HK1143730A - Systems for applying microwave energy to a tissue and creating an effect in a tissue layer - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems, methods and devices for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue are disclosed herein. A system for the application of microwave energy to a tissue can include, in some embodiments, a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having predetermined characteristics, an applicator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the applicator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface, a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface, a cooling source connected to said tissue interface, and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. The tissue may include a first layer and a second layer, the second layer below the first layer, and the controller is configured such that the system delivers energy such that a peak power loss density profile is created in the second layer.

Description

System and method for producing effects on specified tissue using microwave energy

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

According to 35 clause 119(e) of the U.S. code, the present application claims priority from: U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899 entitled "METHODS AND apparatus for REDUCING perspiration" filed on 19.4.2007, which is specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety AND the disclosure of which is included in the appended appendix 1, which is considered to be part of the specification of the present application; U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, entitled "METHODS, devices and SYSTEMS FOR NON-invasive delivery of microwave THERAPY," filed 12/2007, which is also specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and the disclosure of which is included in the appended appendix 2, which is also considered to be part of the specification of the present application; and U.S. provisional application No.61/045,937, filed on 17.4.2008, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN means FOR inducing micro wave ENERGY IN SPECIFIED TISSUE (systems and METHODS FOR producing effects on a given TISSUE using MICROWAVE energy)", which is also specifically incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Also incorporated herein by reference in its entirety are: co-pending PCT application (serial number to be assigned) entitled "METHODS and apparatus FOR sweating" filed on 18.4.2008, with attorney docket No. found.001vpc; AND PCT application entitled "METHODS, DEVICES AND SYSTEMS FOR NON-invasive delivery of microwave therapy" filed on 18.4.2008 (serial No. to be assigned), the attorney docket number of which is No. foundation.007vpc.

Technical Field

The present application relates to methods, devices and systems for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. In particular, the present application relates to methods, devices and systems for non-invasively delivering microwave energy to the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic effects.

Background

It is known that energy-based therapies can be applied to various tissues throughout the body to achieve a variety of therapeutic and/or cosmetic effects. There remains a need, however, to improve the efficacy of these energy-based therapies and to provide enhanced therapeutic efficacy with minimal adverse side effects or discomfort.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention provides methods, devices and systems for non-invasively delivering microwave energy to the epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic effects.

One aspect of the invention provides a system for applying microwave energy to tissue, comprising: a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic; a radiator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the radiator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface; a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface; a cooling source connected to the tissue interface; and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source.

Preferably the microwave signal has a frequency of about 4GHz to about 10 GHz.

Preferably the microwave signal has a frequency of about 5GHz to about 6.5 GHz.

Preferably the microwave signal has a frequency of about 5.8 GHz.

Preferably the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation that is polarised such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue.

Preferably the tissue comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer being located below the first layer, wherein the controller is configured to cause the system to transfer energy so as to produce a peak power loss density distribution in the second layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target tissue, the apparatus comprising: an organization interface; a microwave energy delivery device; a cooling assembly disposed between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling assembly including a cooling plate located at the tissue interface; and a cooling liquid disposed between the cooling assembly and the microwave transmission device, the cooling liquid having a dielectric constant greater than that of the cooling assembly.

Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising: a tissue interface having a tissue collection chamber; a cooling assembly having a cooling plate; and a microwave energy delivery device having a microwave antenna.

Another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising: a vacuum chamber adapted to elevate tissue comprising a target area and bring the tissue into contact with a cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate is adapted to contact a skin surface above the target area, cool the skin surface, and physically isolate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device; and a microwave antenna configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system for coupling microwave energy to tissue, the system comprising: a microwave antenna; a fluid chamber disposed between the microwave antenna and the tissue; and a cooling plate disposed between the cooling chamber and the tissue.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a tissue effect in a target tissue layer, comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer via a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in a target tissue layer without cooling, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and a first tissue layer via a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a wound in or immediately adjacent to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer without cooling, wherein the heat is sufficient to produce a tissue effect in or immediately adjacent to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of generating a temperature distribution in tissue, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of producing a temperature distribution in tissue without cooling, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in a first layer of tissue having an upper portion adjacent an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a second layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: exposing an outer surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; generating an energy density distribution having a peak in a lower portion of the first layer; and continuing to expose the outer surface of the skin to microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in skin, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to a skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of generating a temperature gradient in skin, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to a skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subcortical layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: exposing the outer surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermal layer; and continuing to irradiate the skin with microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; and radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface of the skin above the dermis layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and the hypodermis layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface of skin above the dermis layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and an inferior dermis layer; and heating a lower portion of the dermal region with the radiated microwave energy to create a wound.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of heating a tissue structure located in or near a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer in skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: irradiating the skin with microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermis layer; causing a wound to appear in the region of peak energy density by dielectric heating of tissue in the region of peak energy density; dilating a wound, wherein the wound is dilated at least in part by thermal conduction from a peak energy density region to surrounding tissue; removing heat from at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermis layer and the skin surface; and continuing to irradiate the skin with microwave energy for a sufficient time to extend the wound beyond the interface and into the subcortical layer.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer of the skin, wherein the dermal layer has an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface above the dermal layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermal layer having a constructive interference peak in a lower portion of the dermal layer; creating a wound in the lower portion of the dermal region by heating tissue in the lower portion of the dermal region with the radiated microwave energy; removing heat from at least a portion of an upper portion of a dermal layer and a skin surface to prevent the wound from expanding into the upper portion of the dermal layer; and stopping the radiation after a first predetermined time, the predetermined time being sufficient to raise the temperature of the tissue structure.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue, the method comprising the steps of: generating a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic; applying microwave energy to tissue through a microwave antenna and a tissue interface operatively connected to the microwave antenna; providing vacuum pressure to the tissue interface; and providing a cooling fluid to the tissue interface.

Another aspect of the invention provides a method of locating tissue prior to treatment of the tissue with radiated electromagnetic energy, the method comprising: positioning a tissue interface proximate a skin surface; engaging a skin surface in a tissue chamber of the tissue interface; substantially separating a layer comprising at least one layer of skin from a muscle layer underlying the skin; and maintaining the skin surface in the tissue chamber.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-section of a human tissue structure.

Figure 2 illustrates a system for generating and controlling microwave energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates a system for delivering microwave energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 is a front view of a microwave radiator according to an embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a front view of a tissue head used in conjunction with a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a top perspective partial cut-away view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an engaged tissue head, antenna and field spreader, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an engaged tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 illustrates a tissue head including multiple waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 illustrates a tissue head including multiple waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a tissue head including multiple waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 illustrates a disposable tissue head used in conjunction with an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 illustrates a disposable tissue head used in conjunction with an applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 shows a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 shows a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 30 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 31 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 34 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 35 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 37 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 39 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 44 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 45 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 47 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 50 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 51 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

When the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation (e.g., microwave energy), the energy is absorbed by each layer of tissue as the electromagnetic radiation passes through the tissue. The amount of energy absorbed by each tissue layer varies with a number of variables. Some of the variables that control the amount of energy absorbed by each tissue layer include the power of the electromagnetic radiation reaching each layer; the amount of time each layer is irradiated; the conductivity or loss tangent of the tissue in each layer, and the power deposition pattern from the antenna radiating the electromagnetic energy. The power to a particular tissue layer varies with a number of variables. Some of the variables that control the power to a particular tissue layer include the power that impacts the skin surface and the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. For example, at higher frequencies, the penetration depth of the electromagnetic signal is shallow, with most of the power deposited in the upper layers of tissue, and at lower frequencies, a greater penetration depth results in power deposited in the upper and lower tissue layers.

Heat can be generated in tissue by a variety of mechanisms. Mechanisms for generating heat in tissue include resistive heating, dielectric heating, and thermal conduction. Resistive heating occurs when current is generated in the tissue, resulting in resistive losses. Tissue may be resistively heated using, for example, monopolar or bipolar RF energy. Dielectric heating occurs when electromagnetic energy causes increased physical rotation of polar molecules that convert microwave energy into heat. The tissue may be dielectrically heated by, for example, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic energy in the microwave frequency band. As used herein, the microwave band or microwave frequency may refer to, for example, electromagnetic energy at a frequency suitable to cause dielectric heating in tissue when the tissue is radiated using an external antenna to deliver electromagnetic radiation. Such frequencies may range, for example, from about 100 megahertz (MHz) to 30 gigahertz (GHz). Whether the tissue is heated by resistive heating or by dielectric heating, heat generated in one region of the tissue can be transferred to adjacent tissue by, for example, thermal conduction, thermal radiation, or thermal convection.

When a microwave signal is radiated into a lossy dielectric material (e.g., water), the energy of the signal is absorbed and converted into heat as the signal penetrates the material. This heat is mainly generated by the induced physical rotation of the molecules when they are subjected to a microwave signal. The efficiency of conversion of microwave energy to heat for a given material can be quantified by the energy dissipation factor or loss tangent (tan δ). The loss tangent varies with the material composition and the frequency of the microwave signal. Water has a large loss tangent and heats up effectively when irradiated with microwave energy. Since all biological tissue has a certain water content and is therefore lossy, it can be heated with microwave energy. Different tissue types have variable amounts of water content, with muscle and skin having relatively high water content, and fat and bone having significantly less water content. Microwave heating is generally more effective in tissues with high water content.

Application of RF energy (conducted through the skin surface) or microwave energy (radiated through the skin surface) to heat tissue beneath the skin surface typically results in a temperature gradient that has a peak at the skin surface and decreases with increasing depth into the tissue. That is, the hottest spot is usually present at or near the skin surface. The temperature gradient is created by the power loss of the electromagnetic radiation as it passes through the tissue. The power loss density distribution typically peaks in tissue at the skin surface and decreases as the electromagnetic radiation passes through the tissue, regardless of the power radiated or the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation. Power loss density is measured in watts per cubic meter. An equivalent characterization of power deposition in tissue is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), which is measured in watts per kilogram. The specific absorption rate in the tissue may for example be proportional to the square of the electric field strength in the tissue. For a fixed radiation power level, the penetration depth will generally decrease with increasing frequency. Thus, as a general principle, one will typically choose a higher frequency in order to heat the tissue (e.g., epidermis) near the skin surface without damaging deeper tissue layers. Furthermore, as a general principle, in order to heat deeper tissue within the skin (e.g. dermis) or to heat tissue below the skin surface (e.g. in muscle tissue), one will typically choose a lower frequency to ensure that sufficient energy reaches the deeper tissue.

Where electromagnetic energy is used to heat structures in tissue below the skin surface and it is desirable to limit or prevent damage to the skin surface or tissue near the skin surface, it is possible to modify the temperature gradient to cause the peak temperature to penetrate deeper into the tissue. The temperature gradient within the tissue can be modified to cause the peak temperature to enter the tissue below the skin surface by, for example, removing heat from the tissue near the skin surface with an external mechanism. The external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface may include, for example, a heat sink that cools the skin surface and adjacent layers. When an external mechanism is used to remove heat from the skin surface, the heat may be removed when the electromagnetic radiation deposits energy in the tissue. Thus, where external mechanisms are used to remove heat from the skin surface and adjacent layers, energy is still absorbed at substantially the same rate as the tissue near the skin surface (and the power loss density and SAR in the cooled tissue remains substantially constant and unaffected by the cooling), but damage is prevented by removing heat faster than the heat build-up, preventing the temperature of the cooled tissue (e.g., tissue near the skin surface) from reaching a temperature at which tissue damage occurs or may form.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a human tissue structure. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1, muscle tissue 1301 is connected to hypodermis 1303 by connective tissue 1302. The hypodermis 1303 is connected to the dermis 1305 at interface 1308. The epidermis 1304 is located on the dermis 1305. Skin surface 1306 is located on epidermis 1304 and includes squamous epithelial cells 1345 and sweat pores 1347. Tissue structures 1325 (e.g., sweat glands 1341, sebaceous glands 1342, and hair follicles 1344) may be located throughout dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303. Further, the organizing structure 1325 may span or interrupt the interface 1308. Fig. 1 further includes an artery 1349, a vein 1351, and a nerve 1353. The hair follicle 1344 is attached to the hair shaft 1343. Tissue structures (e.g., apocrine glands, exocrine glands, or hair follicles) can be considered to range in size, for example, between about 0.1 millimeters and 2 millimeters, and can be grouped together to form groups or structures having larger sizes. As shown in fig. 1, interface 1308 can be considered a non-linear, non-continuous rough interface, which also includes a number of tissue structures and groups of tissue structures that span and interrupt interface 1308. When simulating tissue layers (e.g., dermis), it is difficult to accurately simulate the dielectric and/or conductive properties of the tissue layers because of human-to-human variability and variability within individual body regions. In addition, the presence of tissue structures and/or groups of tissue structures creates additional complexity. It is assumed that the average dielectric constant of a particular layer does not generally reflect the complexity of the actual tissue, however, it may serve as a starting point. For example, assuming (for example) that the dielectric constant of dermal tissue at 100MHz is about 66, then electromagnetic energy at the lower end of the microwave range will have a wavelength of about 370 millimeters. Assuming, for example, that the dielectric constant of dermal tissue at 6.0GHz is about 38, the electromagnetic energy will have a wavelength of about 8 millimeters in dermal tissue. Assuming, for example, that the dielectric constant of dermal tissue is about 18 at 30GHz, electromagnetic energy at the high end of the microwave range will have a wavelength of about 2.5 millimeters in dermal tissue. Thus, the presence of rough, discontinuous interfaces between tissue regions and the presence of tissue structures as the frequency increases will result in at least a portion of the signal being dispersed when the signal encounters a tissue structure or a discontinuous tissue interface. For fixed-size tissue structures or discontinuities, dispersion generally increases as the wavelength decreases, and becomes more pronounced when the wavelength is within the order of size of the discontinuity in the tissue structure, group of tissue structures, or interface.

When electromagnetic energy is transmitted through a medium having structures and interfaces, including interfaces between tissue layers, the electromagnetic energy will be dispersed and/or reflected by the structures and/or interfaces depending on the electrical and physical characteristics of the structures and interfaces and the differences in electrical and physical characteristics between such structures and interfaces and the surrounding tissue. When the reflected electromagnetic wave interacts with the incident electromagnetic wave, it can combine, under certain circumstances, to form a standing wave having one or more constructive interference peaks (e.g., electric field peaks) and one or more interference minima (also referred to as destructive interference regions).

In simulating tissue for the purposes of this discussion, dermal tissue can be simulated to include the dermis and epidermis. In simulating tissue for the purposes of this discussion, dermal tissue can be simulated to have a conductivity of about 4.5 siemens per meter at about 6 GHz. In simulating tissue for the purposes of this discussion, dermal tissue can be simulated as having a dielectric constant of about 40 at about 6 GHz. In simulating tissue for the purposes of this discussion, hypodermal tissue can be simulated to have a conductivity of about 0.3 siemens per meter at about 6 GHz. In simulating tissue for the purposes of this discussion, hypodermal tissue can be simulated as having a dielectric constant of about 5 at about 6 GHz.

System and apparatus

Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to generate heat in a selected tissue region according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to produce a predetermined specific absorption rate profile in a selected tissue region according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to produce a predetermined specific absorption rate profile (e.g., the specific absorption rate profiles shown in fig. 26-51) according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to produce a predetermined power loss density profile in a selected tissue region according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to produce a predetermined power loss density profile (e.g., the power loss density profiles shown in fig. 26-51) in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to produce a predetermined temperature distribution in a selected tissue region according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to generate a predetermined temperature profile (e.g., the temperature profiles shown in fig. 26-51) according to the present invention.

Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments that may be used to create wounds in selected tissue regions according to the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments and components of embodiments of systems according to the present invention that may be used to create a wound in a selected area by creating a specific absorption rate profile having peaks in the selected tissue area. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments according to the present invention that may be used to create a wound in selected tissue by creating a specific absorption rate profile (e.g., the specific absorption rate profile shown in fig. 26-51) in which the wound is created in a tissue region corresponding to a peak specific absorption rate. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments and components of embodiments of systems that may be used to create a wound in a selected area by creating a power loss density profile having peaks in the selected tissue area in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments and components of embodiments of systems according to the present invention that may be used to create a wound in a selected tissue by creating a power loss density profile (e.g., the power loss density profiles shown in fig. 26-51) in which the wound is created in an area of the tissue corresponding to a peak power loss density. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments and components of embodiments of systems that may be used to create a wound in a selected area by creating a temperature distribution with peaks in the selected tissue area in accordance with the present invention. Fig. 2-25 and 48-51 illustrate embodiments of systems and components of embodiments according to the present invention that may be used to create a wound in selected tissue by creating a temperature profile (e.g., the temperature profiles shown in fig. 26-51) in which the wound is created in a tissue region corresponding to a peak temperature. Other non-limiting examples of embodiments of microwave systems and apparatus that may be used and configured as described above may be found, for example, in U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899, fig. 3-7C and pages 8-13; and figures 3 to 9, 20 to 26, page 34 to page 48 and 20 to 26 of U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system for generating and controlling microwave energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, controller 302 may be, for example, a custom digital logic timer controller module that controls the delivery of microwave energy generated by signal generator 304 and amplified by amplifier 306. The controller 302 may also control a solenoid valve to control the application of vacuum from the vacuum source 308. In one embodiment of the present invention, the signal generator 304 may be, for example, a model N5181A MXG analog signal generator 100KHz-6GHz available from Agilent Technologies, Inc. In one embodiment of the present invention, amplifier 306 may be, for example, a model HD18288SP high power TWT amplifier 5.7-18GHz available from HD Communications Corporation. In one embodiment of the invention, the vacuum source 308 may be, for example, a model 0371224 basic 30 portable vacuum pump available from Medela. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant source 310 may be, for example, a 0P9TNAN001 NanoTherm industrial circulator available from ThermoTek, Inc.

Figure 3 illustrates a system for delivering microwave energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, power is supplied by power supply 318, and power supply 318 may be, for example, an alternating current power supply line. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 3, an isolation transformer 316 isolates the primary power provided by power supply 318 and provides the isolated power to controller 302, vacuum source 308, signal generator 304, amplifier 306, temperature data acquisition system 314, and coolant source 310. In one embodiment of the invention, a vacuum cable 372 connects the vacuum source 308 to the radiator 320. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, signal generator 304 generates a signal, which may be, for example, a Continuous Wave (CW) signal having a frequency in the range of, for example, 5.8GHz, and which may be provided to amplifier 306 controlled by controller 302. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, the output signal from the amplifier 306 may be passed to the radiator 320 via a signal cable 322. In one embodiment of the present invention, signal cable 322 may be, for example, a fiber optic connection. In one embodiment of the invention, the radiator 320 may be, for example, a microwave energy device. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 3, the coolant source 310 may provide coolant (e.g., cooled deionized water) to the radiator 320 via a coolant conduit 324, and more specifically, the coolant may be provided to the radiator 320 via an inflow conduit 326 and returned to the coolant source 310 via an outflow conduit 328. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, the radiator 320 comprises a temperature measuring device which transmits a temperature signal to the temperature data acquisition system 314, which temperature data acquisition system 314 in turn transmits the temperature signal to the temperature display computer 312 via a fiber optic connection 332. In one embodiment of the present invention, the isolation transformer 316 may be an ISB-100W Isobox, available from Toroid, Inc. of Maryland. In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature display computer 312 may be, for example, a custom timer controller formed from a number of off-the-shelf timer relay components and custom control circuitry. In one embodiment of the present invention, temperature data acquisition system 314 may be, for example, a Thermes-USB temperature data acquisition system with an OPT-1 optical connection, available from Physitemp Instruments, Inc.

Fig. 4 is a side perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6 is a front view of a microwave radiator according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 4-6, the radiator 320 includes a radiator cable 334, a radiator handle 344, a radiator head 346, and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 4-6, tissue head 362 includes vacuum port 342, cooling plate 340, tissue chamber 338, and tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 5, the tissue head 362 includes an alignment guide 348, which includes an alignment member 352. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 6, the tissue head 362 is mounted on the radiator head 346 of the radiator 320. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 6, tissue head 362 includes alignment guide 348, alignment member 352, and tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, tissue chamber 338 includes tissue walls 354 and tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 6, tissue interface 336 includes cooling plate 340, vacuum port 342, and vacuum channel 350.

Fig. 7 is a front view of a tissue head used in conjunction with a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 7, tissue head 362 includes alignment guide 348, alignment member 352, and tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, tissue chamber 338 includes tissue walls 354 and tissue interface 336. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 7, tissue interface 336 includes cooling plate 340, vacuum port 342, and vacuum channel 350. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue head 362 is detachable and can be used as a disposable element of a microwave applicator (e.g., applicator 320).

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the tissue head 362 and antenna 358 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide 364, which may include, for example, a waveguide tube 366 and a dielectric filler 368. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the antenna 358 is separated from the coolant liquid 361 in the coolant chamber 360 by an insulator 376. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, the chamber walls 354 have a chamber angle Z that facilitates tissue harvesting. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 8, tissue interface 336, which may include cooling plate 340, has a minimum dimension X and tissue chamber 338 has a depth Y.

Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 10 is a top perspective partial cut-away view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a side sectional view of a microwave applicator according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the radiator 320 includes a radiator housing 356 and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the radiator housing 356 surrounds at least a portion of the radiator handle 344 and the radiator head 346. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the radiator cable 334 includes a coolant conduit 324, an inflow conduit 326, an outflow conduit 328, a signal cable 322, and a vacuum cable 372. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to a vacuum splitter 374. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the radiator 320 includes an antenna 358. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 9-11, the antenna 358 may include a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 9-11, the waveguide antenna 364 may include a dielectric filler 368 and a waveguide tube 366. In an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber 360 may be configured to facilitate a continuous flow of the cooling liquid 361 along one surface of the cooling plate 340. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the signal cable 322 is connected to the antenna 358 through an antenna feed 370, which antenna feed 370 may be, for example, the end of a semi-rigid coaxial cable or panel mount connector and includes the center conductor of the cable or connector. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the radiator 320 includes a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, tissue head 362 includes tissue chamber 338, chamber wall 354, cooling plate 340, and cooling chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 9-11, the cooling chamber 360 is connected to the inflow conduit 326 and the outflow conduit 328. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 10, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to a second vacuum cable 375. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 10, a second vacuum cable 375 is connected to the vacuum port 342 (not shown) in the tissue head 362.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 11, the vacuum cable 372 is connected to a second vacuum cable 375. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 11, a second vacuum cable 375 is connected to the vacuum port 342 (not shown) in the tissue head 362.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a tissue head, antenna, and field spreader according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an engaged tissue head, antenna and field spreader, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 12-19, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 12-19, the waveguide antenna 364 may include, for example, a waveguide tube 366, a waveguide filler 368, and may be connected to the signal cable 322 by, for example, an antenna feed 370. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 12-19, tissue head 362 may include, for example, tissue chamber 338, chamber wall 354, cooling plate 340, and cooling chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 12-19, the cooling chamber 360 may include a cooling fluid 361.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 12, the antenna 358 is separated from the coolant 361 in the coolant chamber 360 by an insulator 376. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the antenna 358 is disposed in the coolant chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 13, at least a portion of the waveguide antenna 364 is disposed in the coolant cavity 360. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 13, the waveguide antenna 364 is disposed in the coolant chamber 360 such that at least a portion of the dielectric filler 368 and the waveguide tube 366 are in contact with the coolant liquid 361 in the coolant chamber 360.

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 14, a field spreader 378 is disposed at the output of the waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 14, the field spreader 378 is an extension of the dielectric filler 368 and is disposed at the output of the waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 14, the field spreader 378 is an extension of the dielectric filler 368 that extends into the coolant chamber 360. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 14, the field spreader 378 is an extension of the dielectric filler 368 that extends through the coolant chamber 360 to the cooling plate 340.

In one embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 15, the field spreader 380 is integrated into the dielectric fill 368 of the waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 15, the field spreader 380 is a region of dielectric fill 368 having a dielectric constant that is different from the dielectric constant of the remainder of the dielectric fill 368. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 15, the field spreader 380 is a region having a dielectric constant in the range of about 1 to 15.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 16, the field spreader 382 is integrated into the dielectric fill 368 of the waveguide antenna 364 and extends into the coolant chamber 360. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 16, the field spreader 382 is integrated into the dielectric fill 368 of the waveguide antenna 364 and extends through the coolant chamber 360 to the cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 16, the dielectric constant of the field spreader 382 is different from the dielectric constant of the dielectric fill 368. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 15, the field spreader 380 is a region having a dielectric constant in the range of about 1 to 15. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 17, the field spreaders may be included in recesses 384 in the dielectric filler 368. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 17, the recess 384 is a tapered recess in the dielectric fill 368. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 17, the notch 384 is connected to the cooling chamber 360 such that the cooling fluid 361 in the cooling chamber 360 at least partially fills the notch 384. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 17, the notch 384 is connected to the cooling chamber 360 such that the cooling fluid 361 in the cooling chamber 360 fills the notch 384.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 18, the field spreader 382 is integrated into the cooling plate 340 or extends from the cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 18, the field spreader 382 is integrated into the cooling plate 340 at the tissue interface 336 or extends from the cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 18, field spreader 382 is integral to cooling plate 340 or extends from cooling plate 340 into tissue chamber 338.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 19, skin 1307 is engaged in tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 19, dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 engage in tissue chamber 338. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19, skin surface 1306 is engaged in tissue chamber 338 such that skin surface 1306 is in contact with at least a portion of chamber walls 354 and cooling plate 340. As shown in fig. 19, vacuum pressure may be used to lift dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303, separating dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 from muscle 1301. As shown in fig. 19, vacuum pressure may be used to lift dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303, separating dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 from muscle 1301, for example, to protect muscle 1301 by limiting or eliminating electromagnetic energy reaching muscle 1301.

Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an engaged tissue head and antenna according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 20, the applicator 320 includes an applicator housing 356, an antenna 358, a vacuum channel 350, and a tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 20, tissue head 362 includes vacuum channel 373, cooling element 386, and cooling plate 340. In an embodiment of the present invention, cooling element 386 may be, for example: a solid coolant; a heat sink; liquid spray, gas spray, cold plate, thermoelectric cooler; or a combination thereof. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 20, vacuum channel 350 is connected to vacuum conduit 373 and vacuum port 342. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 20, skin surface 1306 is engaged in tissue chamber 338 by, for example, vacuum pressure at vacuum port 342 such that skin surface 1306 is in contact with at least a portion of chamber wall 354 and cooling plate 340. As shown in fig. 20, vacuum pressure at vacuum port 342 may be used to lift dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303, separating dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 from muscle 1301. As shown in fig. 20, vacuum pressure at vacuum port 342 may be used to lift dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303, separating dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 from muscle 1301, for example, to protect muscle 1301 by limiting or eliminating electromagnetic energy reaching muscle 1301.

Fig. 21-23 illustrate a tissue head including multiple waveguide antennas according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 21-23, the tissue head 362 includes a plurality of waveguide antennas 364 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 21, two waveguide antennas 364 are disposed in the tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 21-23, the waveguide antenna 364 includes a feed connector 388 and a tuning screw 390. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 22, four waveguide antennas 364 are disposed in the tissue head 362. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 23, six waveguide antennas 364 are disposed in the tissue head 362.

Fig. 24 shows a disposable tissue head 363 for use in conjunction with a radiator 320 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 24, a disposable tissue head 363 is engaged with the applicator housing 356, with an antenna 364 disposed in the disposable tissue head 363. Fig. 25 shows a disposable tissue head 363 for use in conjunction with a radiator 320 according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 25, a disposable tissue head 363 is engaged with the applicator housing 356 and secured in place with a latch 365.

Tissue distribution

Fig. 26-51 illustrate a series of tissue profiles, e.g., power deposition profiles in tissue, according to embodiments of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-51, the tissue distribution shown may represent, for example, a SAR distribution, a power loss density distribution, or a temperature distribution. In some embodiments of the present invention, the embodiments of the system and components of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-25, and, for example, in U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899, FIGS. 3-7C and pages 8-13; and those shown and described in U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, fig. 3-9, fig. 20-26, page 34-48, and fig. 20-26 (the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety) may be used to produce the tissue distribution shown in fig. 26-51.

Fig. 26-35 illustrate a series of tissue distributions according to embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a simple dipole antenna or a waveguide antenna. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed in a medium 1318. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, antenna 358 radiates electromagnetic signals through medium 1318 and into the tissue, producing the patterns shown in fig. 26-35. In one embodiment of the invention, the dielectric 1318 may be, for example, a dielectric material having a dielectric constant (which may also be referred to as permittivity) of about 10.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 26, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 3.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 27, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 3.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 28, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 4.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 29, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 4.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 30, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 5.0 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 31, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 32, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 6.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 33, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 7.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 34, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 8.5 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 35, antenna 358 may radiate energy at a frequency of, for example, about 9.0 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, a tissue distribution (e.g., the distribution shown in fig. 34 and 35) may include at least two constructive interference peaks, wherein a first constructive interference peak is located below a second constructive interference peak in the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, a tissue distribution (e.g., the distribution shown in fig. 34 and 35) may include at least two constructive interference peaks, wherein a second constructive interference peak is located near a skin surface.

In embodiments of the present invention in which antenna 358 represents a waveguide antenna, such as the waveguide antenna shown in fig. 48, that radiates through, for example, at least a portion of a tissue head including a tissue interface, the frequency that produces a particular tissue profile (e.g., SAR profile, power loss profile, or temperature profile) may be different than the frequency that produces such a profile by a dipole antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue head disposed between the waveguide antenna and the skin surface may include, for example, an insulator 376, a cooling chamber 360 filled with a cooling liquid 361 (e.g., deionized water), and a cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the present invention, where antenna 358 is a waveguide, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance of about 1.5 millimeters from skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention, the resulting profile is shown in FIG. 34, where antenna 358 is a waveguide antenna that radiates energy at a frequency of about 10GHz through the tissue head. In one embodiment of the invention, the resulting profile is shown in FIG. 35, where antenna 358 is a waveguide antenna that radiates energy at a frequency of about 12GHz through the tissue head.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, the antenna 358 may have a length (measured at the operating frequency) of, for example, about one-half wavelength. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in the region of the radiating near field relative to the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-35, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, at a distance of about 10 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 26-30, the antenna 358 may be a dipole antenna having an antenna height of, for example, about 12 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 31, the antenna 358 may be a dipole antenna having an antenna height of, for example, about 8.5 millimeters, and in the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 27-35, the antenna 358 may be a dipole antenna having an antenna height of, for example, about 7 millimeters.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-35, power from antenna 358 is delivered through skin surface 1306 to produce a distribution, such as a SAR distribution, a power loss density distribution, or a temperature distribution, in dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-35, the power delivered from the antenna 358 via the skin surface 1306 results in a distribution having peaks in the first tissue region 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-35, the power delivered from antenna 358 via skin surface 1306 results in a distribution in which its magnitude decreases from first tissue region 1309 to second tissue region 1311. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-35, the power delivered from antenna 358 via skin surface 1306 produces a SAR profile in which its magnitude decreases from second tissue region 1311 to third tissue region 1313. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-35, the power delivered from antenna 358 through skin surface 1306 results in a distribution in which its magnitude decreases from third tissue region 1313 to fourth tissue region 1315.

In one embodiment of the invention, such as shown in fig. 26-39, power delivered from antenna 358 through skin surface 1306 is at least partially reflected off interface 1308, thereby producing peak magnitudes of, for example, SAR, power loss density, or temperature in first tissue region 1309 beneath skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 26-39, the interface 1308 is idealized as a substantially straight line, however, in actual tissue, the interface 1308 may be considered a non-linear, non-continuous, rough interface, which also includes tissue structures and groups of tissue structures that span and interrupt the interface 1308. In one embodiment of the invention, the peak magnitude of, for example, SAR, power loss density, or temperature is formed due to constructive interference between incident and reflected power, which is located in a first tissue region 1309 below the first layer of dermal tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the minimum magnitude of SAR, power loss density, or temperature is formed due to destructive interference between incident and reflected power, which is located in the first layer of dermal tissue near the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interface 1308 may be, for example, an interface between the dermis 1305 and the hypodermis 1303. In one embodiment of the invention, the first tissue region 1309 may be formed in the lower half of the dermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the interface 1308 may be, for example, an interface between a high dielectric tissue layer/a high conductive tissue layer and a low dielectric tissue/a low conductive tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the interface 1308 may be, for example, an interface between a glandular layer and the hypodermis.

In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 produces a peak temperature in the first region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature in the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to cause hyperthermia in the tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature in the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to ablate (abllate) tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through skin surface 1306 raises the temperature in first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to cause cell death in tissue in region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature in the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to form a wound core in the first region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through the skin surface 1306 raises the temperature in the first region 1309 to a temperature sufficient to create a wound in the tissue in the region 1309. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through the skin surface 1306 elevates the temperature of tissue in region 1309 by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy delivered through the skin surface 1306 preferentially raises the temperature of tissue in region 1309 above that of the surrounding region.

In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in the first region 1309 sufficient to heat tissue surrounding the first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in first region 1309 sufficient to heat tissue structures (e.g., sweat glands or hair follicles) in tissue surrounding first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in the first region 1309 sufficient to cause hyperthermia in the tissue surrounding the first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in the first region 1309 sufficient to cause ablation of tissue surrounding the first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in first region 1309 sufficient to create a wound in tissue surrounding first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat. In one embodiment of the present invention, energy transferred through the skin surface 1306 creates a temperature in the first region 1309 sufficient to expand the wound into tissue surrounding the first region 1309 by, for example, conducting heat.

Near field

Fig. 36-39 illustrate a series of tissue distributions according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a simple dipole antenna or a waveguide antenna. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be excited at a predetermined frequency (e.g., about 5.8 GHz). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-38, antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in the region of the radiating near field relative to skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 39, antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, in the region of the inductive near field relative to skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be disposed, for example, at a distance a of about 2 mm to 10 mm from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be disposed in a medium 1318. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-39, the antenna 358 may be a dipole antenna having an antenna height of about 8.5 millimeters. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 36-39, antenna 358 may radiate energy, for example, at a frequency of about 5.8 GHz.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36-39, the power from the antenna 358 is delivered through the skin surface 1306, creating a SAR distribution in the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 36-39, the power delivered from the antenna 358 via the skin surface 1306 results in a SAR distribution that has a peak in the first tissue region 1309. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 36-39, the power delivered from antenna 358 via skin surface 1306 produces a tissue distribution that may represent, for example, SAR, power loss density, or temperature, e.g., in a magnitude that decreases from first tissue region 1309 to second tissue region 1311, from second tissue region 1311 to third tissue region 1313, and from third tissue region to fourth tissue region 1315.

In one embodiment of the invention, such as that shown in fig. 36, power delivered from antenna 358 via skin surface 1306 is at least partially reflected off interface 1308, thereby creating a peak in SAR, power loss density, or temperature, for example, in a first tissue region 1309 beneath skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention, such as shown in fig. 36, the peak in SAR, power loss density, or temperature is formed, for example, due to constructive interference between the incident power and the reflected power, which is located at a first tissue region 1309 below the first layer of dermal tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, such as shown in fig. 36, the peak in SAR, power loss density, or temperature is formed, for example, due to constructive interference between the incident power and the reflected power, which is located at the first tissue region 1309 in the lower half of the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 36, the antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance A of, for example, about 10 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 37, the antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance A of, for example, about 5 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 38, the antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance A of, for example, about 3 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 39, the antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance A of, for example, about 2 millimeters from the skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 36-38, tissue in region 1309 is preferentially heated relative to tissue in a layer above first tissue region 1309.

In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 36, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance a within the near field of radiation of skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 37, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance a within the near field of radiation of skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 38, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance a within the near field of radiation of skin surface 1306. In one embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 39, antenna 358 may be disposed at a distance A within the induced near field of skin surface 1306. As shown in fig. 39, in one embodiment of the present invention, placement of the antenna in the inductive near field results in a substantially inductive engagement, which increases the power deposition of the upper skin layer and disrupts the preferential heating profile shown in fig. 36-38.

Preferential heating of dermis

Fig. 40-43 illustrate tissue distribution according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40-43, the dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (including, for example, exocrine, apocrine, or apocrine glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40-43, the dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (including, for example, exocrine, apocrine, or apocrine glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40-43, dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, hair follicles. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40-43, tissue structure 1325 may include a conduit 1329 extending from tissue structure 1325 to skin surface 1306.

FIG. 40 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 40, the wound core 1321 is created in a predetermined portion of the dermis 1305 by irradiating the dermis 1305, for example, with electromagnetic radiation to create dielectric heating in the tissue at the wound core 1321. In one embodiment according to the invention, the wound core 1321 may be, for example, a point or area within a tissue layer where a wound begins to appear. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 40, the wound core 1321 is formed by heat generated in the dermal tissue by dielectric heating of the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40, the wound core 1321 is enlarged as energy is added to the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40, wound core 1321 may be located in an area of dermis 1305 where constructive interference peaks are produced by electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40, wound core 1321 may be located in a region of dermis 1305 in which electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306 produces a constructive interference peak, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306 is reflected off interface 1308, which may be, for example, an interface between high dielectric/highly conductive tissue and low dielectric/low conductive tissue. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 40, wound core 1321 may be located in a region of dermis 1305 in which a constructive interference peak is produced by electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306, wherein at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306 is reflected off interface 1308, which may be, for example, the interface between dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303.

FIG. 41 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 41, as energy is added to the dermis 1305, the wound core 1321 expands, generating heat that is conducted into the surrounding tissue that creates an enlarged wound 1323. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 41, heat conducted from wound core 1321 to enlarged wound 1323 destroys tissue (including tissue structures 1325). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 41, heat conducted from wound core 1321 to enlarged wound 1323 traverses interface 1308 and destroys tissue (including tissue structure 1325) below interface 1308.

FIG. 42 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 42, the wound core 1321 is created in a predetermined portion of the dermis 1305 by irradiating the dermis 1305, for example, with electromagnetic radiation to create dielectric heating in the tissue at the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 42, the wound core 1321 is enlarged as energy is added to the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 42, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 42, heat is removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 42, heat is removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 by cooling the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 42, heat removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the wound core 1321 from growing in the direction of the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 42, heat removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the wound core 1321 from growing into the cooling region 1327.

FIG. 43 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 43, a wound core 1321 is created in a predetermined portion of the dermis 1305 by irradiating the dermis 1305, for example, with electromagnetic radiation to produce dielectric heating in the tissue at the wound core 1321, and an enlarged wound 1323 is formed by heat conducted from the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 43, wound core 1321 expands as energy is added to dermis 1305, and enlarged wound 1323 expands as heat is conducted from wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 43, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 43, heat is removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 43, heat is removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 by cooling the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 43, heat removed from dermis 1305 through skin surface 1306 prevents wound core 1321 and dilated wound 1323 from growing in the direction of skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 43, heat removed from the dermis 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the wound core 1321 and enlarged wound 1323 from growing into the cooling region 1327.

Preferential heating of glandular layers

Fig. 44-47 illustrate tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (including, for example, exocrine, apocrine, or apocrine glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, sweat glands (including, for example, exocrine, apocrine, or apocrine glands). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, dermis 1305 and hypodermis 1303 may contain tissue structures 1325, which may be, for example, hair follicles. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may include a conduit 1329 extending from tissue structure 1325 to skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, tissue structures 1325 may be concentrated in glandular layer 1331. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may be concentrated in glandular layer 1331, wherein glandular layer 1331 has an upper interface 1335 and a lower interface 1333. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may have an upper interface 1335 between the glandular layer 1331 and the dermis 1305. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may have a lower interface 1333 located between the glandular layer 1331 and the hypodermis 1303. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, interface 1333 may be a non-linear, non-continuous rough interface in the actual tissue, which also includes a number of tissue structures and groups of tissue structures that add roughness and non-linearity to tissue interface 1333.

In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may be at least partially composed of high dielectric/high conductive tissue (e.g., sweat glands). In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 44-47, tissue structure 1325 may be at least partially composed of tissue having a high water content (e.g., sweat glands). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may be at least partially composed of a high dielectric/high conductive tissue. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may have an upper interface 1335 between the glandular layer 1331 and the high dielectric/high conductive tissue (e.g., dermis 1305). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may have a lower interface 1333 located between the glandular layer 1331 and the low dielectric/low conductive tissue (e.g., hypodermis 1303). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44-47, the glandular layer 1331 may have a lower interface 1333 between the glandular layer 1331 and the low dielectric tissue.

FIG. 44 illustrates a tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, the wound core 1321 is created in a predetermined portion of the glandular layer 1331 by irradiating the glandular layer 1331, for example with electromagnetic radiation, to create dielectric heating in the tissue at the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, the wound core 1321 is formed by heat generated in the glandular layer 1331 by dielectric heating of the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, the wound core 1321 is enlarged as energy is added to the glandular layer 1331. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, wound core 1321 may be located in an area of glandular layer 1331 where constructive interference peaks, such as SAR, power loss density, or temperature, are produced by electromagnetic energy delivered through skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, wound core 1321 may be located in an area of glandular layer 1331 where constructive interference peaks, such as SAR, power loss density, or temperature, are generated by electromagnetic energy delivered through skin surface 1306, where at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy delivered through skin surface 1306 is reflected off lower interface 1333. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 44, wound core 1321 may be located in an area of glandular layer 1331 where electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306 produces constructive interference peaks, such as SAR, power loss density, or temperature, where at least a portion of the electromagnetic energy transmitted through skin surface 1306 is reflected off of lower interface 1333, which may be, for example, the interface between glandular layer 1331 and hypodermis 1303.

FIG. 45 illustrates a tissue distribution according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 45, as energy is added to the glandular layer 1331, the wound core 1321 expands, generating heat that is conducted into the surrounding tissue, forming an expanded wound 1323. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 45, heat conducted from wound core 1321 into enlarged wound 1323 destroys tissue (including tissue structures 1325). In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 45, heat conducted from wound core 1321 into enlarged wound 1323 crosses lower interface 1333 and destroys tissue below lower interface 1333.

Fig. 46 and 47 illustrate tissue distribution according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46 and 47, the wound core 1321 is created in the portion of the glandular layer 1331 by irradiating the glandular layer 1331, for example with electromagnetic radiation, to create dielectric heating in the tissue at the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46 and 47, as energy is added to the glandular layer 1331, the wound core 1321 expands and an expanding wound 1323 is formed by heat conducted from the wound core 1321. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46 and 47, heat is removed from the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46 and 47, heat is removed from the dermal layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46 and 47, a cooling region 1307 is formed in the dermis 1305 by cooling the skin surface 1306 to remove heat from the dermis layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 47, heat removed from the dermal layer 1305 through the skin surface 1306 prevents growth of an enlarged wound 1323 in the direction of the skin surface 1306. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 46, heat removed from the glandular layer 1331 through the skin surface 1306 prevents the growth of the enlarged wound 1323 into the cooling region 1327.

Fig. 48-51 illustrate tissue distribution and devices according to embodiments of the present invention. In fig. 48-51, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48 and 49, the waveguide antenna 364 may include, for example, a waveguide tube 366 and a dielectric filler 368. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in fig. 48 and 49, electromagnetic energy may be radiated into the dermis 1305 by a tissue head 362, which tissue head 362 may include, for example, an insulator 376, a coolant chamber 360, and a cooling plate 340. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, a peak is generated in the first tissue region 1309, which may be, for example, a peak SAR, a peak power loss density, or a peak temperature. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, a reduced level is produced in second tissue region 1311, which may be, for example, reduced SAR, reduced power loss density, or reduced temperature, further reduced in third tissue region 1313 and fourth tissue region 1315. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, the interface 1308 separates the dermis 1305 from the hypodermis 1303. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 48, the interface 1308 is idealized as a substantially straight line for purposes of the present discussion, however, in actual tissue, the interface 1308 is a non-linear, non-continuous, rough interface that also includes many tissue structures that span and interrupt tissue interfaces. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, hypodermis 1303 is positioned over muscle tissue 1301. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, the electromagnetic radiation may radiate at a frequency of, for example, 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, the dermis 1305 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 38.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 4.54 siemens per meter. At the position shown in FIG. 48 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, it may be assumed that the hypodermis 1303 has a dielectric constant of, for example, 4.9 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.31 siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, muscle tissue 1301 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 42.22 and a conductivity of, for example, 5.2 siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, insulator 376 may be, for example, polycarbonate and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 3.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0051 siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 48, the cooling plate 340 may be, for example, alumina (99.5%), and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 9.9 and a dielectric constant of, for example, 3 × 10^-4Siemens per meter of conductivity. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, the cooling liquid 361 may be, for example, deionized water, and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 81 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0001 siemens per meter.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, a peak is generated in the first tissue region 1309, which may be, for example, a peak SAR, a peak power loss density, or a peak temperature. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 48, a reduced level is produced in second tissue region 1311, which may be, for example, a reduced SAR, a reduced power loss density, or a reduced temperature, which is further reduced in third tissue region 1313 and fourth tissue region 1315. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, the interface 1308 separates the dermis 1305 from the hypodermis 1303. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, the interface 1308 is modeled as a non-linear interface to more closely simulate the actual interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, hypodermis 1303 is positioned over muscle tissue 1301. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, the electromagnetic radiation may radiate at a frequency of, for example, 5.8 GHz. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, the dermis 1305 may be assumed to have a dielectric constant of, for example, 38.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 4.54 siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in fig. 49, it can be assumed that the under skin 1303 has a dielectric constant of, for example, 4.9 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.31 siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, it may be assumed that muscle tissue 1301 has a dielectric constant of, for example, 42.22 and a dielectric constant of, for example, 5.2 siemens per Conductivity of the rice. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 49, insulator 376 may be, for example, plexiglass, and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 3.4 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0051 Siemens per meter. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 49, the cooling plate 340 may be, for example, alumina (99.5%), and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 9.9 and a dielectric constant of, for example, 3 × 10^-4Siemens per meter of conductivity. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 49, the cooling liquid 361 may be, for example, deionized water, and may have a dielectric constant of, for example, 81 and a conductivity of, for example, 0.0001 siemens per meter.

FIG. 50 illustrates a tissue distribution according to one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 51 illustrates a tissue distribution according to one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 50 and 51, the antenna 358 may be, for example, a waveguide antenna 364. In one embodiment of the present invention, the waveguide antenna 364 may have a dielectric filler 368. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna 358 may be disposed on, for example, a tissue head 362, the tissue head 362 including, for example, the insulator 376, the coolant chamber 360, and the cooling plate 340. In one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling chamber 360 may contain a cooling fluid 361, which may be, for example, deionized water. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue head 362 may include a tissue chamber (not shown) adapted to position tissue on the tissue interface 336. In one embodiment of the present invention, antenna 358 is adapted to deliver electromagnetic radiation through skin surface 1306, forming a tissue distribution that may represent, for example, a SAR distribution, a power loss density distribution, or a temperature distribution. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue distribution includes a first tissue region 1309, a second tissue region 1311, a third tissue region 1313, and a fourth tissue region 1315. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first tissue region 1309 may represent, for example, peak SAR, peak power loss density, or peak temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the first tissue region 1309 may be located, for example, in the dermis 1305, near the interface 1308 between the dermis 1305 and the hypodermis 1303 which covers the muscle 1301. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 51, the field spreader 379 is located in the coolant chamber 360. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 51, the field spreader 379 can be used, for example, to spread and flatten the first tissue region 1309. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 51, the field spreader 379 can be used, for example, to spread and flatten a wound formed in the first tissue region 1309.

Other general embodiments

Procedure

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic power is delivered to the skin for a predetermined period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, for example, the skin is engaged in the tissue chamber prior to delivering the energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled prior to applying the electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled during the application of the electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is cooled after the electromagnetic energy is applied. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin by applying a predetermined amount of power to an antenna located in close proximity to the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is in close proximity to the electromagnetic energy device. In one embodiment of the invention, vacuum pressure is used to position the skin in close proximity to the electromagnetic energy delivery device to be held in place. In one embodiment of the invention, the area to be treated is anesthetized prior to treatment. In one embodiment of the invention, the anesthetized area alters the dielectric properties of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the characteristics of the electromagnetic radiation radiated through the skin are modified to take into account variables, such as the dielectric properties of the anesthetic, which determine the effect of the anesthetic on the treatment. Variables that may determine the effect of an anesthetic on treatment may include, for example: the time of administration; vasodilating properties of the anesthetic; the amount of anesthetic administered; anesthetic type (liquid jet, topical); the location/depth of application of the anesthetic in the tissue; the method of administration, for example, one or more small sites. In one embodiment of the invention, the template may be used to calibrate a handpiece adapted to deliver electromagnetic energy to tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the template is used to calibrate the handle as it is moved from one position to another, for example, in the underarm. In one embodiment of the invention, the template is used to calibrate the injection site to deliver, for example, an anesthetic agent (which may be, for example, lidocaine). In one embodiment of the invention, the template is used to facilitate treatment by indicating previously treated areas. In one embodiment of the invention, the template may be calibrated by, for example, using a russet flat-bottomed triangular marker or a tattoo.

Tissue structure

Region(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue may be composed of layers having specific dielectric and conductive properties. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue having a high dielectric constant (also referred to as high dielectric tissue) may have a dielectric constant greater than about 25. In one embodiment of the invention, a tissue having a low dielectric constant (also referred to as a low dielectric tissue) may have a dielectric constant of less than about 10. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue having high conductivity (also referred to as highly conductive tissue) may have a conductivity greater than about 1.0 siemens per meter. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue having low conductivity (also referred to as low conductive tissue) may have a conductivity of less than about 1.0 siemens per meter.

Low/low

In one embodiment of the invention, the low dielectric/low conductive tissue may be, for example, hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the low dielectric, low conductive tissue may be tissue present in the hypodermis, for example, fat. In one embodiment of the invention, the low dielectric/low conductive tissue may be, for example, the hypodermis region below the glandular layer.

High/high

In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductive tissue may be, for example, tissue present in the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductive tissue may be, for example, tissue present in the dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductive tissue may be, for example, tissue present in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the high dielectric, high conductive tissue may be, for example, muscle tissue.

Containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be, for example, a layer of highly dielectric, highly conductive tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a layer of tissue having a high water content. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a layer of tissue in the interface region between the dermis and the hypodermis that contains sufficient glandular tissue to raise the dielectric constant and conductivity of the glandular layer to a level sufficient to create a standing wave pattern having a peak electric field in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, glandular tissue may occupy an average thickness of 3 to 5 mm in a 5 mm thick sheet of human skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may comprise apocrine and exocrine lobules within the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a layer in the human axilla, to which substantially all sweat glands are limited. In one embodiment of the invention, wherein the glandular layer comprises apocrine glands and eccrine lobules, the apocrine lobules may be more and larger than the eccrine lobules. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a tissue layer comprising glands (e.g., exocrine, apocrine and/or apocrine sweat glands) in a concentration sufficient to increase the electrical conductivity of the tissue surrounding the glands. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a tissue layer comprising glands (e.g., exocrine, apocrine and/or apocrine sweat glands) in a concentration sufficient to increase the permittivity of the tissue surrounding the glands. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a hypodermis region with sufficient glandular tissue to increase the dielectric constant to match that of the adjacent dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a region of the hypodermis with sufficient glandular tissue to increase the permittivity of the glandular layer to match the permittivity of the surrounding hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may be a region of the hypodermis with sufficient glandular tissue to increase the permittivity of the glandular layer to exceed that of the surrounding hypodermis. In one embodiment of the present invention, the glandular layer may have a dielectric constant greater than about 20. In one embodiment of the invention, the glandular layer may have a conductivity greater than about 2.5 siemens per meter.

Interface (I)

In one embodiment of the present invention, the critical interface (also referred to as a dielectric interface or dielectric discontinuity) may be the interface between a tissue layer having a high dielectric constant and high conductivity and a tissue layer having a low dielectric constant. In one embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric interface may be an interface between a tissue layer having a high dielectric constant and high conductivity and a tissue layer having a low dielectric constant and low conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the critical interface is present at the interface between the dermis and the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the critical interface may be the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the critical interface may be the interface between the dermis and a portion of the hypodermis with a limited number of sweat glands. In one embodiment of the invention, the critical interface may be the interface between the dermis and a region of the hypodermis that does not include the glandular region. In one embodiment of the invention, the critical interface may be the interface between the dermis and a region of the hypodermis that does not include substantial tissue structures.

Treatment of

In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated by, for example, raising the temperature of the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated by, for example, raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to cause a change in the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated by, for example, raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to destroy the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be treated by, for example, raising the temperature of the tissue to a temperature sufficient to destroy the tissue. In an embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to heat tissue to create a wound where the wound begins to appear due to destruction by heat (generated by dielectric heating of the tissue), and the wound is enlarged at least in part due to thermal conduction of the heat generated by the dielectric heating. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat contents, such as sebum of a tissue structure (e.g., a hair follicle). In embodiments of the invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat the contents (e.g., sebum of a tissue structure (e.g., hair follicles)) to a temperature sufficient to destroy or destroy, for example, bacteria in the contents. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat contents, such as sebum of a tissue structure (e.g., a hair follicle). In one embodiment of the present invention, electromagnetic radiation may be used to heat tissue to a temperature sufficient to cause secondary effects in surrounding tissue or tissue structures.

Target tissue

In embodiments of the present invention, the tissue treated by, for example, raising the temperature of the tissue may be referred to as the target tissue.

Tissue to be treated

Tissue layers

In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue near the dermal/subdermal interface. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue in the dermis layer, immediately adjacent to the dermal/subdermal interface. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be in deep dermal tissue. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue close to the skin/fat interface.

Physical structure

In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be axillary tissue. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue in a hair-containing region. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in a region having at least 30 sweat glands per square centimeter. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in a region having an average of 100 sweat glands per square centimeter. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue located approximately 0.5mm to 6mm below the skin surface. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue located in a region having sweat glands (including, for example, apocrine and exocrine glands).

Tissue characteristics

In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be tissue that is dielectrically heated. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be a tissue having a high dipole moment. In embodiments of the invention, the tissue to be treated may be, for example, tissue comprising exogenous material. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may comprise tissue with bacteria.

Tissue type

In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be human tissue. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be porcine tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, collagen, hair follicles, cellulite, exocrine glands, apocrine glands, sebaceous glands or reticulocytes. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a hair follicle. In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a hair follicle region, including a lower segment (hair bulb and upper hair bulb), a middle segment (isthmus), and an upper segment (infundibulum). In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, a structure associated with a hair follicle, e.g., a stem cell. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, wound tissue. In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, tissue to be damaged (e.g., skin tissue prior to surgery). In an embodiment of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, blood supplied to a tissue structure.

Function of

In embodiments of the invention, the target tissue may be, for example, an amount of tissue defined by a region having a SAR equal to 50% of the peak SAR, at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or more of the peak SAR, or in some embodiments no greater than about 90%, 80%, 70%, 60%, or 50% of the peak SAR.

Method

Tissue and structure

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a target tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of destroying a gland is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of destroying a hair follicle is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of destroying tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating skin tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing tissue damage is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing wound growth toward a skin surface is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of destroying or destroying stem cells associated with a hair follicle is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of calibrating an electromagnetic field to preferentially treat tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of calibrating an electromagnetic field to preferentially treat tissue having high water content is described. In an embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic energy is used to heat sebum.

Radiation of radiation

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling power deposition in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling an electric field pattern in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of producing high power deposits in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of controlling the output of a microwave apparatus is described.

Wound healing device

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a wound in tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a subcutaneous wound in tissue is described.

Gradient of gradient

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating a temperature gradient within tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating a temperature gradient having a peak at the dermal/subdermal interface is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating opposing power gradients in tissue is described.

Clinical indications

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing perspiration is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing sweating in a patient is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating axillary hyperhidrosis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating hyperhidrosis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of unhairing is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of preventing hair regrowth is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating underarm odor is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of ablating nerve tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating moles profundus is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating a hemangioma is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating psoriasis is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing perspiration is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of reducing perspiration is described. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to treat acne. In an embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic energy is used to treat sebaceous glands. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to kill bacteria. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to kill propionibacteria. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to remove sebum from hair follicles. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to clean clogged hair follicles. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to remove (reverse) blackheads. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to clear the blackhead. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to eliminate miliaria. In embodiments of the present invention, electromagnetic energy is used to reduce inflammation. Other conditions and structures that may be treated in some embodiments are described in, for example, pages 3 to 7 of U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899; and pages 1 to 10 of U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Positioning

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of locating skin is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of locating a skin/fat interface is described.

Density of power loss

Skin(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, radiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation results in a region with a local high power loss density below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation results in a region of skin having a localized high power loss density in the region underlying the upper skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface to create regions of localized high power loss density in the skin layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface creating a region of local high power loss density in the skin layer near and between the skin surface and the critical interface.

Leather product

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to radiate tissue across the skin surface to create a region of localized high power loss density in the dermal region. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface to create a region of local high power loss density in the region of the dermis beneath the upper dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to radiate tissue across the skin surface to create a region of localized high power loss density in the region of the dermis near the interface between the dermis and the epithelium. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface creating a region of local high power loss density in the region of the dermis near the critical interface.

Layer containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface to create a region of localized high power loss density in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface to create a region of localized high power loss density in the glandular layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface to create a region of localized high power loss density in the glandular layer near the critical interface and below the first layer of skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface, creating a region of localized high power loss density in the glandular layer near the critical interface and beneath at least a portion of the dermis.

Temperature gradient

Skin(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the region below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the area of the skin beneath the upper skin. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the skin layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation through the skin surface creates a temperature gradient having a peak in a skin layer near the critical interface and between the critical interface and the skin surface.

Leather product

In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, wherein the temperature gradient has a peak in a dermis layer below a skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, wherein the temperature gradient has a peak in the dermis layer below the upper dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, wherein the temperature gradient has a peak in a region of the dermis near the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient, wherein the temperature gradient has a peak in the region of the dermis near the critical interface.

Layer containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the glandular layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in the glandular layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces a temperature gradient having a peak in a glandular layer located near the critical interface and below the first layer of skin.

Opposite power gradient

Skin(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having a peak in the region below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having a peak in the area of the skin beneath the upper skin. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having peaks in the skin layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having a peak in a skin layer near the critical interface and between the critical interface and the skin surface.

Leather product

In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient, wherein the opposing power gradient has a peak in a dermal layer below a skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient, wherein the opposing power gradient has a peak in the dermal layer below the upper dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient, wherein the opposing power gradient has a peak in a region of the dermis near the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient, wherein the opposing power gradient has a peak in the region of the dermis near the critical interface.

Layer containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient with a peak in the glandular layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having a peak in the glandular layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, irradiating tissue through the skin surface with electromagnetic radiation produces an opposing power gradient having a peak in the glandular layer near the critical interface and below the first layer of skin.

Wound healing device

Skin(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the area below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the area below the surface of the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in a layer below the upper layer of skin. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to form a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in the skin layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in a layer of the skin near the critical interface and between the skin surface and the critical interface.

Leather product

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in a layer below the upper dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal region closest to the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal region near the critical interface.

Layer containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound, wherein the wound begins to appear in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound, wherein the wound begins to appear in the glandular layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound, wherein the wound begins to appear in a glandular layer located near the critical interface and below the first layer of skin.

Skin(s)

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the area below the skin surface without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the area below the skin surface, without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in a layer below the upper skin layer. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the layer of skin near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in a layer of skin near and between the skin surface and the critical interface.

Leather product

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external means for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal layer below the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external means for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal layer below the upper dermal layer. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal region closest to the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound in the skin without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the dermal region near the critical interface.

Layer containing gland

In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in the glandular layer near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, electromagnetic radiation is used to create a wound without any external mechanism for removing heat from the skin surface, wherein the wound begins to appear in a glandular layer located near the critical interface and below the first layer of skin.

Origin of wound

In one embodiment of the invention, the wound origin may be located at a point or region of high dielectric, high conductive tissue that is close to low dielectric tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the wound origin may be located at a point or region of high dielectric, high conductive tissue near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the wound origin may be located at a point or area: here, the microwave energy radiated through the skin surface produces a standing wave pattern with a peak electric field. In one embodiment of the invention, the wound origin may be located in highly dielectric/highly conductive tissue near the critical interface where microwave energy radiated through the skin surface creates constructive interference.

Characteristics of electromagnetic radiation

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific electric field characteristics. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to an outer surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to at least one interface between tissue layers within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to an interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to an interface between the glandular layer and a portion of the hypodermis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific properties, more specifically specific polarization properties. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to at least one interface between tissue layers within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to an interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to an interface between the glandular layer and the hypodermis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific frequency characteristics. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 5GHz to 6.5 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of 4.0GHz to 10 GHz.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular characteristic, more specifically a particular characteristic within the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern having a peak within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern in the dermis, wherein the constructive interference pattern has a peak in a region of the dermis located below the first layer of dermis, and where destructive interference occurs in the first layer of dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern, wherein the constructive interference pattern has a peak near a critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a constructive interference pattern having a peak in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular characteristic, more specifically a particular characteristic within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern in the dermis, wherein the destructive interference pattern has a peak in a region of the dermis located above the deep dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern, wherein the destructive interference pattern has a peak near a critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a destructive interference pattern having peaks in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a constructive interference pattern that produces a peak electric field in the tissue layers. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a constructive interference pattern that produces areas of localized high power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a destructive interference pattern that produces a minimum electric field in the tissue layers. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a destructive interference pattern that creates areas of local low power loss density.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular characteristic, more specifically a particular characteristic within the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that creates a standing wave pattern within the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern having a peak in the dermis below the first layer of dermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern having a peak near the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation that produces a standing wave pattern having peaks in the glandular layer. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a standing wave pattern that produces a peak electric field. In one embodiment of the invention, skin irradiated with electromagnetic radiation produces a standing wave pattern that creates regions of localized high power loss density.

Antenna with a shield

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular characteristic, more specifically a particular characteristic resulting from the position of the antenna radiating the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation generated by an antenna positioned closest to the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna located in the region of the radiating near field relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna located substantially in the region of the radiation near field with respect to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna that is less than one-half of a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna less than half a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin, wherein the wavelength is measured in a dielectric material separating the antenna from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna less than half a wavelength from the surface of the adjacent skin, wherein the wavelength is measured in a cooling liquid used to separate the antenna from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna that is less than about 2.65 millimeters from the surface of the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the wavelength of the radiated signal is the wavelength in air divided by the square root of the dielectric constant of the material used to separate the antenna from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the wavelength of the radiated signal is the wavelength in air divided by the square root of the dielectric constant of the cooling liquid used to separate the antenna from the skin surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a particular characteristic, more specifically a particular characteristic resulting from the output position of the antenna radiating the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna having an output in the radiating near field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna having an output outside the induced near field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna that does not have an output in the far field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having a specific characteristic, more specifically a specific characteristic related to the position of the radiation aperture in the antenna radiating the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna having a radiation aperture in the radiation near field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna having a radiation aperture outside the inductive near field relative to the surface of the adjacent skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna that does not have a radiation aperture in the far field region relative to the surface of the adjacent skin.

In one embodiment of the invention, the induced near field region may be, for example, a portion of the near field region immediately surrounding the antenna where the induced near field dominates. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna may be at a distance from the skin surface, which may be D²Approximately 0.62 times the square root of/λ, where D is the maximum physical dimension of the antenna aperture and λ is the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the antenna, measured in a medium disposed between the antenna output and the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the radiating near-field region may be, for example, a field region of the antenna between the inductive near-field region and the far-field region, in which the radiating field dominates. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna may be positioned at a maximum distance from the skin surface, which may be D²Approximately 2 times the square root of/λ, where D is the maximum physical dimension of the antenna aperture and λ is the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation transmitted by the antenna, measured in a medium disposed between the antenna output and the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the far field region may be, for example, the field region of the antenna, where the field of view allocation is essentially independent of the distance from the antenna.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific characteristics resulting from the configuration of the antenna that radiates the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the primary radiation TE is configured₁₀The antenna of the field pattern of the mode radiates the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the radiation source is configured to radiate only TE₁₀The antenna of the field pattern of the mode radiates the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna configured to radiate a field pattern of the TEM mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna configured to radiate only the field pattern of the TEM mode. In the embodiment of the present invention, when TEM and TE₁₀It is particularly useful when the radiated electromagnetic energy comprises modes of electric fields in the transverse direction. Thus, where the antenna is properly positioned, the antenna delivering electromagnetic energy in the TEM or TE10 mode will generate an electric field that may be parallel or substantially parallel to the skin surface near the antenna, or alternatively, the electric field may be parallel or substantially parallel to a critical interface (e.g., the interface between the dermis and the hypodermis).

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific characteristics resulting from the configuration of the antenna that radiates the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna configured to radiate primarily the field pattern of the TEM mode. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is radiated with an antenna configured to radiate only the field pattern of the TEM mode.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific characteristics resulting from the configuration of the antenna that radiates the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an interface between the dermis and the hypodermis. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an interface between the glandular region and a portion of the hypodermis.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific characteristics resulting from the configuration of the antenna that radiates the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to create a standing wave in adjacent tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to generate a standing wave in adjacent tissue, wherein the standing wave has a peak near a critical interface.

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with electromagnetic radiation having specific characteristics, more specifically, specific characteristics resulting from the configuration of the antenna that radiates the electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to produce constructive interference in adjacent tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is irradiated with an antenna configured to produce constructive interference in adjacent tissue, wherein the constructive interference has a peak near a critical interface.

Heating tissue/tissue structures

In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is heated by conducting heat generated in the wound to the specific tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue is heated by conducting heat generated in the wound through the intervening tissue, wherein the heat in the wound is generated primarily by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue below the critical interface is heated by conducting heat generated in the wound through the critical interface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of heating tissue below a critical interface by conducting heat generated in a wound above the critical interface is described, wherein the heat generated in the wound is generated primarily by dielectric heating and the heat below the critical interface is generated primarily by conducting heat from the wound through intervening tissue to tissue below a dielectric barrier.

In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures (e.g., sweat glands or hair follicles) in the skin region near the critical interface are heated. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structure located near the critical interface is heated by conducting heat from the wound, wherein the wound is generated by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structures located in the first tissue layer are heated with heat generated in the first tissue layer due to standing waves in the first tissue layer being reflected off at the critical interface.

In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in an area of skin where the dermis layer is connected to the hypodermis layer are heated. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in the glandular layer are heated. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures in the area of skin where the dermis layer is connected to the hypodermis layer are disrupted. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in the glandular layer are disrupted. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures in the area of skin where the dermis layer is connected to the hypodermis layer are destroyed. In one embodiment of the invention, tissue structures located in the glandular layer are destroyed. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue element is heated by conducting heat generated in the wound to the tissue element through the intervening tissue, wherein the heat in the wound is generated primarily by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue structure below the critical interface is heated by conducting heat generated in the wound above the critical interface (mainly by dielectric heating) through the intervening tissue to the tissue structure below the critical interface.

In one embodiment of the invention, the region near the critical interface may be heated by: more energy is deposited in this region than in the surrounding tissue.

In one embodiment of the invention, tissue in the dermis layer closest to the interface between the dermis layer and the hypodermis layer is preferentially heated.

Cooling down

In one embodiment of the invention, heat generated in tissue below the skin surface is prevented from damaging tissue near the skin surface by removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, heat generated in tissue below the skin surface is prevented from damaging tissue near the skin surface by cooling the skin surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound by dielectric heating from damaging tissue in a skin layer located between the wound and a skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound by dielectric heating from damaging tissue in a skin layer located between the wound and a skin surface by removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound by dielectric heating from damaging tissue in a skin layer located between the wound and a skin surface by cooling the skin surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound having an origin in a layer of tissue from damaging tissue in a layer of tissue located between the origin of the wound and a skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound having origin in a tissue layer from damaging tissue in the skin layer located between the wound and the skin surface by removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described to prevent heat generated in a wound having origin in a tissue layer from damaging tissue in the skin layer located between the wound and the skin surface by cooling the skin surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described for preventing wound growth toward a skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method is described for preventing wound growth toward a skin surface by removing heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is described for preventing wound growth toward a skin surface by cooling the skin surface.

In one embodiment of the invention, after energy is transferred and subsequently restored, cooling may be stopped for a period of time. In one embodiment of the invention, cooling may be stopped for a period of time (e.g., about 2 seconds) after the energy is delivered. In one embodiment of the invention, cooling is started and stopped in a pulsed manner to control the amount of heat removed through the skin surface.

Antenna system

Antenna type

In an embodiment of the present invention, antenna 358 may be, for example: a coaxial single slot antenna; a coaxial multi-slot antenna; printing a slot antenna; a waveguide antenna; a horn antenna; a microstrip antenna; a microstrip tracking antenna; a Vivaldi antenna; or a waveguide antenna. In an embodiment of the invention, the antenna may be an antenna array, for example. In embodiments of the invention, the antennas may be, for example, antenna arrays, wherein one or more antennas simultaneously radiate electromagnetic energy. In embodiments of the invention, the antennas may be, for example, antenna arrays in which at least one, but not all, of the antennas radiate electromagnetic energy simultaneously. In embodiments of the invention, the antennas may be, for example, two or more different types of antennas. In embodiments of the present invention, particular antennas in the array may be selectively activated or deactivated.

Return loss/bandwidth

In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimal return loss (S11) distribution centered at 5.8 GHz. The scattering parameter or return loss (magnitude of S11 in dB) is a measure of the reflected power measured at the antenna feed divided by the power into the antenna feed, which can be used as an efficiency measure. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value, which may be, for example, less than or equal to-15 dB, which corresponds to 97% power coupling. At 97% power coupling, 97% of the input power available to the antenna (e.g., from the microwave generator) is coupled to the input port of the antenna. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value, for example less than or equal to-10 dB, which corresponds to a power coupling of 90%. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the invention, the antenna has an optimal coupling value, which may be, for example, less than or equal to-7 dB, which corresponds to 80% power coupling. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., waveguide antenna) may include a tuning screw. In one embodiment of the invention, a tuning screw may be used, for example, to match the return loss (magnitude of S11) for the expected load.

In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna is optimized to maintain the power coupled to the antenna at an optimal frequency band with an echo of-10 dB or better. The optimum bandwidth may be, for example, about 0.25GHz at the frequency of interest (e.g., 5.8GHz) (0.125 GHz on either side of the center frequency). The optimum bandwidth may be, for example, about 1.0GHz (0.5 GHz on either side of the center frequency) at the frequency of interest (e.g., 5.8 GHz).

Dielectric filler

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric filler 368 may have a dielectric constant of about 10. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dielectric filler may have a dielectric constant of between about 9.7 and 10.3. In embodiments of the invention, the dielectric filling may be sealed against fluid, including cooling liquid in the cooling chamber. In an embodiment of the invention, the dielectric filler may be configured to prevent liquid from entering the waveguide tube. In embodiments of the invention, the dielectric filler may be configured to efficiently couple energy from the antenna feed to the tissue. In embodiments of the invention, the dielectric filler may be configured to match the waveguide, coolant chamber (containing coolant), and skin at a predetermined frequency (e.g., a frequency in the range of about 4GHz to 10 GHz; a frequency in the range of about 5GHz to 6.5 GHz; or a frequency of about 5.8 GHz). In embodiments of the invention, the dielectric filler may be configured to generate a field having a minimum electric field perpendicular to the tissue surface. In embodiments of the invention, the dielectric filler may be configured to generate TE in a target tissue frequency ₁₀A field, the range of frequencies being: between about 4GHz and 10 GHz; between about 5GHz and 6.5 GHz; or about 5.8 GHz.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the waveguide cross-sectional internal geometry (e.g., WR62 with a width of 15.8 mm and a height of 7.9 mm) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by choosing an appropriate dielectric filler. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting an appropriate filler material. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a filler material with a dielectric constant between 3 and 12. In one embodiment of the present invention, an antenna (e.g., WR62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a dielectric filler material having a dielectric constant of about 10. In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a fluid-tight dielectric filler material (e.g., a cooling fluid). In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna (e.g., WR62) is optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a dielectric filler material (e.g., Eccostock). In one embodiment of the present invention, the antenna may be optimized at a predetermined frequency by selecting a dielectric filler material (e.g., polycarbonate, teflon, plastic, or air).

Field radiator

In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna may comprise a dielectric element (also called a field radiator) at the antenna output, which disturbs or scatters the microwave signal in such a way that: an electric field is applied to the tissue over a wider area. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator causes the electric field to diverge as it leaves the antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a dielectric constant between 1 and 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a dielectric constant between 1 and 15. In embodiments of the invention, the field radiator may be used to spread out and flatten areas of peak SAR, peak temperature, or peak power loss density in tissue, for example. In embodiments of the invention, the field radiator may be used, for example, to spread and flatten a wound in tissue.

In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be a dielectric element. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to propagate an electric field. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to extend from the antenna output to the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to extend from the dielectric filler to the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be located at least partially in the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be located at least partially in the cooling liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to have rounded features. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be elliptical. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator, which is at least partly located in the cooling liquid, may have the opposite shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator, which is at least partly located in the cooling liquid, can be configured to prevent eddy currents in the cooling liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator, which is at least partially located in the cooling liquid, may be configured to prevent the formation of bubbles in the cooling liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the system may have a plurality of field radiators.

In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to have a dielectric constant that matches the dielectric filler. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to have a different dielectric constant than the dielectric filler. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to increase the Effective Field Size (EFS) by reducing the field strength at the center of the waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to increase the ratio of 50% SAR contour line area at the target tissue depth by reducing the field strength at the center of the waveguide, as well as to increase the surface area of the radiating aperture. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured such that the signal emanating from the antenna diverges around the field radiator, creating local electric field peaks that recombine to form a larger SAR region. In one embodiment of the invention, the cross-section of the field radiator may be 2% to 50% of the inner surface of the waveguide antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a rectangular cross-section. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a rectangular cross-section of 6 mm x 10 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a rectangular cross-section of 6 mm x 10 mm when used in conjunction with a waveguide having an inner surface of 15.8 mm x 7.9 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a rectangular cross-section of about 60 square millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may have a rectangular cross-section of about 60 square millimeters when used in conjunction with a waveguide having an inner surface with an area of about 124 square millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be composed of, for example, alumina having a dielectric constant of, for example, 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be constructed to consist of a dielectric region embedded in a waveguide. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator can be constructed as consisting of a dielectric region arranged in the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be constructed to consist of a recess in the dielectric filler. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be configured to be constituted by a recess in the dielectric filler, which is configured to allow a cooling liquid (e.g., water) to flow in the recess. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be constructed of a cooling liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator may be constructed to consist of one or more air gaps.

Efficiency/scattering phenomena

In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) is optimized to reduce or eliminate free-space radiation due to fringing fields. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., waveguide antenna) is optimized to redirect the fringing field toward the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., waveguide antenna) is optimized to improve the efficiency of the antenna, which can be measured, for example, by comparing the energy available at the antenna input to the energy coupled into adjacent tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., waveguide antenna) is optimized to improve the efficiency of the antenna such that at least 70% of the energy available at the antenna input is deposited in tissue near the antenna output. In one embodiment of the invention, the antenna (e.g., waveguide antenna) may be optimized by positioning the antenna output such that the outer edge of the waveguide antenna is in contact with the fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by positioning the antenna output such that the antenna output is in contact with the fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by positioning the antenna output such that it is covered by an insulator for isolating the output from the fluid, the insulator having a thickness that reduces free-space radiation due to fringing fields at the waveguide output. In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by positioning the antenna output such that the antenna output is covered by an insulator for isolating the output from a fluid (e.g., a cooling liquid), the insulator having a thickness of less than 0.005 ". In one embodiment of the invention, power transfer from an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) through a cooling fluid into adjacent tissue is optimized by reducing the thickness of the isolation layer between the antenna output and the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, power transfer from an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) through a cooling fluid into adjacent tissue is optimized by placing the antenna output in the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator (e.g., polycarbonate having a dielectric constant less than that of the antenna fill material). In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator (e.g., polycarbonate with a dielectric constant less than that of the antenna fill material), the insulator having a thickness of about 0.0001 "to 0.006". In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator, the thickness of which is about 0.015 ". In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator (e.g., polycarbonate having a dielectric constant less than that of the antenna fill material), the insulator having a thickness of about 0.0001 "to 0.004". In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator (e.g., polycarbonate with a dielectric constant less than that of the antenna fill material), the insulator having a thickness of about 0.002 ". In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized by covering the antenna output with an insulator (e.g., alumina having a dielectric constant substantially equal to that of the antenna fill material).

polarization/TE ₁₀

In one embodiment of the invention, an antenna (e.g., a waveguide antenna) may be optimized, for example, by optimizing the design of the antenna to ensure that the antenna is at a substantially pure TE₁₀Broadcast in mode.

Cooling system

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is arranged between the device adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, a cooling system includes a cooling fluid and a cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system includes a cooling fluid flowing through the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid flows through a cooling chamber arranged between the means adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation and the cooling plate. Other cooling systems and various components used in conjunction with the systems and apparatus described herein are described and illustrated, for example, in figures 33 through 36 and pages 40 through 45 of U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899, and figures 11A through 11B and pages 21 through 24 of U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Temperature of

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to keep the skin surface at a temperature below 45 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to keep the skin surface at a temperature below 40 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a temperature of about 22 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the cooling plate at a temperature below 40 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to keep the skin surface at a temperature below 45 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, heat is removed from the cooling system with a cooling fluid.

Cooling liquid

In one embodiment of the invention, a moving coolant is used to remove heat from the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid has a temperature between-5 ℃ and 40 ℃ when it enters the cooling chamber in the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid has a temperature between 10 ℃ and 25 ℃ when it enters the cooling chamber in the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid has a temperature of about 22 ℃ when it enters the cooling chamber in the cooling system. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of at least 100 milliliters per second as it passes through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of 250 to 450 milliliters per second as it passes through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a velocity of 0.18 to 0.32 meters per second as it passes through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant flow in the cooling chamber is non-laminar. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant flow in the cooling chamber is turbulent to facilitate heat transfer. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a reynolds number of about 1232 to 2057 before entering the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid has a reynolds number of about 5144 to 9256 before entering the cooling chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to be substantially transparent to microwave energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to minimize absorption of electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to match the antenna to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to promote efficient transfer of microwave energy to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is optimized to remove heat from the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid consists of a fluid with a high dielectric constant. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to have a high dielectric constant of 70 to 90. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to have a high dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to have a low dielectric constant of 2 to 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to have a low dielectric constant of about 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the coolant is optimized to have a dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid consists at least partially of deionized water. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid consists at least partially of alcohol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is at least partially composed of ethylene glycol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid consists at least partially of glycerol. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is at least partially composed of a biocide. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid consists at least partially of vegetable oil. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling liquid consists of a fluid with a low electrical conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling fluid is comprised of a fluid having an electrical conductivity of less than about 0.5 siemens per meter.

Cooling plate

In embodiments of the invention, the cooling plate may be configured to contact the skin, for example; cooling the skin tissue; physically separating the skin tissue from the microwave antenna; coinciding with a hairy region of a human axilla; forming a thermoelectric cooler; conducting heat; is substantially transparent to microwave energy; sufficiently thin to minimize microwave reflection; is composed of ceramics; or consist of alumina.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to conduct electromagnetic energy to the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to conduct heat from the skin surface into the cooling fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thickness of 0.0035 "to 0.025", and may comprise a thickness of up to 0.225 ". In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a dielectric constant between 2 and 15. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a dielectric constant of about 10. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a low electrical conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a conductivity of less than 0.5 siemens per meter. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a high thermal conductivity. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 18 to 50 watts per meter-kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 10 to 100 watts per meter-kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is optimized to have a thermal conductivity of 0.1 to 5 watts per meter-kelvin at room temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is at least partially composed of a ceramic material. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate is at least partially composed of alumina.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate may be, for example, a thin film polymer material. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate may be, for example, a polyimide material. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling plate may be a material having a thermal conductivity of about 0.12 watts per meter-kelvin, for example, and a thickness of about 0.002 "to 0.010".

Cooling chamber

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation, the composition of the cooling liquid and the composition of the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for a high dielectric cooling liquid. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for a cooling liquid (e.g., deionized water) having a dielectric constant of about 80. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness of 0.5 to 1.5 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness of about 1.0 millimeter. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for low dielectric cooling fluids. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber has a thickness optimized for a cooling liquid (e.g., vegetable oil) having a dielectric constant of about 2. A low dielectric, low conductive coolant may be advantageous where limited losses are desired or where a matching element is desired. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber is optimized to minimize turbulence as the fluid flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling chamber is optimized to minimize air bubbles as the fluid flows through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator located in the cooling chamber is positioned and designed to optimize the laminar flow of the cooling liquid flowing through the cooling chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of the field radiator located in the cooling chamber is substantially elliptical. In one embodiment of the invention, the shape of the field radiator located in the cooling chamber is substantially circular. In one embodiment of the invention, the field radiator located in the cooling chamber is substantially rectangular in shape.

Thermoelectric module

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature may be, for example, a thermoelectric module. In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized by attaching the cold plate side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to the face of the cooling plate near the waveguide antenna in order to keep the skin surface at a predetermined temperature. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink that is acted upon by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC at a low temperature to optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The TEC is attached to the cooling plate and the heat sink using ceramic thermal bonding epoxy. For example, the TEC may be part number 06311-5L31-03CFL available from CustomTimer electric, the heat sink may be part number 655-53AB available from Wakefield Engineering, the ceramic thermal bonding epoxy may be available from Arctic Silver, and the axial fan may be part number 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 available from NMB-MAT.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature by configuring the cold plate side of a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) with an opening in the hot side of the TEC where the waveguide antenna is present as a cold plate near or around the waveguide antenna. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink that is acted upon by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC at a low temperature to optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The TEC is attached to the heat sink using a ceramic thermal bonding epoxy. For example, TEC is available from Laird Technology, the heat sink may be part number 655-53AB available from Wakefield Engineering, the ceramic thermal bonding epoxy may be available from Arctic Silver, and the axial fan may be part number 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 available from NMB-MAT.

In one embodiment of the invention, the cooling system is optimized to maintain the skin surface at a predetermined temperature by attaching the cold plate side of a Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC) to one side of the waveguide antenna. The hot side of the TEC is attached to a finned heat sink that is acted upon by an axial fan to keep the hot side of the TEC at a low temperature to optimize the cooling performance of the TEC. The TEC is attached to the waveguide antenna and the heat sink using a ceramic thermal bonding epoxy. For example, the TEC may be part number 06311-5L31-03CFL available from Custom thermoelectrics, the heat sink may be part number 655-53AB available from Wakefield Engineering, the ceramic thermal bonding epoxy may be available from Arctic Silver, and the axial fan may be part number 1608KL-04W-B59-L00 available from NMB-MAT.

(Energy)

In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a period of time that optimizes the desired tissue effect. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a period of 3 to 4 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to the skin for a period of 1 to 6 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, energy is delivered to a target region in tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy is delivered to the target region for a time sufficient to result in an energy density of 0.1 to 0.2 joules per cubic millimeter at the target tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy is delivered to the target area for a period of time sufficient to heat the target tissue to a temperature of at least 75 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy is delivered to the target area for a period of time sufficient to heat the target tissue to a temperature of 55 to 75 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the energy is delivered to the target area for a period of time sufficient to heat the target tissue to a temperature of at least 45 ℃.

Cooling down

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of time that optimizes the desired tissue effect. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled during the energy transfer to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of time prior to the time that energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of 1 to 5 seconds prior to the time that the energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of about 2 seconds prior to the time that energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of time after the time that energy is delivered to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of 10 to 20 seconds after the time of energy delivery to the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin surface is cooled for a period of about 20 seconds after the time that energy is delivered to the skin.

Output power

In one embodiment of the invention, power is delivered to a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment of the invention, power is delivered to the input of the antenna (e.g., the feed of a waveguide antenna). In one embodiment of the invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna is 50 to 65 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna is 40 to 70 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the power available at the input port of the antenna varies over time.

Tissue harvesting

In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is kept in an optimal position relative to the energy transfer device. In one embodiment of the invention, vacuum pressure is used to maintain the skin in an optimal position relative to the energy delivery device. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is held in an optimal position relative to the energy delivery device with a vacuum pressure of 400 to 750 mmHg. In one embodiment of the invention, the skin is held in an optimal position relative to the energy delivery device with a vacuum pressure of about 650 mm Hg. Other tissue harvesting systems, methods, and devices that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present invention to hold the skin in place and/or protect non-target tissue structures may be found in, for example, U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899, fig. 38-52C and pages 46-57; and figures 12 through 16B and pages 24 through 29 of U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Tissue interface

Tissue chamber

In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be, for example, an aspiration chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be configured to harvest at least a portion of skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber is operably coupled to a vacuum source. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be configured with at least one tapered wall. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be configured to at least partially harvest skin tissue and contact the skin tissue with the cooling plate. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one suction element. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 can be configured to lift the skin and bring the skin into contact with the cooling element. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 can be configured to lift the skin and bring the skin into contact with the cooling element. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber 338 can be configured to lift the skin and bring the skin into contact with the suction chamber. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber 38 may be configured to lift the skin and bring the skin into contact with the suction port. In one embodiment of the invention, the suction inlet may comprise at least one channel, wherein the channel may have rounded edges. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tissue chamber 338 may have an oval or racetrack shape, wherein the tissue chamber includes straight edges that are perpendicular to the direction of coolant flow. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to lift the skin, separating the skin tissue from the underlying muscle tissue. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor may be a thermocouple. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 can be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of the skin surface. In one embodiment of the present invention, tissue chamber 338 may be configured to include at least one temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor is configured such that it does not significantly interfere with the microwave signal.

In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue interface may comprise a tissue chamber optimized to separate the skin from the underlying muscle. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue interface may comprise a vacuum chamber optimized to separate the skin from the underlying muscle when the skin is pulled into the tissue chamber with, for example, vacuum pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a depth of about 1 mm to about 30 mm. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a depth of about 7.5 millimeters. In one embodiment of the invention, the walls of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an angle of about 2 to 45 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the walls of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a chamber angle Z of about 5 to 20 degrees. In one embodiment of the invention, the walls of the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a chamber angle Z of about 20. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an ovoid shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have a racetrack shape. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio, wherein the aspect ratio may be defined as the ratio of the smallest dimension of the tissue interface surface to the height of the vacuum chamber. In the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 8, the aspect ratio may be, for example, the ratio between the minimum dimension 10 and the tissue depth Y. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio of about 1: 1 to about 3: 1. In one embodiment of the invention, the tissue chamber may be optimized to have an aspect ratio of about 2: 1.

Segmental treatment

In some embodiments, it is desirable to perform the treatment in segments. In addition, the treatment can be designed such that: in an initial phase, a portion of the target tissue is treated, while in a subsequent phase other portions are treated. Treatment using the systems and devices disclosed herein may be treated, for example, in stages, which are disclosed in, for example, U.S. provisional application No.60/912,899, fig. 54-57 and pages 61-63; and FIGS. 17-19 and pages 32-34 of U.S. provisional application No.61/013,274, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Diagnosis of

Embodiments of the invention also include methods and apparatus for determining and diagnosing patients with hyperhidrosis. Such diagnosis may be made based on subjective patient data (e.g., the patient's answers to questions regarding observed sweating) or objective testing. In one embodiment of an objective test, the patient may be coated with an iodine solution to determine on which skin surface the patient sweated and did not sweat. In addition, a particular patient may be diagnosed based on excessive sweating in different parts of the body to specifically determine which area to treat. Thus, only different parts of the body in need of treatment may be selectively treated, including, for example, selectively treating the hands, axillae, feet, and/or face.

Quantification of therapeutic effects

The effect may be qualitatively assessed by the patient after completion of any of the treatments described above, or after any stage of treatment, or may be qualitatively assessed in a number of ways. For example, the number of failing or destroyed sweat glands on each surface area treated can be measured. Such assessment may be performed by imaging the treated region or by determining the amount of treatment applied to the treated region (e.g., the amount of energy delivered, the measured temperature of the target tissue, etc.). The iodine solution test described above can also be used to determine the extent of the therapeutic effect. In addition, treatment may be initiated or modified such that the amount of perspiration experienced by the patient may be reduced by a desired percentage as compared to pre-treatment under defined test criteria. For example, for patients diagnosed with particularly severe hyperhidrosis, the amount of sweating may be reduced by about 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or more. For patients diagnosed with less severe or more common sweating conditions, gradual reduction in sweating may be achieved, but not readily discernable. For example, such patients may only be able to achieve local anhidrosis in 25% increments.

Overview of systems, methods, and apparatus

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having areas of local high power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the region of the dermis near the critical interface, which has a region of local high power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the glandular layer having regions of local high power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having first and second regions of local high power loss density, wherein the first and second regions are separated by a region of low power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of regions of local high power loss density, wherein the first and second regions are separated by a region of low power loss density. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of regions of local high power loss density, wherein adjacent regions of high power loss density are separated by regions of low power loss density.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having areas of locally high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the region of the dermis near the critical interface, which has a region of locally high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the glandular layer having regions of locally high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having first and second regions of local Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), wherein the first and second regions are separated by a region of low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of local areas of high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), wherein the first and second areas are separated by areas of low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of regions of local Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), wherein adjacent regions of high Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) are separated by regions of low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR).

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin, which has areas of localized high temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the region of the dermis near the critical interface, which has a region of local high temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the glandular layer, which has regions of localized high temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having first and second regions of local temperature, wherein the first and second regions are separated by a region of low temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of localized high temperature regions, wherein the first and second regions are separated by a low temperature region. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of generating a radiation pattern in the skin having a plurality of localized temperature regions, wherein adjacent high temperature regions are separated by low temperature regions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of calibrating an electromagnetic field to preferentially treat tissue having a relatively high water content is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of irradiating the tissue with an electromagnetic field aligned with the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes using a TE₁₀The electromagnetic radiation of the pattern irradiates the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises irradiating the tissue with electromagnetic radiation having a minimum electric field in a direction at least perpendicular to a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes calibrating the electric field component of the electromagnetic wave to preferentially heat tissue having high water content by radiating with a Transverse Electric (TE) or Transverse Electromagnetic (TEM) wave.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for controlling the delivery of energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of transferring energy includes the step of transferring energy at a frequency of about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of delivering energy includes the step of delivering energy having a power greater than about 40 watts. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy includes the step of delivering energy for a period of about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy comprises the step of pre-cooling the skin surface for a period of about 2 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of transferring energy includes the step of post-cooling for a period of about 20 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of delivering energy includes the step of maintaining tissue engagement for a period of greater than about 22 seconds. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of delivering energy includes the step of engaging tissue with a vacuum pressure of about 600 mmHg. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of delivering energy includes the step of measuring skin temperature. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of delivering energy comprises the step of adjusting as a result of feedback of a tissue parameter (e.g., skin temperature): a duration of energy delivery; a duration of pre-cooling; a post-cooling duration; outputting power; frequency; vacuum pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, the method of delivering energy comprises the step of adjusting the following conditions due to feedback of tissue parameters (e.g., coolant temperature): a duration of energy delivery; a duration of pre-cooling; a post-cooling duration; outputting power; frequency; vacuum pressure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of removing heat from tissue is described. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of cooling tissue is described, the method comprising engaging a surface of skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of positioning the cooling element in contact with the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of conductively cooling the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of convectively cooling the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of cooling the skin surface conductively and convectively.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of destroying or destroying tissue structures is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of destroying or destroying a gland is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of causing overheating of the tissue structure. In one embodiment of the invention, the overheating may be achieved by moderately heating the tissue to a temperature of, for example, about 42 ℃ to 45 ℃. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of resecting the tissue structure by heating the tissue to a temperature in excess of about 47 ℃.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of treating tissue with electromagnetic radiation is described. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue includes generating a secondary effect in the tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue includes generating a secondary effect in the tissue, wherein the secondary effect includes, for example, reducing bacterial transplantation. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue includes generating a secondary effect in the tissue, wherein the secondary effect includes removing or reducing an epidermal defect. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue comprises generating a secondary effect in the tissue, wherein the secondary effect comprises removing or reducing epidermal defects caused by, for example, acne. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue comprises disrupting sebaceous glands. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue comprises disabling sebaceous glands. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of treating tissue comprises temporarily disabling sebaceous glands.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering energy to a selected tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes transferring energy through a microwave energy transfer radiator. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes delivering sufficient energy to produce a thermal effect in target tissue within the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of delivering energy to tissue undergoing dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of delivering energy to tissue having a high dielectric moment. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises delivering energy to a target tissue within the skin tissue, the target tissue being selected from the group consisting of: collagen, hair follicles, cellulite, exocrine glands, apocrine glands, sebaceous glands, reticular veins, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the target tissue within the skin tissue comprises an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer of the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, generating a thermal effect in the target tissue includes thermal alteration of at least one sweat gland. In one embodiment of the invention, generating the thermal effect in the target tissue includes ablating at least one sweat gland.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of delivering microwave energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying a cooling element to the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of applying microwave energy to the tissue at a power, frequency and duration and cooling at a temperature and duration sufficient to create a wound proximate the interface between the dermal and subdermal layers in the skin tissue while minimizing thermal changes to non-target tissue in the epithelial and dermal layers of the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises applying microwave energy to a second layer of skin comprising sweat glands sufficient to alter the sweat glands with heat. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying microwave energy while protectively cooling the first layer of skin, the second layer being deeper than the first layer relative to the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of cooling by means of a cooling element.

In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of propagating the MW energy with one or more field radiators when the MW energy is emitted from the antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention includes creating an adjacent wound that is larger than a single waveguide wound. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of using a plurality of antennas. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of creating a larger adjacent wound than a single waveguide wound. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of using an array of waveguides. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of activating a plurality of consecutive waveguides. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of activating a plurality of antennas. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of activating less than all of the antennas in the array. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of continuously cooling under all antennas in the array.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying energy at a depth deeper than the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the invention includes the step of applying energy at a location that is not as deep as the nerve or muscle tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of applying electromagnetic radiation at a frequency that concentrates the energy in the target tissue.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of selectively heating tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of selectively heating the tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of selectively heating the gland. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of selectively heating the glandular fluid. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the tissue to a temperature sufficient to destroy the gland. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to cause disease onset. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to cause death. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to destroy adjacent hair follicles. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of heating the gland to a temperature sufficient to destroy adjacent hair follicles. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the glands to a temperature sufficient to cause overheating in the tissue at the skin/fat interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the glands to a temperature sufficient to cause overheating in the tissue at the skin/fat interface while minimizing overheating in the surrounding tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of heating the gland to at least 50 ℃.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of generating a temperature distribution in skin tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises generating a temperature distribution having a peak in the region directly above the skin-fat interface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a temperature profile, wherein the temperature drops towards the skin surface. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of generating a temperature profile, wherein the temperature drops towards the skin surface without cooling.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of locating skin is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of using suction, extrusion or adhesive. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of using suction, compression or adhesives to lift the dermis and hypodermis from the muscle layer.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a method of applying energy to tissue is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of placing a microwave energy delivery radiator over the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the microwave radiator comprises a microwave antenna. In one embodiment of the invention, the microwave antenna is selected from the group consisting of: single slot, multi-slot, waveguide, horn, printed slot, microstrip, Vivaldi antenna, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of positioning a microwave energy delivery radiator on an area having a more absorptive tissue element. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of positioning a microwave energy delivery radiator on a region having a concentration of sweat glands. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of positioning a microwave energy delivery radiator on the hair-containing region. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of positioning a microwave energy delivery radiator on the armpit. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of harvesting the skin in the inhalation chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of starting the vacuum pump. In one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises the step of deactivating the vacuum pump to release the skin. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the skin tissue in close proximity to the microwave energy delivery applicator. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the skin tissue in close proximity to the microwave energy delivery applicator by applying suction to the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the dermal tissue in close proximity to the microwave energy delivery applicator, including the step of harvesting the dermal tissue at least partially within the suction chamber adjacent the energy delivery applicator. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of using a lubricant to enhance the vacuum. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the skin tissue in close proximity to the microwave energy delivery applicator, including the step of lifting the skin tissue. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of securing the skin tissue in close proximity to the microwave energy delivery applicator, including the step of bringing the skin into contact with the cooling. In one embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of activating a vacuum pump to harvest the skin within the suction chamber.

In one embodiment, disclosed herein is a system for applying microwave energy to tissue, comprising a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic; a radiator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the radiator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface; a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface; a cooling source connected to the tissue interface; and a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source. In some embodiments, the microwave signal has a frequency of about 4GHz to about 10GHz, about 5GHz to about 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. The system may further comprise an amplifier connected between the signal generator and the radiator. The microwave antenna may include an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation that is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna. The antenna may include an antenna configured to radiate in a TE10 mode and/or a TEM mode. The tissue interface may be configured to engage and hold the skin. In some embodiments, the skin is an axillary region. The microwave antenna may include an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation that is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is parallel to the outer surface of the tissue.

In some embodiments, the tissue interface includes a cooling plate and a cooling chamber located between the cooling plate and the microwave antenna. In some embodiments, the cooling plate has a dielectric constant of about 2 to 15. The vacuum source may be configured to provide vacuum pressure to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the vacuum pressure is about 400mmHg to about 750mmHg, or in some embodiments about 650 mmHg. The cooling source may be configured to provide a coolant to the tissue interface. The coolant may be a cooling fluid, which in some embodiments has a dielectric constant of about 70 to 90, about 80, about 2 to 10, or about 2. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid may have a temperature of about-5 ℃ to 40 ℃, 10 ℃ to 25 ℃, or about 22 ℃. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid has a flow rate of about 100mL per second to 600mL per second, or about 250mL per second to 450mL per second, when passing through at least a portion of the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid is configured to flow through the tissue interface at a velocity of 0.18 to 0.32 meters per second. In some embodiments, the cooling fluid may be selected from, for example, glycerin, vegetable oil, isopropyl alcohol, water mixed with alcohol, or other combinations. The cooling source may include a thermoelectric module. In some embodiments, the tissue comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer being located below the first layer, wherein the controller is configured to cause the system to transfer energy, thereby creating a peak power loss density distribution in the second layer.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target tissue is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a tissue interface; a microwave energy delivery device; a cooling element disposed between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate disposed at the tissue interface; and a cooling liquid disposed between the cooling element and the microwave transmission device, the cooling liquid having a dielectric constant greater than that of the cooling element. In some embodiments, the tissue interface includes a tissue collection chamber, which in some embodiments may be a vacuum chamber. The cooling plate may be made of ceramic. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is configured to contact a skin surface surrounding the target tissue, cool the skin tissue, and physically isolate the skin tissue from the cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the microwave energy delivery device includes a microwave antenna, which in some embodiments may be a waveguide antenna.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue is disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a tissue interface having a tissue collection chamber; a cooling element having a cooling plate; and a microwave energy delivery device having a microwave antenna. In some embodiments, the tissue acquisition chamber comprises a vacuum chamber adapted to lift tissue (including the target region) and contact the tissue with the cooling element. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber has a racetrack shape comprising: a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being parallel to each other; and a first end and a second end, the first and second ends having an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is configured to contact a skin surface above the target tissue, cool the skin tissue, and physically isolate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device. The cooling plate may be substantially transparent to microwave energy. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna.

In one embodiment, an apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue is also disclosed, the apparatus comprising: a vacuum chamber adapted to lift tissue (including a target area) and bring the tissue into contact with a cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate is adapted to contact a skin surface above the target area, cool the skin surface and physically isolate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device; and a microwave antenna configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. In some embodiments, the vacuum chamber may have a racetrack shape comprising: a first side and a second side, the first and second sides being parallel to each other; and a first end and a second end, the first and second ends having an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, the cooling panel is substantially transparent to microwave energy. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to deliver sufficient energy to the target area to produce a thermal effect. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna comprises a waveguide antenna. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna is configured to produce a radiation pattern having a peak at the target area.

In this embodiment, a system for coupling microwave energy into tissue is also disclosed, the system comprising a microwave antenna, a fluid chamber disposed between the microwave antenna and the tissue, and a cooling plate disposed between the cooling chamber and the tissue. In one embodiment, the system further comprises at least one field radiator. The field radiator may be disposed within the fluid chamber between the waveguide and the cooling plate. The field radiator can be configured to promote laminar flow of the fluid through the fluid chamber. In one embodiment, the field radiator may be configured to prevent the occurrence of one or more eddy currents or bubbles within the cooling liquid. In one embodiment, the system may further comprise a cooling liquid selected to maximize heat transfer while minimizing microwave reflections. The cooling fluid may be selected from the group consisting of: alcohol, glycerol, ethylene glycol, deionized water, a bactericide and vegetable oil. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna may be a waveguide including a dielectric filler selected to produce a field having a minimum electric field perpendicular to the tissue surface at a predetermined frequency. In one embodiment, the fluid chamber has a shape configured to promote laminar flow of the cooling liquid flowing therethrough. The fluid chamber may be rectangular. In some embodiments, the cooling plate is thermally conductive and substantially transparent to microwave energy.

In another embodiment, a method of producing a tissue effect in a target tissue layer is disclosed, comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer is proximate the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of identifying a patient who desires to reduce perspiration. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the steps of: identifying a patient desiring to reduce cellulite, identifying a patient having hyperhidrosis, identifying a patient having telangiectasia, identifying a patient having varicose veins, or identifying a patient desiring to remove hair. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the tissue layer. In one embodiment, the tissue effect comprises a wound. The wound may have an origin in the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the origin of the wound is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent wound growth to the first layer, wherein the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer comprises cooling the skin surface. In one embodiment, the target tissue layer may comprise the dermis, the deep dermis, or the glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. The electromagnetic energy may have an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE ₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, at a region of a target tissue layerThe standing wave pattern in the domain has constructive interference peaks. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference minima in the first tissue layer.

In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a target tissue layer without cooling is disclosed, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through the skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer is proximate the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the wound has an origin in a target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises dermis, deep dermis, or glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE ₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. Electromagnetic energy can generate heat in target tissue through dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have a constructive interference peak in the region of the target tissue layer or in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the origin of the wound is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer is disclosed, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a wound in or proximate to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer proximate to a skin surface, the present tissue layerThe method comprises the following steps: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the wound has an origin in a target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises dermis, deep dermis, or glandular layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent wound growth to the first layer, wherein the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer comprises cooling the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface, while in other embodiments, the electric field component is parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE ₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. In some embodiments, the standing wave pattern has a constructive interference peak in the region of the target tissue layer or in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the origin of the wound is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the heat is sufficient to destroy bacteria within the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of identifying a patient suffering from acne or identifying a patient desiring reduced sweating.

In another embodiment, a method of generating heat in a target tissue layer without cooling is disclosed, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a tissue effect in or proximate to the target tissue layer, wherein, The target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to the skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the heat is sufficient to create a wound having an origin in the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises dermis, deep dermis, or glandular layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface, and in another embodiment, the electric field component is parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference peaks in the region of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference minima in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the origin of the wound is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

Disclosed herein in yet another embodiment is a method of generating a temperature distribution in tissue, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises dermis, deep dermis, or glandular layer. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing heat from the first tissue layer.In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference peaks in the region of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference minima in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the peak temperature is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of producing a temperature distribution in tissue without cooling, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In some embodiments, the target tissue layer comprises dermis, deep dermis, or glandular layer. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface or parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer by a standing wave pattern. In the region of the target tissue layer The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference peaks. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference minima in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the peak temperature is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density.

In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a first layer of tissue having an upper portion adjacent an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a second layer of the skin is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: exposing an outer surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; generating an energy density distribution having a peak in a lower portion of the first layer; and continuing to expose the outer surface of the skin to the microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density. In one embodiment, the first layer of skin has a first dielectric constant and the second layer of skin has a second dielectric constant, wherein the first dielectric constant is greater than the second dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the first layer has a dielectric constant greater than about 25 and the second layer has a dielectric constant less than or equal to about 10. In one embodiment, the first layer comprises at least a portion of a dermal layer. In some embodiments, the second layer comprises at least a portion of an hypodermis layer or at least a portion of a glandular layer.

Also disclosed herein is a method of creating a wound in skin, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent the outer surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy comprises microwave energy. In one embodiment, the constructive interference peak is near the interface. In one embodiment, the first layer has a first dielectric constant and the second layer has a second dielectric constant, wherein the first dielectric constant is greater than the second dielectric constant. In one embodiment, the first layer has a dielectric constant greater than about 25 and the second layer has a dielectric constant less than or equal to about 10. In one embodiment, the first layer comprises at least a portion of a dermal layer. In some embodiments, the second layer comprises at least a portion of an hypodermis layer or at least a portion of a glandular layer.

In another embodiment, a method of generating a temperature gradient in skin is disclosed, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent the outer surface; radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to the skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.

In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subcortical layer of the skin is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: exposing the outer surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermis layer; and continuing to irradiate the skin with microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density.

In another embodiment, a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin is disclosed, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; and radiating microwave energy above the dermis layer, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface of the skin, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and the hypodermis layer.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy above the dermis layer, the microwave energy having an electric field component of the region substantially parallel to the outer surface of the skin, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and the hypodermis layer; and heating the lower portion of the dermal region with the radiated microwave energy to create a wound. In one embodiment, the center of the wound is located at the constructive interference peak.

In another embodiment, a method of heating a tissue structure located in or near a target tissue layer is disclosed, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of: radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer. In one embodiment, the tissue structure comprises sweat glands. In one embodiment, the tissue structure is heated sufficiently to destroy pathogens located in or near the tissue structure. The pathogen may be a bacterium. In some embodiments, the tissue structure is a sebaceous gland or is at least a portion of a hair follicle. In some embodiments, the tissue structure may be selected from the group consisting of: telangiectasia, cellulite, varicose veins and nerve endings. In one embodiment, the tissue structure is heated sufficiently to destroy the tissue structure. In one embodiment, the heat generation has an originating wound in the target tissue layer. The wound grows to include tissue structure. In one embodiment, the method further comprises the step of removing sufficient heat from the first layer to prevent the wound from growing to the first layer. The step of removing sufficient heat from the first layer may comprise cooling the skin surface . In some embodiments, the target tissue layer may comprise the deep dermis or glandular layer. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has an electric field component that is substantially parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface or parallel to at least a portion of the skin surface. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy is in TE₁₀Mode or TEM mode radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic energy has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the electromagnetic energy generates heat in the target tissue by dielectric heating. In one embodiment, the power loss density is generated by a standing wave pattern in the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference peaks in the region of the target tissue layer. The standing wave pattern may have constructive interference minima in the first tissue layer. In one embodiment, the origin of the wound is in a region of the target tissue layer having a peak power loss density. In one embodiment, the wound continues to grow by conducting heat after the electromagnetic energy is no longer applied. In one embodiment, the target tissue structure is heated primarily as a result of conductive heat.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer in skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: irradiating the skin with microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction; creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermis layer; causing a wound to appear in the region of peak energy density by dielectric heating of tissue in the region of peak energy density; dilating the wound, wherein the wound is dilated at least in part by thermal conduction from the peak energy density region to surrounding tissue; removing heat from at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermis layer and the skin surface; and continuing to irradiate the skin with microwave energy for a sufficient time to extend the wound beyond the interface and into the subcortical layer. In one embodiment, the tissue structure comprises sweat glands.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of raising the temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer in skin, wherein the dermal layer has an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; radiating microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to the outer surface area above the dermis layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in a lower portion of the dermis layer; creating a wound in the lower portion of the dermal region by heating tissue in the lower portion of the dermal region with the radiated microwave energy; removing heat from at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermis layer and the skin surface to prevent the wound from extending into the upper portion of the dermis layer; and stopping the radiation after a first predetermined time sufficient to raise the temperature of the tissue structure. In some embodiments, the first predetermined time comprises a time sufficient to deposit sufficient energy in the lower portion of the dermal layer to enable the wound to expand to the subcutaneous region or a time sufficient to enable heat generated by the radiation to expand to a tissue structure. In one embodiment, the step of removing heat further comprises continuing to remove heat for a predetermined time after the step of stopping said radiation. In one embodiment, the peak of constructive interference is located on the dermal side of the interface between the dermal and subdermal layers. In one embodiment, the wound begins at the peak of constructive interference.

In another embodiment, disclosed herein is a method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue, the method comprising the steps of: generating a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic; applying microwave energy to tissue through a microwave antenna and a tissue interface operatively connected to the microwave antenna; providing vacuum pressure to the tissue interface; and providing a cooling fluid to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the microwave signal has a frequency of about 4GHz to 10GHz, about 5GHz to 6.5GHz, or about 5.8 GHz. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation, the electromagnetic radiationThe radiation is polarized such that the electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. The microwave antenna may comprise a waveguide antenna. In some embodiments, the microwave antenna includes a structure configured to operate with TE₁₀Mode or antenna radiating in TEM mode. In one embodiment, the tissue interface is configured to engage and hold the skin. The skin may be skin in the axillary region. In one embodiment, the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation that is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is parallel to the outer surface of the tissue. In one embodiment, the tissue interface includes a cooling plate and a cooling chamber located between the cooling plate and the microwave antenna. In one embodiment, the cooling plate has a dielectric constant of 2 to 15. In one embodiment, the vacuum source is configured to provide vacuum pressure to the tissue interface. In some embodiments, the vacuum pressure is about 400mmHg to about 750mmHg, or about 650 mmHg. In one embodiment, the cooling source is configured to provide a coolant to the tissue interface. In one embodiment, the coolant is a cooling fluid. In some embodiments, the dielectric constant of the cooling fluid is about 70 to 90, or about 80, or about 2 to 10, or about 2. In some embodiments, the temperature of the cooling fluid is about-5 ℃ to 40 ℃, or about 10 ℃ to 25 ℃. In one embodiment, the temperature of the cooling fluid is about 22 ℃. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the cooling fluid through at least a portion of the tissue interface is about 100mL per second to 600mL per second, or about 250mL per second to 450mL per second. In one embodiment, the cooling fluid is configured to flow through the tissue interface at a velocity of about 0.18 to 0.32 meters per second. In one embodiment, the cooling liquid is selected from the group consisting of: glycerol, vegetable oil, isopropanol, and water, and in another embodiment, the cooling liquid is selected from the group consisting of: water, and water mixed with alcohol.

In another embodiment, a method of positioning tissue prior to treating the tissue with radiated electromagnetic energy is also disclosed, the method comprising: positioning a tissue interface proximate a skin surface; engaging a skin surface in a tissue chamber of a tissue interface; substantially separating a layer comprising at least one layer of skin from a muscle layer underlying the skin; and maintaining the skin surface in the tissue chamber. In one embodiment, the tissue interface includes a tissue chamber having at least one wall and a tissue contacting surface. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the tissue surface comprises a cooling plate located in the tissue chamber. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has an aspect ratio of about 1: 1 to 3: 1, and in another embodiment, the tissue chamber has an aspect ratio of about 2: 1. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has a tissue acquisition angle between the wall and the tissue surface of about 2 degrees to about 45 degrees, and in another embodiment, the tissue acquisition angle is about 5 degrees to about 20 degrees. In one embodiment, the tissue chamber has a tissue acquisition angle between the wall and the tissue surface, the tissue acquisition angle being about 20 degrees.

The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. The associated methods, apparatus and systems for using microwaves and other types of therapies (including other forms of electromagnetic radiation), as well as other details of the treatments that can be performed using such therapies, are described in the above-mentioned provisional applications, which are claiming priority hereto, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. provisional patent application No.60/912,889 entitled "Methods and Apparatus for Reducing Sweat" filed on 19.4.2007; U.S. provisional patent application serial No.61/013,274 entitled "Methods, Delivery and Systems for non-Invasive Delivery of Microwave Therapy" filed 12/2007 and U.S. provisional patent application serial No.61/045,937 entitled "Systems and Methods for Creating an effective Microwave Energy in specific Tissue" filed 4/17/2008. While the above-identified applications are incorporated by reference herein for the purpose of the foregoing detailed subject matter in the present application, applicants intend that the entire disclosure of the above-identified applications be incorporated by reference herein, i.e., that any and all disclosures of these applications incorporated by reference herein can be combined and integrated with the embodiments described herein.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. For all the above embodiments, the steps of the method need not be performed sequentially.

Claims (27)

1. A system for applying microwave energy to tissue, comprising:

a signal generator adapted to generate a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic;

a radiator connected to the generator and adapted to apply microwave energy to tissue, the radiator comprising one or more microwave antennas and a tissue interface;

a vacuum source connected to the tissue interface;

a cooling source connected to the tissue interface; and

a controller adapted to control the signal generator, the vacuum source, and the coolant source.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency of about 4GHz to about 10 GHz.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency of about 5GHz to about 6.5 GHz.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the microwave signal has a frequency of about 5.8 GHz.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the microwave antenna comprises an antenna configured to radiate electromagnetic radiation that is polarized such that an electric field component of the electromagnetic radiation is substantially parallel to the outer surface of the tissue.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the tissue comprises a first layer and a second layer, the second layer being located below the first layer, wherein the controller is configured to cause the system to transfer energy to produce a peak power loss density distribution in the second layer.

7. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target tissue, the apparatus comprising: an organization interface;

a microwave energy delivery device;

a cooling element disposed between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate located at the tissue interface; and

and a cooling liquid disposed between the cooling element and the microwave transmission device, the cooling liquid having a dielectric constant greater than that of the cooling element.

8. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising:

a tissue interface having a tissue collection chamber;

a cooling element having a cooling plate; and

a microwave energy delivery device having a microwave antenna.

9. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to a target region in tissue, the apparatus comprising:

a vacuum chamber adapted to elevate tissue comprising a target area and bring the tissue into contact with a cooling plate, wherein the cooling plate is adapted to contact a skin surface above the target area, cool the skin surface, and physically isolate the skin tissue from the microwave energy delivery device; and

a microwave antenna configured to deliver sufficient energy to a target area to produce a thermal effect.

10. A system for coupling microwave energy to tissue, the system comprising:

a microwave antenna;

a fluid chamber disposed between the microwave antenna and the tissue; and

a cooling plate disposed between the cooling chamber and the tissue.

11. A method of producing a tissue effect in a target tissue layer, comprising the steps of:

radiating a target tissue layer and a first tissue layer via a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate the skin surface; and generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

12. A method of creating a wound in a target tissue layer without cooling, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

radiating the target tissue layer and a first tissue layer via a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is located above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate the skin surface; and

Generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

13. A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer, wherein the heat is sufficient to create a wound in or immediately adjacent to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and

generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

14. A method of generating heat in a target tissue layer without cooling, wherein the heat is sufficient to produce a tissue effect in or immediately adjacent to the target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

Radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and

generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

15. A method of generating a temperature distribution in tissue, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and

generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

16. A method of producing a temperature distribution in tissue without cooling, wherein the temperature distribution has a peak in a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being close to a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

Radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and

generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

17. A method of creating a wound in a first layer of tissue having an upper portion adjacent an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion adjacent a second layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:

exposing an outer surface of the skin to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction;

generating an energy density distribution having a peak in a lower portion of the first layer; and

continuing to expose the outer surface of the skin to microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density.

18. A method of creating a wound in skin, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface;

radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and

Generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to a skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and a second layer.

19. A method of generating a temperature gradient in skin, wherein the skin has at least an outer surface, a first layer below the outer surface, and a second layer, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a device adapted to radiate electromagnetic energy adjacent to the outer surface;

radiating electromagnetic energy from the device, the microwave energy having an electric field component substantially parallel to an area of the outer surface; and

generating a standing wave pattern in the first layer, the standing wave pattern having a constructive interference peak in the first layer, wherein a distance from the constructive interference peak to a skin surface is greater than a distance from the constructive interference peak to an interface between the first layer and a second layer.

20. A method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subcortical layer of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:

Exposing the outer surface to microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction;

creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermal layer; and

continuing to irradiate the skin with microwave energy for a sufficient time to create a wound, wherein the wound begins in the region of peak energy density.

21. A method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin; and

radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface of skin above the dermis layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and an underlying dermis layer.

22. A method of creating a wound in a dermal layer of skin, wherein the skin has at least a dermal layer and a subdermal layer, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin;

radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface of skin above the dermis layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermis layer having a constructive interference peak in the dermis layer proximate an interface between the dermis layer and an inferior dermis layer; and

The lower portion of the dermal region is heated with the radiated microwave energy to create a wound.

23. A method of heating a tissue structure located in or near a target tissue layer, wherein the target tissue layer is located below a first tissue layer, the first tissue layer being proximate a skin surface, the method comprising the steps of:

radiating the target tissue layer and the first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics; and

generating a power loss density profile, wherein the power loss density profile has a peak power loss density in a region of the target tissue layer.

24. A method of elevating a temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer in skin, the dermal layer having an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:

irradiating the skin with microwave energy having a predetermined power, frequency and electric field direction;

creating a region of peak energy density in a lower portion of the dermis layer;

causing a wound to appear in the region of peak energy density by dielectric heating of tissue in the region of peak energy density;

Dilating a wound, wherein the wound is dilated at least in part by thermal conduction from a peak energy density region to surrounding tissue;

removing heat from at least a portion of the upper portion of the dermis layer and the skin surface; and

the skin continues to be irradiated with microwave energy for a sufficient time to allow the wound to extend beyond the interface and into the subcortical layer.

25. A method of elevating a temperature of at least a portion of a tissue structure located below an interface between a dermal layer and a subdermal layer of skin, wherein the dermal layer has an upper portion proximate an outer surface of the skin and a lower portion proximate a subdermal region of the skin, the method comprising the steps of:

positioning a device adapted to radiate microwave energy adjacent the outer surface of the skin;

radiating microwave energy having an electric field component of an area substantially parallel to an outer surface above the dermal layer, wherein the microwave energy has a frequency that produces a standing wave pattern in the dermal layer having a constructive interference peak in a lower portion of the dermal layer;

creating a wound in the lower portion of the dermal region by heating tissue in the lower portion of the dermal region with the radiated microwave energy;

Removing heat from at least a portion of an upper portion of a dermal layer and a skin surface to prevent the wound from expanding into the upper portion of the dermal layer; and

the radiation is stopped after a first predetermined time, the predetermined time being sufficient to raise the temperature of the tissue structure.

26. A method of controlling the application of microwave energy to tissue, the method comprising the steps of:

generating a microwave signal having a predetermined characteristic;

applying microwave energy to tissue through a microwave antenna and a tissue interface operatively connected to the microwave antenna;

providing vacuum pressure to the tissue interface; and

a cooling fluid is provided to the tissue interface.

27. A method of positioning tissue prior to treating the tissue with radiated electromagnetic energy, the method comprising:

positioning a tissue interface proximate a skin surface;

engaging a skin surface in a tissue chamber of the tissue interface;

substantially separating a layer comprising at least one layer of skin from a muscle layer underlying the skin; and

the skin surface is held in the tissue chamber.