Systems and methods for creating an effect using microwave energy to specified tissue
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.
1. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to target tissue, the apparatus comprising:
a tissue interface;
a microwave energy delivery device;
a cooling element positioned between the tissue interface and the microwave energy device, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate positioned at the tissue interface; and
a cooling fluid positioned between the cooling element and the microwave delivery device, the cooling fluid having a dielectric constant greater than a dielectric constant of the cooling element.
2. A method of creating a tissue effect in a target tissue layer, comprising the steps of:
irradiating the target tissue layer and a first tissue layer through a skin surface with electromagnetic energy having predetermined frequency and electric field characteristics, wherein the first tissue layer is above the target tissue layer, the first tissue layer being adjacent to a surface of the skin; 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.
3. An apparatus for delivering microwave energy to target tissue, the apparatus comprising:
a tissue head comprising a tissue chamber, wherein the tissue chamber comprises a chamber wall and a tissue interface, the tissue interface comprising a vacuum port and a vacuum channel;
a microwave energy applicator configured to mate with the tissue head; and
a cooling element positioned between the tissue interface and the microwave energy applicator, the cooling element comprising a cooling plate positioned at the tissue interface;
wherein the tissue head comprises a disposable element that is configured to detach from the microwave energy applicator.