US6206873B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device and method for eliminating adipose layers by means of laser energy
Assignee: El En SpA
•
Filing: 1999-05-28
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Granted: 2001-03-27
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Expires: 2019-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers with a laser source, optical fiber for conveying the laser ben emitted by the first source and a hollow needle f or guiding the fiber. The fiber ends in the vicinity of the end of the needle. The laser beam is generated with an intensity and a wavelength for liquefying, and maintaining liquid, the adipose cells. The laser beam from the optical fiber irradiates adipose cells in the adipose layer to transform the adipose cells into, and maintain the adipose cells as, a liquid substance.
Inventors
- 👤 Cesare Paolini
- 👤 Maurizio Maida
- 👤 Fabrizio Mencarelli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 22:10
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B18/00; A61B18/18; A61B18/20; A61B18/22; A61B17/00; A61B17/34; A61B17/3417; A61B17/3421; A61B18/203; A61B18/24; A61B2017/00743; A61B2017/00747; A61B2018/00315; A61B2018/00452; A61B2018/00458; A61B2018/00464; A61B2018/2015; A61B2018/2025
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hollow needle with a tip; providing a laser source with emitting characteristics for generating a laser beam having an intensity and a wavelength for causing lipolysis of adipose cells; generating a laser beam with said laser source; arranging an optical fiber inside said needle with one end of said optical fiber adjacent to said tip of said needle and with another end of said fiber connected to an output of said laser source; piercing the skin of a patient and bringing said needle tip into a subcutaneous adipose layer of the patient; irradiating said adipose layer with said laser beam to cause lipolysis of said adipose layer and rupturing membranes of cells forming the adipose layer, thus transforming adeps forming said adipose layer into a liquid substance.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
144 words
A method for the removal of subcutaneous adipose layers, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hollow needle with a tip; providing a laser source with emitting characteristics for generating a laser beam having an intensity and a wavelength for causing lipolysis of adipose cells; generating a laser beam with said laser source; arranging an optical fiber inside said needle with one end of said optical fiber adjacent to said tip of said needle and with another end of said fiber connected to an output of said laser source; piercing the skin of a patient and bringing said needle tip into a subcutaneous adipose layer of the patient; irradiating said adipose layer with said laser beam to cause lipolysis of said adipose layer and rupturing membranes of cells forming the adipose layer, thus transforming adeps forming said adipose layer into a liquid substance.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising: suctioning said liquid substance away from the adipose layer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising: removing said hollow needle from the patient leaving said liquid substance in place, said liquid substance being subsequently absorbed by the organism of the patient.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said tip of said needle includes a sharp edge; said piercing of the skin is performed with said needle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 4 , further comprising: suctioning said liquid substance away from the adipose layer.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method in accordance with claim 4 , further comprising: removing said hollow needle from the patient leaving said liquid substance in place, said liquid substance being subsequently absorbed by the organism of the patient.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said generating of said laser beam and said irradiating is performed to cauterize blood vessels in the adipose layer damaged by said irradiating.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising: irradiating the adipose layer with another laser beam to provide transcutaneous vision.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said generating is performed to generate said laser beam as a pulsed laser beam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said generating is performed to generate said laser beam as a pulsed laser beam with a wavelength 0.75 and 2.5 micrometers, and with an energy level between 30 and 300 mjoules per pulse.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
52 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said generating is performed to generate said laser beam as a pulsed laser beam with a pulse frequency between 10 and 60 Hz, with a wavelength between 0.75 and 2.5 micrometers, and with an energy level between 30 and 300 mjoules per pulse.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method in accordance with claim 1 , wherein: said pulse frequency is between 40 and 50 Hz.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for treating adipose cells in a patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hollow needle with a tip and an optical fiber inside said needle with one end of said optical fiber adjacent to said tip of said needle; generating a laser beam through said optical fiber with an intensity and a wavelength for liquefying, and maintaining liquid, the adipose cells; moving said tip of said needle into a subcutaneous adipose layer of the patient; irradiating adipose cells in the adipose layer with said laser beam from said optical fiber to transform the adipose cells into, and maintain the adipose cells as, a liquid substance.
Claim 15
Independent Claim
109 words
A method for treating adipose cells in a patient, the method comprising the steps of: providing a hollow needle with a tip and an optical fiber inside said needle with one end of said optical fiber adjacent to said tip of said needle; generating a laser beam through said optical fiber with an intensity and a wavelength for liquefying, and maintaining liquid, the adipose cells; moving said tip of said needle into a subcutaneous adipose layer of the patient; irradiating adipose cells in the adipose layer with said laser beam from said optical fiber to transform the adipose cells into, and maintain the adipose cells as, a liquid substance.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method in accordance with claim 13 , wherein: said generating of said laser beam and said irradiating is performed to rupture membranes of the adipose cells without substantially damaging collagen in the adipose layer.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method in accordance with claim 13 , wherein: said generating of said laser beam and said irradiating is performed to rupture membranes of the adipose cells and maintain both collagen and blood vessels in the adipose layer substantially unaltered.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method in accordance with claim 13 , further comprising: suctioning said liquid substance away from the adipose layer.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method in accordance with claim 13 , further comprising: removing said needle from the patient leaving said liquid substance in the patient; absorbing said liquid substance through elements of the patient adjacent the adipose cells.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method in accordance with claim 17 , wherein: said absorbing is through a lymphatic system and phagocytes of the patient.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method in accordance with claim 13 , further comprising: providing said needle with a skin cutting tip; cutting a skin of the patient with said skin cutting tip of said needle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-03-26 | 2004-09-25 | 2005-03-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-03-26 | 2008-09-25 | 2009-03-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-03-26 | 2012-09-25 | 2013-03-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |