Apparatus for treating subcutaneous tissues
An apparatus and method for treating subcutaneous tissues using acoustic waves in the range of low acoustic pressure ultrasound waves is disclosed. The method includes injections of enhancing agents, wherein disruption of subcutaneous tissues and subcutaneous cavitational bioeffects are produced by ultrasound waves having a power that will not produce tissue cavitation in the absence of the enhancing agents. The apparatus and method of use is useful for treatment of subcutaneous abnormalities including cellulite, lipomas, and tumors.
1 - 87 . (canceled)
88 . A device for reducing cellulite, comprising:
a tubular member having a central channel; and
a plurality of needles disposed in the tubular member, wherein the plurality of needles is configured for movement between an extended position in which the needles protrude out from a distal end of the central channel in a fanned configuration and a retracted position in which the needles are fully retracted in the central channel, and
wherein the device is configured to be percutaneously inserted into a treatment area located between 1 mm and 5 mm below a dermis and to deploy the plurality of needles in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the dermis.
89 . The device of claim 88 , wherein the plurality of needles are further configured to fan out in the treatment area in a horizontal configuration parallel to the surface of the dermis.
90 . The device of claim 88 , wherein the tubular member comprises a beveled tip.
91 . The device of claim 88 , wherein the tubular member comprises a trocar.
92 . The device of claim 88 , wherein the plurality of needles comprise microneedles in a size range of 20 microns to 500 microns.
93 . The device of claim 88 , wherein the plurality of needles comprise sharp cutting elements.
94 . The device of claim 88 , wherein each of the plurality of needles is solid.
95 . The device of claim 88 , wherein each of the plurality of needles comprises a lumen through which to provide a distribution of a solution to the treatment area.
96 . The device of claim 95 , wherein at least one needle of the plurality of needles comprises multiple lumens for creating a bubble solution at a distal end of the at least one needle.
97 . The device of claim 95 , wherein at least one needle of the plurality of needles comprises at least one output port along a side of the at least one needle, the at least one output port being configured to deliver a solution to the treatment area.
98 . The device of claim 88 , wherein at least one needle of the plurality of needles is configured to deliver an electrical energy.
99 . The device of claim 98 , wherein at least a portion of the at least one needle is electrically insulated.