Reduction of RF electrode edge effect

摘要

A skin surface is treated with RF energy (e.g., unipolar, monopolar, bipolar or multipolar RF delivery). A first semiconductive cap disposed on a first distal end of a first electrode and, optionally, a second semiconductive cap disposed on a second distal end of a second electrode are applied to the skin surface. RF energy is delivered from the first electrode and the second electrode through the first semiconductive cap and the second semiconductive cap, respectively, through the skin surface. The first semiconductive cap and/or the second semiconductive cap have an electrical conductivity matched or substantially matched to the skin's electrical conductivity (e.g., about 0.1 to about 2 times that of the skin).

主权项

1. An applicator for RF energy delivered through a skin surface, comprising:
a pair of electrodes connected to a base of the applicator and extending from the base toward a location of the skin surface, with each electrode having a distal end; a semiconductive cap affixed to the distal end of each electrode and constructed and arranged to contact the location of the skin surface, wherein each semiconductive cap is shaped such that an electrical path-length through the semiconductive cap towards edges of the associated electrode are longer than towards a center of the associated electrode.