Apparatus and methods for the destruction of adipose tissue

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are described for modifying unwanted tissue for cosmetic reasons. The methods provide a non-invasive manner to perform body contouring by destroying adipose tissue while simultaneously causing collagen contraction in a single procedure so that as destroyed tissue is removed from a treatment volume, the volume shrinks gradually to maintain the skin tone of the treatment area.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of reducing adipose tissue volume in a patient using high intensity focused ultrasound, the method comprising the steps of:
 determining a volume of adipose tissue to be treated;   identifying a corresponding surface area of skin over said volume of adipose tissue;   applying high intensity focused ultrasound energy to said area in a manner sufficient to cause the destruction of adipose tissue and denaturing of collagen, the ultrasound energy measured as a energy flux (EF) being of at least 35 J/cm 2  wherein EF is determined by the formula:
   [(p)×(l/v)×(dc)×(nl)]/(sa)
 
   wherein   p=power,   l=line length,   v=velocity,   dc=duty cycle,   nl=number of lines,   and   sa=scanned area.   
     
     
         2 . The method as described in  claim 1 , wherein the energy flux is in the range from 35 J/cm 2  and 460 J/cm 2 . 
     
     
         3 . The method as described in  claim 1 , wherein the energy flux is in the range from 90 J/cm 2  and 225 J/cm 2 . 
     
     
         4 . The method as described in  claim 1 , wherein the energy flux is above 109 J/cm 2 . 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein applying of high intensity focused ultrasound energy produces any variety and number of discrete lesions in the tissue. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the applied high intensity focused ultrasound energy creates lesions separated in both distance and time. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the energy is applied for at least one second and the EF value is sufficient to raise the temperature in tissue to substantially 56° C. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a therapy controller is programmed to control the application of high intensity ultrasound to produce the desired EF value. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the therapy controller is programmed to deliver a desired EF value in two or more applications of ultrasound into a single volume of tissue. 
     
     
         10 . An apparatus for the delivery of therapeutic ultrasound energy into a patient, said apparatus having a scan head having at least one ultrasound transducer, wherein the transducer is adapted to move at a velocity v along a line having a length t, and a therapy controller for controlling energy delivered from said ultrasound transducer wherein said therapy controller is programmable for variables to deliver an energy flux (EF) greater than 35 J/cm 2 , wherein EF is determined by the formula:
   [(p)×(l/v)×(dc)×(nl)]/(sa)
   wherein   p=power,   l=line length,   v=velocity,   dc=duty cycle,   nl=number of lines,   and   sa=scanned area.   
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , further comprising a suspension device for supporting the scan head. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the apparatus delivers an energy flux between 35 J/cm 2  and 460 J/cm 2    
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus delivers an energy flux between 90 J/cm 2  and 225 Joules/cm 2 . 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the apparatus delivers an energy flux greater than 109 J/cm 2 . 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the therapy controller is programmed to produce a plurality of lesion fields in a patient. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the lesions fields are at least partially overlapping. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 15 , wherein the lesions fields are positioned to treat a volume of tissue. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the EF value is sufficient to raise the temperature in tissue to substantially 56° C. when the energy is applied for at least one second. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the therapy controller is programmed to produce a therapeutic effect that destroys adipose tissue and denatures collagen simultaneously. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein the therapy controller is programmed to deliver a desired EF value in two or more applications of ultrasound into a single volume of tissue.