HK40013002B - Cooling device having a plurality of controllable cooling elements to provide a predetermined cooling profile - Google Patents

Description

Cooling device with a plurality of controllable cooling elements to provide a predetermined cooling profile

The patent application of the invention is a divisional application of the patent application with the international application number of PCT/US2007/064018, the international application date of 3-14.2007, the application number of 200780000009.0 entering the China national phase and the name of a cooling device with a plurality of controllable cooling elements for providing a preset cooling distribution curve.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to cooling devices, systems and methods for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to cooling devices having a plurality of controllable cooling elements to generate a spatial cooling profile and/or a time-varying cooling profile in order to more effectively affect subcutaneous lipid-rich cells.

Background

Excess body fat increases the likelihood of developing various diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, osteoarthropathy, bronchitis, hypertension, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary emboli, varicose veins, gallstones, hernias and some other diseases.

In addition to being a serious health risk, excess body fat will also detract from personal appearance and athletic performance. For example, excess body fat can form cellulite, which can cause an "orange peel" phenomenon on the skin surface. Cellulite forms when subcutaneous fat penetrates into the dermis and forms dimples where the skin attaches underlying structural fiber chains. Cellulite and excess fat are generally considered unattractive. Thus, there is a pressing need for an effective method of controlling excessive accumulation of body fat in view of the serious health risks and exercise problems associated with excess fat.

Liposuction is a method of selectively removing body fat to shape a body. Liposuction is typically performed by plastic surgeons and dermatologists using specialized surgical equipment to mechanically remove subcutaneous fat cells by suction. One disadvantage of liposuction is that it is a major surgical procedure and the recovery process can be painful. Liposuction can have serious, sometimes even fatal, complications. Furthermore, liposuction is generally expensive.

Conventional non-invasive therapies for removing excess body fat typically include: topical medications, antiobesity agents, regular exercise, diet, or combinations of these therapies. One drawback of these therapies is that they are less effective or even impossible in some cases. For example, when a subject is physically injured or diseased, regular motion is no longer one of the options. Similarly, it cannot be used when an antiobesity agent or an external agent causes allergy or side effects. Furthermore, weight loss in selected regions of a subject's body cannot be achieved using general or whole body weight loss methods.

Other non-invasive treatment methods include applying heat to the subcutaneous lipid-rich cell region. Us patent 5,948,011 describes the modification of subcutaneous body fat and/or collagen by heating the subcutaneous fat layer with radiant energy while cooling the skin surface. The applied heat denatures the fibrous septa formed by collagen tissue and destroys the fat cells beneath the skin, while cooling protects the epidermis from thermal damage. This method is less invasive than liposuction, but still causes skin damage to adjacent tissues, and is painful to the patient.

Another method of reducing subcutaneous adipocytes is to cool the target cells, as described in U.S. patent publication No. 2003/0220674, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application describes lowering the temperature of lipid-rich subcutaneous adipocytes to selectively affect adipocytes without damaging epidermal cells. While this application provides a promising method and apparatus, there is still a need for several improvements to enhance the implementation of the method and apparatus, including providing a plurality of controllable cooling elements to form a spatial cooling profile and/or a cooling profile that varies over time to more effectively affect subcutaneous lipid-rich cells.

U.S. patent publication 2003/0220674 also describes methods for selectively removing lipid-rich cells and avoiding damage to other structures such as dermal and epidermal cells. Methods are needed to control these effects more efficiently and more precisely. Therefore, there is also a need for a method of cooling lipid-rich cells stereoscopically over the entire predetermined time-varying cooling profile, over a selected spatial cooling profile, or to maintain constant process parameters.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate similar elements or acts. The dimensions and relative positioning of the elements in the figures are not necessarily to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Also, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely for ease of recognition in the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a system for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D are isometric views of a cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the cooling device of FIG. 2A removing heat from cells of a subcutaneous enrichment device, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a further exploded isometric view of the cooling device of FIG. 3 showing other components of the cooling device according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a plurality of heat exchangers in series according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a top view of a plurality of heat exchangers in series according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5C is an isometric bottom view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6A is an exploded isometric view of one of the heat exchangers shown in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6B is an isometric view of an alternative configuration of a heat exchanger cooling element, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one of the cooling elements taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 8 is an isometric top view of an alternative cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 is an isometric top view of the alternative cooling device of figure 8.

Fig. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lateral cooling pattern in the dermis of the skin, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing computer system software modules for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

A. Overview

Devices, systems, and methods for cooling subcutaneous lipid-rich cells are described. The term "subcutaneous tissue" refers to tissue located beneath the dermis, including adipocytes and subcutaneous fat. It is to be understood that some of the detailed description provided below is for the purpose of describing the following embodiments in a manner sufficient to enable those skilled in the relevant art to make and use the embodiments. However, some of the details and advantages described below may not be necessary to practice certain embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the invention includes other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but not specifically described in fig. 1-11.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The headings provided herein are for convenience only and should not be construed as limitations on the scope or meaning of the invention.

The present invention relates to a cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject. The cooling device comprises a plurality of cooling elements movable relative to each other to adapt to the skin of the subject.

One aspect relates to a cooling device for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells. The cooling device includes: a plurality of cooling elements contained within an interconnected frame member rotatable about at least one axis, a plurality of heat exchange elements, and a housing. Alternatively, the cooling device comprises a plurality of cooling elements contained on the flexible substrate. The cooling device may employ a number of cooling techniques including, for example, a thermoelectric cooler, a recirculating cold fluid, a vapor compression element, or a phase change cryogenic device. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other cooling techniques may also be used, and that the cooling elements need not be limited to the elements described above.

Another aspect relates to a cooling device having a plurality of cooling elements utilizing thermoelectric peltier principles or other cooling techniques. The cooling device also includes a heat-dissipating element in thermal communication with the cooling element and a plurality of interface elements having heat exchanging surfaces configured to contact the skin of the subject. The cooling element is capable of lowering the temperature of the zone so that lipid-rich cells are affected in the zone and not lipid-rich cells are generally affected.

Other aspects include that the cooling device may include a plurality of interconnected articulating sections for rotation to conform to the body part. Alternatively, the cooling elements may also be arranged on a flexible substrate and be movable relative to each other.

Another aspect relates to a cooling apparatus having a plurality of cooling elements that are independently controlled to provide a spatial cooling profile and/or a time-varying cooling profile. For example, the cooling profile may be configured to enable cooling elements along the periphery of the cooling device to be at a higher or lower temperature than cooling elements within the interior of the cooling device. Alternatively, the cooling profile may be configured to provide a higher or lower temperature for the cooling element in the region of the cooling device than for the cooling element in the region near the cooling device. Other aspects include that the cooling profile can be varied over time to provide a decreasing or increasing temperature profile during treatment.

Another aspect relates to a method of applying a cooling device having a plurality of cooling elements contained within a plurality of interconnected articulated sections, each adjacent pair of articulated cooling elements being rotatable about at least one axis. The cooling element may have a plurality of heat exchanging surfaces capable of removing heat from the skin of the subject. The method comprises the following steps: rotating the articulating section containing the cooling elements to achieve a desired cooling device configuration, cooling the heat exchanging surfaces of the plurality of cooling elements to a desired temperature, placing the plurality of cooled heat exchanging surfaces proximate to the subject's skin, and reducing the temperature of the region such that lipid-rich cells in the region are affected while non-lipid-rich cells in the region are generally unaffected. Alternatively, the cooling elements are arranged on a flexible substrate and are mutually movable.

Other aspects include methods of applying and maintaining pressure at the contact region. Other aspects include securing the cooling device in place with a retention device. Other aspects include providing a time-varying profile to increase or decrease the temperature of the cooling element over a selected time range. Other aspects include spatially varying the temperature of each cooling element of the cooling device to provide discrete cooling zones in the cooling device.

Another aspect relates to a system for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells. The system includes a cooling device and a heat sink coupled to the cooling device for dissipating heat generated by the cooling device, the cooling device including a plurality of frame sections containing cooling elements movable relative to each other, the frame sections being capable of achieving a desired orientation relative to each other. In one embodiment, the frame sections are hinged together. When placed proximate to the subject's skin, the plurality of cooling elements are capable of reducing the temperature of the region such that lipid-rich cells in the region are affected while non-lipid-rich cells in the epidermis and/or dermis are generally unaffected.

Other aspects include conforming the cooling device configuration to body contours. Other aspects include that the cooling device includes a handle and/or may include a strap or other retention device to retain the cooling device in a selected position. Other aspects include a control system that individually controls the temperature of the cooling elements in a predetermined pattern. Other aspects include a processing element for controlling a cooling profile of the cooling device over time.

B. System for selective reduction of lipid-rich cells

Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a system 100 for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject 101, according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 may include a cooling device 104 placed in abdomen 102 or other suitable location of subject 101 to remove heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of subject 101. Various embodiments of the cooling device 104 will be described in more detail below with reference to fig. 2-11.

The system 100 may also include a cooling unit 106 and supply and return fluid lines 108a-b connecting the cooling device 104 to the cooling unit 106. The cooling unit 106 may remove heat from the coolant to a heat sink and provide chilled coolant to the cooling device 104 via fluid lines 108 a-b. Examples of circulating coolants include water, glycol, synthetic heat transfer fluids, oil, refrigerants, and any other suitable heat transfer fluid. The fluid lines 108a-b may be hoses or other conduits constructed of polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, and other materials that can contain a particular circulating coolant. The cooling unit 106 may be a refrigeration unit, a cooling tower, a thermoelectric chiller, or any other device capable of removing heat from a coolant. Alternatively, municipal water supply (i.e., tap water) may be used in place of the cooling unit.

As described in more detail below, the cooling device 104 includes a plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements, such as peltier-type thermoelectric elements, that can be individually controlled to produce a customized spatial cooling profile and/or a time-varying cooling profile. The system 100 may further include a power source 110 and a processing unit 114 operatively coupled to the cooling device 104. In one embodiment, the unit 110 may provide a direct current voltage to the thermoelectric cooling device 104 to achieve a heat removal rate from the subject 101. The processing unit 114 may monitor process parameters through the power line 116 via sensors (not shown) placed proximate to the cooling device 104 to adjust the heat removal rate based on the process parameters. The heat transfer rate can be adjusted to maintain constant process parameters. Alternatively, the process parameters may vary over space or time. The processing unit 114 may be in direct electrical communication via the line 112, or may be connected via wireless communication. Alternatively, the processing unit 114 may be preprogrammed to provide a spatially distributed cooling profile and/or a time varying cooling profile. The processing unit 114 may include any processor, programmable logic controller, distributed control system, and the like.

In another aspect, the processing unit 114 may be in electrical communication with the input device 118, the output device 120, and/or the console 122. The input devices 118 may include a keyboard, mouse, touch screen, buttons, switches, potentiometers, and any other device suitable for receiving user input. Output devices 120 may include display screens, printers, media readers, audio devices, and any other device suitable for providing user feedback. The console 122 may include indicator lights, a digital display, and audio equipment. In an alternative embodiment, the console 122 may be included in the cooling device 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 114, power supply 110, console 122, cooling power supply 106, input device 118, and output device 120 are carried by a frame with wheels 126 for ease of transport. In alternative embodiments, the processing device 114 may be included on the cooling device 104. In another embodiment, each component can be fixedly mounted to the treatment site.

C. Cooling device with a plurality of cooling elements

Fig. 2A, 2B and 2C are isometric views of a cooling device 104 of the present invention suitable for use in the system 100. In this embodiment, the cooling device 104 includes a control system housing 202 and cooling element housings 204 a-g. The control system housing 202 includes a sleeve 308 (FIG. 3) that may slide into a collar 310 and/or may be mechanically attached to the cooling element housing. The cooling element housings 204a-g are connected to a heat exchange element (not shown) by attachment means 206. The attachment means may be any mechanical attachment means, such as screws or pins, as known in the art. The plurality of cooling element housings 204a-g may have many similar features. Accordingly, features of the first cooling element housing 204a that are identified by reference numeral "a" will be described below, corresponding features of the second cooling element housing 204b are shown and described by the same reference numeral "b", and so on. The cooling element housing 204a may be constructed of a polymeric material, metal, ceramic, wood, and/or other suitable materials. The example cooling element housing 204a shown in fig. 2A-C is generally rectangular, but may have any other desired shape.

A first relatively flat configuration of the cooling device 104 is shown in fig. 2A; a second microbend configuration is shown in fig. 2B; a third curved configuration is shown in fig. 2C. As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, each section of the cooling element housings 204a-g is rotatably coupled to an adjacent section and is movable about the connectors 207a-f to bend the cooling device 104. For example, the connectors 207a-f may be pins, ball joints, bearings, or other types of rotatable joints. Thus, the connection 207 may be configured to enable the first cooling element housing 204a to be rotatably coupled to the second cooling element housing 204 b. According to aspects of the present invention, the first cooling element housing 204a is rotatable (indicated by arrow a) relative to the second cooling element housing 204b, and each adjacent pair of movable cooling elements can, for example, adjust the angle between the first and second cooling element housings 204a and 204b up to 45 °. In this way, the cooling device is articulated so that it can adopt the curved configuration shown in fig. 2B or 2C, conforming to the skin of the subject.

One advantage of the plurality of rotatable heat exchanger surfaces is that the arcuate shape of the cooling device concentrates heat transfer to the subcutaneous region. For example, the arcuate shape may concentrate skin heat dissipation as the heat exchange surface rotates around the contour of the subject's body.

The control system housing 202 may house a processing unit for controlling the cooling device 104 and/or the fluid lines 108a-b and/or the power and communication lines. The control system housing 202 includes wiring ports 210 for electrical wiring and fluid supply lines (not shown for clarity). The control system housing 202 may also be configured as a handle for the cooling device 104 to grip. Alternatively, the processing unit may be contained at a location other than the cooling device.

As shown in fig. 2A, 2B, and 2C, the cooling device 104 may further include retention devices 208a and 208B coupled to the frame 304 at each end of the cooling device 104. The retention devices 208a and 208b are rotatably coupled to the frame by retention device coupling elements 212 a-b. For example, the retention device coupling elements 212a-b may be pins, ball joints, bearings, or other types of rotatable joints. Alternatively, the retention devices 208a and 208b may be rigidly secured to the ends of the cooling element housings 204a and 204 g. Alternatively, the retention device may be attached to the control system housing 202.

The retention devices 208a and 208b are shown as tabs 214, each having a slot 206 therein for receiving a band or elastic band (not shown for clarity) to hold the cooling device 104 in place on the subject 101 during treatment. Alternatively, the cooling device may not include any attached retention devices, may be held in place by hand, may be held in place by gravity, or may be held in place by a band, elastic band, or non-elastic fabric (e.g., nylon webbing) wrapped around the cooling device 104 and the object 101.

As shown in fig. 2A-2C, the cooling element housings 204a-g have a first edge 218 and an adjacent second edge 220 of alternating shapes to mate and thereby form the cooling device 104 into a flattened configuration. The first edge 218 and the second edge 220 are generally angled in the figures; however, the shape may be curved, straight, or a combination of angles, curved and straight edges that form alternating shapes between adjacent sections of the cooling element housings 204 a-g.

Figure 2D shows an isometric view of an alternative cooling device 104 of the present invention suitable for use in the system 100. In this embodiment, the cooling device 104 includes a plurality of heat exchange elements 300a-g on a flexible substrate 350. As depicted in fig. 2A-2C, adjacent heat exchange elements 300a-g are fluidly connected in series via fluid line 328.

According to aspects of the invention, the cooling elements 302a-g may be fixed to the flexible substrate 350 or may be embedded in the flexible substrate 350. The flexible substrate 350 may be constructed of a polymeric material, an elastomeric material, and/or other suitable materials. The flexible substrate 350 may also be an elastomer such as silicone or urethane, or may be a fabric such as nylon. The flexible substrate 350 may also be a thin layer of polymer such as polypropylene or ABS. The example of the flexible substrate 350 shown in fig. 2D is generally rectangular, but may have any other desired shape, including a matrix configuration or an anatomically specific shape. According to aspects of this embodiment, the flexible substrate 350 acts as a living hinge between the cooling elements 302a-g to conform the cooling elements 302a-g to the subject's skin.

Fig. 3 is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a cooling device 104 of the present invention suitable for use in the system 100. In this embodiment, the cooling device 104 includes a frame 304 having a plurality of rotatably connected sections 305 a-g. The rotatable connecting sections 305a-g are connected by hinges 306 a-g. Alternatively, the rotatable connection sections 305a-g of the frame 304 may be connected by a connection that allows rotation, such as, for example, a pin, a living hinge, a flexible substrate such as a fabric strip or fabric, or the like. According to one aspect of the invention, the coupling or hinge is made of plastic to insulate the cooling elements from each other.

Frame 304 includes a plurality of heat exchange elements 300a-g therein. Heat exchange elements 300a-g include cooling elements 302a-g having covers 301 a-g. The covers 301a-g are fixed to the top sides of the cooling elements 302 a-g. The covers 301a-g may be secured by various mechanical means, as further described herein and known in the art. According to aspects of the present invention, covers 301a-g are fluidly sealed to cooling elements 302 a-g. In accordance with other aspects of the present invention, the hinges 306a-g are configured to maintain a snug fit between the heat exchange elements 300a-g when the heat exchange elements 300a-g are in a rotated position during use.

The cooling elements 302a-g may be attached to the frame 304 by a cooling element attachment 307 such that the first heat exchange element 300a is located in a first section 305a of the frame 304 and the second heat exchange element 300b is located in a second section 305b of the frame 304. The illustrated cooling element attachment 307 is a fin 313 extending from the frame 304 and a screw 315 that securely attaches the fin 313 of the frame 304 to the cooling elements 302 a-g. Alternatively, mechanical fastening means known in the art may be used.

The cooling elements 302a-g of the cooling device 104 are generally configured to be rotatable to adapt the cooling device 104 to the arcuate portion of the subject 101. Once positioned on the object 101, the cooling device 104 may be further strapped to the object 101 or configured to be releasably attached to the object 101. The cooling elements 302a-g can be configured to move or rotate relative to one another in order to position the cooling elements 302a-g to a position that applies pressure to the treatment area during operation. The cooling elements 302a-g may be moved or rotated relative to each other to conform the cooling device 104 to the skin of the subject. These features will be described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments of the cooling device.

The first cooling element 302a may include a cooling element housing 204a, a fluid inlet 310, and a fluid outlet 316 a. Fluid inlet 310 is fluidly coupled to supply fluid line 108 a. As shown in FIG. 3, adjacent cooling elements are fluidly coupled in series at fluid inlets 314a-f and fluid outlets 316a-f by fluid lines 328. The cooling element 302g also includes a fluid outlet 312 fluidly coupled to the return fluid line 108 b.

One expected advantage of providing series-fluidly coupled cooling elements is that a more consistent cooling of the cooling device is provided by providing a uniform flow rate through each of the cooling elements 302 a-g. Another expected advantage of providing cooling elements 302a-g that are fluidly coupled in series is that there are fewer supply lines in the cooling device, thereby more reliably, conveniently, and easily accommodating the fluid flow configuration of the cooling device.

Fig. 4 is a further exploded isometric view of the cooling device of fig. 3 adapted for use with one embodiment of the system 100. The further exploded view is substantially similar to the above-described embodiments, with like reference numerals denoting common acts and structures. Only significant differences in operation and structure are described below. Cooling device 104 includes cooling elements 302a-g having a plurality of thermoelectric coolers 402, thermoelectric coolers 402 being configured to reduce the temperature of a subcutaneous region of subject 101 to selectively affect lipid-rich cells in the region. A plurality of thermoelectric coolers 402, also referred to as peltier-type elements, are shown having a first side 404 and a second side 406. The first face 404 is in thermal communication with the cooling element 302 and the second face 406 is in thermal communication with the interface element 418. The thermoelectric cooler 402 may be connected to an external power source (not shown) to transfer heat between the first side 404 and the second side 406. One suitable thermoelectric cooler is a peltier-type cooling element (model # CP-2895) manufactured by TE Technologies, Inc.

Thermoelectric coolers 402 are contained within sections 305a-g of frame 304. According to aspects of the present invention, the frame 304 may contain a separate guide (indevidualguides) for each thermoelectric cooler 402. Alternatively, thermoelectric cooler 402 may be retained on cooling elements 302a-g, such as by thermal epoxy or by a combination of soldering, mechanical compression, and hot oil.

As shown in fig. 4, the plurality of cooling elements 302a-g may further include a plurality of interface elements 418 in thermal communication with the thermoelectric cooler 402 having heat exchanging surfaces 420 for transferring heat to/from the object 101. In one embodiment, the interface member 418 is substantially planar, but in other embodiments, the interface member 418 is non-planar (e.g., curved, multi-faceted, etc.). The interface element 418 may be constructed of any suitable material having a thermal conductivity greater than 0.05 watts/meter kelvin, and in many embodiments greater than 0.1 watts/meter kelvin. Examples of suitable materials include aluminum, other metals, metal alloys, graphite, ceramics, some polymeric materials, composites, or fluids contained in a flexible membrane.

By powering thermoelectric cooler 402, heat in the subject's skin may be efficiently transferred to the circulating fluid in cooling elements 302 a-g. For example, applying an electrical current to the thermoelectric cooler 402 may generally cause the temperature on the first side 404 of the thermoelectric cooler 402 to reach below 37 ℃, removing heat from the object 101 through the interface element 418. Thermoelectric cooler 402 then moves heat from second side 406 to first side 404, where the heat is transferred to the circulating fluid at first side 404. The cooling unit 106 then removes heat from the circulating liquid.

The thermoelectric cooler 402 may be configured to quickly remove a sufficient amount of heat from the subject 101 without requiring the use of a high current power supply to the cooling unit 106. To facilitate heat transfer, the interface element 418 may be an aluminum plate of approximately the same dimensions as the thermoelectric cooler 402. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, thermoelectric cooler 402 may be a peltier-type thermoelectric element with a power of about 160 watts. Thus, the cooling device 104 may quickly and efficiently cool a portion of the subject's skin from about 37℃ to about-20℃. The cooling unit 160 may use a common voltage power source (e.g., 120VAC) because energy consumption is not excessive. This allows the system to be used in hospitals, clinics, small offices, without the need for relatively expensive high voltage electronic systems.

Fig. 5A is an isometric view of a plurality of heat exchange elements 300a-g connected in series, with the housing removed to better illustrate the plurality of heat exchange elements 300a-g and interconnecting fluid lines. According to aspects of the present invention, heat exchange elements 300a-g are rotatably included on the connecting sections of frame 304, forming a cooling device having a greater width than height. Thus, the cooling device is compliant and will follow the contour. According to aspects of the invention, the cooling device is small in size in the first dimension such that the rate of bending of the treatment area in the second dimension does not significantly affect the amount of surface area in contact between the skin and the cooling device.

According to other embodiments of the invention, FIG. 5B is an isometric top view of a plurality of heat exchangers connected in series by hinges 350a, 350B, wherein the hinge connections are directly connected with the thermopolymers 302a, 302B. The hinges 350a, 350B shown in FIG. 5B are elongate hinges that extend the length of the heat exchangers 300a, 300B along adjacent sides of the heat exchangers 300a, 300B, alternatively, the hinges 350a, 350B may extend a portion of the length of the adjacent sides of the heat exchangers 300a, 300B, or the hinged connections may include multiple hinges 350a, 350B. Unlike fig. 5A, no frame is used to connect the heat exchangers 300a, 300b or to provide support for the hinged connection between the heat exchangers 300a, 300 b. FIG. 5C is an isometric bottom view of the heat exchanger of FIG. 5B. Other articulating mechanical connections known in the art may be used alone and in combination according to other aspects of the invention; or other chemical connections known in the art may be used in the hinge connection such as flexible adhesives or living hinges; alternatively, the heat exchangers may be connected using an electromechanical connection, such as a magnet, therebetween.

FIG. 6A is an exploded isometric side view of heat exchange element 300a shown in FIG. 5A to further illustrate fluid flow within heat exchange element 300 a. Like reference numbers in the figures refer to like features or components. As shown in FIG. 6A, heat exchange element 300a may include a serpentine-shaped fluid chamber 610 in cooling element 302 a. As shown in fig. 6B, the heat exchange element 300a may include fins 612 to direct fluid flow through the fluid chamber 610. The fluid chamber 610 may be in fluid communication with an associated fluid port such that fluid may be circulated through the fluid chamber 610. The fluid chamber 610 may be configured to receive a fluid coolant, such as water, glycol, synthetic heat transfer fluid, oil, refrigerant, air, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and argon. According to other aspects of the invention, the fluid chamber 610 may be configured in a variety of configurations known in the art to distribute the fluid throughout the cooling element 302 a.

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of one cooling element 302 a. Cooling element 302a is fluidly sealed by cover 301a containing O-ring seal 722, held in place by attachment device 326. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the cooling element 302a can further include at least one sensing element 710 proximate the heat exchanging surface 420 (FIG. 4). For example, the sensing element 710 may be substantially flush with the heat exchanging surface 420. Alternatively, it may be recessed or raised from the surface. The sensing element 710 includes a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a transmission coefficient sensor, a bio-resistance sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a light sensor, an infrared sensor, a heat flux sensor, or any other desired sensor, as further described herein.

In one embodiment, the sensing element 710 may be a temperature sensor configured to be able to measure the temperature of the first heat exchanging surface 420 and/or the skin temperature of the subject 101. For example, the temperature sensor may be configured as a probe or stylet capable of penetrating the skin during measurement. Examples of suitable temperature sensors include: thermocouples, thermal resistance devices, thermistors (e.g., neutron transmutation-doped germanium thermistors), and infrared radiation temperature sensors. In another embodiment, sensing element 710 may be an ultrasound sensor configured to measure changes in the viscosity of crystallized and subcutaneous fat in a treatment region of a subject. In yet another embodiment, sensing element 710 may be an optical or infrared sensor configured to monitor an image of the treatment area to detect epidermal physiological responses to the treatment. The sensing element 710 is in electrical communication with the processing unit 114, for example, via a direct wire connection, a network connection, and/or a wireless connection.

Thus, the cooling device 104 may be in electrical communication with the processing unit 114, and the processing unit 114 may automatically adjust the cooling temperature. According to other aspects of the invention, the sensing element 710 may sense the temperature of the interface element 418 and convert the sensed electrical signal to a temperature process value by the processing unit 114. In one embodiment, the processing unit 114 may include a proportional-integral-derivative controller that may adjust the power output to the thermoelectric cooler 402 to achieve and/or maintain a desired temperature.

According to other aspects of the invention, the sensing element 710 can alternatively be a pressure sensor to sense the pressure generated by the cooling element 302a on the object 101. In one embodiment, the interface element 418 may be attached to the frame 304 such that the pressure exerted at the heat exchange element 300a is transferred through the housing 204a to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may alternatively be configured to sense the pressure in the fluid chamber 610 to monitor pressure changes in the fluid chamber 610. Alternatively, the pressure can be inferred from the force and the known contact area of the cooling element. For example, sensing element 710 may be any type of load-sensitive pressure sensing element, such as a load cell (model # LC201-25) manufactured by OMEGA Engineering, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut). A direct pressure measurement can also be made by arranging the pressure measuring membrane directly at the interface between the cooling element and the skin.

The cooling elements 302a-g may have many other embodiments with different and/or additional features without detracting from the operation of the cooling elements. For example, adjacent cooling elements may or may not have sensing elements adjacent to the heat exchanging surface. Alternatively, the cooling element may be constructed of a different material than the adjacent cold element.

Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a number of thermoelectric coolers contained in a matrix design. Figures 8 and 9 are isometric views of alternative cooling devices for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells, according to embodiments of the present invention. As shown in fig. 8 and 9, cooling device 810 includes cooling elements 804 configured in a planar matrix. The cooling device 810 may include straps 812 for holding the cooling element 804 in place. The cooling device may further include a handle 814, a wiring harness 818, and a flap 816 for releasably securing the strap 812 to the cooling element 804. The cooling element 804 may also include a sleeve 822, as further described below.

As shown in fig. 9, the cooling element 804 includes a planar matrix 824, and the planar matrix 824 includes a plurality of thermoelectric coolers 826. The thermoelectric cooler 826 is contained on a flexible substrate 830. The flexible substrate 830 may be an elastomer, such as silicone or urethane, or may be a fabric, such as nylon. According to other aspects, the flexible substrate 830 may be a thin layer of polymer, such as polypropylene or ABS. As described in more detail herein, the thermoelectric cooler 826 may have a protective interface platelet (not shown) glued to the thermoelectric cooler 826 cooling surface with a thermal epoxy. According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, a secondary mechanical restraint may also be included in the flexible substrate 830 to capture the thermoelectric cooling element 826. As described in more detail herein, the thermoelectric cooler 826 may include a heat exchanger (as described in fig. 3-7) on the hot side to cool the hot side. According to the teachings of this embodiment, each thermoelectric cooling element 826 may have a corresponding heat exchanger to increase the flexibility of the planar matrix. Alternatively, a single flexible heat exchanger may be coupled to the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler (e.g., a bladder or other flexible membrane through which water may be circulated).

In accordance with an alternative aspect of the present invention, the planar matrix 824 may further include temperature or other sensors (not shown) received between the interface plate and the thermoelectric coolers and/or may have a separate insert to accommodate the temperature sensors, as described further below.

D. Operation of the cooling device

Fig. 10 is an exemplary cross-sectional view of a lateral cooling pattern in the dermis of the skin. The cooling pattern radiates from the cooling elements 302a-f through the skin epidermis and dermis such that when it affects the targeted dermis layer containing lipid-rich cells, the cooling pattern forms a uniform cooling layer and any gaps between the frame sections are reduced. One expected advantage of this cooling pattern is that the cooling of the dermis layer is uniform during treatment. Fig. 10 discloses a cooling device 104 that may be applied to a substantially planar portion of a subject's body. The cooling elements 302a-f of the cooling device are movable relative to each other (as shown in fig. 2B, C and D) to conform to the contours of the subject's skin.

Without being limited by theory, it is believed that in operation, the effective cooling of the cooling device 104 via conduction cooling depends on a number of factors. Two exemplary factors that affect the removal of heat from the skin region are the surface area of the cooling element and the temperature of the interface element. When conducting between two materials in physical contact, i.e. between the skin and the cooling element, there is a certain amount of thermal resistance, called contact resistance. Contact resistance is manifested in the form of a temperature difference between the two materials. Higher contact resistance means lower cooling effectiveness; therefore, it is necessary to reduce the contact resistance as much as possible in the cooling device.

One way to minimize contact resistance and maximize contact surface area is with an interfacial film that is flexible and conforms to the natural contours of the body. According to an alternative aspect, the contact pressure may be reduced by increasing the pressure of the applicator on the skin. Surface pressure has additional advantages in skin cooling applications. Sufficient pressure on the skin causes the internal capillaries to contract, temporarily reducing blood flow through the treatment area. The reduced blood flow through the treatment area may allow the area being cooled to be more efficiently cooled and improve the effectiveness of the treatment.

Thus, according to the present disclosure, the cooling device further comprises a flexible strapping material or band that wraps around the object according to the curvature of the cooling device. By tightening the straps, pressure can be applied and maintained between the object and the cooling device. According to aspects of the present invention, the lace may comprise a loop (hop) or d-loop through which the lace is joined to create a mechanical advantage for tightening the lace. According to other aspects of the invention, the strap further comprises Velcro or latches or a spring band to maintain pressure after tightening of the strap.

In operation, an operator may grasp the control system housing 202 or other type of suitable handle (not shown) and hold the cooling device 104 with one hand. The cooling elements 302a-g may then be moved or rotated to achieve the desired orientation. The operator may place cooling device 104 with cooling elements 302a-g in a desired orientation proximate the skin of the subject to remove heat from the subcutaneous region of subject 101. In one embodiment, the operator tightens the retention device 208 secured to the cooling grip 104, thereby applying pressure to the subject's skin. In another embodiment, the operator may manually press the cooling device 104 against the skin of the subject. The operator can also monitor and control the treatment process by collecting measurements from the sensing element 710, such as skin temperature. Subcutaneous lipid-rich cells can be selectively affected by cooling the subcutaneous tissue to a temperature below 37 ℃, more preferably below 25 ℃. The affected cells are then resorbed by the patient through natural processes.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an interface member 418, such as a thin aluminum plate, is mounted to the bottom of the thermoelectric cooler to ensure good thermal contact between the thermoelectric cooler and the interface member. The interface element may be coupled to the cooling element by a variety of mechanical fastening means, such as those known in the art. For example, the coupling means may include the use of thermally conductive epoxy or the use of thermal grease such as zinc oxide.

In operation, cooling may be effectively distributed through heat exchange elements 300 a-g. For example, the cooling device includes a series of interface members 418 that are approximately 1 millimeter thick. The interface element 418 is in thermal communication with the cooling elements 302a-g via a mechanical fixation, such as a thermal epoxy. The cooling elements 302a-g are cooled by a number of thermoelectric coolers to provide a more efficient cooling system for the treatment area. The cooling elements 302a-g are included in sections that are movable relative to each other to conform to the contours of the subject's skin. Alternatively, the cooling elements may be rotated relative to each other, similar to the connecting segments of the metal watch band, so that the assembly may be bent.

In design, the interface element and the cooling element protect the thermoelectric cooler while maintaining good heat transfer between the thermoelectric cooler and the skin. The dimensions of the interface elements are such that they do not exhibit a very large thermal mass. In one design, each thermoelectric cooler may be 1 "x 1.5". The interface device or aluminum plate may also be 1 "x 1.5" with a thickness of 0.04 ". If the cooling power of the thermoelectric cooling element is about 10W, which is suitable based on the expected heat flux from the skin, the aluminum plate can be cooled from room temperature 20 c to the treatment temperature-10 c in about 7 seconds. The change in energy in the plate is described by the following equation:

ΔE＝ρ·V·C·ΔT

where Δ E is the change in internal energy, ρ is the material density, V is the material volume, C ° is the material heat capacity, and Δ T is the temperature change. In the above problem, the volume of the aluminum plate is 1 inch × 1.5 inch × 0.04 inch or 0.06 inch (9.8 × 10 inch)^{- 7}m³). For a typical aluminum grade, C ° 875J/kg ℃ρ ═ 2770kg/m³. Solving the equation with these constants:

ΔE＝2770kg/m³*9.8×10^-7m³*875J/kg*℃*30℃＝71.3J

if the cooling power of the thermoelectric cooling element is 10W, 71.3J of heat can be removed from the aluminum plate in 7.1 seconds, as shown by the following equation:

71.3J/(10J/s) ═ 7.13 seconds

In one embodiment, a small gap or depression may be included in the frame at the skin surface. Before applying the cooling device to the skin, a thermally conductive fluid or coupling agent may be applied to the device or the skin to minimize contact resistance and increase heat transfer between the cooling device and the skin. The coupling agent will fill the gaps in the cooling device, allowing limited lateral conduction between the plates of the thermoelectric cooler. This results in a more uniform temperature gradient across the surface area of the skin when the cooling device is applied to the skin.

The coupling agent may be applied to the skin or the interface member to improve thermal conductivity. The coupling agent may include polypropylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and/or a glycol. Glycols, glycerol and other cryoprotectants are effective freezing point depressants that act as solutes to lower the freezing point of the coupling agent. Propylene glycol (CH3CHOHCH2OH) is an exemplary component of the antifreeze or non-freezing coupling agent. Other ingredients include polypropylene glycol (PPG), polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyglycols, glycols, ethylene glycol, dimethyl sulfoxide, polyvinyl pyridine, calcium magnesium acetate, sodium acetate and/or sodium formate. Preferably, the freezing point of the Coupling Agent is From-40 ℃ to 0 ℃, more preferably less than-10 ℃, as further described in U.S. provisional application 60/795,799 entitled "Coupling Agent For Use With a coating Device For Improved Removal of Heat From Subcutaneous Lipid-Rich Cells", filed on 28.4.2006, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

One expected advantage of using the cooling device 104 is that subcutaneous lipid-rich cells can be substantially reduced without causing collateral damage to non-lipid-rich cells in the same region. Generally, low temperatures that do not affect non-lipid-rich cells can affect lipid-rich cells. As a result, lipid-rich cells such as subcutaneous adipose tissue are affected while other cells in the same region are generally not damaged, even if superficial non-lipid-rich cells are subjected to even lower temperatures. Another expected advantage of the cooling device 104 is that it is relatively compact, as the cooling device 104 may be configured as a handheld device. Yet another advantage is that the cooling device can be applied to various areas of the subject's body, as the cooling elements 302a-g can be adjusted to conform to any body contour. Another expected advantage is that by pressing the cooling device 104 against the skin of the subject, blood flow through the treatment area may be reduced to achieve effective cooling. Another expected advantage is that pressure is applied by the cinching straps to restrict blood flow to the treatment area, thereby reducing heat transfer (through mass transfer). Thus, the strap not only provides a way to hold the cooling device in place, but also ensures good thermal contact between the cooling device and the skin, and may also restrict blood flow in the treatment area. Yet another expected advantage is that the plurality of cooling elements 302a-g can more efficiently remove heat from the skin than a single cooling element.

E. Spatially controlled cooling element profile

Many skin cooling devices rely on a relatively thick block of aluminum or other thermally conductive material between the thermoelectric or other cooling source and the skin. When the cooling device is applied to a relatively insulating material, such as skin tissue, the aluminum plate becomes isothermal and maintains a constant temperature profile across the skin surface. A disadvantage of this design is that the thermal mass presented by the aluminum plate requires a large cooling power when the device begins to cool, or during thermal cycling. This can translate into increased cooling time or increased power required by the cooling device or both.

According to aspects of the present invention, the cooling device has a low thermal mass, yet is able to maintain a constant temperature profile across the skin surface. Furthermore, according to aspects of the present invention, multiple cooling elements are provided so that different skin areas can be treated at different temperatures during one treatment. In some cases, it is desirable to cool different skin areas to different temperatures or for different times. According to aspects of the present invention, each thermoelectric cooling element may be independently controlled to cool different skin areas to different temperatures and/or for different times and/or to ensure a consistent temperature throughout the treatment area. One reason for this is that the tissue composition differs in different parts of the body. Some regions are thicker than other regions of fatty tissue layers, thus affecting the thermal response of the skin. In other areas, the presence of bone or other organs will also affect the heat transfer to the skin.

According to aspects of the invention, the spatially controlled temperature profile may provide more effective cooling of the treatment region. The plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements allows the cooling device to achieve spatial cooling (spatial cooling). For example, because different regions in the treatment zone have different boundary conditions, the thermoelectric cooling elements contained at the periphery of the cooling device have a lower or higher temperature or duration than the thermoelectric cooling elements contained within the interior of the cooling device. According to aspects of the present invention, the cooling device can rapidly and efficiently cool the skin to a specified temperature. In addition, the cooling devices described herein have the ability to treat large areas in a single treatment while cooling different areas to different temperatures and/or for different durations.

Alternatively, this variation in localized cooling may be achieved using a smaller cooling device, so that multiple treatments are performed, cooling to different temperatures in different regions. However, this type of cooling device requires multiple treatments, thereby increasing the overall treatment time and the likelihood of operator error. In addition, a cooling device with a large thermal mass will require a longer cooling time during each treatment.

According to aspects of the invention, the apparatus can adapt to a spatially controlled cooling temperature profile, providing at least the following advantages: (1) the efficiency is increased; (2) reduced power consumption with comparable efficacy; (3) the comfort of the patient is increased; or (4) reduce treatment time. For example, according to aspects of the present invention, the plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements allow for selective activation or deactivation of portions of the device based on patient anatomical differences, thereby enabling adjustment of the anatomical differences between patients. One example includes disabling thermoelectric cooling around the skeletal structure for patient comfort or energy conservation.

Alternatively, the specific pattern of controlled cooling can be tailored to match the cellulite pattern of the individual patient, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment. Similarly, treatment regions requiring higher treatment intensities may be pre-identified by ultrasound or other means. The device is then spatially controlled to provide higher intensity treatment in the pre-identified region. Other advantages include increased patient comfort and safety by spatially controlling cooling to accommodate non-natural anatomical structures (e.g., bumps, blemishes, papillae, hair areas, scars, wounds, presence of implants, jewelry, or areas of increased sensitivity).

Other advantages of spatial control of the device include the use of only a subset of the cooling elements to treat the area in need of treatment. It would be advantageous to have a device that can accommodate both small and large treatment areas without over-treatment (e.g., large devices that are not spatially controlled) or having to move the device multiple times, thus increasing treatment time (e.g., treatment devices that are smaller than the treatment area). Thus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, a selected region of the thermoelectric cooler can be controlled to be slightly hotter than another region of the thermoelectric cooler by a few degrees. Alternatively, the first region of the cooling device may be turned off while the second region of the cooling device is activated so that only a selected region of the subject is treated, thus limiting the treatment area. Other beneficial spatial control modes include: more intensely treating the treatment area within the site, conserving energy by alternating thermoelectric cooling, increasing peripheral cooling to provide a cooling pattern that is uniform across the treatment area, and a combination of these spatial control patterns to increase treatment efficacy, reduce treatment time, reduce energy consumption, and provide patient comfort and safety.

F. Time varying cooling profile

In certain embodiments, once the desired temperature is reached, the zone temperature may be maintained for a predetermined time. Separating the heat exchanging surfaces 420a-g from the skin can terminate the cooling cycle. After a period of time, the cooling device 104 can be reused on the same area of the skin as described above, if desired, until the lipid-rich cells are sufficiently affected to achieve the desired reduction in lipid-rich cells. In another embodiment, the cooling device 104 can be applied to another skin site, as described above, to selectively affect lipid-rich cells in another subcutaneous target area.

Alternatively, cooling elements 302a-g may be controlled according to a predetermined time-varying cooling profile to cool, heat, re-cool, and/or cool in a stepped temperature pattern over time. Specifically, according to aspects of the present invention, controlling the mode of cooling over time provides the following advantages: (1) the efficiency is increased; (2) reduced energy consumption with comparable efficacy; (3) the comfort of the patient is increased; or (4) reduce treatment time. One exemplary cooling pattern includes cooling to-5 ° for 15 minutes, ramping to 30 ° for 5 minutes, and cooling to-3 ° for 10 minutes. According to aspects of the present invention, any desired time-varying cooling profile may be preprogrammed into the device. For example, a gradual or stepped cooling rate may reduce energy requirements. Alternatively, a rapid cooling rate may be employed to supercool the treatment area. Exemplary cooling rates include 5-1000 degrees per minute, more preferably 30-120 degrees per minute, and most preferably 35-100 degrees per minute.

One expected advantage of controlling the device time-temperature profile is that, in practice, the tissue is sensitive to the cooling rate, and thus tissue damage can be controlled by controlling the cooling rate of the treatment area. Also, cooling the treatment area over a longer period of time, or in stages, will increase patient comfort.

Another expected advantage of some of the above embodiments is that the cooling device 104 may selectively reduce subcutaneous lipid-rich cells without unacceptably affecting the dermis, epidermis, and/or other tissue. Another expected advantage is that the cooling device 104 can provide beneficial effects to the dermis and/or epidermis while selectively reducing subcutaneous lipid-rich cells. These effects include: fibrous tissue formation, neocollagen formation (neocellagenesis), collagen contraction, collagen compaction, increased collagen density, collagen remodeling, and acanthosis hypertrophy (thickening of the epidermis). In the course of cellulite treatment, it is expected that dermal thickening on the hernial surface fat lobules will help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and increase the longevity of the effect. Another expected advantage is that by rotating or moving the cooling elements 302a-g to achieve a desired orientation, the cooling device 104 can conform to the contours of the body of various subjects. Yet another contemplated advantage is that the cooling device 104 may be configured as a handheld device for ease of operation. Moreover, another expected advantage is that the system 100 equipped with the handheld cooling device 104 and the rack-mounted processing unit 114 and cooling unit 106 is compact and efficient, such that the above-described method can be applied to an outpatient or physician's office, not just a hospital. Yet another expected advantage is that the cooling device 104 may be tied in place, enabling the physician to free up his or her hands and to perform some other task while the treatment is in progress.

G. Method for applying a cooling device with a plurality of rotatable or movable cooling elements

In operation, the angle between the heat exchanging surfaces 420 is selected by rotating or moving the cooling elements 302 a-g. The angles between the cooling elements 320a-g are often selected to conform the heat exchanging surfaces 320a-g to various contours of the subject 101 body and/or desired clamping arrangements. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2A, the angle between the heat exchanging surfaces 320a-g may be substantially 180 deg., i.e. the heat exchanging surfaces 320a-g are substantially coplanar, thereby applying the cooling device to the treatment area. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2B, the angle may be less than 180 ° to bend the cooling device around the subject's body. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2C, the cooling device is further curved to conform to the subject's body. In other embodiments, the angle may be any angle to conform to the subject's body, as recognized by one skilled in the art.

After the cooling elements 302a-g are deployed, the operator may place the cooling device 104 proximate to the skin of the subject 101. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A (where the angle is a generally planar configuration), the cooling elements 302A-g are initially placed flat on the subject's skin. The operator then rotates or moves the cooling device to conform to the subject's body. The cooling device may be tightened with straps and the pressure increased by further tightening the straps. Optionally, a pressure sensor is used to sense the clamping pressure applied through the interface member 418, and the sensed clamping force is processed by the processing unit 114 and displayed on the output device 120. The pressure may then be adjusted according to the displayed value. Depending on the position of the cooling means, the pressure may be higher than the systolic pressure in the skin to obstruct or block the blood flow in the treatment area. Applying the above-mentioned pressures may achieve a more efficient cooling of the target area, since less blood flow is required to transfer heat from the center of the body to the treatment area.

Applying pressure to the subject's skin or pressing against the skin with the cooling device is beneficial for achieving effective cooling. Generally, subject 101 has a body temperature of about 37 ℃ and blood circulation is one mechanism for maintaining a constant body temperature. Thus, blood flow through the dermis and the subcutaneous layer of the region is the source of heat that counteracts cooling of the subcutaneous fat. Thus, cooling the subcutaneous tissue requires removal of not only the specific heat of the tissue but also the specific heat of the blood circulation through the tissue if blood flow is not reduced. Thus, reducing or eliminating blood flow through the treatment area may improve cooling efficiency and avoid excessive heat loss from the dermis and epidermis.

Subcutaneous lipid-rich cells can be selectively affected by cooling the subcutaneous tissue to a temperature below 37 ℃. In general, the epidermis and dermis of subject 101 have lower amounts of unsaturated fatty acids compared to the lipid-rich cells that form the subcutaneous tissue underneath. Because non-lipid-rich cells are generally able to tolerate lower temperatures than lipid-rich cells, subcutaneous lipid-rich cells can be selectively affected while maintaining non-lipid-rich cells in the dermis and epidermis. Exemplary ranges for cooling elements 302a-g may be from about-20 ℃ to about 20 ℃, preferably from about-20 ℃ to about 10 ℃, more preferably from about-15 ℃ to about 5 ℃, and more preferably from about-10 ℃ to about 0 ℃.

Lipid-rich cells can be affected by rupturing, shrinking, damaging, destroying, removing, killing, or otherwise altering, etc. Without being limited by theory, it is believed that the source of selectively affecting lipid-rich cells is the local crystallization of highly saturated fatty acids at temperatures that do not induce crystallization in non-lipid-rich cells. The crystals rupture the bilayer membrane of lipid-rich cells, selectively necrotizing these cells. Thus, damage to non-lipid-rich cells, such as dermal cells, can be avoided at temperatures that induce crystal formation in lipid-rich cells. By inducing stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system by local cold exposure, lipolysis can be enhanced.

H. Computer system software module

Fig. 11 is a functional diagram illustrating exemplary software modules 940 suitable for use with the processing unit 114. The components may be computer programs, procedures, or processes written in a source code form in a conventional programming language, such as the C + + programming language, and may be presented for execution by the CPU of processor 942. Various implementations of the source code and the target and byte codes may be stored on computer-readable storage media or embodied in a propagation medium in the form of a carrier wave. The modules of processor 942 may include an input module 944, a database module 946, a processing module 948, an output module 950, and optionally a display module 951. In another embodiment, software module 940 may be rendered for execution by a CPU of a network server in a distributed computing scheme.

In operation, the input module 944 accepts operator inputs, such as process set points and control selections, and passes the accepted information or options to other components for further processing. The database module 946 organizes records, including operating parameters 954, operator activities 956, and alarms 958, and facilitates the saving and retrieving of such records to and from the database 952. Any type of database organization may be employed, including flat file systems, hierarchical databases, relational databases, or distributed databases, such as those provided by the database vendor Oracle corporation (Redwood Shores, California).

The processing module 948 generates a control variable based on the sensor readings 960 and the output module 950 generates an output signal 962 based on the control variable. For example, output module 950 may convert the control variables generated by processing module 948 into a 4-20 milliamp output signal 962 suitable for use with a DC voltage modulator. The processor 942 optionally includes a display module 951 to display, print or download the sensor readings 960 and output signals 962 via a device such as the output device 120. A suitable display module 951 may be a video driver that enables the processor 942 to display sensor readings 960 on the input device 120.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the terms "comprise," "comprising," and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is, to mean "including but not limited to". Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. When the claims use the word "or" in a list of two or more items, this word covers all of its following interpretations: any one of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

The foregoing detailed description of the embodiments of the invention should not be construed as exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. The foregoing detailed description and examples of the invention are for the purpose of illustration and various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while the steps are provided in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to form further embodiments.

In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described in the specification, unless the above detailed description clearly defines such terms. While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventors reserve the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the invention.

The above embodiments may be combined to provide other embodiments. All U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in the specification and/or listed in the application data sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ cooling devices with multiple cooling elements, thermally conductive devices of various configurations, and concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all cooling that operates in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention not be limited by the disclosure, but that it have the full scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A cooling system, comprising:

a cooling device comprising a plurality of cooling elements, each cooling element comprising a sensing element, a thermally conductive interface member, a thermoelectric cooler having a first face and a second face, and an internal fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid in thermal communication with the thermoelectric cooler through the first face when the thermoelectric cooler is cooling the thermally conductive interface member, wherein the thermoelectric cooler is in thermally conductive connection with the thermally conductive interface member through the second face, wherein the plurality of cooling elements comprises

At least one central cooling element, and

2 end cooling elements, wherein each end cooling element is articulated to at least one central cooling element;

a cooling unit configured to cool the fluid;

a supply line and a return line between the cooling unit and the cooling device such that fluid cooled by the cooling unit flows through each of the cooling elements, the supply line and the return line; and

a processing unit programmed to individually control the cooling elements based on output from the sensing elements to cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject to a low temperature for selectively destroying the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of the subject.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein each thermally conductive interface member includes heat exchange surfaces, the cooling elements being sufficiently close to one another such that the cooling elements remove heat from subcutaneous tissue of a subject to form a substantially uniform cooling layer extending under all of the heat exchange surfaces to disrupt subcutaneous lipid-rich cells.

3. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the sensing element comprises a temperature sensor, a heat flux sensor, and/or a pressure sensor.

4. The cooling system according to claim 1, wherein each sensing element detects a temperature of a respective skin interface surface of the cooling device.

5. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein each thermally conductive interface member includes a heat exchange surface and a back surface, the thermoelectric cooler is positioned to cool the back surface, and the fluid chamber is sealed by a cover.

6. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the thermally conductive interface member has a skin interface surface, and wherein the cooling element further comprises a plurality of fluid ports in fluid communication with the fluid chamber for circulating fluid through the fluid chamber.

7. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the processing unit is in communication with the cooling element and is programmed to cause the thermoelectric cooler to reduce the temperature of the cooling element to-20 ℃ to 0 ℃ to cool the subcutaneous lipid-rich cells.

8. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a database electrically connected to the processing unit and storing at least one operating parameter, the processing unit controlling the temperature of the treatment area based on the operating parameter and the selected spatial temperature profile.

9. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein each cooling element has a skin interface surface and includes a cover secured to a top side of the cooling element.

10. The cooling system of claim 1, wherein the fluid chambers are within respective cooling elements to receive a circulating fluid coolant in thermal communication with the thermoelectric coolers.

11. A system for removing heat from subcutaneous lipid-rich cells of a subject having skin, comprising:

a cooling device comprising a plurality of cooling elements, each cooling element comprising a sensing element, an interface member, a thermoelectric cooling element having a first face and a second face, and a fluid chamber within the cooling element and configured to receive a circulating fluid coolant in thermal communication with the thermoelectric cooling element through the first face, wherein the thermoelectric cooling element is in thermal communication with the interface member through the second face, each cooling element being rotatably connected to each other by a hinge, the hinge defining an axis to allow each cooling element to rotate relative to each other about at least one axis as fluid circulates through the fluid chamber; and

a control module in communication with a cooling device and programmed to individually control the cooling elements based on outputs from the respective sensing elements to reduce a temperature of the cooling elements to-20 ℃ to 0 ℃ to cool subcutaneous lipid-rich cells.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the control module is programmed to control the cooling elements in sufficiently close proximity to one another such that the cooling elements remove heat from subcutaneous tissue of the subject to form a substantially uniform cooling layer extending below a heat exchanging surface of an interface member of the cooling elements.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensing element comprises a temperature sensor, a heat flux sensor, and/or a pressure sensor.