12, wherein said at least one
pressure application element is configured to apply both positive
and negative pressure to the skin tissue, said control board is
configured to activate the muscle stimulating element to provide
pulses of muscle stimulation signals to the skin tissue, said at
least one pressure application element being activated to apply the
positive pressure simultaneously with the pulses of the muscle
stimulation signals and to apply the negative pressure during
intervals between the pulses of the muscle stimulation signals.
20. The system according to claim 15, wherein said one or more
heads comprise one or more electrodes in electrical communication
with said muscle stimulating element, wherein said muscle
stimulating element comprises an electrical pulse generator
configured to provide electrical muscle stimulation signal (EMS) to
the one or more muscles in the muscle layer located below the skin
tissue, and wherein said one or more electrodes are configured to
deliver the electrical muscle stimulation signal to the skin
tissue.
21. The system according to claim 12, wherein said control board is
configured and operable to activate said muscle stimulation and
pressure application in one or more of the following activation
patterns: sequentially, intermittently and simultaneously, to
thereby provide muscle stimulation flow and cause selective
contraction and expansion of the one or more muscles in the muscle
layer located below the skin tissue.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. application Ser. No. 16/907,252, filed Jun. 21, 2020, which is
a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.
15/587,487, filed May 5, 2017, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of and claims priority to U.S. application Ser. No.
13/510,062, filed May 16, 2012, now abandoned, which is a U.S.
National Stage application from and claims priority to PCT
Application No. PCT/IL2010/00947, filed Nov. 16, 2010, which claims
priority from U.S. provisional application No. 61/261,381 filed on
Nov. 16, 2009, all of which disclosures are herein incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to a device and
method for treating skin tissue by using a radio frequency (RF)
generator combined with muscle stimulation (MS), including
electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Skin tissue comprises an outer epidermal layer overlaying a
dermal layer. The dermal layer is in contact with a subcutaneous
adipose layer referred to as fatty tissue. Massaging the skin is
known to improve blood circulation in the subcutaneous adipose
tissue and help release fat from the cells of the fatty tissue into
the surrounding cellular matrix. The fat is then removed by the
body's lymphatic system.
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 5,961,475 to Guitay discloses a massaging
device in which negative pressure is applied to the user's skin
while massaging. The combined treatment increases the blood
circulation in the subcutaneous adipose tissue and breaks
connections between adipose cells in the tissue.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,884 to Altshuler et al. discloses
simultaneous application of optical energy and negative pressure to
the user's skin for treating skin defects.
[0006] There is however a need for improved methods to enhance the
release of fat from adipose tissue to increase lymphatic
drainage.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] An aspect of an embodiment of the invention, relates to an
apparatus and method for accelerating lymphatic drainage. The
method includes applying RF energy to heat the adipose layer.
Additionally the method includes massaging the skin above the area
that is heated by RF energy. Further additionally the method
includes electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to contract the
muscles below the heated area thus providing pressure on the
adipose layer from below. The apparatus is designed to apply the
above three methods either separately or any combination of them
simultaneously: namely, massaging the skin from above, causing
electrical muscle stimulation from below, and heating the fatty
tissue with RF radiation.
[0008] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the RF energy
is provided by a high frequency AC current, and the EMS energy is
provided by a low current DC pulse signal. Optionally, the
electrical energies (RF and EMS) are provided by a mono-polar
configuration wherein the apparatus applied to the user1s skin is
provided with a first electrode of one polarity, and a second
electrode of the opposite polarity is attached to the user or held
by the user to form a closed circuit. Alternatively, the electrical
energy may be provided by a bi-polar configuration wherein the
apparatus applied to the user's skin includes two electrodes to
form a closed circuit without attaching electrodes external to the
apparatus to the body of the user. In some embodiments of the
invention, the apparatus uses a multi-pole configuration wherein
the apparatus includes multiple electrodes of both poles of the
circuit.
[0009] In some embodiments of the invention, some electrodes
provide RF energy and other electrodes provide EMS energy.
Alternatively, the sanle electrodes are designed to synchronize the
pulses and deliver any of the two currents by control of the
apparatus.
[0010] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the skin
massage may be performed by applying positive pressure, for example
in the form of vibrations, pushing, pounding and the like.
Alternatively or additionally, the skin massage may be performed by
applying negative pressure, for example using a vacuum or suction
and the like. Optionally, the element of the apparatus applying the
pressure may be heated or cooled while applying the pressure.
[0011] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the
apparatus is placed m contact with the user 1s skin an electric
circuit is formed and electric current flows automatically from the
electrode to the user. Optionally, the RF energy may be coordinated
with the EMS energy so that both will be activated simultaneously
or separately by control of the apparatus.
[0012] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the frequency
of the RF energy is selected to heat the user's skin mainly at the
adipose layer positioned under the apparatus. The EMS flow is
designed to contract the muscles below the adipose layer causing
pressure on the fatty cells from below.
[0013] In some embodiments of the invention, parameters related to
the RF energy are user selectable, for example signal intensity,
frequency, duration and the like, to optimize usage of the
apparatus for different users or different positions on the body of
the user. Optionally, the parameters related to the EMS energy can
be modified to fit the needs of the user, for example by selecting
intensity, frequency, duration and the like.
[0014] In some embodiments of the invention, parameters related to
massaging the skin are user selectable, for example the vibration
rate, duration of vibrations, intensity, temperature of the
massaging element and the like. Alternatively, the massaging may be
performed by manually pressing the apparatus on the user's skin and
moving it over a designated area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The present invention will be understood and better
appreciated from the following detailed description taken in
conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or
parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled
with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they
appear, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fat reduction device
deployed upon a user's skin, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of liquefied fat exiting
from fat cells into the extra cellular matrix responsive to the use
of the fat reduction device, according to an exemplary embodiment
of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a fat reduction device
applying an electrical current to stimulate a user's muscles,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a fat reduction device
and the user's skin following use of the fat reduction device,
according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the elements of a fat
reduction device, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention; and
[0021] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an RF signal combined
with an EMS signal, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a fat reduction device
110 deployed upon a user's skin 120, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. The skin 120 includes an upper
epidermal layer 160, a lower dermal layer 170, and an adipose layer
140 (fat tissue layer). Muscles 150 are located below the adipose
layer 140.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat reduction
device 110 includes one or more heads 115 that serve as massage
contacts and optionally also as electrodes for applying electrical
energy. Optionally, fat reduction device 110 is adapted to perform
at least three actions:
[0024] 1. Massaging the outer layer of skin 120;
[0025] 2. Heating the adipose layer 140 using RF energy 130 (e.g.,
with a frequency between 0.5 MHz to 2 MHz);
[0026] 3. Stimulating the muscles 150 below the adipose layer 140
with an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) signal (e.g., with
pulses of DC current between +/-500 ma).
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat reduction
device 110 is deployed upon the user's skin 120 and applies
pressure with heads 115 to massage the skin 120. Optionally the
pressure may be in the form of vibrations, pushing, pounding, or
other tactile forms. Alternatively, or additionally, the massaging
may be in a negative form, for example by applying a vacuum or
suction or similar form. FIG. 1 demonstrates how the skin 120 takes
an uneven form due to the physical pressure exelied upon it. In
some embodiments of the invention, fat reduction device 110
includes an element that applies the pressure, for example a motor
a piezoelectric chip or other devices known in the art.
Alternatively, the pressure may be exerted by manually pressing
heads 115 against the user's skin.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the RF energy
130 is delivered through the skin to the adipose layer 140. The RF
energy 130 accelerates natural fat cell metabolism causing the
release of liquefied fat from the cells into the extra cellular
matrix. Additionally, the RF energy 130 heats collagen fibers and
stimulates fibroblast metabolism resulting in tightening of the
skin 120 and an increase in new collagen production.
[0029] Optionally, the physical pressure loosens the ties between
the fat cells and together with the heating from the RF energy 130
accelerates release of liquefied fat from the fat cells. The
heating and massaging also increase blood flow thus providing more
nourishment to the area and removing dead cells and other
impurities at all increased rate.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of liquefied fat 220
exiting from fat cells 210 into the extra cellular matrix
responsive to the use of the fat reduction device 110, according to
an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, the RF energy is set to heat the fat
cells 210 to a level wherein the temperature on the surface of the
skin does not exceed 40.degree. C.-45.degree. C. to prevent skin
damage. Optionally, higher temperature ranges may be possible for
short durations.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of fat reduction device
110 applying an electrical current 310 to stimulate the user's
muscles 150, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, electrical current 310
from the electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) pulse causes the
muscles 150 to contract below the adipose layer 140, which causes a
dual force to be applied to the fat cells 210. From above the
adipose layer 140 is pressured physically by fat reduction device
110 and from below the EMS signals cause the muscles 150 to exert
pressure on adipose layer 140. In some embodiments of the
invention, the RF energy 130 and/or the EMS pulse may be activated
by an activation switch on fat reduction device 110. Alternatively,
they may be activated upon contact with the user's skin, for
example by closing a circuit through the user's skin or by applying
pressure on the head of fat reduction device 110.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of fat reduction device
110 and the user's skin 120 following use of fat reduction device
110, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
Optionally, after applying fat reduction device 110 the distance
between the muscles 150 and the epidermal layer 160 is reduced due
to the exit of liquefied fat from the fat cells 210 of the adipose
layer 140. Additionally, the epidermal layer 160 becomes smoother
due to the tightening resulting from the collagen production as
described above.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the elements of fat
reduction device 110, according to an exemplary embodiment of the
invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat
reduction device 110 includes an RF generator 510 to provide an AC
current in the form of a radio frequency (RF) electrical pulse for
heating the user's skin 120. Optionally the AC signal is a low
current signal, for example of about 1-10 ma, 24 VAC with a
frequency between 0.5 MHz-2 MHz to prevent damage to the user's
skin 120. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat
reduction device 110 also includes an electric pulse (EP) generator
520 that provides low current DC pulse signals, for example between
+500 ma to -500 ma to cause the muscles 150 to expand and contract.
In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat reduction device
110 includes a control board 530 that determines the actions of the
device. Optionally, control board 530 may be a general purpose
computer or a dedicated circuit. Control board 530 controls the
duration, intensity, frequency and any other parameters of the
electric pulses of the electrical current 310 for stimulating the
muscles 150, and the RF energy 130 for heating the adipose layer
140. Additionally, the control board 530 determines the timing for
applying the EP signal and the RF signal. In some embodiments of
the invention, control board 530 includes a CPU, a memory, and
input/output devices, for example a keypad and a screen.
[0034] In some embodiments of the invention, the control board
accepts measurements from various sensors and controls fat
reduction device 110 responsive to the measurements, for example
temperature readings from a temperature sensor 550, which may
include a thermistor or thermocouple monitoring the skin
temperature. Optionally, the sensors may be placed in head 115, for
example adjacent to the electrodes.
[0035] In a . . . 11 exemplary embodiment of the invention, fat
reduction device 110 includes an applicator 540 for applying the
actions described above. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, fat reduction device 110 is fed from a power source 590.
Optionally, the power source 590 may be an internal power source,
for example a battery. Alternatively, power source 590 may be an
external power source, for example by connecting a power cable to a
standard household power outlet.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, applicator 540
includes one or more heads 115 that serve as massage contacts 560,
and electrodes 570. In some embodiments of the invention, the
applicator may include an activation switch 580 to turn on and off
fat reduction device 110, Optionally, activation switch 580 may be
independently controlled by the user or may be automatically
controlled, for example by placing fat reduction device 110 in
contact with the user1s body so that an electric circuit is formed
or by pressing the fat reduction device 110 against the user's body
causing the activation switch 580 to be depressed.
[0037] In some embodiments of the invention, fat reduction device
110 may use a mono-polar configuration wherein one pole of the
circuit is represented by one or more electrodes on heads 115 and
placed in contact with the user's skin. Optionally, the opposite
pole is placed as a patch on the user's body or on a handle for
grasping fat reduction device 110, to form a closed circuit.
Alternatively, fat reduction device 110 may use a bi-polar
configuration wherein both poles are represented by electrodes on
the head 115 of the device, and no external electrodes are
required. In some embodiments of the invention, a multi-polar
configuration is used, with multiple electrodes wherein some of the
electrodes on head 115 represent a first pole of the circuit and
some represent the opposite pole. Optionally, the polarity of the
electrodes may be controlled by control board 530, and their
polarity may alternate during use of fat reduction device 110.
[0038] In some embodiments of the invention, some of the electrodes
deliver RF energy 130 and some deliver electrical current 310.
Alternatively, the same electrodes may deliver RF energy 130 and
electrical current 310 intermittently. In some embodiments of the
invention, electrical current 310 from the electrical muscle
stimulation (EMS) signal is applied independent of the RF energy
signal 130.
[0039] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, control 530
controls the actions of the massage contacts 560. Optionally, the
massage contacts 560 may include a motor, a piezoelectric element,
a suction, a vacuum or other devices to massage the user's skin
either positively or negatively. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, the action of massage contacts 560 are synchronized with
the electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) so that the adipose layer
will be pressurized on both sides simultaneously. Alternatively,
each function may act independently. In some embodiments of the
invention, the massage is applied manually by pressing massage
contacts 560 against the user's skin 120, and optionally moving
them back and forth across the user's skin 120. Optionally, massage
contacts 560 may be made from a soft material or hard material
selected for providing a comfortable feeling to the user while
massaging the user's skin 120. In some embodiments of the
invention, the massage contacts 560 may include a heater to warm
the contacts to enhance comfort and/or effectiveness of the
massage.
[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an RF energy signal
synchronized with an EMS signal, according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, an electric pulse 610 of for example 100 micro-seconds
is provide during an interval of 1 ms after which a RF energy
signal 620 is applied, for example for a duration of 9 ms. This
sequence is applied repetitively while the fat reduction device is
activated. Optionally, other duration may be used, for example the
duration of electric pulse 610 may be longer than the duration of
RF radiation signal 620 or vice versa.
[0041] It should be appreciated that the above-described methods
and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting or
adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices
used. It should be appreciated that different features may be
combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features
shown above in a particular embodiment are necessary in every
embodiment of the invention. Further combinations of the above
features are also considered to be within the scope of some
embodiments of the invention.
[0042] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present
invention is defined only by the claims, which follow.
* * * * *