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WO1997047250A1 - Cristaux liquides utilises dans des traitements dermatologiques par energie lumineuse - Google Patents

Cristaux liquides utilises dans des traitements dermatologiques par energie lumineuse Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1997047250A1
WO1997047250A1 PCT/US1997/010399 US9710399W WO9747250A1 WO 1997047250 A1 WO1997047250 A1 WO 1997047250A1 US 9710399 W US9710399 W US 9710399W WO 9747250 A1 WO9747250 A1 WO 9747250A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
liquid crystal
light energy
tissue
light
liquid crystals
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1997/010399
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Thomas L. Mehl, Sr.
Original Assignee
Mehl Thomas L Sr
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mehl Thomas L Sr filed Critical Mehl Thomas L Sr
Priority to AU33118/97A priority Critical patent/AU3311897A/en
Publication of WO1997047250A1 publication Critical patent/WO1997047250A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
    • A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
    • A61B18/203—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser applying laser energy to the outside of the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods
    • A61B17/22—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; for invasive removal or destruction of calculus using mechanical vibrations; for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for
    • A61B2017/22082—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; for invasive removal or destruction of calculus using mechanical vibrations; for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for after introduction of a substance
    • A61B2017/22085—Implements for squeezing-off ulcers or the like on inner organs of the body; Implements for scraping-out cavities of body organs, e.g. bones; for invasive removal or destruction of calculus using mechanical vibrations; for removing obstructions in blood vessels, not otherwise provided for after introduction of a substance light-absorbing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00452—Skin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
    • A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
    • A61B2018/00452—Skin
    • A61B2018/00476—Hair follicles

Definitions

  • the present invention pertains to processes and devices used to destroy human tissue by application of light energy.
  • the present invention involves a process by which light energy projected onto the skin for the purpose of killing hair follicles is first filtered or modified by a liquid crystal. Destruction of other tissues, such as lesions and cancerous cells, are similarly accomplished.
  • the invention may be applied to remove skin tissue accomplishing exfoliation, resurfacing, or removal of skin wrinkles.
  • Photothermolysis as a method of depilation is typically limited by the potential collateral damage occurring to the skin surrounding the targeted hair follicles. This damage is a consequence of the inevitable absorption by the skin of the light energy directed at the hair follicle. This is particularly a concern in processes for hair removal from large portions of the body as compared to processes aimed at removing individual hairs.
  • Prior methods in the art have attempted to increase the relative absorption by the hair follicle by using a light source of a wavelength particularly absorbed by cells in the vicinity of the hair follicle (see Zaias, U.S. patent No. 5,059,192) or providing a secondary target by introducing contaminants (see Tankovich, U.S. patents 5,226,907 and 5,425,728).
  • Liquid crystals are a class of chemical compounds and mixtures which exhibit the mechanical properties of liquids and the optical properties of solids.
  • liquid crystals are known for their own unique properties such as optical behavior which is dependent on applied external energy fields.
  • It an another object of the present invention to provide a method for altering the characteristics of light energy projected at the human skin thereby enhancing photothermolysis of tissue. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an enhanced photothermolysis target material which is capable of absorbing light energy of any of a broad spectrum of wavelengths.
  • the present invention makes use of the particular properties of liquid crystals to achieve these objects.
  • Liquid crystals are a family of compounds known for their unique properties. In particular, some liquid crystals have nonlinear optical properties. That is, their optical properties change with external energy fields.
  • the present invention is a method by which liquid crystals are introduced between a selected tissue region and incident light energy. The liquid crystal is used to direct or alter the light energy to more efficiently effect the desired result. Because of liquid crystals ability to reflect light in multiple of directions, liquid crystals are also used to redirect incident light toward or away from selected tissues.
  • liquid crystals are used as a target material in photothermolysis.
  • a liquid crystal is selected with the ability to "tune" itself to absorb a variety of wavelengths of light energy. By introducing such a liquid crystal into a targeted tissue, a variety of light sources may be directed at the targeted tissue to effect photothermolysis.
  • a liquid crystal is introduced between a selected tissue and a light source. The liquid crystal filters or alters the light energy as it passes through the liquid crystal.
  • a liquid crystal is introduced in the proximity of the hair follicle. This liquid crystal reflects the applied incident light energy such as to direct it toward the hair shaft or germative cells of the hair.
  • liquid crystals are applied to the skin surface.
  • the liquid crystal acts as a blocker of deleterious light energy such as UV sunlight, reflecting the energy away from the skin surface.
  • liquid crystals are generally topically applied to the skin surface or applied to be absorbed into a targeted tissue.
  • a liposome encapsulated liquid crystal is provided to deliver liquid crystal to specific tissues.
  • An alternative method is to provide the liquid crystal in a carrier structure such as a thin plastic film which is held adjacent or on the skin surface.
  • Figure 1 is a cross section of a skin region showing several embodiments of the invention as applied to the skin tissues.
  • Liquid crystals are a class of chemical compounds and mixtures which exhibit the mechanical properties of liquids and the optical properties of solids. Liquid crystals are known for their own unique properties such as optical behavior which is dependent on applied external energy fields. In particular, it is possible to select a liquid crystal whose optical properties are dependent upon the liquid crystal temperature, applied electrical fields, or the characteristics of the incident light itself.
  • the nonlinear optical properties of liquid crystals are discussed in detail in Liquid Crystals - Physical Properties and Nonlinear Optical Phenomena: Iam-Choon Khoo; 1995; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
  • liquid crystals are selected to alter the characteristics of a projected light beam such that the resultant light energy, when striking targeted tissue, causes photothermolysis or otherwise destroys the unwanted tissue.
  • the characteristics of the incident light is altered or filtered such that the light energy striking the targeted tissue is absorbed to a greater extent than would be the projected light.
  • destruction of the targeted tissue is accomplished while reducing the exposure and destruction of surrounding tissue.
  • a liquid crystal material 10 is shown introduced in a variety of ways. Liquid crystal 10 may be introduced at the skin surface or within the epidermis 16 to intercept light incident on the skin.
  • the liquid crystal is selected to act as an absorber of the light energy, causing thermolysis by conduction of the energy to the surrounding tissue, while reducing direct absorption by the surrounding tissue.
  • the liquid crystal is selected to act as an absorber of the light energy, causing thermolysis by conduction of the energy to the surrounding tissue, while reducing direct absorption by the surrounding tissue.
  • a liquid crystal is selected for its abso ⁇ tivity of a broad range of light wavelengths.
  • the liquid crystal itself is altered by the incident light in a manner to increase the liquid crystal abso ⁇ tivity in the particular wavelength range of the incident light.
  • the liquid crystal "tunes" itself in this manner over a broad range of wavelengths, thereby acting as a very effective photothermolysis target. Because the liquid crystal tunes itself to the applied light, selection of the light source is not as critical. Any light source producing light energy within the wavelength range of the liquid crystal's ability to "tune in” may then be used for photothermolysis and tissue removal. The liquid crystal will absorb the light energy and conduct it to the targeted tissue.
  • a liquid crystal which can modify the characteristics of light energy used for photothermolysis.
  • Light energy which would otherwise be detrimentally absorbed by protected tissue is caused to pass through a specifically selected liquid crystal.
  • the liquid crystal alters or modifies the light energy characteristics such that it is not absorbed by the protected tissue.
  • the modified light energy instead is absorbed preferentially by the targeted tissue, thereby effecting the desired result without causing unwanted damage to the protected tissue.
  • the liquid crystal is selected such that its properties are dependent on the wavelength of the light itself. In this manner the liquid crystal tunes itself to cause the desired effect not just at a single wavelength, but instead can cause the same result regardless of the wavelength of the projected light, within a broad range.
  • Liquid crystal compounds can also be effected by external electrical fields.
  • a liquid crystal is provided together with a means of applying to it an electrical field.
  • the liquid crystal optical properties are modified to those desired for the specific application. In this manner, the liquid crystal properties may be altered to allow transmission to the tissue of only a specific wavelength of light regardless of the frequency content of the projected incident light.
  • the liquid crystals are applied in the form of a patch.
  • This patch is a thin sheet or sheets of a material such as plastic in which, or on which, the appropriate liquid crystal is contained.
  • the patch is attached to, or otherwise located adjacent to, the surface of the tissue to be treated.
  • a patch 26 is shown above the skin surface. The light energy is projected through the patch 26 allowing the liquid crystal 10 to modify the light energy characteristics to that required to effect the target tissue as desired.
  • a light beam 12 is shown passing through a patch
  • an electrical field may be applied to the patch to modify the liquid crystal optical properties to meet the requirements of the specific light source to be used.
  • the liquid crystals are applied in a variety of ways depending upon the specific function. In depilation through photothermolysis the liquid crystal is delivered as close to the germative and growth cells of the hair follicle and papilla as possible. This may be accomplished by topical application with a means of encouraging the liquid crystal into the hair follicle. Mechanical encouragement such as by using ultrasonic devices may be used.
  • a liquid crystal 10 is shown introduced into the hair follicle walls 22 where they reflect light toward the hair shaft 18, papilla 20 and germative cells of the hair. Where it is desired that light energy striking only specific targeted cells be effected by the the liquid crystal, the liquid crystal is first encapsulated in a liposome.
  • a liposome is selected to migrate and bond preferentially to the specific targeted cells carrying with it the liquid crystal.
  • the liposome acts as a carrier to direct the liquid crystal to the targeted tissue.
  • the liposome is applied topically to a tissue surface such as the epidermis.
  • a liposome preferably binding to the epidermal cells is used.
  • the epidermis 16 is the portion of the skin tissues making up the skin's outermost layer.
  • the epidermis also forms the lining of the hair follicle walls 22.
  • a liquid crystal 10 By depositing a liquid crystal 10 in the epidermis, it is concentrated surrounding the hair shaft and adjacent the papilla 20 and other growth cells of the hair. The reflective properties of the liquid crystal there help retain the light energy in this proximity rather than allowing transmission to other tissues.
  • the liposome encapsulated liquid crystal is first freeze-dried to enhance shelf-life and delivery.
  • a general discussion of liposomes and liposome technology can be found in a three volume work entitled Liposome Technology edited by G. Gregoriadis, 1993, published by CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida. The pertinent portions of these references are inco ⁇ orated herein by reference.
  • lasers are the preferred light energy source
  • the present invention is equally applicable to noncoherent light sources.
  • the light source has a broad band, or multiple, of wavelengths
  • selecting a liquid crystal capable of filtering or tuning to cause the desired effect may be a complex problem.
  • Tissue is intended to be inte ⁇ reted very broadly as used in this discussion.
  • the application of the present invention may be directed to many different human, as well as other animal, physiological structures.
  • the tissue of interest is the germative cells responsible for hair growth.
  • U.S. Patent 5,059,192 to Zaias, inco ⁇ orated herein by reference removal of human hair by photothermolysis is disclosed.
  • Hair follicle death and removal is effected by photothermolysis of the germative cells which initiate and sustain hair growth.
  • a limitation of this, and similar methods, is the collateral damage occurring to the skin cells surrounding the targeted germative cells.
  • Zaias teaches that light of a particular wavelength range will effect death of the germative cells without undue collateral skin damage. Light sources of other wavelengths are not normally practical in this application due to unacceptable damage.
  • liquid crystals by application of liquid crystals by the methods outlined above, light energy of a broader range of wavelengths may be applied. In this application a specific liquid crystal and controlling parameters are selected such that projected light energy would be directed such that an increased proportion of energy would effect photothermolysis of the targeted cells while a decreased proportion would strike the surrounding skin tissue.
  • the liquid crystal filters a broad band light source to allow only light energy which is preferably absorbed by the target cells.
  • depilation may be accomplished with a minimum of collateral damage.
  • This method of tissue destruction can also be applied where selective destruction of tissues is desired. Destruction of cancerous cells, lesions, or similar unwanted tissue may be effected without undue damage to surrounding skin.
  • the liquid crystal is delivered preferably by a liposome which binds to the target cells.
  • this method may be applied to removal of unwanted skin tissues to accomplish exfoliation, resurfacing, or removal of skin wrinkles.
  • liquid crystals may be employed to protect rather than destroy tissue.
  • a selected liquid crystal may be applied to the skin surface. As applied on the skin surface, the proper liquid crystal has the ability to reflect incident light energy in the UV spectrum away from the skin surface. Applied before exposure to sunlight, the liquid crystal acts as an effective sunscreen.
  • Depilation can be effected through application of various forms of electric fields.
  • liquid crystal compounds are introduced to enhance the DC or radio frequency electromagnetic reception of the hair.
  • the liquid crystal is introduced to the hair follicle or adjacent tissues, preferably by liposome delivery as previously discussed above.
  • the liquid crystal is introduced to the skin surface, in contact with the hair. Surface contact may be accomplished through use of a thin patch applied to the skin surface. By tuning the hair to the applied field, death of the hair may be effected with a reduced energy input.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Otolaryngology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Cosmetics (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un procédé de traitement de tissu faisant appel aux propriétés uniques de composés à cristaux liquides. Des composés à cristaux liquides (10) sont placés à l'intérieur, à la surface ou à côté d'une région tissulaire cible. De l'énergie lumineuse (12) est ensuite envoyée à travers les cristaux liquides pour atteindre le tissu cible. Les propriétés des cristaux liquides sélectionnés sont telles que l'énergie lumineuse est modifiée ou filtrée pour que son efficacité soit renforcée dans le traitement. L'invention concerne des procédés dans lesquels des cristaux liquides sont utilisés pour s'adapter automatiquement à la lumière incidente afin d'augmenter l'absorption. Ces procédés sont utilisés en épilation. Les cristaux liquides sont véhiculés par un liposome pour être diffusés dans des tissus spécifiques.
PCT/US1997/010399 1996-06-13 1997-06-13 Cristaux liquides utilises dans des traitements dermatologiques par energie lumineuse WO1997047250A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU33118/97A AU3311897A (en) 1996-06-13 1997-06-13 Liquid crystals in dermatological treatments using light energy

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US1973196P 1996-06-13 1996-06-13
US60/019,731 1996-06-13

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1997047250A1 true WO1997047250A1 (fr) 1997-12-18

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ID=21794726

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1997/010399 WO1997047250A1 (fr) 1996-06-13 1997-06-13 Cristaux liquides utilises dans des traitements dermatologiques par energie lumineuse

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU3311897A (fr)
WO (1) WO1997047250A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA975263B (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2001386B1 (fr) * 2006-04-06 2013-01-02 Lite Touch Ltd. Appareil de photothermolyse

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5199951A (en) * 1990-05-17 1993-04-06 Wayne State University Method of drug application in a transporting medium to an arterial wall injured during angioplasty
WO1993006921A1 (fr) * 1991-10-04 1993-04-15 Gs Biochem Ab Particules, procede de preparation desdites particules et utilisations
US5226907A (en) * 1991-10-29 1993-07-13 Tankovich Nikolai I Hair removal device and method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5199951A (en) * 1990-05-17 1993-04-06 Wayne State University Method of drug application in a transporting medium to an arterial wall injured during angioplasty
WO1993006921A1 (fr) * 1991-10-04 1993-04-15 Gs Biochem Ab Particules, procede de preparation desdites particules et utilisations
US5226907A (en) * 1991-10-29 1993-07-13 Tankovich Nikolai I Hair removal device and method

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2001386B1 (fr) * 2006-04-06 2013-01-02 Lite Touch Ltd. Appareil de photothermolyse

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU3311897A (en) 1998-01-07
ZA975263B (en) 1998-07-27

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