Compositions, treatment systems and methods for improved cooling of lipid-rich tissue
AssigneeZeltiq Aesthetics, Inc.
InventorsMichael P. O'Neil, Leonard C. DeBenedictis, George Frangineas, JR.
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Abstract
Compositions and formulations for use with devices and systems that enable tissue cooling, such as cryotherapy applications, for alteration and reduction of adipose tissue are described. Aspects of the technology are further directed to methods, compositions and devices that provide protection of non-targeted cells (e.g., non-lipid-rich cells) from freeze damage during dermatological and related aesthetic procedures that require sustained exposure to cold temperatures. Further aspects of the technology include systems for enhancing sustained and/or replenishing release of cryoprotectant to a treatment site prior to and during cooling applications.
Claims20
A method for affecting a subcutaneous layer of a human subject's body, the method comprising:
- applying a cryoprotectant to a surface of skin at a treatment site including the subcutaneous layer;
- mechanically stimulating an upper layer of the skin without appreciably stimulating the subcutaneous layer, wherein mechanically stimulating the upper layer of the skin facilitates absorption of the cryoprotectant into the skin;
- and
- removing heat from the treatment site to cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in the subcutaneous layer to a temperature below normal body temperature.
A method for affecting a target region of a human subject's body, the method comprising:
- applying a cryoprotectant to a surface of skin at a treatment site including the target region;
- prior to removing heat from the target region, moving the cryoprotectant along the surface of the skin to facilitate absorption of the cryoprotectant into the skin;
- and
- removing heat from the target region to cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells in the target region to a temperature below normal body temperature.
A method for cooling a subcutaneous tissue region of a human subject having skin, the method comprising:
- applying a pre-treatment composition to a surface of the skin;
- mechanically stimulating an upper layer of the skin while the pre-treatment composition is in contact with the surface of the skin;
- operably coupling an applicator to the surface of the skin such that a cryoprotectant release structure carrying a cryoprotectant is disposed between a heat-transfer surface of the applicator and the surface of the skin;
- and
- removing heat from the tissue region via the heat-transfer surface of the applicator to cool the tissue region to a temperature below normal body temperature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.