Method/device for transdermal vascular treatment
Devices and transdermal methods are provided for safe and effective therapeutic treatment of the venous system, such as varicose veins. Present invention provides non-invasive and minimally invasive transdermal methods for treating varicose and spider veins, comprising the use of a radiation source in combination with a chemical fluid/composition to safely and more effectively close or shrink vein walls, providing a transdermal therapeutic method for varicose veins until now only treated with surgery or endovascular laser treatments. In a preferred embodiment a device comprises a radiation source, preferably of wavelength between about 980 and 1940 nm, being effective in causing shrinkage of the vein treated. In other preferred embodiments methods comprise the transdermal delivery of a chemical composition through a patch or gel or the injection of a chemical fluid, preferably a hypertonic solution, to the vein under treatment; and simultaneously or after a dwell time, irradiating with a radiation source transdermally. The treatment performed with the present invention results in blood vessel wall damaged, eventually closing the vein, in lesser time with practically no pain or discomfort to the patient during and after the therapy.
1. A method for treating vascular disorders transdermally, comprising the steps of:
transdermally delivering a chemical composition to a vein in a treatment zone, said chemical composition comprising a hypertonic solution and a substance designed to absorb radiation; and
irradiating the treatment zone transdermally with a radiation source capable of providing radiation at a power level of at least one (1) Watt and at least one wavelength, preselected from a range of 980 nm to 1940 nm.
2. The method according to claim 1 , further comprising steps of:
cooling said treatment zone, and evaluating said treatment zone using an echographic image.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said cooling of treatment zone is by application of aqueous cold gel transdermally on skin.
4. The method according to claim 2 , wherein said cooling of treatment zone is done using a cooling system delivered by said handpiece.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said irradiating step employs a handpiece.
6. The method according to claim 5 , wherein said handpiece is optically coupled to said radiation source using an optical fiber.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said chemical composition is administered through skin using one of a gel, patch and syringe.
8. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said chemical composition further comprises a lidocaine solution.
9. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said preselected wavelength is 1470±50 nm.
10. The method according to claim 1 , wherein said vascular disorders comprise veins with a diameter of not more than 10-12 mm.