Patent Application
20070213698
1. Technical Field
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for utilizing electromagnetic radiation, especially radiation with wavelengths between 300 nm and 100 μm, to treat various dermatology, cosmetic, health, and immune conditions, and more particularly to such methods and apparatus operating at power and energy levels that they are safe enough and inexpensive enough to be performed in both medical and non-medical settings, including spas, salons and the home.
2. Background Art
Optical radiation has been used for many years to treat a variety of dermatology and other medical conditions. Currently, photocosmetic procedures are performed using professional-grade devices. Such procedures have generally involved utilizing a laser, flash lamp or other relatively high power optical radiation source to deliver energy to the patient's skin surface in excess of 100 watts/cm2, and generally, to deliver energy substantially in excess of this value. The high-power optical radiation source(s) required for these treatments (a) are expensive and can also be bulky and expensive to mount; (b) generate significant heat which, if not dissipated, can damage the radiation source and cause other problems, thus requiring that bulky and expensive cooling techniques be employed, at least for the source; and (c) present safety hazards to both the patient and the operator, for example, to both a person's eyes and non-targeted areas of the patient's skin. As a result, expensive safety features must frequently be added to the apparatus, and generally such apparatus must be operated only by medical personnel. The high energy at the patient's skin surface also presents safety concerns and may limit the class of patients who can be treated; for example, it may often not be possible to treat very dark-skinned individuals. The high energy may further increase the cost of the treatment apparatus by requiring cooling of tissue above and/or otherwise abutting a treatment area to protect such non-target tissue.
The high cost of the apparatus heretofore used for performing optical dermatology procedures, generally in the tens of thousands of dollars, and the requirement that such procedures be performed by medical personnel, has meant that such treatments are typically infrequent and available to only a limited number of relatively affluent patients.
However, a variety of conditions, some of them quite common, can be treated using photocosmetic procedures (also referred to as photocosmetic treatments). For example, such treatments include, but are not limited to, hair growth management, including limiting or eliminating hair growth in undesired areas and stimulating hair growth in desired areas, treatments for PFB (Pseudo Follicolitus Barbe), vascular lesions, skin rejuvenation, skin anti-aging including improving skin texture, pore size, elasticity, wrinkles and skin lifting, improved vascular and lymphatic systems, improved skin moistening, removal of pigmented lesions, repigmentation, tattoo reduction/removal, psoriasis, reduction of body odor, reduction of oiliness, reduction of sweat, reduction/removal of scars, prophylacetic and prevention of skin diseases, including skin cancer, improvement of subcutaneous regions, including reduction of fat/cellulite or reduction of the appearance of fat/cellulite, pain relief, biostimulation for muscles, joints, etc. and numerous other conditions.
Additionally, acne is one of the conditions that are treatable using photocosmetic procedures. Acne is a widely spread disorder of sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are small oil-producing glands. A sebaceous gland is usually a part of a sebaceous follicle (which is one type of follicle), which also includes (but is not limited to) a sebaceous duct and a pilary canal. A follicle may contain an atrophic hair (such a follicle being the most likely follicle in which acne occurs), a vellus hair (such a follicle being a less likely follicle for acne to develop in), or may contain a normal hair (acne not normally occurring in such follicles).
Disorders of follicles are numerous and include acne vulgaris, which is the single most common skin affliction. Development of acne usually starts with formation of non-inflammatory acne (comedo) that occurs when the outlet from the gland to the surface of the skin is plugged, allowing sebum to accumulate in the gland, sebaceous duct, and pilary canal. Although exact pathogenesis of acne is still debated, it is firmly established that comedo formation involves a significant change in the formation and desquamation of the keratinized cell layer inside the infrainfundibulum. Specifically, the comedos form as a result of defects in both desquamating mechanism (abnormal cell cornification) and mitotic activity (increased proliferation) of cells of the epithelial lining of the infrainfundibulum.
The chemical breakdown of triglycerides in the sebum, predominantly by bacterial action, releases free fatty acids, which in turn trigger an inflammatory reaction producing the typical lesions of acne. Among microbial population of pilosebaceous unit, most prominent is Propionibacterium Acnes (P. Acnes). These bacteria are causative in forming inflammatory acne.
A variety of medicines are available for acne. Topical or systemic antibiotics are the mainstream of treatment. Oral isotretinoin is a very effective agent used in severe cases. However, an increasing antibiotic resistance of P. Acnes has been reported by several researchers, and significant side effects of isotretinoin limit its use. As a result, the search continues for efficient acne treatments with at most minimal side effects, and preferably with no side effects.
To this end, several techniques utilizing light have been proposed. For example, R. Anderson discloses laser treatments of sebaceous gland disorders with laser sensitive dyes, the method of this invention involving applying a chromophore-containing composition to a section of the skin surface, letting a sufficient amount of the composition penetrate into spaces in the skin, and exposing the skin section to (light) energy causing the composition to become photochemically or photothermally activated. A similar technique is disclosed in N. Kollias et al., which involves exposing the subject afflicted with acne to ultraviolet light having a wavelength between 320 and 350 nm.
P. Papageorgiou, A. Katsambas, A. Chu, Phototherapy with blue (415 nm) and red (660 nm) light in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Br. J. Dermatology, 2000, v. 142, pp. 973-978 (which is incorporated herein by reference) reports using blue (wavelength 415 nm) and red (660 mm) light for phototherapy of acne. A method of treating acne with at least one light-emitting diode operating at continuous-wave (CW) mode and at a wavelength of 660 nm is also disclosed in E. Mendes, G. Iron, A. Harel, Method of treating acne, U.S. Pat. No. 5,549,660. This treatment represents a variation of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with an endogenous photosensitizing agent. Specifically, P. Acnes are known to produce porphyrins (predominantly, coproporphyrin), which are effective photosensitizers. When irradiated by light with a wavelength strongly absorbed by the photosensitizer, this molecule can give rise to a process known as the generation of singlet oxygen. The singlet oxygen acts as an aggressive oxidant on surrounding molecules. This process eventually leads to destruction of bacteria and clinical improvement of the condition. Other mechanisms of action may also play a role in clinical efficacy of such phototreatment.
B. W. Stewart, Method of reducing sebum production by application of pulsed light, U.S. Pat. No. 6,235,016 B1 teaches a method of reducing sebum production in human skin, utilizing pulsed light of a range of wavelengths that is substantially absorbed by the lipid component of the sebum. The postulated mechanism of action is photothermolysis of differentiated and mature sebocytes.
Regardless of the specific technique or procedure that may be employed, treatment of acne with visible light, especially in the blue range of the spectrum, is generally considered to be an effective method of acne treatment. Acne bacteria produce porphyrins as a part of their normal metabolism process. Irradiation of porphyrins by light causes a photosensitization effect that is used, for example, in the photodynamic therapy of cancer. The strongest absorption band of porphyrins is called the Soret band, which lies in the violet-blue range of the visible spectrum (405-425 nm). While absorbing photons, the porphyrin molecules undergo singlet-triplet transformations and generate the singlet atomic oxygen that oxidizes the bacteria that injures tissues. The same photochemical process is initiated when irradiating the acne bacteria. The process includes the absorption of light within endogenous porphyrins produced by the bacteria. As a result, the porphyrins degrade liberating the singlet oxygen that oxidize the bacteria and eradicate the P. acnes to significantly decrease the inflammatory lesion count. The particular clinical results of this treatment are reported (A. R. Shalita, Y. Harth, and M. Elman, “Acne PhotoClearing (APC™) Using a Novel, High-Intensity, Enhanced, Narrow-Band, Blue Light Source,” Clinical Application Notes, V. 9, N1). In clinical studies, the 60% decrease of the average lesion count was encountered when treating 35 patients twice a week for 10 minutes with 90 mW/cm2 and dose 54 J/cm2 of light from the metal halide lamp. The total course of treatment lasted 4 weeks during which each patient underwent eight treatments.
To date, photocosmetic procedures for the treatment of acne and other conditions have been performed in a dermatologist's office for several reasons. Among these reasons are: the expense of the devices used to perform the procedures; safety concerns related to the devices; and the need to care for optically induced wounds on the patient's skin. Such wounds may arise from damage to a patient's epidermis caused by the high-power radiation and may result in significant pain and/or risk of infection. It would be desirable if methods and apparatus could be provided, which would be inexpensive enough and safe enough that such treatments could be performed by non-medical personnel, and even self-administered by the person being treated, permitting such treatments to be available to a greatly enlarged segment of the world's population.
One aspect of the invention is a device for the treatment of tissue that includes a light source assembly with a plurality of sections. Each section has at least one light source disposed to irradiate the tissue, and at least one tissue proximity sensor disposed to indicate when the section is in close proximity to the tissue. A controller is coupled to the tissue proximity sensors and the light sources, and, for each section, the controller is configured to control the light sources in response to the tissue proximity sensors.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include some of the following additional features. The controller may be configured to illuminate the light sources when the tissue proximity sensors indicate that the section is in close proximity to the tissue. For each section, at least one tissue proximity sensor may be configured to issue a control signal when the section is in contact with the tissue, and the tissue proximity sensors may be configured to issue a control signal when the section moves relative to the tissue. The sensors may be contact sensors or velocity sensors. The light sources may be solid state light sources and may include at least two light emitting diodes.
The sections may be contiguous or they may be separated by a distance. The sections may also be configured to emit radiation through multiple apertures, with one or more sections configured to emit radiation through one aperture and other sections configured to emit radiation through another aperture.
Another aspect of the invention is a photocosmetic device for the treatment of tissue with an aperture having first and second areas, a light source oriented to emit light through the first and second areas, a controller electrically connected to the light source and configured to receive input signals and transmit output signals, a first sensor electrically connected to the controller to provide a first sensor signal to the controller when the first area is in close proximity to the tissue, a second sensor electrically connected to the controller to provide a second sensor signal to the controller when the second area is in close proximity to the tissue, and a power source electrically connected to the controller and electrically connected to the light source. The controller may be configured to alter the amount of power delivered to the light source in response to the first and second sensor signals.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include some of the following additional features. The controller may be configured to vary a first intensity of light emitted from the first area independently from a second intensity of light emitted from the second area. The controller may be configured to vary the first intensity of light of the first area while maintaining the second intensity of the second area at a substantially constant value. The controller may be configured to vary the first intensity of light of the first area from substantially zero while maintaining the second intensity of the second area substantially constant. The second intensity may be substantially zero. The controller may be configure to vary the first intensity when the first area is in close proximity to the tissue and the second area is not in close proximity to the tissue.
The power source may have a first field effect transistor electrically connected to the controller along a first path and electrically connected to the first area and a second field effect transistor electrically connected to the controller along a second path. The controller may be configured to provide the first control signal along the first path and the second control signal along the second path, such that electrical power is supplied to the first area by the first field effect transistor and electrical power is supplied to the second area by the second field effect transistor.
The light source may have a first section including a first array of light emitting diodes, and may also have a second section including a second array of light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes of the first and second arrays may be mounted on a substrate and electrically connected to provide a first electrical connection to the first array and to provide a second electrical connection for the second array. A subset of the light emitting diodes in the first array also may be included in the second array.
A third sensor may be electrically connected to the controller, and the aperture may include a third area. The third sensor may provide a third sensor signal to the controller when the third area is in close proximity to the tissue.
Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of tissue with a photocosmetic device, by receiving a first sensor signal corresponding to a first area of the aperture and indicating whether the first area is in close proximity to the tissue, irradiating the tissue with light from the first area when the first area is in close proximity to the tissue, receiving a second sensor signal corresponding to a second area of the aperture and indicating whether the second area is in close proximity to the tissue, and irradiating the tissue with light from the second area when the second area is in close proximity to the tissue.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include some of the following additional features. The device may issue a control signal to illuminate at least one light source corresponding to the first area when the sensor signal indicates that the first area is in close proximity to the tissue. The control signal may be issued when the first area is in contact with the tissue. The control signal may be issued when the first area is moved relative to the tissue. The device may control the intensities of light emitted from the first and second areas independently. The intensity of light of the first area may be varied while maintaining the intensity of light of the second area at a substantially constant value. The intensity of light of the first area may be varied from value of substantially zero to a second non-zero value while maintaining the intensity of light of the second area at a substantially constant value. The device may maintain the intensity of the second area at substantially zero. The intensity of the first area may increase when the first portion is placed in close proximity to the tissue, including when the second portion is not in close proximity to the tissue.
Another aspect of the invention is a method for controlling a handheld device for treating tissue that includes the steps of: determining whether a first portion of an aperture of the device is in close proximity to the tissue; generating a first sensor signal indicating the proximity of the first portion of the aperture to the tissue; determining whether a second portion of the aperture is in close proximity to the tissue; generating a second sensor signal indicating the proximity of the second portion of the aperture to the tissue; and generating first and second control signals in response to the first and second sensor signals. The first control signal may cause a first light source to emit light through the first portion when the first portion is in close proximity to the tissue, and the second control signal may cause a second light source to emit light through the second portion when the second portion is in close proximity to the tissue.
Another aspect of the invention is a method for the treatment of tissue using a device having first and second apertures that includes the steps of: receiving a first sensor signal corresponding to the first aperture and indicating whether the first aperture is in close proximity to the tissue; irradiating the tissue with light from the first aperture when the first aperture is in close proximity to the tissue; receiving a second sensor signal corresponding to the second aperture of and indicating whether the second aperture is in close proximity to the tissue; and irradiating the tissue with light from the second aperture when the second aperture is in close proximity to the tissue.
Another aspect of the invention is a handheld photocosmetic device adapted for the treatment of tissue that has varying contours. The device has a head portion containing a plurality of apertures, a light source assembly located substantially within the housing and oriented to emit light through the plurality of apertures, and a controller for enabling the application of light through one or more of the plurality of apertures.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include some of the following additional features. The light source may include a plurality of light sources in which at least one of the plurality of light sources provides light through one of the plurality of apertures and at least a second of the plurality of light sources provides light through another one of the plurality of apertures. The plurality of apertures may be movable relative to one another. The housing may have an arm that is configured to move the first aperture relative to a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. The first aperture may be located at a distal end of the arm. The housing may have an extendable body configured to move the first aperture relative to a second aperture of the plurality of apertures.
Another aspect of the invention is a handheld photocosmetic device adapted for the treatment of tissue having varying contours comprising. The device may have a housing with a head portion containing an aperture, and a light source located within the housing and oriented to emit light through the aperture, a power supply electrically connected to the light source configured to provide electrical power to the light source. The aperture may include a broad portion having a first width configured to emit light to a relatively larger area of tissue and a narrow portion having a second, smaller width configured to emit light to a relatively smaller area of tissue.
Preferred embodiments of this aspect of the invention may include some of the following additional features. The head portion may include a flared portion extending away from the photocosmetic device with the narrow portion of the aperture located on the flared portion and configured to emit light onto highly contoured tissue. The aperture may be asymmetrical. The aperture may be substantially tear-drop in shape or have other shapes.
The device may also have multiple apertures. The housing may include a second optical radiation source that is oriented to deliver optical radiation from the housing, to the tissue, through the second aperture. The second aperture may also have an area smaller than the first aperture and be movable relative to the first aperture.
Illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numeral is for the common elements in the various figures, and in which:
While certain photocosmetic procedures, such as CO2 laser facial resurfacing, where the entire epidermal layer is generally removed, will likely continue for the time being to be performed in the dermatologist's office for medical reasons (e.g., the need for post-operative wound care), there are a large number of photocosmetic procedures that could be performed by a consumer in a non-medical environment (e.g., the home) as part of the consumer's daily hygienic regimen, if the consumer could perform such procedures in a safe and effective manner using a cost-effective device. Photocosmetic devices for use by a consumer in a non-medical environment may have one or more of the following characteristics: (1) the device preferably would be safe for use by the consumer, and should avoid injuries to the body, including the eyes, skin and other tissues; (2) the device preferably would be easy to use to allow the consumer or other operator to use the device effectively and safely with minimal training or other instruction; (3) the device preferably would be robust and rugged enough to withstand abuse; (5) the device preferably would be easy to maintain; (6) the device preferably would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture and would be capable of being mass-produced; (7) the device preferably would be small and easily stored, for example, in a bathroom; and (8) the device preferably would have safety features standard for consumer appliances that are powered by electricity and that are intended for use, e.g., in a bathroom. Currently available photocosmetic devices have limitations related to one or more of the above challenges.
However, there are technical challenges associated with creating such devices for use by a consumer in a non-medical environment, including safety, effectiveness of treatment, cost of the device and size of the device.
The invention generally involves the use of a low-power optical radiation source, or preferably an array of low power optical radiation sources, in a suitable head which is either held over a treatment area for a substantial period of time, i.e. one second to one hour, or is moved over the treatment area a number of times during each treatment. Depending on the area of the person's body and the condition being treated, the cumulative dwell time over an area during a treatment will vary. The treatments may be repeated at frequent intervals, i.e. daily, or even several times a day, weekly, monthly or at other appropriate intervals. The interval between treatments may be substantially fixed or may be on an “as required” basis. For example, the treatments may be on a substantially regular or fixed basis to initially treat a condition, and then be on as an “as required” basis for maintenance. Treatment can be continued for several weeks, months, years and/or can be incorporated into a user's regular routine hygiene practices. Certain treatments are discussed further in U.S. application Ser. No. 10/740,907, entitled “Light Treatments For Acne And Other Disorders Of Follicles,” filed Dec. 19, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Thus, while light has been used in the past to treat various conditions, such treatment has typically involved one to ten treatments repeated at widely spaced intervals, for example, weekly, monthly or longer. By contrast, the number of treatments for use with embodiments according to aspects of this invention can be from ten to several thousand, with intervals between treatments from several hours to one week or more. It is thought that, for certain conditions such as acne or wrinkles, multiple treatments with low power could provide the same effect as one treatment with high power. The mechanism of treatment can include photochemical, photo-thermal, photoreceptor, photo control of cellular interaction or some combination of these effects. For multiple systematic treatments, a small dose of light can be effective to adjust cell, organ or body functions in the same way as systematically using medicine.
Instead of using single or few treatments of intense light, which must be performed in a supervised condition such as a medical office, the same reduction of the bacteria population level can be reached using a greater number of treatments of significantly lower power and dose using, for example, a hand-held photocosmetic device in the home. Using a relatively lower power treatment, a consumer can use the photocosmetic device in the home or other non-medical environment.
The specific light parameters and formulas of assisted compounds suggested in the present invention provide this treatment strategy. These treatments may preferably be done at home, because of the high number of treatments and the frequent basis on which they must be administered, for example daily to weekly. (Of course, some embodiments of the present invention could additionally be used for therapeutic, instructional or other purposes in medical environments, such as by physicians, nurses, physician's assistants, physical therapists, occupational therapists, etc.)
Depending on the treatment to be performed, the light source may be configured to emit at a single wavelength, multiple wavelengths, or in one or more wavelength bands. The light source may be a coherent light source, for example a ruby, alexandrite or other solid state laser, gas laser, diode laser bar, or other suitable laser light source. Alternatively, the source may be an incoherent light source for example, an LED, arc lamp, flash lamp, fluorescent lamp, halogen lamp, halide lamp or other suitable lamp.
Various light based devices can be used to deliver the required light doses to a body. The optical radiation source(s) utilized may provide a power density at the user's skin surface of from approximately 1 mwatt/cm2 to approximately 100 watts/cm2, with a range of 10 mwatts/cm2 to 10 watts/cm2 being preferred. The power density employed will be such that a significant therapeutic effect can be achieved, as indicated above, by relatively frequent treatments over an extended time period. The power density will also vary as a function of a number of factors including, but not limited to, the condition being treated, the wavelength or wavelengths employed and the body location where treatment is desired, i.e., the depth of treatment, the user's skin type, etc. A suitable source may, for example, provide a power of approximately 1-100 watts, preferably 2-10 W.
Suitable sources include solid state light sources such as:
1. Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)—these include edge emitting LED (EELED), surface emitting LED (SELED) or high brightness LED (HBLED). The LED can be based on different materials, such as, without limitation, GaN, AlGaN, InGaN, AlInGaN, AlInGaN/AlN, AlInGaN (emitting from 285 nm to 550 nm), GaP, GaP:N, GaAsP, GaAsP:N, AlGaInP (emitting from 550 nm to 660 nm) SiC, GaAs, AlGaAs, BaN, InBaN, (emitting in near infrared and infrared). Another suitable type of LED is an organic LED using polymer as the active material and having a broad spectrum of emission with very low cost.
2. Superluminescent diodes (SLDs)—An SLD can be used as a broad emission spectrum source.
3. Laser diodes (LD)—A laser diode may be the most effective light source (LS). A wave-guide laser diode (WGLD) is very effective but is not optimal due to the difficulty of coupling light into a fiber. A vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) may be most effective for fiber coupling for a large area matrix of emitters built on a wafer or other substrate. This can be both energy and cost effective. The same materials used for LED's can be used for diode lasers.
4. Fiber laser (FL) with laser diode pumping.
5. Fluorescence solid-state light source with electric pumping or light pumping from LD, LED or current/voltage sources (FLS). An FLS can be an organic fiber with electrical pumping.
Other suitable low power lasers, mini-lamps or other low power lamps or the like may also be used as light source(s) in embodiments of the present invention.
LED's are the currently preferred radiation source because of their low cost, the fact that they are easily packaged, and their availability at a wide range of wavelengths suitable for treating various tissue conditions. In particular, Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition (MCVD) technology may be used to grow a wafer containing a desired array, preferably a two-dimensional array, of LED's and/or VCSEL at relatively low cost. Solid-state light sources are preferable for monochromatic applications. However, a lamp, for example an incandescent lamp, fluorescent lamp, micro halide lamp or other suitable lamp is a preferable light source for applying white, red, near infrared, and infrared irradiation during treatment.
Since the efficiency of solid-state light sources is 1-50%, and the sources are mounted in very high-density packaging, heat removal from the emitting area is generally the main limitation on source power. For better cooling, a matrix of LEDs or other light sources can be mounted on a diamond, sapphire, BeO, Cu, Ag, Al, heat pipe, or other suitable heat conductor. The light sources used for a particular apparatus can be built or formed as a package containing a number of elementary components. For improved delivery of light to skin from a semiconductor emitting structure, the space between the structure and the skin can be filled by a transparent material with a refractive index in the range 1.3 to 1.8, preferably between 1.35 and 1.65, without air gaps.
An example of a condition that is treatable using an embodiment of the present invention is acne. In one aspect, the treatment described involves the destruction of the bacteria (P. acnes) responsible for the characteristic inflammation associated with acne. Destruction of the bacteria may be achieved by targeting porphyrins stored in P. Acnes. Porphyrines, such as protoporphyrins, coproporphyrins, and Zn-protoporphyrins are synthesized by anaerobic bacteria as their metabolic product. Porphyrines absorb light in the visible spectral region from 400-700 nm, with strongest peak of absorption in the range of 400-430 nm. By providing light in the selected wavelength ranges in sufficient intensity, photodynamic process is induced that leads to irreparable damage to structural components of bacterial cells and, eventually, to their death. In addition, heat resulting from absorption of optical energy can accelerate death of the bacteria. For example, the desired effect may be achieved using a light source emitting light at a wavelength of approximately 405 nm using an optical system designed to irradiate tissue 0.2-1 mm beneath the skin surface at a power density of approximately 0.01-10 W/cm2 at the skin surface. In another aspect of the invention, the treatment can cause resolution or improvement in appearance of acne lesion indirectly, through absorption of light by blood and other endogenous tissue chromophores.
A photocosmetic device according to some aspects of the invention that is designed to treat, for example, acne is described with reference to
Preferably, photocosmetic device 100 comes with simple and easy-to-follow instructions that instruct the user how to use photocosmetic device 100 both safely and effectively. Such instructions may be written and may include pictures and/or such instructions may be provided through a visible medium such as a videotape, DVD, and/or Internet.
Generally, photocosmetic device 100 includes proximal and distal portions 110 and 120 respectively. Proximal portion 110 serves as a handle that allows the user to grasp the device and administer treatment. Distal portion 120 is referred to as the head of photocosmetic device 100 and includes an aperture 130 that allows light produced by photocosmetic device 100 to illuminate the tissue to be treated when aperture 130 is placed in contact with or near the surface of the tissue to be treated. Generally, to treat acne, the user would place the aperture 130 of photocosmetic device 100 on their skin to administer treatment.
When viewed from the front of photocosmetic device 100, distal portion 120 flares outward to be slightly wider than proximal portion 110. When viewed from the side of photocosmetic device 100, distal portion 120 curves to orient aperture 130 to approximately a 45 degree angle relative to a longitudinal axis 135 extending through proximal portion 110. Of course, this angle may be different in other embodiments to potentially improve the ergonomics of the device. Alternatively, an embodiment may include an adjustable or movable head that pivots in various directions, such as up and down to increase or decrease the relative angle of the aperture relative to the longitudinal axis of proximal portion 110 and/or that swivels or rotates about the longitudinal axis of proximal portion 110.
Photocosmetic device 100 is designed to meet the specifications listed below in Table 1. As noted above, the embodiment described as photocosmetic device 100 has a weight of approximately 370 g, which has been determined to accommodate enough coolant to provide for a total treatment time of approximately 10 minutes. An alternative embodiment similar to photocosmetic device 100 would weigh approximately 270 g and accommodate a total treatment time of approximately 5 minutes. Similarly, other embodiments can include more or less coolant to increase or decrease available treatment time.
In Table 1, where “maximum,” “minimum,” “total” and similar terms are used, they are meant for a particular embodiment.
As shown in
Light source assembly 230 includes a number of components: window 240, window housing 250, contact sensor ring 260, LED module 270, and heatsink assembly 280. As will be appreciated from
The components of light source assembly 230 are secured in close proximity to one another in the order shown in
Window 240 is secured within a circular opening 330 of window housing 250 along the edge 340 of the opening 330. Light is delivered through window 240, which forms a circularly symmetric aperture having a diameter of 38 mm (1.5″). Although window 240 is shown as a circle, various alternate shapes can be used. Window 240 is made of sapphire, and is configured to be placed in contact with the user's skin. Sapphire is used due to its good optical transmissivity and thermal conductivity. The sapphire window 240 is substantially transparent at the operative wavelength, and is thermally conductive to remove heat from a treated skin surface.
In alternative embodiments, sapphire window 240 may be cooled to remove heat from the sapphire element and, thus, remove heat from skin placed in contact with sapphire window 240 during treatment. In addition, other embodiments could employ materials other than sapphire also having good optical transmissivity and heat transfer properties, such as mineral glass, dielectric crystal such as quartz or plastic. For example, to save cost and reduce weight, window 240 could be an injection molded optical plastic material.
Optionally, prior to treatment with the photocosmetic device, a lotion that is transparent at the operative wavelength(s) may be applied on the skin. Such a lotion may improve both optical transmissivity and heat transfer properties. In still other embodiments, the lateral sides 245 of the window housing can be coated with a material reflective at the operative wavelength (e.g., copper, silver or gold). Additionally, the outer surface of window housing 250 or any other surface exposed to light which is reflected or scattered back from the skin may be reflective (e.g., coated with a reflective material) to re-reflect such light back to the area of tissue being treated. This is referred to as “photon recycling” and allows for more efficient use of the power supplied to light source assembly 230, thereby reducing the relative amount of heat generated by source assembly 230 per the amount of light delivered to the tissue. Any such surface could be made to be highly reflective (e.g., polished) or could be either coated or covered with a suitable reflective material (e.g., vacuum deposition of a reflective material or covered with a flexible silver-coated film).
Referring also to
Additionally, the micro-abrasive surface need not be a window. Alternatively, for example, an abrasive surface, including a micro-abrasive surface, may be placed about the circumference of an aperture of a photocosmetic device or may be placed adjacent to the aperture or window. Moreover, the micro-abrasive surface, whether configured as a window, adjacent to a window, or otherwise configured, may be replaceable. Thus, a worn abrasive surface may be replaced with a new abrasive surface to maintain performance of the device over time.
Contact sensor ring 260 provides contact sensors 360 for detecting contact with tissue (e.g., skin). Contact sensor ring 260 can be used to detect when all of or portions of window 240 are in contact with, or in close proximity to, the tissue to be treated. In one embodiment, contact sensors 360 are e-field sensors. In alternative embodiments, other sensor technologies, such as optical (LED or laser), impedance, conductivity, or mechanical sensors can be used. The contact sensors can be used to ensure that no light is emitted from photocosmetic device 100 (e.g., no LEDs are illuminated) unless all of the sensors detect simultaneous contact with tissue. Alternatively, and preferably for highly contoured surfaces, such as the face, contact sensors 360 can be used to ensure that only LEDs in certain portions of LED module 270 are illuminated. For example, if only a portion of window 240 is in close proximity to or in contact with skin or other tissue, only certain contact sensors will detect contact with skin and such limited contact can be used to illuminate only those LEDs corresponding to those sensors. This is referred to as “intelligent contact control.”
In the embodiment shown, contact sensors 360 are mounted equidistantly about a ring 365, which is composed of electronic circuit board or other suitable material. LED module 270, which is described in greater detail below, is mounted directly behind and adjacent to contact sensor ring 260. The six contact sensors 360 are electrically connected to electronic control system 220 via electrical connector 370. In alternative embodiments, more or fewer contact sensors may be used and they may not be mounted equidistantly or in a ring.
As described above, contact sensor ring 260 is secured to the interior surface of window housing 250 such that the sensors extend through holes in housing 250 to allow the contact sensors to be able to directly contact tissue. In this embodiment, the contact sensors are used to detect when the window 240, including micro-abrasive surface 450, is in contact with the skin.
Referring to
In one embodiment, LED module 270 is divided conceptually and electrically into six pie-shaped sections 270a-270f roughly equal in size and amount of illumination provided. This allows photocosmetic device 100, using electronic control system 220, to illuminate only certain of the pie-shaped segments 470a-470f in certain treatment conditions. Each of the six contact sensors 360 is aligned with and corresponds to one of the pie-shaped segments 470a-470f (as shown in
Referring to
In the embodiment shown, each of the LED segments 470a-470f contains approximately the same number of LEDs, and the power requirement for each section is shown in the following table.
LED Module 270 can be powered in continuous-wave (CW), quasi-continuous-wave (QCW), or pulsed (P) mode. The term “quasi-CW” refers to a mode when continuous electrical power to the light source(s) is periodically interrupted for controlled lengths of time. The term “pulsed” refers to a mode when the energy (electrical or optical) is accumulated for a period of time with subsequent release during a controlled length of time. Optimal choice of the temporal mode depends on the application. Thus, for photochemical treatments, the CW or QCW mode can be preferable. For photothermal treatment, pulsed mode can be preferable. The temporal mode can be either factory-preset or selected by the user. For treatment of acne, CW or QCW modes are preferred, with the duty cycle between 10 and 100% and “on” time between 10 ms and CW. The CW and QCW light sources are typically less expensive than pulsed sources of comparable wavelength and energy. Thus, for cost reasons, it may be preferable to use a CW or QCW source rather than a pulsed source for treatments.
For the treatment of acne, and for many other treatments, quasi-continuous operation to power the LED die 530 of LED module 270 is preferred. In the QCW mode of operation, maximum average power can be achieved from the LED. However, the light sources employed may also be operated in continuous wave (CW) mode or pulsed mode. Preferably, appropriate safety measures are incorporated into the design of the photocosmetic device regardless of the mode(s) that is (are) used.
Power is supplied to the LED module 270 via electrical connector 370, which is an electrical flex cable that is attached from the electronic control system 220 to pin connectors 460. The illumination of the LED dies 530 associated with the respective segments 470a-470f is controlled by electronic control system 220. Each segment 470a-470f is controlled separately through one of the independent pin connectors 460, which are located at the bottom of substrate 480. There are eight pin connectors 460, each providing an electrical connection between electronic control system 220 and LED module 270. Read from left to right in
Referring to
In one embodiment, reflector 490 is made of silver-plated OHFC copper, but can be of any suitable material provided it is highly reflective on all surfaces on which light may impact. More specifically, the surfaces within the holes 500 and the top most surface of reflector 490 facing the window 240 are silver-plated to reflect and/or return light onto the tissue to be treated.
The assembly process for LED module 270 is illustrated with reference to
Because the light is delivered through window 240, the LED dies 530 of LED module 270 should be encapsulated and their indexes should be closely matched with the optical component window 240, whether sapphire, an optical grade plastic or other suitable material. In this particular embodiment, the individual LEDs of LED module 270 are manufactured by CREE—the MegaBright LED C405 MB290-S0100. These LEDs have physical characteristics that are suitable for use with window 240 and produce light at the desired 405 nm wavelength.
Referring to
When light source assembly 230 and heatsink assembly 280 are fully assembled and installed in photocosmetic device 100, thermal switch 200 is mounted directly adjacent to, and in contact with heatsink assembly 280. In the present embodiment, thermal switch 200 is a disc momentary switch manufactured by ITT Industries (part number EDSSC1). To prevent overheating of photocosmetic device 100 during operation, thermal switch 200 monitors the temperature of light source assembly 230. If thermal switch 200 detects excessive temperature, it cuts the power to light source assembly 230 and photocosmetic device 100 will cease to function until the temperature reaches an acceptable level. In one embodiment, the switch shuts off power to photocosmetic device 100, if it detects a temperature of 70° C. or more. Alternatively, a thermal switch could cut power to the light source only and the device could continue to supply power to operate a cooling system to reduce the excessive temperature as quickly as possible.
The cooling system of photocosmetic device 100 further includes a circulatory system to cool the device by removing heat generated in light source assembly 230 during operation. The cooling system could additionally be used to remove heat from window 240. The circulatory system of photocosmetic device 100 includes pump 180, coolant tubes 190a-190c, coolant reservoir 170 and heatsink assembly 280. The coolant reservoir 170 contains an internal space that holds approximately 180 cc of water. When photocosmetic device 100 is in use, the water is circulated by pump 180. Pump 180 is a Micro-Diaphragm Liquid Pump, Single Head OEM Installation Model with DC Motor, model number NF5RPDC-S. The weight, size, and performance of the pump are selected to be suitable for the application, and will vary depending on, for example, the output power of the light source, the volume of coolant, and the total treatment time desired.
Tube 190a is connected at one end to pump 180 and at a second end to heatsink assembly 280. As shown in
When tubes 190a-190c are fully connected, they form a continuous circuit through which a fluid, in this case water, can circulate to cool light source assembly 230. When photocosmetic device 100 is in operation, water preferably flows from coolant reservoir 170, through tube 190c, into pump 180, which forces the fluid through tube 190a, through heatsink assembly 280, through tube 190b and back into coolant reservoir 170.
During operation of photocosmetic device 100, the water flows across heatsink assembly 280 to remove the heat generated by light source assembly 230. Coolant reservoir 170 acts as an additional heatsink for the heat removed from light source assembly 230. By directing the water directly from heatsink assembly 280, through coolant tube 190b and into coolant reservoir 170, the recently heated water is dispersed into coolant reservoir 170, which allows the heat to be dispersed more efficiently than if the recently heated water were first circulated through pump 180. However, the water could flow in either direction in other embodiments.
In generating 5 Watts of optical power, LED module 270 will produce approximately 84-86 W of power. The cooling system of photocosmetic device 100 maintains the operating junction temperature below 125 degrees C. for the required treatment time, 10 minutes for this embodiment. The total thermal resistance (Rth) of the junction between the surface of heatsink assembly 280 and the water contained within the circulatory system is approximately 0.315 K/W. Therefore, the junction temperature rise relative to the water temperature is approximately 26.5° C. (0.315 C/W×84 W). The maximum operating junction temperature (Tjuction) for the individual LED dies 530 is 125° C. The junction temperature is given by the following formula:
Tj=(Rth×HL)+Ta+ΔTrise
Where ΔTrise is the temperature increase of the water as heat is expelled into it. Therefore, if Tj max is 125° C. and the ambient temperature is 30° C., the maximum water temperature rise should be no greater than:
ΔTrise=125° C.−26° C.−30° C.=69° C.
Therefore, in this embodiment, Ta preferably is limited to <70° C. during operation. This value will change depending on the embodiment, and may not be applicable to other embodiments using different types of cooling systems, as discussed below.
Referring to
The backward or proximally facing surface of faceplate 380, shown in
Backplate 390 contains three connectors 440a-440c, which are shown in
To assemble heatsink assembly 280, backplate 390 is glued to faceplate 380. Alternatively, backplate 390 could be attached to faceplate 380 by screws or other appropriate means. Other alternative embodiments of heatsink assembly 280 are possible, including alternate configurations of the path that the fluid travels and/or the inclusion of fins or other surfaces to increase the surface area that fluid flows over within the heatsink assembly.
Many other configurations for a circulatory system are possible. One alternate embodiment is shown in
Photocosmetic device 1500 also includes a cooling system in which many of the components are integrated into a single reservoir section 1570. The cooling system of photocosmetic device 1500 includes reservoir section 1570 and pump assembly 1580. Reservoir section 1570 includes a housing 1590 that forms reservoir 1600, pump assembly mount 1610, circulatory output 1620, circulatory pipe 1630, interface section 1640, circulatory input 1645 and mounting supports 1650. Pump assembly 1580 includes a motor housing 1660, a motor housing o-ring 1670, an impeller 1680, a motor o-ring 1690, and a DC motor 1700.
When photocosmetic device 1500 is fully assembled, it includes a continuous cooling circuit through which a fluid, in this case water, can circulate to cool light a source assembly 1710 of photocosmetic device 1500. During operation, pump assembly 1580, driven by DC motor 1700, causes coolant to flow through the circulatory system. Coolant preferably flows from reservoir 1600, through circulatory output 1620, where it is pumped by impeller 1680 into circulatory pipe 1630. The coolant travels through the circulatory pipe 1630 and flows into heatsink assembly 1720 via an output opening 1635 in interface section 1640. The output opening 1635 lies at the end of circulatory pipe 1630. The coolant then flows through heatsink assembly 1720, where heat transfers from the heatsink assembly 1720 to the coolant. The coolant then flows back into reservoir 1600 via the input opening 1645 located in the center of the interface section 1640. In photocosmetic device 1500, the heatsink assembly 1720 is a single piece of metal that is secured against the surface of interface section 1640.
In still other embodiments, additional components can be included in the circulatory system to cool a photocosmetic device. For example, a radiator designed to dissipate heat that becomes stored in a coolant reservoir or that either replaces the coolant reservoir or allows for a relatively smaller coolant reservoir, while still accommodating the same amount of heat dissipation and, therefore, treatment time.
Additionally, cooling mechanisms other than circulatory water cooling could be used, for example, compressed gas, paraffin wax with heat fins, or an endothermic chemical reaction. A chemical reactant can be used to enhance the cooling ability of water. For example, NH4Cl (powder) can be added directly to the coolant (water) to decrease the temperature. This will reduce the heat capacity of water, and, thus, such cooling likely would augment the cooling system as an external cooling source with the NH4Cl solution separated from the water that is circulated to, e.g., a heatsink near the light source. Alternatively, a suspension of nanoparticles can be used to enhance thermal conductivity of coolant.
Furthermore, other forms of cooling are possible. For example, one advantage of the present embodiment is that it obviates the need for a chiller, which is commonly used to cool photocosmetic devices in the medical setting but which are also expensive and large. However, another possible embodiment could include a chiller either within the handheld photocosmetic device or remotely located and connected by an umbilical cord to the handheld device. Similarly, a heat exchanger could be employed to exchange heat between a first circulatory system and a second circulatory system.
Referring to
Electronic control system 220 receives information from the components of distal portion 120 over electrical connector 370, for example, information relating to contact of window 240 with the skin via contact sensors 360. Based on the information provided, electronic control system 220 transmits control signals to light source assembly 230 also using electrical connector 370 to control the illumination of the segments 470a-470f of LED module 270. Electronic control system 220 may also receive information from light source assembly 230 via electrical connector 370.
In one embodiment, photocosmetic device 100 is generally safe, even without reliance on the control features that are included. In this embodiment, the energy outputs from photocosmetic device 100 are relatively low such that, even if light from the apparatus was inadvertently shined into a person's eyes, the light should not cause injury to the person's eyes. Furthermore, the person would experience discomfort causing them to look away, blink, or move the light source away from their eyes before any injury could occur. The effect would be similar to looking directly at a light bulb. Similarly, injury to a user's skin should not occur at the energy levels used, even if the recommended exposure intervals are exceeded. Again, to the extent a combination of parameters might result in some injury under some circumstance, user discomfort would occur well before any such injury, resulting in termination of the procedure. Furthermore, the electromagnetic radiation used in embodiments according to the present invention is generally in the range of visible light (although electromagnetic radiation in the UV, near infrared, infrared and radio ranges could also be employed), and electromagnetic radiation such as short-wavelength ultraviolet radiation (<300 nm) that may be carcinogenic or otherwise dangerous can be avoided.
Regardless, although photocosmetic device 100 is generally safe, it contains several additional control features that enhance the safety of the device for the user. For example, photocosmetic device 100 includes standard safety features for an electronic handheld cosmetic device for use by a consumer. Additionally, referring to
For example, light source assembly 230 may be illuminated only when all or a portion of window 240 is in contact with the tissue to be treated. Furthermore, only those portions of light source assembly 230 that are in contact with the tissue can be illuminated. Thus, for example, LEDs associated with sections of light source assembly 230 that are in contact with the tissue may be illuminated while other LEDs associated with sections of light source assembly 230 that are not in contact are not illuminated.
This is accomplished using contact sensor ring 260, which, as described above, includes a set of six contact sensors 360 located equidistantly around window 240. Each of the six contact sensors 360 are associated with one of the six pie-shaped segments 470a-470f of light source assembly 230. The corresponding LEDs in each segment are activated by the control electronics in response to the sensor output. When a contact sensor 360 detects contact with the skin, an electrical signal is sent to electronic control system 220, which sends a corresponding signal to light source assembly 230 causing the LED dies 530 of the corresponding segment 470a-470f to be illuminated. If multiple contact sensors 360 are pressed, the LED dies 530 of each of the corresponding segments 470a-470f will be illuminated simultaneously. Thus, any combination of the six segments 470a-470f potentially can be illuminated at the same time—from a single segment to all six segments 470a-470f.
In alternative embodiments, the contact sensor can be mechanical, electrical, magnetic, optical or some other form. Furthermore, the sensors can be configured to detect tissue whether window 240 is either in direct contact with or close proximity to the tissue, depending on the application. For example, a sensor could be used in a photocosmetic device having a window or other aperture that is not in direct contact with the tissue during operation, but is designed to operate when in close proximity to the skin. This would allow the device, for example, to inject a lotion or other substance between a window or aperture of the device and the tissue being treated.
In addition to providing a safety feature, contact sensor ring 260 also provides information that can be used by electronic control system 220 to improve the treatment. For example, electronic control system 220 may include a system clock and a timer to control the overall treatment time of a single treatment session. Thus, electronic control system 220 is able to control and alter the overall treatment time depending on the treatment conditions and parameters. Electronic control system 220 can also control the overall power delivered to light source assembly 230, thereby controlling the intensity of the light illuminated from light source assembly 230 at any given point in the treatment.
For example, if during treatment, only one of segments 470a-470f of light source assembly 230 is illuminated, light source assembly 230 will generate only approximately ⅙ of the light energy that would otherwise be generated if all six segments 470a-470f were illuminated. In that case, light source assembly 230 will be generating relatively less heat and be providing relatively less total light to the tissue (although the amount of light per unit area will be the same at that point). If less heat is generated, the water in the cooling system will heat more slowly, allowing for a longer treatment time. Electronic control system 220 can calculate the rate that energy in the form of light is being provided to the tissue, based on the total time that each of the segments 470a-470f have been illuminated during the treatment session. If less energy is being provided during the course of the treatment, because one or more of the six segments 470a-470f are not illuminated, electronic control system 220 can increase the total treatment time accordingly. This ensures that an adequate amount of light is available to be delivered to the tissue to be treated during a treatment session.
As discussed above, the total possible treatment time for a single treatment using photocosmetic device 100 is approximately ten minutes. If only a portion of the segments 470a-470f are illuminated at various moments during the treatment, electronic control system 220 may extend the treatment time.
Alternatively, if fewer than all six of the segments 470a-470f are illuminated, electronic control system 220 can increase the amount of power available to the illuminated segments 470a-470f, thereby causing relatively more light to be generated by the illuminated sections, which, in turn causes a relative increase in amount of light being delivered per unit area of tissue being treated. This may provide for more effective treatment.
One skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations on the control system of photocosmetic device 100 are possible. Depending on the application and the parameters, total treatment time and light intensity can be varied independently or in combination to effect the desired output. Additionally, an embodiment of a photocosmetic device could include a mode switch that would allow a user to select various modes of operation, including adding additional treatment time or increasing the intensity of the light produced when only some portion of the light sources are illuminated or some combination of the two. Alternatively, the user could choose a higher power but shorter treatment independent of how many segments are illuminated or even if the aperture is not divided into segments.
Furthermore, many alternative configurations of sensors and uses of the device are possible, including one or more velocity sensors that allow the control system of a photocosmetic device to sense the speed at which the user is moving the light source over the tissue. In such an embodiment, when the light source is moving relatively faster, the intensity of the light can be increased by increasing power to the light source to allow the device to continue to provide a more constant amount of light delivered to each unit area of tissue being treated. Similarly, when the velocity of the light source is relatively slower, the intensity of the light can be decreased, and when the light source is not moving for some period of time, but remains in contact with the tissue, the light source can be turned off to prevent damage to the tissue. Velocity sensors can also be used to measure the quality of contact with tissue.
Boost chip 225 provides sufficient power to the electrical components of photocosmetic device 100. Boost chip 225 plays the role of an internal DC-DC converter by transforming the electrical voltage from the power source to ensure that sufficient power is available to illuminate the LED dies 530 of LED module 270.
In operation, photocosmetic device 100 provides a compact, lightweight hand-held device that a consumer or other user can, for example, use on his/her skin to treat and/or prevent acne. Holding the proximal portion 110, which, among other things, functions as a handle, the user places the micro-abrasive surface 450 of window 240 against the skin. When window 240 is in contact with the skin, the control system in response to the contact sensors illuminates the LED dies 530 of LED module 270. While LED dies 530 are illuminated, the user moves window 240 of photocosmetic device 100 over the surface of the skin, or other tissue to be treated. As window 240 of photocosmetic device 100 moves across the skin, it treats the skin in two ways that work synergistically to improve the health and cosmetic appearance of the skin.
First, micro-abrasive surface 450 removes superficial portions (e.g., dead skin cells and other debris) of the stratum corneum to stimulate desquamation/replacement of the stratum corneum. The human body repeatedly replaces the stratum corneum—replacing the stratum corneum over the course of approximately one month. Removal of old tissue helps to accelerate this renewal process, thereby causing the skin to look better. The micro-abrasive surface 450 is contoured to accentuate the removal of old tissue from the stratum corneum. If there is too little abrasion, the effect will be negligible or non-existent. If there is too much abrasion, the micro-abrasive surface will cut or otherwise damage the tissue. Removal of dead skin can also improve light penetration into the skin.
Second, photocosmetic device 100 treats the skin with light having one or more wavelengths chosen for their therapeutic effect. For the treatment of acne, LED module 270 preferably generates light having a wavelength in the range of approximately 400-430 nm, and preferably centered at 405 nm. Light at those wavelengths has antibacterial properties that assists in the treatment and prevention of acne.
Additionally, light used in conjunction with microdermal abrasion has a therapeutic effect that improves the process of healing wounds on the skin. Although it is not clear that the application of light actually facilitates or speeds the healing process, light appears to provide a beneficial supplemental effect in the healing process. Therefore, it is believed that an embodiment that provides for photo-biomodulation by stimulating the skin with both light and epidermal abrasion will have a beneficial effect on the healing process. Photocosmetic device 100 could be used for such a purpose. As another example, a photocosmetic device having an appropriately contoured micro-abrasive surface and capable of producing light having a wavelength chosen for its anti-inflammatory effects could also be used for such a purpose.
Instead of moving the device across the skin, the device could be used in a “pick and place” mode. In such a mode, the device is placed in contact with or in proximity to the skin/tissue, the LEDs are illuminated for a predetermined pulse width and this is repeated until the entire area to be treated is covered. Such a device may include one or more contact sensors, and the contact sensors alone or the contact sensors and the window 240 may be placed in contact with the skin, and the control system, upon detecting contact, illuminates all or some portion of the LEDs. A micro-abrasive surface may not be as effective in such a device as it would be in a photocosmetic device where the window is moved across the surface of the tissue during operation. To improve the effectiveness of the micro-abrasive surface in a “pick and place” type photocosmetic device, an additional feature, such as a rotating or vibrating window could be included to facilitate microderm abrasion and for other purposes, such as an indication of the completion of the treatment on a particular spot (e.g., communicated to the user by the cessation of movement or vibration).
Referring to
Additionally, the same or a different feedback mechanism can provide information to be used by the photocosmetic device 910 to control the operation of the device with or without notifying the user. For example, if the feedback mechanism detects a large amount of acne-causing bacteria, the control system might increase the power to LED module 270 to increase the intensity of the light emitted during treatment of that area to provide more effective treatment. Similarly, if the feedback mechanism detects little or no acne-causing bacteria, the control system might decrease power to the LED module 270 to reduce the intensity of light emitted during treatment of that area to conserve energy and allow for a longer treatment time. If LED module 270 is divided into segments as described above, the device may include one or more feedback mechanisms for each segment and the control system may individually control each segment in response thereto.
In the embodiment shown in
In other embodiments, a feedback mechanism can be used for detecting, among other things:
A photocosmetic device according to the invention can also treat wrinkles (rhytides) and a sensor to measure the capacitance of the skin can be incorporated into the device, which can be used to determine the relative elasticity of the skin and thereby identify wrinkles, both formed and forming. Such a photocosmetic device could measure either relative changes in capacitance or relative changes in resistance.
A photocosmetic device may also be designed to detect wrinkles, pigmented lesions, acne and other conditions using optical coherence technology (“OCT”). This may be accomplished by pattern recognition in either optical images or skin capacitance images. Such a system may automatically classify, for example, wrinkles and provide additional information to the control electronics that will determine whether and or how to treat the wrinkles. Whether employing OCT, the measurement of electrical parameters, or other detection (or a combination thereof), such devices would have the advantage of controlling/concentrating treatment on the condition itself (e.g., wrinkles, acne, pigmented and vascular lesions, etc.) and may also be used to treat the condition before it fully develops, which may result in better treatment results.
An embodiment of a photocosmetic device could also include a feedback mechanism capable of determining relative changes in pigmentation of the skin to allow treatment of, e.g., age or liver spots or freckles. Such a photocosmetic device could distinguish between pigmentation in the dermis of the skin and pigmentation in the epidermis. During operation, light from one or more LEDs (which may be the treatment source or another light source) penetrates the skin. Some of the light passes only through the epidermis prior to being reflected back to a sensor. Similarly, some of the light passes through both the epidermis and the dermis prior to being reflected back to sensor. An electronic control system can then use the output from the sensors to determine from the reflected light whether the epidermis and dermis contain pigmentation. If the area of tissue being examined includes pigmentation only in the epidermis, the electronic control system may determine that the pigmentation represents a freckle or age spot suitable for treatment. If the area of tissue being examined includes pigmentation in both the dermis and epidermis, the electronic control system may also determine that the tissue contains a mole, tattoo, or dermal lesion that is not suitable for treatment. Such optical pigmentation-sensing system can be implemented using spatially-resolved measurements of diffusely reflected light, possibly in combination with either time- or frequency-resolved detection technique.
It will be clear to one skilled in the art that many alternative embodiments, including different feedback mechanisms with different or additional sensors and light or other energy sources or combinations thereof, are possible. For example, combinations of sensors can be included to measure different physical traits, such as the fluorescence of porphyrins produces by bacteria associated with acne and the skin capacitance associated with wrinkles. Additionally, the placement of sensors can be varied. For example, a photocosmetic device could contain two optical sensors arranged at a right angle or four optical sensors arranged in a square pattern about a light source for treatment to allow the photocosmetic device to sense areas requiring treatment regardless of the direction the user moves the photocosmetic device.
Alternatively, photocosmetic device 100 could include sensors to provide information concerning the rate of movement of window 240 over the user's skin, the existence of acne-causing bacteria and/or skin temperature. In another embodiment, a wheel or sphere may be positioned to make physical contact with the skin, such that the wheel or sphere rotates as the handpiece is moved relative to the skin, thereby allowing the speed of the handpiece to be determined by the control system. Alternatively, a visual indicator (e.g., an LED) or an audio indicator (e.g., a beeper) may be used to inform the user whether the handpiece speed is within the desired range so that the user knows when the device is treating and when it is not. In some embodiments, multiple indicators (e.g., LEDs having different colors, or different sound indicators) may be used to provide information to the user.
It should be understood that other methods of speed measurement are with the scope of this aspect of the invention. For example, electromagnetic apparatuses that measure handpiece speed by recording the time dependence of electrical (capacitance and resistance)/magnetic properties of the skin as the handpiece is moved relative the skin. Alternatively, the frequency spectrum or amplitude of sound emitted while an object is dragged across the skin surface can be measured and the resulting information used to calculate speed because the acoustic spectrum is dependent on speed. Another alternative is to use thermal sensors to measure handpiece speed, by using two sensors separated by a distance along the direction in which the handpiece is moved along the skin (e.g., one before the optical system and one after). In such embodiments, a first sensor monitors the temperature of untreated skin, which is independent of handpiece speed, and a second sensor monitors the post-irradiation skin temperature; the slower the handpiece speed, the higher the fluence delivered to a given area of the skin, which results in a higher skin temperature measured by the second detector. Therefore, the speed can be calculated based on the temperature difference between the two sensors.
In any of the above embodiments, a speed sensor may be used in conjunction with a contact sensor (e.g., a contact sensor ring 260 as described herein). In one embodiment of a handpiece, both contact and speed are determined by the same component. For example, an optical-mouse-type sensor such as is used on a conventional computer optical mouse may be used to determine both contact and speed. In such a system, a CCD (or CMOS) array sensor is used to continuously image the skin surface. By tracking the speed of a particular set of skin features as described above, the handpiece speed can be measured and because the strength of the optical signal received by the array sensor increases upon contact with the skin, contact can be determined by monitoring signal strength. Additionally, an optical sensor such as a CMOS device may be used to detect and measure skin pigmentation level or skin type based on the light that is reflected back from the skin; a treatment may be varied according to pigmentation level or skin type.
In some embodiments of the present invention, a motion sensor is used in conjunction with a feedback loop or look-up table to control the radiation source output. For example, the emitted laser power can be increased in proportion to the handpiece speed according to a lookup table. In this way, a fixed skin temperature can be maintained at a selected depth (i.e., by maintaining a constant flux at the skin surface) despite the fact that a handpiece is moved at a range of handpiece speeds. The power used to achieve a given skin temperature at a specified depth is described in greater detail in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/634,981, which is incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively, the post-treatment skin temperature may be monitored, and a feedback loop used to maintain substantially constant fluence at the skin surface by varying the treatment light source output power. Skin temperature can be monitored by using either conventional thermal sensors or a non-contact mid-infrared optical sensor. The above motion sensors are exemplary; motion sensing can be achieved by other means such as sound (e.g., using Doppler information).
Photocosmetic device 100 optionally may include attachments to assist the user in performing various treatments or aspects of treatments. For example, an attachment may be used to treat tissue in hard-to-reach areas such as around the nose. Photocosmetic devices that use attachments or other mechanisms to control or change the aperture can be referred to as having “adaptive apertures.” Referring to
When attachment 600 is attached to photocosmetic device 100, aperture 630 covers window 240 such that, when light source assembly 230 is illuminated, essentially all of the light passes through aperture 630. During operation, attachment 600 allows the user to concentrate the light onto a smaller area of tissue to be treated. By way of example, a user may attach attachment 600 to photocosmetic device 100 to treat a specific small affected area, such as an individual pimple, individual wrinkles or other conditions (e.g., small blood vessel or pigmented lesion) in an area that difficult to reach such as around the nose.
The user may place the edge 660 of opening 650 against the skin. Such contact would allow frame 620 of attachment 600 to engage a pressure sensitive switch in photocosmetic device 100 via the clips 610. When attachment 600 is pressed against the tissue, it closes the switch, which completes a circuit causing the contact sensors 360 to appear to be engaged. Thus, electronic control system 220 causes all six segments 470a-470f to be simultaneously illuminated. Alternatively, attachment 600 could include a wire that runs around the surface of frame 620 that faces the contact sensors 360 that forms a completed circuit when attachment 600 is attached to photocosmetic device 100 and the attachment 600 is pressed against the tissue, which would cause sensors 360 to detect an electronic field and allow each of the six segments 470a-470f to be illuminated.
As shown in
Opening 650 shown in
In addition to treating pimples, attachment 600 can also be used for other purposes. For example, attachment 600 can be used to treat areas of tissue that are difficult to treat using the larger surface of window 240, such as the crevice between the cheek and the nostrils. Attachment 600 can be used to treat along an individual wrinkle or to provide carefully directed treatment in sensitive areas, such as around the eyes.
Many different embodiments of attachment 600 are possible. For example, alternative embodiments of a photocosmetic device can include electrical contacts or other mechanisms that inform the electrical control system when an attachment is connected. That would allow the electrical control system, for example, to change the mode of operation by increasing or decreasing power to the light source or only illuminating a portion of the light sources when more than one light source is available (e.g., array of LEDs), changing the pulse-width and power of the output from the light source (e.g., treating the tissue with a higher power pulse of light for a shorter duration of time or lower power with longer duration), altering the treatment time, using contact sensors placed on the end of the attachment and ignoring the information from the contact sensors on the window, etc. That would also allow the electronic control system to distinguish between various adapters to be used for various purposes with the device.
The size, shape, dimensions and materials of attachment 600 also can be varied. By way of example, an attachment could be shaped as a pyramid. Similarly, the interior reflective surface of the attachment could conform to a logarithmic curve to more directly reflect light onto the tissue and reduce the amount of light that is reflected back toward the photocosmetic device. As another example, the attachment may be a simple, flat mask that allows light to pass only from a portion of the window 240. In addition, the opening need not be centered on window 240 but can be off to one side. Similarly, the opening can be varied in size and shape and may also have focusing or other optics across the front of or behind the opening. Several attachments may be made available for connection to the photocosmetic device to serve different functions, and each member of a family might have their own attachment in the same manner that each family member has their own toothbrush head for connection to a common electric toothbrush base. Instead of concentrating the light onto a smaller area than window 240, an attachment could be provided to deliver the light onto a larger treatment area. The aperture of the device also can have different shapes, for example, to effectively accommodate various tissue types, tissue contours, and treatments.
Other embodiments can be used to facilitate the treatment of areas that are difficult to reach with light emitted from a relatively larger surface. For example, as shown in
Referring to
Optionally, a tip reflector may be added around the one or more apertures to redirect light scattered out of the skin back into the skin (described above as photon recycling). For wavelengths in the near-IR, between 40% and 80% of light incident on the skin surface is scattered out of the skin; as one of ordinary skill would understand the amount of scattering is partially dependant on skin pigmentation. By redirecting light scattered out of the skin back toward the skin using a tip reflector, the effective fluence provided a photocosmetic device can be increased by more than a factor of two. Tip reflectors may have a copper, gold or silver coating to reflect light back toward the skin.
A reflective coating may be applied to any non-transmissive surfaces of the device that are exposed to the reflected/scattered light from the skin. As one of ordinary skill in the art would understand, the location and efficacy of these surfaces is dependent on the chosen focusing geometry and placement of the light source(s).
Given the detailed description above, it is clear that numerous alternative embodiments are possible. For example, dimensions, attachments, wavelengths of light, treatment times, modes of operation and most other parameters can be varied depending on the desired treatment and the method of treatment.
For example, light sources with mechanisms for coupling light into the skin can be mounted in or to any hand piece that can be applied to the skin, for example any type of brush, including a shower brush or a facial cleansing brush, massager, or roller. See, for example, U.S. application entitled, Methods And Apparatus For Delivering Low Power Optical Treatments, U.S. application Ser. No. 10/702,104 filed Nov. 4, 2003, Publication No. US 2004/0147984 A1, published Jul. 29, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In addition, the light sources can be coupled into a shower-head, a massager, a skin cleaning device, etc. The light sources can be mounted in an attachment that may be clipped, fastened with Velcro or otherwise affixed/retrofitted to an existing product or the light sources can be integrated into a new product.
In another alternative embodiment, a photocosmetic device can be attached to a person such that the person need not hold the device during operation, e.g., by tape, a strap or a cuff. Such a device could provide light to an area of tissue to, e.g., kill or prevent bacteria from growing in a wound, decrease or eliminate inflammation in the tissue, or provide other therapeutic effects. Such a device could take advantage of the heat produced by the light source by, e.g., including a cuff as part of the cooling system and circulating water through the cuff that has been heated by the heat produced by the light source. Such a device could provide additional heating of tissue similar to a heating pad.
Alternatively, a device could be used to apply “cold” to the tissue, by, for example, including a compartment or container for inserting ice or a re-freezable packet that would assist in cooling both the device and the tissue to be treated. Such a device could use the ice or other cooling mechanism to both cool the tissue to be treated as well as cool any fluid circulating in the coolant system of the device, thereby providing for a longer treatment time, a relatively smaller device requiring less coolant during operation, or both. Such a device could include a container that is removable, reusable and/or refillable. It could also include disposable containers. The containers could be filled with various fluids, mixtures of fluids or mixtures of fluids and solid particles, depending on the application.
Although a closed circulatory system has been described, other configurations are possible, including an open cooling circuit in which a source or fluid supply, such as a refillable container, is inserted into the device to provide a fluid, such as water, to cool the device.
An embodiment of the invention may also be in the form of a face-mask or in a shape to conform to other portions of a user's body to be treated, the skin-facing side of such applicator having an aperture or apertures with exterior surfaces that are smooth, contoured or flat or that utilize projections, water jets or bristles to deliver the radiation. While such an apparatus could be moved over the user's skin, to the extent it is stationary, it would not need to provide the abrading or cleaning action of the preferred embodiments.
The head of an alternative embodiment could also have openings through which a substance such as a lotion, drug or topical substance is dispensed to the skin before, during or after treatment. Such lotion, drug, topical substance or the like could, for example, contain light activated compounds to facilitate certain treatments. The lotion could also be applied prior to the treatment, either in addition to, or instead of, applying during treatment. Such a device could be used in conjunction with an antiperspirant or deodorant lotion to enhance the interaction between the lotion and the sweat glands via photothermal or photochemical mechanisms. The lotion, drug or topical substance can contain compounds with different benefits for the skin and human health, such as skin cleaning, moisturizing, collagen production, etc.
Additionally, in alternative embodiments, depending on the desired treatment, different wavelengths of light will enhance the effect. For example, when treating acne, a wavelength band from 290 nm to 700 nm is generally acceptable with the wavelength band of 400-430 nm being preferred as described above. For the stimulation of collagen, the target area for this treatment is generally the papillary dermis at a depth of approximately 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm into the skin, and since water in tissue is the primary chromophore for this treatment, the wavelength from the radiation source should be in a range highly absorbed by water or lipids or proteins so that few photons pass beyond the papillary dermis. A wavelength band from 900 nm to 20000 nm meets these criteria. For sebaceous gland treatment, the wavelength can be in the range 900-1850 nm, preferable around peaks of lipid absorption as 915 nm, 1208 nm, and 1715 nm. Hair growth management can be achieved by acting on the hair follicle matrix to accelerate transitions or otherwise control the growth state of the hair, thereby accelerating or retarding hair growth, depending on the applied energy and other factors, preferable wavelengths are in the range of 600-1200 nm.
In alternative embodiments, the light source may generate outputs at a single wavelength or may generate outputs over a selected range of wavelengths or one or more separate bands of wavelengths. Light having wavelengths in other ranges can be employed either alone, or in conjunction with other ranges, such as the 400-430 nm to take advantage of the properties of light in various ranges. For example, light having a wavelength in the range of 480-510 nm is known to have anti-bacterial properties, but is also known to be relatively less effective in killing bacteria than light having wavelengths in the range of 400-430 nm. However, light having a wavelength in the range of 480-510 nm also is known to penetrate relatively deeper into the porphyrins of the skin than light in the range of 400-430 nm.
Similarly, light having a wavelength in the range of 550-600 nm is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, light at these wavelengths can be used alone in a device designed to reduce and/or relieve inflammation and swelling of tissue (e.g., inflammation associated with acne). Furthermore, light at these wavelengths can be used in combination with the light having the wavelengths discussed above in a device designed to take advantage of the characteristics and effects of each range of wavelengths selected.
In embodiments of a photocosmetic device capable of treating tissue with light of multiple wavelengths, multiple light sources could be used in a single device, to provide light at the various desired wavelengths, or one or more broad band sources could be used with appropriate filtering. Where a radiation source array is employed, each of several sources may operate at selected different wavelengths or wavelength bands (or may be filtered to provide different bands), where the wavelength(s) and/or wavelength band(s) provided depend on the condition being treated and the treatment protocol being employed. Similarly, one or more broadband sources could be used. For a broadband source, filtering may be required to limit the output to desired wavelength bands. An LED module could also be used in which LED dies that emit light at two or more different wavelengths are mounted on a single substrate and electrically connected to all the various dies to be controlled in a manner suitable for the treatment for which the device is designed, e.g., controlling some or all of the LED dies at one wavelength independently or in combination with LED dies that emit light at other wavelengths.
Employing sources at different wavelengths may permit concurrent treatment for a condition at different depths in the skin, or may even permit two or more conditions to be treated during a single treatment or in multiple treatments by selecting a different mode of operation of a photocosmetic device. Examples of wavelength ranges for various treatments are provided in the table below.
In other alternative embodiments, the size and shape of the head of a photocosmetic device can be varied depending on the tissue that the photocosmetic device is designed to treat. For example, the head could be larger to treat the body and smaller to treat the face. Similarly, the size, shape and number of the aperture(s) of such a device can be varied. Also, a set of replaceable heads could be used—each head having various designs to serve different functions for a specific treatment or allowing one device to be used for multiple treatments. Similarly, only a portion of the head could be replaceable, such as the face of the head with the aperture through which the light is emitted, without replacing the light source, to avoid the additional cost of having multiple light sources.
A larger photocosmetic device may, for example, be used on the body during a shower or bath. In that situation, the water could also act as a waveguide for the light being delivered to the user's skin. A smaller photocosmetic device can be used to provide more targeted treatment to smaller areas of tissue or to treat difficult-to-reach areas of tissue, e.g., in the mouth or around the nose.
To this point, embodiments of the invention have been described predominately with respect to photocosmetic treatments for the skin. However, other tissues can be treated using embodiments according to the present invention, including finger and toenails, teeth, gums, other tissues in the oral cavity, or internal tissues, including but not limited to the uterine cavity, prostate, etc.
In another embodiment, the devices described herein can be adapted such radiation is emitted primarily by light sources positioned over and/or passing over areas detected for treatment. For example, as the device that travels over the skin, a controller turns on only certain light sources that correspond to areas detected for treatment. For example, if passing over the skin a small pigmented lesion is detected, only a portion of the LEDs that will pass over that lesion could be illuminated to avoid wasting energy by applying light to tissue that doesn't need treatment.
There are several conditions that may be treated using embodiments according to aspects of the present invention designed for use in the oral cavity. For example, embodiments according to the present invention can treat conditions within the mouth such as those caused by excessive plaque buildup or bacteria in the mouth. Such methods are described in greater detail in both U.S. application Ser. No. 10/776,667, entitled “Dental Phototherapy Methods And Compositions, filed Feb. 10, 2004 and International Publ. No. WO 2004/084752 A2, entitled “Light Emitting Oral Appliance and Methods of Use,” published Oct. 7, 2004, which are incorporated herein by reference.
Additionally, by using devices according to aspects of the present invention to treat tissues in the mouth, certain conditions, which had in the past been treated from outside the oral cavity, may be treated by employing an optical radiation source from within the oral cavity. Among these conditions are acne and wrinkles around the lips. For example, instead of treating acne, for example, on the cheek, by radiating the external surface of the affected skin, oral appliances can radiate the cheek from within the oral cavity out toward the target tissue. This is advantageous because the tissue within the oral cavity is easier to penetrate than the epidermis of the external skin due to absence of melanin in the tissue walls of the oral cavity and lower scattering in the mucosa tissue. As a result, optical energy more easily penetrates tissue to provide the same treatment at a lower level of energy and reduce the risk of tissue damage or improved treatment at the same level of energy. A preferable range of wavelength for this type of treatment is in the range of about 280 nm to 1400 nm and even more preferably in the range of about 590 nm-1300 nm n.
Referring to
Head portion 2010 may be a removable toothbrush head to allow it to be replaced periodically. Alternatively, head portion 2010 would not be removable and photocosmetic device 2000 could have a unibody design. Head portion 2010 includes a heatsink 2040 and a light source assembly 2050 for treating tissues in the mouth.
Neck portion 2020 includes a coolant reservoir 2060 that, during operation, is filled with, for example, water, which is circulated through head portion 2010 to cool light source assembly 2050 by removing excess heat from heatsink 2040.
Handle portion 2030 includes a compartment 2070 where batteries are installed to power photocosmetic device 2000, and additionally includes a motor 2080, a PCM heat capacitor 2090, a booster chip 2100, a helical pump 2110, a power switch 2115 and electronic control system 2120. Electronic control system 2120 controls the illumination of light source assembly 2050 and may provide feedback to the user through one or more feedback mechanisms as described above, e.g., to identify for the user the presence of bacteria requiring additional treatment. Helical pump 2110 circulates fluid, such as water, that is used as a coolant for cooling the light source assembly 2050 of photocosmetic device 2000.
Light source assembly 2050 is shown in greater detail in
Bristle assembly 2130 includes twelve stands of transparent light-transmitting optical bristles 2170 that are attached to a mounting platform 2180. Mounting platform 2180 includes a set of holes (not shown) to accommodate the bristles 2170, when the bristles 2170 are mounted.
Optical reflector 2150 is a photorecycling mirror that contains an array of holes 2190. Each hole 2190 is funnel-shaped having a cone section 2200 and a tube section 2210. Each of the holes 2190 correspond to one of the individual LED die 2160 that are mounted on a substrate 2220. Thus, when assembled, as shown in
The assembly process for LED module 2140 is illustrated with reference to
The light-transmitting bristles 2170 are mounted within mounting platform 2180 to form bristle assembly 2130. Bristle assembly 2130 is then glued to the top surface of LED module 2140 such that each individual stand of bristles 2170 are positioned directly adjacent to each of the LED dies 2160 to allow light emitted from the LED die to pass through the light-transmitting optical bristles 2170. As illustrated in
As shown in
Helical pump 2110 causes water to flow from coolant reservoir 2060 and through heatsink 2040 of head portion 2010. During operation, heat produced by light source assembly 2050 conducts through heatsink 2040. The excess heat is transferred from heatsink 2040 to the water circulating through heatsink 2040. The heated water then flows into an open end 2255 of central shaft 2250, which forms a hollow tube running along a longitudinal axis 2265 from head portion 2010, through neck portion 2020, and to handle portion 2130. The heated water flows through central shaft 2250 and is expelled from the interior of central shaft 2250 through holes 2260 that are located adjacent to the heat capacitor 2090. At this point, the heated water reverses direction, and flows along fins 2270 of heat capacitor 2090, to more efficiently transfer heat from the water to the heat capacitor 2090. The water then flows around the exterior of central shaft 2250 back into the coolant reservoir 2060 of neck portion 2020.
To prevent water from flowing out of the cooling system, the cooling system is sealed appropriately, including with a seal 2290 between heat capacitor 2090 and motor 2080. Because head portion 2010 is removable, the junction 2300 between head portion 2010 and neck portion 2020 must also be sealed to prevent photocosmetic device 2000 from leaking. This is accomplished by designing a close fit between the head and neck portions 2010 and 2020 that snap together and effectively seal the cooling system.
The user places the head portion 2010 in the oral cavity and brushes the tissue to be treated with the bristles 2170. Light radiates from the bristles to the tissue being treated. For example, light can be used to treat plaque deposits on the teeth and remove bacteria from teeth and gums.
The specifications of photocosmetic device 2000 are shown in the table below, along with an alternative low-power embodiment of photocosmetic device 2000. The low power embodiment has the advantage of using less power. Thus, a circulatory cooling system is not required. Instead, a heatsink is provided that allows heat generated by a light source to be stored in the head, neck and handle portions of the photocosmetic device and directly radiated from the photocosmetic device to the surrounding air, the user's hand on the hand piece and/or the user's oral tissue.
In another embodiment, a photocosmetic device for treating tissues in the oral cavity can include a feedback mechanism, including a sensor that provides information about treatment results, such as the existence of problematic areas to be treated by the user as well as an indication that treatment is complete. The feedback sensor could be a fluorescent sensor used to detect the fluorescence of bacteria that, for example, causes bad breath or other conditions of the tissue in the oral cavity. The sensor can detect and delineate pigmented oral bacteria by the fluorescence of proto- and copro-porphyrins produced by bacteria. As treatment progresses, the fluorescent signal will decrease and the feedback mechanism can include an output device, as described above, to indicate to the user when treatment is completed or areas that the user needs to continue treating.
The user can direct light from the bristles to any tissue within the oral cavity, for example, teeth, gums, tongue, cheek, lips and/or throat. In another embodiment of the invention, the applicator may not include bristles but instead include a flat surface, or surface with bumps or protrusions or some other surface for applying light to the tissue. The applicator can be pressed up against the oral tissue such that it contacts the tissue at or near a target area. The applicator can be mechanically agitated in order to treat the subsurface organs without moving the applicator from the contact area. For example, an applicator can be pressed up against a user's cheek, such that the applicator contacts the user's cheek at a contact area. The applicator can be massaged into the user's cheek to treat the user's teeth or underlying glands or organs while the physical contact point remains unchanged. The head of such an applicator can contain a contact window composed of a transparent, heat transmitting material. The contact window can be adapted to be removable so that it can be replaced by the user.
In other embodiments, optical radiation can be directed in multiple directions from the same oral appliance. For example, a light-emitting toothbrush can include two groups of LEDs, such that one group can radiate in a direction substantially parallel to the bristles, while the other group can radiate in the opposite or some other direction.
Having described several embodiments according to aspects of the invention, it is clear that many different embodiments of photocosmetic devices are possible to treat various different conditions. The following is a discussion of examples of treatments that can be achieved using apparatus and methods according to aspects of the invention. However, the treatments discussed are exemplary and are not intended to be limiting. Apparatus and methods according the present invention are versatile and may be applied to known or yet-to-be-developed treatments.
Exemplary treatments include radiation-induced hair removal. Radiation-induced hair removal is a cosmetic treatment that could be performed by apparatus and methods according to aspects of the present invention. In the case of hair removal, the principal target for thermal damage or destruction is the hair bulb, including the matrix and papilla, and the stems cells around the hair bulge. For hair removal treatments, melanin located in the hair shaft and bulb is the targeted chromophore. While the bulb contains melanin and can thus be thermally treated, the basement membrane, which provides the hair growth communication pathway between the papilla within the bulb and the matrix within the hair shaft, contains the highest concentration of melanin and may be selectively targeted. Heating the hair shaft in the area of the bulge can cause thermal destruction of the stem cells surrounding the bulge.
Wavelengths between 0.6 and 1.2 μm are typically used for hair removal. By proper combination of power, speed, and focusing geometry, different hair related targets (e.g., bulb, matrix, basement membrane, stem cells) can be heated to the denaturation temperature while the surrounding dermis remains undamaged. Since the targeted hair follicle and the epidermis both contain melanin, a combination of epidermal contact cooling and long pulse width can be used to prevent epidermal damage. A more detailed explanation of hair removal is given in co-pending utility patent application Ser. No. 10/346,749, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR HAIR GROWTH CONTROL,” by Rox Anderson, et al. filed Mar. 12, 2003, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
Hair removal is often required over large areas (e.g. back and legs), and the required power is therefore correspondingly large (on the order of 20-500 W) in order to achieve short treatment times. Current generation diode bars are capable of emitting 40-60 W at 800 nm, which makes them effective for use in some embodiments of a photocosmetic device according to the present invention.
Optionally, a topical lotion can be applied to the skin (e.g., via the handpiece) in a treatment area. In some embodiments, the transparent lotion is selected to have a refractive index in a range suitable to provide a waveguide effect to direct the light to a region of the skin to be irradiated. Preferably the index of refraction of the lotion is higher than the index of refraction of water (i.e., approximately 1.33 depending on chemical additives of the water). In some embodiments, the index of refraction of the lotion is higher than the index of refraction of the dermis (i.e., approximately 1.4). In some embodiments, the index of refraction of the lotion is higher than the index of refraction of the inner root sheath (i.e., approximately 1.55). In embodiments where the index of refraction is greater than the index of refraction of the inner root sheath, light incident on the surface of the skin can be delivered directly to hair matrix without significant attenuation.
The effective pulse length used to irradiate the skin is given by the beam size divided by the speed of scanning of the irradiation source. For example, a 2 mm beam size moved at a scanning speed of 50-100 mm/s provides an effective pulse length of 20-60 ms. For a power density of 250 W/cm the effective fluence is 5-10 J/cm2, which approximately doubles the fluence of the light delivered by a device without the use of a high index lotion.
In some embodiments, the pH of the lotion can be adjusted to decrease the denaturation threshold of matrix cells. In such embodiments, lower power is required to injure the hair matrix and thus provide hair growth management. Optionally, the lotion can be doped by molecules or ions or atoms with significant absorption of light emitted by the source. Due to increased absorption of light in hair follicles when a suitable lotion is used, a lower power irradiation source may be used to provide sufficient irradiation to heat the hair matrix.
A second exemplary embodiment of a method of hair growth management according to the present invention includes first irradiating the skin, and then physically removing hair. By first irradiating the skin, attachment of the hair shaft to the follicle or the hair follicle to dermis is weakened. Consequently, mechanical or electromechanical depilation may be more easily achieved (e.g., by using a soft waxing or electromechanical epilator) and pain may be reduced.
Irradiation can weaken the attachment of the hair bulb to the skin or subcutaneous fat; therefore it is possible to pull out a significantly higher percentage of the hair follicle from the skin compared to the depilation alone. Because the diameter of the hair bulb is close to the diameter of the outer root sheath, pulling out hair with the hair bulb can permanently destroy the entire hair follicle including the associated stem cells. Accordingly, by first irradiating and then depilating, new hair growth can be decelerated or completely arrested.
Treatment of cellulite is another example of a cosmetic problem that may be treated by apparatus and methods according to aspects of the present invention. The formation of characteristic cellulite dimples begins with poor blood and lymph circulation, which in turn inhibits the removal of cellular waste products. For example, unremoved dead cells in the intracellular space may leak lipid over time. Connective tissue damage and subsequent nodule formation occurs due to the continuing accumulation of toxins and cellular waste products.
The following are two exemplary treatments for cellulite, both of which aim to stimulate both blood flow and fibroblast growth. In a first exemplary treatment, localized areas of thermal damage are created using a treatment source emitting in the near-infrared spectral range (e.g., at a wavelength in the range 650-1850 nm) in combination with an optical system designed to focus 2-10 mm beneath the skin surface. In one embodiment, light having a power density of 1-100 W/cm is delivered to the skin surface, and the apparatus is operated at a speed to create a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius at a distance 5 mm below the skin. The skin may be cooled to avoid or reduce damage to the epidermis to reduce wound formation. Further details of achieving a selected temperature a selected distance below the skin is given in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/634,691, filed Aug. 9, 2000, the substance of which was incorporated by reference herein above. The treatment may include compression of the tissue, massage of the tissue, or multiple passes over the tissue.
As noted above, acne is another very common skin disorder that can be treated using apparatus and methods according to aspects of the present invention. The following are additional exemplary methods of treating acne according to the present invention. In each of the exemplary methods, the actual treated area may be relatively small (assuming treatment of facial acne), thus a low-power CW source may be used.
A first possible treatment is to selectively damage the sebaceous gland to prevent sebum production. The sebaceous glands are located approximately 1 mm below the skin surface. By creating a focal spot at this depth and using a wavelength selectively absorbed by lipids (e.g., in proximity of 0.92, 1.2, and 1.7 μm), direct thermal destruction becomes possible. For example, to cause thermal denaturation, a temperature of 45-65 degrees Celsius may be generated at approximately 1 mm below the skin surface using any of the methods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/634,691, filed Aug. 9, 2000, the substance of which was incorporated by reference herein above.
An alternative treatment for acne involves heating a sebaceous gland to a point below the thermal denaturation temperature (e.g., to a temperature 45-65 degrees Celsius) to achieve a cessation of sebum production and apoptosis (programmed cell death). Such selective treatment may take advantage of the low thermal threshold of cells responsible for sebum production relative to surrounding cells.
Another alternative treatment of acne is thermal destruction of the blood supply to the sebaceous glands (e.g., by heating the blood to a temperature 60-95 degrees Celsius).
For the above treatments of acne, the sebaceous gland may be sensitized to near-infrared radiation by using compounds such as indocyanine green (ICG, absorption near 800 nm) or methylene blue (absorption near 630 nm). Alternatively, non-thermal photodynamic therapy agents such as photofrin may be used to sensitize sebaceous glands. In some embodiments, biochemical carriers such as monoclonal antibodies (MABs) may be used to selectively deliver these sensitization compounds directly to the sebaceous glands.
Although the above procedures were described as treatments for acne, because the treatments involve damage/destruction of the sebaceous glands (and therefore reduction of sebum output), the treatments may also be used to treat excessively oily skin.
Yet another technique for treating acne involves using light to expand the opening of an infected hair follicle to allow unimpeded sebum outflow. In one embodiment of the technique, a lotion that preferentially accumulates in the follicle opening (e.g., lipid consistent lotion with organic non organic dye or absorption particles) is applied to the skin surface. A treatment source wavelength is matched to an absorption band of the lotion. For example, in the case of ICG doped lotion the source wavelength is 790-810 nm By using an optical system to generate a temperature of 45-100 degrees Celsius at the infundibulum/infrainfundibulum, for example, by generating a fluence of at skin surface (e.g., 1-100 W/cm), the follicle opening can be expanded and sebum is allowed to flow out of the hair follicle and remodeling of infrainfundibulum in order to prevent comedo (i.e., blackhead) formation.
Non-ablative wrinkle treatment, which is now used as an alternative to traditional ablative CO2 laser skin resurfacing, is another cosmetic treatment that could be performed by apparatus and methods according to aspects of the present invention. Non-ablative wrinkle treatment is achieved by simultaneously cooling the epidermis and delivering light to the upper layer of the dermis to thermally stimulate fibroblasts to generate new collagen deposition.
An embodiment of a photocosmetic device could include a sensor that will detect fluorescence in newer collagen in the skin by shining light on the skin in the blue range, in particular approximately 380-390 nm.
In wrinkle treatment, because the primary chromophore is water, wavelengths ranging from 0.8-2 μm are appropriate wavelengths for use in the treatment. Since only wrinkles on the face are typically of cosmetic concern, the treated area is typically relatively small and the required coverage rate (cm2/sec) is correspondingly low, and a relatively low-power treatment source may be used. An optical system providing sub-surface focusing in combination with epidermal cooling may be used to achieve the desired result. Precise control of the upper-dermis temperature is important; if the temperature is too high, the induced thermal damage of the epidermis will be excessive, and if the temperature is too low, the amount of new collagen deposition will be minimal. A speed sensor (in the case of a manually scanned handpiece) or a mechanical drive may be used to precisely control the upper-dermis temperature. Alternatively, a non-contact mid-infrared thermal sensor could be used to monitor dermal temperature.
Pigmented lesions such as age spots can be removed by selectively targeting the cells containing melanin in these structures. These lesions are located using an optical system focusing at a depth of 100-200 μm below the skin surface and can be targeted with wavelengths in the 0.4-1.1 μm range. Since the individual melanin-bearing cells are small with a short thermal relaxation time, a shallow sub-surface focus is helpful to reach the denaturation temperature.
Elimination of underarm odor is another problem that could be treated by an apparatus and methods according to aspects of the present invention. In such a treatment, a source having a wavelength selectively absorbed by the eccrine/apocrine glands is used to thermally damage the eccrine/apocrine glands. Optionally, a sensitization compound may be used to enhance damage.
Absorption of light by a chromophore within a tissue responsible for an unwanted cosmetic condition or by a chromophore in proximity to the tissue could also be performed using embodiments according to aspects of the present invention. Treatment may be achieved by limited heating of the target tissue below temperature of irreversible damage or may be achieved by heating to cause irreversible damage (e.g., denaturation). Treatment may be achieved by direct stimulation of biological response to heat, or by induction of a cascade of phenomena such that a biological response is indirectly achieved by heat. A treatment may result from a combination of any of the above mechanisms. Optionally, cooling, DC or AC (RF) electrical current, physical vibration or other physical stimulus may be applied to a treatment area or adjacent area to increase the efficacy of a treatment. A treatment may require a single session, or multiple sessions may be used to achieve a desired effect.
Having thus described the inventive concepts and a number of exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be implemented in various ways, and that modifications and improvements will readily occur to such persons. Thus, the examples given are not intended to be limiting. Also, it is to be understood that the use of the terms “including,” “comprising,” or “having” is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items before, after, or in-between the items listed.
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/781,083, filed Mar. 10, 2006 entitled Photocosmetic Device. All content disclosed in this application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60781083 | Mar 2006 | US |
