Method of destroying tissue cells by electroporation

摘要

An apparatus and method for performing non-invasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.

主权项

1. A method for sculpting a human body comprising:
providing:
an applicator comprising first and second electrodes defining a treatment area therebetween, the treatment area adapted to accept a portion of the human body comprising at least one of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fat, anda generator operably connected to the applicator; engaging the applicator with a surface of skin on the human body, wherein the first and second electrodes remain outside of the human body; retaining the portion of the human body within the treatment area; and applying a plurality of electrical pulses between the first and second electrodes in an amount sufficient to irreversibly open pores in fat cells in the retained portion of the human body.