Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/54—Chiropodists' instruments, e.g. pedicure
  • A61B17/545—Chiropodists' instruments, e.g. pedicure using a stream or spray of abrasive particles
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B2017/00535—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated
  • A61B2017/00544—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets pneumatically or hydraulically operated pneumatically
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
  • A61B17/32—Surgical cutting instruments
  • A61B2017/320004—Surgical cutting instruments abrasive
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
  • A61B2217/00—General characteristics of surgical instruments
  • A61B2217/002—Auxiliary appliance
  • A61B2217/005—Auxiliary appliance with suction drainage system

Definitions

• the present invention relates to improvements in apparatus for carrying out microdermoabrasion, in particular improvements in the handset thereof, its construction and use in the treatment of skin.
• skin abrasion has been carried out by mechanical or chemical means.
• controlled microdermoabrasion which is effected by "firing" through the skin inert microcrystals via a handset fitted with a disposable plastic nozzle.
• the layers of skin are thereby able to be abraded as required, according to the depth of the blemish/scar to be erased.
• the advantages of this method compared to classical dermoabrasion include the absence of biological harm to the tissues being abraded and the capability for the operator to be able to select the required abrasion depth.
• the treatment does not require a local anaesthetic; can be carried out on out- patients and can be repeated as and when required. There is now a trend for such treatments to be carried out in beauty salons.
• Microdermoabrasion is therefore based on the following modus operandi: via a fine point or aperture, connected to the main body of the apparatus, the part of skin to be treated is aspirated and, at the same time, a controlled jet of microcrystals flowing through a channel results in exfoliation of the skin.
• the microcrystals can then be immediately aspirated via the same fine point or aperture, through a different channel, together with skin impurities and cell debris.
• the treatment will result in varying degrees of penetration. Therefore, treatment may be limited to the stratum corneum (resulting in light peeling) or may act at a deeper level in accordance with the particular pathology.
• Microdermoabrasion may be used in connection with the following indications, not only in aesthetics: acne scars; burns; cheloids; chickenpox scars; dark and pigmentation marks; facial peels; hypertrophic scars; small facial scars; reduction of post traumatic scarring; reduction of wrinkles; stretch marks or atrophied striae; surface capillaries; and tattoo removal, but also in trychology, for the treatment of symptoms associated with excess sebaceous secretion, scurf and hair fall; and also in preparation for surgery.
• Presently-available apparatus can provide aspiration by suction/vacuum alone or by a combination of air pressure/compression with suction/vacuum in which latter case the crystal jet is accelerated, resulting in a quicker and deeper abrasion.
• the latter is generally used when treating scar tissue and acne scars, i.e. , more resistant inaesthetisms . Both suction and pressure can be adjusted to suit.
• the crystals used may be of aluminium or aluminium oxide (AI2O3) or corundum.
• AI2O3 microcrystals used are chemically inert. They are able to provide a gentle, uniform abrasion of the tissues being treated.
• a vacuum is formed triggering the release of the crystals and beginning the der oabrasion process.
• the handset is usually designed to enable the practitioner to sweep the skin surface and/or treat specific areas of approximately 1-2 mm in diameter.
• the use of an electropneumatic vacuum induces a hyperemia effect on the skin, which encourages skin tissue regeneration as well as making it possible to suck off the used or excess crystals.
• Typical, known, apparatus therefore comprises a first container for unused crystals, a second container for used crystals, a conduit connecting the containers via a handset provided with a delivery aperture for delivering crystals to skin, first means associated with the first container for providing an airstream adapted to transport unused crystals to the handset aperture, second means associated with the second container adapted to withdraw used crystals from the skin and to deliver the used crystals to the second container.
• the first means comprises an air compressor and the second means comprises a suction pump.
• some apparatus may rely solely on the use of a vacuum pump both to deliver unused crystals to the skin and to withdraw used crystals from the skin.
• the skin thereby acts as part of the crystal flow conduit between the first and second containers once the delivery aperture, usually positioned in a replaceable or disposable nozzle on the handset for hygiene reasons, contacts the skin thereby forming a vacuum. Therefore, prior art apparatus using both vacuum and air pressure have a suction/vacuum inlet positioned in line as part of the crystal flow conduit and have the suction/vacuum inlet positioned forward of the air pressure outlet in the handset delivery aperture.
• prior art apparatus has the delivery aperture positioned to the side of the handset and the disposable nozzle is therefore adapted to fit the handset in one position only to allow the crystals to be ejected through the delivery aperture via a matching treatment aperture in the nozzle.
• some apparatus are provided with an optional foot pedal which is adapted to enable a higher pressure or more intensive effect when in use, generally, existing designs do not allow for significant flexibility of use. Therefore, skin treatments which can be administered are limited or at least difficult to vary in a controlled manner whilst in use. Furthermore, as soon as the treatment aperture is removed from the skin, crystals tend to scatter from the aperture until the apparatus is completely switched off, or the vacuum pump and/or air compressor are switched off or the high pressure foot pedal released.
• the present invention provides an improvement in the known apparatus by locating the air pressure outlet forward of the suction (vacuum) inlet in the handset. This allows for the use of interchangeable nozzles, which are also provided and which can change the working relationship between the newly-positioned pressure outlet and suction inlet. Examples of these nozzles are further described below.
• the delivery aperture is preferably to the front end, rather than to the side, of the handset.
• a further improvement comprises trigger means, preferably sited on the handset, for activating crystal flow when triggered but which otherwise prevents or reduces crystal flow, even when the vacuum pump and/or compressor is still in operation. Therefore, the present invention provides apparatus for use in microdermoabrasion in which unused microcrystals are delivered from a handset to skin and used microcrystals are drawn back into the handset together with skin debris, which apparatus comprises
• a handset provided with a delivery aperture for delivering unused microcrystals to skin and for receiving used microcrystals and skin debris
• second means adapted to withdraw used crystals from the skin via a vacuum inlet
• trigger means is provided to enable unused microcrystals to be delivered from the delivery aperture when triggered but otherwise prevents or reduces delivery of unused microcrystals even during operation of the first and/or second means.
• the trigger means is an aperture located on the handset in a position convenient to be covered with an operator's finger when in use. Advantages of the handset of the present invention over prior art systems therefore include activation of crystal flow by touching the trigger aperture. This low force action enables the operator to keep both feet steady on the ground and a steady hand on the handpiece; it also allows the operator to move around the patient; conventional hand and foot-operated controls do not achieve these.
• the trigger means comprises a trigger aperture in the handset associated with means for providing the airstream to the handset and/or means for providing unused microcrystals to the handset.
• the trigger aperture may be connected to a low air pressure conduit associated with a signalling system to detect air pressure in the conduit and to transmit a signal, at a predetermined pressure, adapted to switch the airstream (provided by the first means or air compressor) to the first container; and at a lower pressure than the predetermined air pressure to switch the airstream to vent the airstream, and optionally also to disconnect the airstream from the first container.
• the signalling system preferably comprises an air switch which co-operates with a solenoid valve to activate or deactivate airflow upstream of the first container of unused crystals.
• an air switch which co-operates with a solenoid valve to activate or deactivate airflow upstream of the first container of unused crystals.
• a mode selector may also be provided which operates a crystal / bypass select system which exclusively or partially directs the airstream though the first container and/or bypasses the first container.
• a crystal/bypass select system which exclusively or partially directs the airstream though the first container and/or bypasses the first container.
• the bypass system allows for more air to be mixed with the crystals, resulting in a thinner mixture than easily obtainable in the prior art systems .
• the trigger aperture when closed, operates both a valve enabling the airstream to be provided to the handset and a valve enabling unused microcrystals to be released into the airstream.
• the advantages of such an arrangement include the possibility of locating the first container (of unused microcrystals) on or in the handset. At least two significant improvements accrue therefrom: the microcrystals do not mix with the airstream until just prior to the point of delivery from the delivery aperture. This prevents blockages occurring at the point (the restrictor) where the airstream line is usually constricted to provide a high pressure jet of air (or air/crystal mixture) to the delivery aperture; also, the bore of the restrictor can be smaller and airstream velocity higher.
• this possibility means that sealed, replaceable containers may be used to supply the microcrystals, even on a 1 - per treatment basis, so that handling is minimised, and bulk volumes are not exposed to dampness and other environmental contaminants.
• These containers may be disposable, rigid cartridges or soft, bag-like 'refills' .
• This arrangement means that the airstream is directly controlled at the point of use by the trigger/valve system; and the supply of microcrystals can likewise be controlled.
• the crystals may be fed into the airstream jet by pressure, gravity or syphon action.
• the apparatus of the present invention is provided with a sensor which detects the change in the vacuum level once the delivery or treatment aperture is removed from contact with the skin and is provided with means for switching off the airstream, hence simultaneously preventing crystal flow.
• a sensor which detects the change in the vacuum level once the delivery or treatment aperture is removed from contact with the skin and is provided with means for switching off the airstream, hence simultaneously preventing crystal flow.
• the apparatus may also provide means for activating the vacuum as soon as the handset is removed from a holding position thereon but, because of the trigger and/or vacuum sensor systems, no crystals flow until the handset is in contact with the skin to be treated and the trigger aperture is covered.
• the apparatus may also be provided with means for switching the vacuum supply through the first container, thereby preventing crystal flow. This enables the vacuum to be used (in the absence of crystal flow) to clean the skin or handset by extracting used or retained crystals.
• the apparatus of the present invention may be used with various fluid and transported media to etch, polish, abrade, clean or colour.
• the apparatus of the present invention can also be adapted for use with other cosmetic or medical equipment such as massage heads.
• the apparatus may further comprise one or more of the following additional features: 1. Detachable mains lead.
• Crystal supply or first container adapted to be installed through sealable access in apparatus casing or handset.
• Handset preferably wi th integral trigger for crystal flow in ' pen ' style .
• the apparatus is preferably operated as follows : Main power switch on front panel of apparatus is operated . L . E . D . di splays become ac t ive . Pumps energi se ; no external ai r suppl y i s enabled , and optionally also no vacuum supply is enabled.
• the operator selects mode of operation by means of front panel control, including vacuum-only; vacuum plus air which can be used to clean skin of any residue from crystals, and with dummy nozzle or cover fitted will clean tubes and protect from contamination; and vacuum plus crystals. Alternatively, the operator may choose between pre-set air/vacuum levels. Lifting handpiece from holder or bracket on apparatus may switch vacuum supply to nozzle.
• Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to the present invention wherein the first container is in the apparatus casing;
• Figure 2 is an enlarged lateral cross-section through the handset of Figure 1 ;
• Figures 3B and 4B are vertical sections of examples of interchangeable nozzles fitted to a handset according to the present invention, corresponding figures 3A and 3B are cross-sections thereof.
• FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of apparatus according to the present invention wherein the first container is associated with the handset.
• Figure 6 is an enlarged lateral cross-section through the handset of Figure 5.
• a power switch (not shown) activates an air pump (P1 ) and a vacuum pump (V1 ) .
• a vacuum solenoid valve (V2) turns the vacuum supply on at a handset vacuum port (V7) .
• a vacuum bargraph (M2) now displays the minimum selected vacuum level. Contacting the handset nozzle (N1 ) to skin operates an air solenoid interlock (A1 ) . The maximum selected vacuum level now shows on the bargraph (M2). Closing a trigger port (P10) distal from the nozzle (N1 ) on the handset (H) by covering it with a finger operates, via a conduit (P9), an air switch (P2).
• An air solenoid valve (P3) turns air supply on to a handset air port (P11 ) which is sited downstream of the handset vacuum port (V7) and restricts the air passage to create a high velocity jet.
• An air bargraph (M1 ) now displays air pressure level. Air pressure is metered (P4) and controlled (P5) downstream of the air solenoid valve (P3) and air switch system (P2) but upstream of the first container of unused crystals (P7).
• a conduit (P8) carries the resulting air/crystal mixture to the restrictor port (P11 ).
• the air and vacuum bargraphs (M1 and M2) are generated from respective transducers (T1 and T2) whose output is amplified (A1 and A2).
• the function of the airstream is determined by the position of a crystal/by-pass select (P6), which enables/disables crystal flow to the handset air port (P11 ). This has the effect of allowing more or less air to be mixed with the crystals and to be delivered to the handset (H).
• the airstream can be switched on and off by operation of the trigger port (P10). Breaking contact between the skin and nozzle (N1 ) will turn off the air stream.
• Vacuum is metered (V3) and controlled (V4) downstream of the vacuum solenoid valve (V2) and upstream of the filter (V5) for used crystals and skin debris. Vacuum is supplied to the handset vacuum port (V7) via a conduit (V6).
• V6 When the filter level display (M4) indicates filter (V5) is full, the filter must be emptied before further use.
• treatment can be provided by a funnel-shaped nozzle having an aperture which, when fitted, is concentric with the air pressure outlet (P11 ) of the delivery aperture. Because the vacuum inlet (V7) is also concentric thereto (as it is contained within the funnel), an intense effect is given to crystal flow. The smaller the nozzle treatment aperture, the more intense the treatment.
• a funnel-shaped baffle can be fitted to the air pressure outlet (P11 ) with a cylindrical nozzle fitted thereover.
• the crystal flow is forced forwards and outwards, enabling an arc of up to 10mm diameter of skin to be abraded.
• air flow can be activated to a cylindrical nozzle where the treatment aperture comprises the area of the cylinder-end in the absence of crystals (selecting air only), which results in gentler cleaning than by vacuum-only.
• a similar nozzle but having a cylinder end-cap or cover can be used.
• the nature of the flow from hiqh pressure (air outlet (Pll )) to low pressure (vacuum inlet (V7) ) may be determined by the design of removable nozzles which can be fitted to the air pressure outlet (Pll ), to the body of the handset and/or to the vacuum inlet (V7) to allow different tasks to be performed.
• a mode is selected on the control panel of the apparatus (DC)
• the air pressure control (PI 3) is switched to the pre-selected pressure
• the vacuum control (V12) is switched to the pre-selected vacuum by switching in or out a flow restrictor (also in V12) which vents to atmosphere.
• the vacuum to the handset is thus pre-selected.
• Operation of the same lever (P17) causes lifting of a valve (P18) in a duct connecting the container (PI 5) to the airstream, thereby allowing crystals to flow from the unused crystals container (P15) and mix with the airstream so produced.
• a vent (P19) in the crystal reservoir (P15) allows air to replace in the container (P15) the volume of delivered crystals. Skin debris and used crystals are returned to the apparatus via the handset vacuum port (V17).

Priority Applications (2)

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Cited By (37)

Citations (3)

• 1995
  • 1995-09-25 GB GBGB9520209.9A patent/GB9520209D0/en active Pending
• 1996
  • 1996-09-25 AU AU70919/96A patent/AU7091996A/en not_active Abandoned
  • 1996-09-25 WO PCT/GB1996/002395 patent/WO1997011650A1/en active Application Filing

Patent Citations (3)

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