U.S. patent number RE42,960 [Application Number 11/027,590] was granted by the patent office on 2011-11-22 for microdermabrasion device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Altair Instruments, Inc.. Invention is credited to Stephen H. Waldron.
United States Patent |
RE42,960 |
Waldron |
November 22, 2011 |
Microdermabrasion device
Abstract
A treatment tool and tissue collection system, for removal of
outer layers of skin to provide a revitalized, fresh skin surface,
and a method of using same, comprising a abrasive tipped tool
mounted on the end or within the end of a hollow tube, said tube
being connected to a source of vacuum. The vacuum aids in
maintaining intimate contact between the abrasive tip and the skin
during the treatment process and transports the removed tissue to a
collection container. The abrasive surface within the tube is a
motor driven abrasive pad. Contact between the pad and the abrasive
disk is brought about or increased by application of a vacuum
through the tube to the skin surface.
Inventors: |
Waldron; Stephen H. (Camarillo,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Altair Instruments, Inc.
(Camarillo, CA)
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Family
ID: |
23747102 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/027,590 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2000 |
PCT
Filed: |
November 09, 2000 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/US00/42049 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
July 03, 2001 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO01/41651 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
June 14, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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09440020 |
Jun 5, 2001 |
6241739 |
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Reissue of: |
09869787 |
Jul 3, 2001 |
6500183 |
Dec 31, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
606/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61P
17/00 (20180101); A61P 17/02 (20180101); A61P
17/12 (20180101); A61B 17/545 (20130101); A61B
17/54 (20130101); A61B 2017/320004 (20130101); A61B
2017/00761 (20130101); A61H 9/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A61B
17/50 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;606/131,9,36,43,133
;30/26 ;132/73,73.5,73.6,74.5,75,75.3,75.6,76.4,76.5 ;D28/56 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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0564392 |
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Oct 1993 |
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EP |
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9800524 |
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Jan 1998 |
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FR |
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WO 00/67692 |
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Nov 2000 |
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WO |
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Other References
News Release, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, An Update
on Micro-Dermabrasion, May 19, 1999, pp. 1-2. cited by other .
Nidecker, Anna, "Microdermabrader Offers Alternative to Laser
Peels", [Skin & Allergy News 29(3) 48, 1998 International
Medical News Group], pp. 1-2. cited by other .
U.S. Appl. No. 2002/0107527 A1; filed Aug. 8, 2002, Burres. cited
by examiner .
John M. Yarboroughm "American Society For Dermatologic Surgery",
May 19, 1999, pp. 1-2 (Internet Printout). cited by other .
Steven B. Hopping, "Microdermabrader Offers Alternative to Laser
Peels", Skin & Allergy News 29(3):48, 1998, p. 1-2 (Internet
Printout). cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Houston; Elizabeth
Assistant Examiner: Miles; Jonathan W
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Koppel, Patrick, Heybl &
Philpott Ram; Michael J.
Parent Case Text
This application is a National Stage Application filed under 35 USC
.sctn.371 claiming benefit of PCT/US00/42049 filed Nov. 9, 2000,
which was designated as a CIP of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/440,020 filed Nov. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,739 issued
Jun. 5, 2001.
Claims
I claim:
1. A microdermabrasion device for removing portions of the outer
layers of a skin surface comprising: a source of a vacuum,
.[.and.]. a tube with an abrasive treatment tip therein for
dislodging cells from the skin surface being treated, the tube
being attached to the source of vacuum so that a lumen through the
tube has a reduced pressure therein which is less than the ambient
pressure surrounding the tube, the tube having a first end, said
first end having an opening therein for applying the reduced
pressure within the tube to the skin surface, said vacuum causing
the skin surface being treated to have an increased area of contact
with the abrasive tip, the vacuum also functioning to collect
tissue or cells removed from the skin surface being treated wherein
the abrasive treatment tip is .[.a rotatable.]. .Iadd.an
.Iaddend.abrasive pad located within .[.and.]. .Iadd.the tube
.Iaddend.adjacent to the opening of the first end .Iadd.configured
to rotate at least 360.degree. within the tube, and a collection
filter disposed between the treatment tip and the source of vacuum
so that all particulate matter entering the at least one opening in
the tube is collected therein.Iaddend..
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the source of vacuum is a vacuum
pump enclosed within a housing, the housing .[.have.]. .Iadd.having
.Iaddend.means thereon for monitoring and controlling the level of
vacuum delivered.
3. The device of claim 1 further including means for varying the
level of reduced pressure applied through the treatment tip.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the means for varying the level of
reduced pressure applied through the treatment tip is a valve
mechanism mounted in the treatment tube.
5. The device of claim 3 wherein the means for varying the level of
reduced pressure applied through the treatment tip is a valve
mechanism in operative connection to the source of vacuum.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the abrasive tip has diamond,
aluminum oxide, silicone carbide, silicon oxide or metal nitride
particles attached thereto.
7. The device of claim 1 wherein the abrasive tip has a
mechanically or chemically created roughened surface.
8. The device of claim 1 further including a collection filter
disposed between the treatment tip and the source of vacuum so that
all particulate matter entering the at least one opening in the
tube is collected therein.
9. A microdermabrasion device for performing micro-abrasion of a
skin surface comprising a tubular device with a lumen there
through, the tubular device having a first end with a rotatable
abrasive tip having an abrasive surface, .Iadd.the abrasive tip
mounted on a multiple RPM drive to provide rotary motion,
.Iaddend.the first end having an opening therein, the rotatable tip
positioned inside the lumen and adjacent the opening, .[.and.].
means on a second end thereof for attachment to a source of a
vacuum to apply a negative pressure to a surface to be treated,
said vacuum causing increased .[.contacted.]. .Iadd.contact
.Iaddend.between the skin surface and the abrasive surface.Iadd.,
and a collection filter disposed between the first end and the
source of vacuum so that all particulate matter entering the
opening in the tube is collected therein.Iaddend..
10. The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive surface on
the tip comprises crystalline diamond pieces permanently secured to
said tip.
11. The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive surface on
the tip comprises crystalline aluminum oxide pieces permanently
secured to said tip.
12. A method of treating the skin surface of a patient to remove
surface cells and reduce undesirable skin blemishes comprising:
providing a microdermabrasion device comprising a tubular treatment
tool with a rotatable abrasive skin contacting surface within an
open distal end of a lumen of the treatment tool, .Iadd.providing a
multiple RPM rotational drive,.Iaddend. providing a pressure
through the lumen within the tubular treatment tool, the pressure
being less than ambient pressure surrounding the treatment tube,
bringing the .Iadd.rotatable .Iaddend.abrasive skin contacting
surface into contact with the skin surface to be treated while said
lesser pressure is delivered to the skin surface through the lumen
and moving the abrasive skin contacting surface across the skin
surface .[.wherein.]. .Iadd.while .Iaddend.the rotatable abrasive
skin contacting surface is .[.a motor driven abrasive disk.].
located within the lumen of the treatment tool and adjacent the
open distal end .Iadd.is rotated by the rotational drive.Iaddend.,
said vacuum providing increased contact between the skin surface
and the abrasive disk.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the abrasive skin contacting
surface has an abrasive crystalline material adhered thereto.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the abrasive skin contacting
surface is formed by a machining process.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the abrasive crystalline
material is diamond crystals.
.Iadd.16. The microdermabrasion device of claim 1 further including
a delivery conduit mounted on the tube for providing chemicals to
enhance abrasion and liquids to reduce friction, or irrigate or
cool the skin surface and remove material loosened from the skin
surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.17. The microdermabrasion device of claim 9 further including
a delivery tube mounted on the tubular device for providing
chemicals to enhance abrasion and liquids to reduce friction, or
irrigate or cool the skin surface and remove material loosened from
the skin surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.18. The method of claim 12 further including providing
through the tubular treatment tool and to the skin surface
chemicals to enhance abrasion and liquids to reduce friction, or
irrigate or cool the skin surface and remove material loosened from
the skin surface while the abrasive skin contacting surface is
moved across the skin surface being treated..Iaddend.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue collection
system for remove of outer layers of skin to provide a revitalized,
fresh skin surface. This objective is to remove dead and old skin
cells without damaging the remaining skin surface and without the
use of powdered abrasive materials because these materials may
result in undesirable side effects.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Dermabrasion, also referred to as microdermabrasion, is a process
for removal of dead cells from the outermost layer of the skin,
referred to as the epidermis, clean out blocked pores, and enhance
skin tone. Additionally, the margins of acne scars and other
traumatic scars can be erased and aging spots and sun damaged skin
can be polish off. Still further, charred tissue, following a burn
injury must be removed to enhance healing of the underlying tissue.
This must be accomplished without injuring the lower two layers,
namely, the dermis and the subcutaneous layer or lower dermis.
Typically, the skin surface is treated a minimum of 5 times spaced
7 to 10 days apart. This is then followed by periodic maintenance
sessions. The benefits are: 1. poor, dull skin is enhanced by a
gentle resurfacing of the superficial skin layers, 2. expression
lines typically seen on the forehead and around the mouth are
softened, 3. fine, crepey lines on the cheeks, generally caused by
aging and sun damage are reduced, 4. pigment changes and skin
discoloration are reduced, 5. enlarged pores are reduced and
clogged pores typical in acne conditions are exfoliated and cleaned
out, and 6. margins of superficial acne marks, stretch marks, burn
scars and surgical scars can be smoothed.
Use of abrasion techniques can be traced back to the ancient
Egyptians who used alabaster and pumice to remove blemishes and
rough spots and to make the skin smooth and soft. More recently,
abrasive tipped devices or rotating brushes and cylinders coated
with abrasive particles, such as diamond dust, have been used to
remove skin layers (U.S. Pat. No. 2,712,823; U.S. Pat. No.
2,867,214; U.S. Pat. No. 2,881,763; U.S. Pat. No. 2,921,585). U.S.
Pat. No. 5,800,446 describes a stick, glove finger tip or glove
palm coated with an abrasive material which is rubbed over the skin
surface to provide a polishing action. U.S. Pat. No. 3,964,212
directed to a pneumatic grinding machine for flat surfaces,
incorporates a rotating grinding tool enclosed in a housing with
air flowing over the surface to collect dust created by the
grinding operation. U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,804 is directed to a skin
abrasion device which uses flowing water to rotate an abrasive
brush and create a vacuum to remove loosened skin particles. The
rotating brush is usually used in conjunction with a liquid
detergent or medicinal compound applied to the skin surface being
scrubbed. Chemicals, ultrasonic oscillating tips (U.S. Pat. No.
5,012,797) and lasers have also been used for a more aggressive
abrasion. U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,431 describes the use of a
pressurized jet of a liquid, such as water or sterile saline, to
fragment and remove diseased tissue without harming surrounding
healthy tissue. This device operates in conjunction with vacuum
aspiration to remove the liquid and fragmented tissue.
The present trend is to abrade the skin surface using powdered
aluminum oxide or a liquid topical composition containing suspended
aluminum oxide (U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,747). U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,432
provides for the pressurized delivery, using compressed air, of a
powdered, abrasive substance and the removal of the abrasive
substance and loosened skin tissue using a vacuum. The abrasive
substance is typically microcrystals of quartz, metal, or aluminum
oxide. The powdered abrasive is blown through a wand which has a
hole in the skin contact end to provide access of the abrasive to
the skin surface being treated. An alternative is to cause the
aluminum oxide powders to flow by applying a vacuum to the exhaust
side of a container holding the abrasive powder and entraining the
powder in a flowing gas stream. The powder is then drawn by the
vacuum through a treatment tool, across the skin surface to abrade
or rub off the epidermis and then recovered along with the skin
particles in a collection chamber (U.S. Pat. No. 5,100,412; U.S.
Pat. No. 5,207,234; U.S. Pat. No. 5,810,842). This process is
similar to "bead-blasting". A potential disadvantage of all of
these techniques is that particles can be lodged in the skin and a
substantial amount of aluminum oxide and cells, which have to be
properly disposed of, may be left behind on or in the skin.
While no toxic effects have been shown from aluminum oxide left on
or in the skin, this material has been shown to cause inflammatory
changes to the lungs in workers who have inhaled aluminum oxide. (
Schwarz, Y, et al., "Evaluation of Workers Exposed to Dust
Containing Hard Metals and Aluminum Oxide" Am J of Ind Med, 34(20;
177-82) 1999 Aug.). Also, the eyes must be protected from the
highly abrasive dust, which can injure the cornea. Therefore, it is
recommended that workers using these devices wear breathing masks
and glasses to provide protection from ophthalmic and respiratory
damage. Similar protection is suggested for patients being treated.
It is also possible that particles of the abrasive material can be
left imbedded in the skin surface resulting in long term irritation
and provide a situs for bacterial infections.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The device for microdermabrasion comprises a hollow tube with and
abrasive material permanent attached to a skin contacting end. The
abrasive coated tip is moved over the skin surface while a vacuum
is applied through the tube to the skin surface to remove cells
abraded from the skin surface. The vacuum also causes the skin to
be held in intimate contact with the abrasive tip during the
treatment procedure.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a device incorporating features of
the invention.
FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a treatment tube and filter
assembly used in the device of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of the vacuum flow path of the device
of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of the end of the treatment tube.
FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG. 4.
FIGS. 6 and 7, are cutaway side views of two different treatment
tubes usable with the device of FIG. 1.
FIGS. 8 and 9 are end views of the two different treatment tubes of
FIGS. 6 and 7, respectively
FIG. 10 is a cutaway side view of the end of a sloped treatment
tube.
FIG. 11 is a cutaway side view of the end of a tapered treatment
tube.
FIG. 12 is a cutaway side view of a valved treatment tube.
FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of the end of a treatment tube with
a second tube for delivery of a supplemental treatment fluid.
FIG. 14 is a side cutaway side view of the end of a treatment tube
with an enlarged, sloped end.
FIG. 15 is an end view of the treatment tube of FIG. 14.
FIG. 16 is a side cutaway side view of the end of a treatment tube
with an enlarged, sloped concave end.
FIG. 17 is a view of a rectangular shaped treatment surface with
the handle being the conduit for the vacuum.
FIG. 18 is a cutaway side view of the end of a treatment tube with
an enlarged, rectangular shaped end.
FIG. 19 is schematic perspective view of a further version of a
device incorporating features of the invention incorporating a
rotating abrasion piece.
FIG. 20 is cutaway side view of a hand piece for use with the
device of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is an enlarged cutaway view of the circle portion of FIG.
20.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides the capability to perform microdermabrasion
without the potential health risks or hazards of using a flowing,
powdered metallic substance such as aluminum oxide. This is
generally accomplished by the use of a tube having a treatment tip
with an abrasive material permanently attached thereto. The term
"tube" or "tubular" used herein refers to an elongated hollow
structure of any cross section, which includes, but is not limited
to, a round, oval, square or rectangle cross section. The abrasive
coated end piece, which may also have various different shaped
cross sections, may be secured to the treatment tip or be removable
and interchangeable. The abrasive tip is rubbed over the skin
surface being treated. The tube and related instrumentation also
provides a vacuum collection and an optional filter system for
collection of the skin cells removed by the procedure, the skin
cells being aspirated through a hole or holes in the central
portion of the abrasive tip. The vacuum also aids in making an
intimate contact between the skin and the abrasive coated tip.
FIG. 1 shows the overall system which comprises a housing 10 which
encloses a vacuum pump 24, an ON/OFF switch 12, a gauge 14 to
measure the level of vacuum and a valve 16 to adjust the vacuum.
While not necessary for operation of the invention, shown mounted
on the external surface of the housing 10 is a filter assembly 18.
Attached to the filter assembly 18 is a hollow tube or wand
assembly 20 upon which the treatment tip 22 is mounted. The other
end of the filter assembly 18 is connected to the vacuum pump 24
located inside the housing 10.
FIG. 2 shows the wand assembly 20 comprising tubing 26 connecting
the tip 22 and filter assemble 18. Within the filter assembly 18 is
a filter pad 28 which collects the loosened skin tissue and
prevents the skin tissue or collected body fluids and oils from
entering the vacuum pump. The various different tips 22 are
discussed in detail herein below. The tubing 26 is flexible so that
it is easy to manipulate the tip and to allow ready connection of
the wand assembly 20 to an upper hollow extension 30 on the
external surface of the filter assembly 18 and a connector tube 32
on the tip. Since the system uses vacuum, the connections are
self-sealing.
A lower hollow extension 34 extending from the filter assembly 18
fits into a matching hole on the main housing. 10. The filter
assembly 18 is easily removable so that it can be replaced after
each patient and disposed of. The filtration pad 28 inside the
filter housing 18 catches the debris but allows air to easily flow
through the pad. The lower hollow extension 34 allows air pulled
through the filter assembly 18 to be drawn into the vacuum pump
24.
FIG. 3 shows the flow of the air stream through the vacuum system.
It comprising a vacuum pump 24, filter assembly 18, tubing 26 which
connects the filter to the treatment tip 22 and vacuum line 36
connecting the filter assembly 18 to the vacuum pump 24. The vacuum
pump 24 is operated at a fixed speed to produce a fixed vacuum
level. To control the level of vacuum applied through the treatment
tip 22 to the skin, a valve 16 vents air into the system, thus
reducing the amount of vacuum. Gauge 14 allows the level of vacuum
to be monitored. Of course, the vacuum pump can be operated at
different speeds to change the level of vacuum applied.
Referring to FIG. 2, a vacuum is applied through the tube 26 to a
hole 38 in the treatment tip 22. The tip 22 is brought into contact
with skin, the vacuum causing the skin to be pressed against a
roughened surface on the end 40 of the treatment tip. As the tube
is manually moved across skin the roughened surface abrades the
epidermis dislodging cells from the surface. The vacuum causes the
dislodged cells to flow into the wand assembly 32. The level of
abrasion depends on the level of vacuum applied to the treatment
tip and the size of the abrasive particles attached to the
treatment tip.
FIG. 4 is a side view of the working end of the treatment tip 22.
The end of the treatment tube 22 has diamond grit 42 preferably
adhered to the end of a metal tube by a plating process using
nickel 44 as a binder. The nickel 44 is applied in a controlled
manner so that sufficient nickel is present to hold each piece of
diamond in place, but yet allow a faceted portion of the diamond to
be exposed, the sharp edges of the diamond providing the cutting
edges. A diamond particle size of around 0.0035 inches (63-75
microns) produces a smooth and uniform removal of skin surface.
However, diamond particles from about 50 to about 150 microns can
be used to produce different levels of abrasion, the larger
particles removing more skin cells and performing the cell removal
more rapidly. However, if the particles are to large the dermis can
be damaged and injury to the second and third layers of skin can
occur. Very fine particles remove few skin cells and act more in a
polishing manner. Other abrasive materials, such as aluminum oxide,
can be bonded to the treating tool tip or the tip itself can have a
roughened surface cut into the end thereof Use of all adhered
aluminum oxide of about 100 grit (151 .mu.) provides a coarse
(aggressive) treatment, and use of about a 120 grit (127 .mu.)
material provides a medium level of treatment. Particles with a
higher grit (i.e. small size particles) would create more of a
polishing effect. Of course, many different hard abrasive materials
known to those skilled in the art, such as silicon carbide, silicon
oxide, and various metal nitrates can be used in place of the
diamond or aluminum oxide.
The dimensions and materials used to construct the wand assembly 20
are not critical. However, a preferred treatment tip 22 is formed
from a 12 mm OD stainless steel tube with a 6 mm ID and a diamond
coated end. The stainless steel/diamond tool can be steam or
chemical sterilized between uses without damage. A first
alternative would be to have a single use or single patient tube,
which is made of plastic, the end being coated with aluminum oxide,
or similar abrasive materials. The abrasive can also be adhered
with an adhesive. A further alternative would be a tube, which
could be stainless steel, plastic or other stiff tubular material,
with a suitable removable and replaceable tip or a tip with an
abrasive end surface formed by a machining process.
FIGS. 6 and 8 show a removable disc 46 sized to fit over the end 40
of the tube 22. The disc 46 has an abrasive end or abrasive
material attached to the outer end. During the procedure various
disc with different abrasive characteristics can be interchanged
and at the conclusion of the procedure the disc(s) 46 can be
discarded.
The end of the tube can also be made abrasive by machining the
surface as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9 in a manner commonly called
knurling. Diamond shaped projections 48 are raised on the surface
for abrading in any direction. This would be similar to the
construction of wood and metal files. The tip as shown in FIG. 9
can also be provided which raised portions tapered and oriented in
only one direction, similar to a saw teeth, except the tooth would
only be a few thousands of an inch high, to achieve smooth abrading
of the surface.
Besides providing different means of abrasion on the end of the
treatment tip 22, the contour or shape of the tip can be varied.
FIGS. 6 and 7 show a flat end. The flat end can provide a greater
surface area in contact with the skin for an aggressive removal of
surface cells. A concave surface as shown in FIG. 4, in conjunction
with the vacuum applied to the skin surface results in a more
uniform cutting surface on the skin. For easier access to difficult
to reach locations the roughened ends can be sloped, as shown in
FIG. 10, or tapered, rounded or cone shaped, as shown in FIG. 11,
to better treat curved surfaces, such as the area between the cheek
and the nose.
The device uses a vacuum pump 24 which generates a constant level
of vacuum, which is controlled (lessened) by the venting of air
into the system by the valve 16 mounted in the housing 10. As an
alternative, the full vacuum can be applied to the wand assembly
20. The level of vacuum can then be decreased by air vented into
the system through vent hole 50 by adjusting flow control valve 52
mounted on the wand 22 or treatment tube 20, as shown in FIG. 12.
The valve 52 can be configured to be a simple on/off control or
variable so that suction can be readily adjusted by the operator
while performing the procedure.
While the treatment tube can be used alone to abrade the skin and
the vacuum system can be configured to primarily pick up the
loosened skin cells, it has been found that applying the vacuum
through the hole 38 in the end of the treatment tip 40 provides an
unexpected advantage. The skin being treated is pulled against the
abrasive tip, thus increasing the effectiveness of the tissue
abrasion and removal process. Sealing off ambient air raises the
level of vacuum and makes the abrasion more aggressive. The concave
tip as shown in FIG. 4 is particularly effective when used in
conjunction with a vacuum, as it provides a larger surface area for
the skin/abrasive material contact.
As a further variation, the treatment tip 22 can have an enlarged
abrasive coated end 56, 58 which is flat and slopped or sloped and
concave such as shown in FIGS. 14 and 16 respectively. While a
single hole 38 in the center of the end 56 may be used for applying
the vacuum, the efficacy of the abrasive tip can be improved by
using several holes 38 therein FIG. 15 is an end view showing an
example of a flat, sloped abrasive tip with multiple openings for
application of the vacuum to the skin surface. An end view of the
concave tip of FIG. 16 would have a similar appearance. Further,
while FIGS. 14 and 16 show the end to be part of the treatment tip
22 it could be a separate removable piece as shown in FIGS. 6 and
8. These configurations have particular utility in treating large
flat body surfaces such as the chest, back and legs of an
individual. They can also be used where a large abrasive treatment
surface is desired but it is preferential to spread out the applied
vacuum so that it does not aggressively suck skin into the tip or
suck the skin into the tip at a single point.
FIG. 13 shows a second tube 54 mounted on the treatment tip 22. The
tube could be used to allow the metered use of chemicals to enhance
the abrasion or supply or other liquids to reduce friction.
To use devices embodying the invention the vacuum is applied,
through the treatment tool, to the area of the skin to be treated
while the abrasive surface, which surrounds the applied vacuum, is
moved over the skin surface to be treated. The abrasive tip is
typically moved over the skin surface in a circular motion.
However, a combination of vertical and horizontal movements of the
tip, with or without the circular movements, may also be used to
assure that the skin area is uniformly treated. Also, if a
particular skin blemish or abnormality is to be treated. The tip
motion can be restricted to that particular portion of the
skin.
FIGS. 17 and 18 show an elongated treatment end with a large
central opening 59 for application of the vacuum to the skin. In
this case, the device has wide treatment, shaded like a razor, and
elongated abrasive areas for debrading flat areas of skin.
The further embodiment shown in FIGS. 19-21, while useful for
general skin abrasion procedures discussed above, has particular
utility where patients have serious bums and must have the dead
skin and charred tissue removed. Removing this tissue quickly after
the bum can reduce the possibility of infection since the dead
tissue is a location where harmful bacteria can hide.
Presently, devices to remove this dead and charred tissue are
called diamond fraises. Fraises are cylinders coated with diamond
abrasive which are rotated with an electric motor. These are
essentially high-speed, hand-held grinders. The procedure is messy
even though there are guards which are suppose to reduce the spray
generated. Besides the mess and potential medical risk to medical
practitioners performing the abrasion, it is very difficult to
uniformly remove the desired tissue.
An additional use of this embodiment is to reduce major scars.
These scars can be caused by severe acne, where the skin is heavily
indented, or in the case of trauma, the scar may protrude above the
skin surface.
A device which can uniformly remove both the charred material
resulting from bums and reduce trauma scaring is shown in FIGS.
19-21.
FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of the system comprising a console
110 which houses a power on-off switch 109, a vacuum pump 111, a
gauge 112 to display the vacuum pressure, a control valve 113 with
knob to adjust the vacuum pressure, an electronic control 114 to
power the hand piece motor 115 and a cord 116 which connects the
hand piece 150 to the motor control. A canister 118 is used to
separate the tissue and fluids from the vacuum air while a
container 119 holds sterile fluids to irrigate the diamond disc 130
and the area of the skin being abraded.
The hand piece 150 is constructed as shown in FIG. 20. Within the
hand piece 150 is a rotating abrader 132 which is removable for
cleaning. An abrasive coating 130 working end of the rotating
abrader 132 is used to abrade the skin surface 131. Rotation of the
abrader 132 is provided by electric motor 133 which is activated by
the on/off control 117 mounted on the hand piece. An alternative is
to use a foot pedal (not shown) to turn the motor on and off.
Tubing 134 provides fluid for irrigation. This fluid also acts as a
coolant and aides in removing the loosened skin and char particles.
Tubing 135 is a conduit for providing a vacuum force to the
abrasion site, the opposite end being connected to the particle
collection system 118 and vacuum source 111. The vacuum is
maintained in the hand piece 150 tip by vacuum seal 136. This seal
also keeps fluids out of the motor portion of the handpiece. The
components of the handpiece are enclosed within housing 137, the
open end 152 of which contacts the skin and creates a chamber for
the vacuum. The housing 137 may be constructed of a clear plastic
for visibility, structural plastics or any of numerous metals, such
as stainless steel or aluminum, frequently used for medical
instruments and which can be easily cleaned and sterilized.
As indicated above, the console 110 houses the vacuum pump 111, the
vacuum gauge 112 and the control valve 113. The adjustable vacuum
is used to provide a negative pressure between the skin surface 131
and the abrasive 130 on the rotating disc 132. The vacuum also
sweeps away the debris and irrigation fluid. The fluid and debris
is separated from the air by a filter in the collection system 118.
Irrigation fluid, contained in a sterile reservoir 119, is supplied
to the abrading surface by the tube 138.
To operate the system, the vacuum is set to a low pressure (for
example 10 in-hg) and the motor speed is set to the desired speed
(for example 15,000 RPM). The open end of the hand piece 150 is
placed against the skin surface 131. The vacuum causes the skin to
bulge slightly and be sucked into the open tip 152 of the hand
piece 150, bringing it into contact with the abrasive surface. The
reduced (negative) pressure also causes the irrigation fluid to
flow into the hand piece, thus lubricating and cooling the surface
to be abraded. The on-off button 117 is depressed starting the
motor. The hand piece is then moved along the surface, abrading and
removing the tissue that comes into contact with the abrasive
surface. The debris flows through the vacuum tubing 139 and into
the collection chamber/filter 118.
As indicated above, the abrasive surface can be provided in many
ways, such as by a diamond coating, machined surface, or even a
raise surface such as in a common cheese grater.
Also, the size can be varied from a large abrasive surface for
burns to a pencil point abrader for small surgical scars.
While the invention has been shown and described with reference to
different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those
skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions
and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.
For example, the vacuum does not have to be provided by a vacuum
pump with controller housing but can be provided by a centrally
located vacuum system such as may be available in a hospital or
medical facility. However, to prevent contamination of the vacuum
system the filter assembly should be provided to collect the tissue
removed. The abrasive tip has been described as formed by adhering
or attaching an abrasive material thereto or machining the surface
of the tip to create a roughened surface. However, one skilled in
the art will recognize that there are numerous chemical and
mechanical processes to create a roughened surface on the end of
the treatment tip sufficient for performing the process described
herein.
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