as) United States
`a2) Patent Application Publication 0) Pub. No.: US 2003/0212415 Al
`(43) Pub. Date: Nov. 13, 2003
`
`Karasiuk
`
`US 20030212415A1
`
`(54) SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD
`OF USE
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(76)
`
`Inventor: Kenneth B. Karasiuk, Oak Park, CA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`BOZICEVIC, FIELD & FRANCIS LLP
`200 MIDDLEFIELD RD
`SUITE 200
`
`MENLO PARK, CA 94025 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/393,682
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 19, 2003
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(63) Continuation-in-part of application No. 09/989,992,
`filed on Nov. 21, 2001.
`
`SD A ©)AAnn A61B 17/50
`(52) US. Ch.
`cecesssssssssssstsnsssnstnstvatnesstssvesse 606/131
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A device, a system employing the device and method of
`performing skin treatment are provided for skin treatment.
`The device includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber
`therein and having a substantially smooth treatment
`tip
`attached and extending from an end thereof or integral
`therewith. The tip has at least one central opening that is
`open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and
`traverse the skin in a substantially non-abrasive manner. A
`vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of
`the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source
`of vacuum. A tissue stop member is located within the
`chamber. It may have an abrasive surface for exfoliating skin
`cells, or a smoother surface for traversing the skin without
`substantial abrasion.
`
`30
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`Sinclair Pharma et al.
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`1
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`

`

`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13, 2003 Sheet 1 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`FIG. 1A
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`| 12a
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`14
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`2
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 2 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`FIG. 2
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`3
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13, 2003 Sheet 3 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`18a
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`4
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 4 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`18a
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`16c
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`5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13,2003 Sheet 5 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`30
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`FIG.6
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`6
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13, 2003 Sheet 6 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`10’
`
`\
`12
`110 112
`
`20a
`
`24
`
`10'
`
`\
`
`20
`
`24
`
`24°
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`7
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 13, 2003 Sheet 7 of 7
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`FIG. 8
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`8
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
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`Nov.13, 2003
`
`taining suspended aluminum oxide which is applied to the
`skin to abrade it. U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,999 discloses a
`microdermabrasion system which employsa jet of a mixture
`of air and reducing crystals, such as aluminum oxide, thatis
`applied to the skin to perform the microdermabrasion. U'S.
`Pat. No. 5,012,797 discloses the use of chemicals or ultra-
`sonically oscillating tips to perform abrasion.
`
`[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,431 describes the use of a
`pressurized jet of a liquid, such as wateror sterile saline, to
`fragment and removediseased tissue without harming sur-
`rounding healthy tissue. This device operates in conjunction
`with vacuum aspiration to removethe liquid and fragmented
`tissue. A powdered abrasive material may be applied to
`abrade the skin and removal may be performed using
`vacuum.
`
`[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,739 discloses a microderm-
`abrasion device that provides a tubular treatmenttool having
`a fixed abrasive tip on the end thereof. The abrasive tip has
`a central opening therethrough, through which a vacuum is
`applied. Whenthe tip is scraped overthe surface of the skin,
`loosened skin particles are vacuumed up through the central
`opening. However,a trailing side of the abrasive tip, which
`trails the central opening of the abrasive tip as the tip is
`moved over the surface of the skin, also microabrades the
`skin surface and leaves a trail of loosened skin particles
`which cannot be collected by the vacuum. Additionally, this
`is a dry system which does not
`treat
`the skin during
`microdermabrasion, which can leave streaking effects on the
`remaining skin.
`
`is
`it
`{0011] While microdermabrasion is often useful,
`sometimesdesired to effect skin treatment utilizing vacuum
`without abrasion. Various vacuum-based therapies and
`devices have been developed totreat the skin and subdermal
`tissues by way of massage and/or vacuum action. One such
`therapy, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,841,332, involves
`cup shaped members drawn over the skin in which a
`pulsating vacuum results in a cyclical suction and relaxation
`action. The therapy is said to promote lymphatic and blood
`circulation in the areas of suction application. A similar
`approachis described in U-S. Pat. No. 6,319,211, especially
`for removing dirt and debris.
`
`In order to facilitate vacuum-based tissue massage
`[0012]
`and/or pursue other treatment goals, a technician utilizing a
`suction device will often topically apply a lubricant such a
`gel, massageoil or another solution. It is also know to utilize
`suction devices adapted to deliver such materials through or
`within the vacuum chamberdefined by the working end of
`the instrument.
`
`SKIN TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF
`USE
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 09/989,992 filed on Nov. 21,
`2001.
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`
`invention pertains to dermatology,
`[0002] The present
`more particularly to skin treatment and conditioning.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`[0003] Microdermabrasionis a process for removing dead
`cells from the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) to
`provide a youngerand healthier looking appearance, remove
`wrinkles, clean out blocked pores, remove some types of
`undesirable skin conditions that can develop, and enhance
`skin tone. The process of microdermabrasion must be per-
`formed with a certain degree of accuracy, so that underlying
`live layers of skin tissue are not removed or damaged, but
`that enough dead cells are removedto give effective results.
`
`[0004] Abrasive tipped devices or rotating brushes and
`cylinders coated with abrasive particles, such as diamond
`dust, have been used to remove skin layers. U.S. Pat. No.
`2,712,823 discloses a brush for removing skin blemishes
`which includesrotating metallic bristles. This device is more
`properly referred to as a dermabrasion device as it is quite
`aggressive in the amounts and rates of tissues removed.
`While this type of device can be effective for removing gross
`scarring and keloids such as those associated with burn
`victims, it can also cause scarring and is difficult to accu-
`rately control with regard to amounts of tissue removed. As
`such it is incapable of effectively performing microabrasion
`as it is currently defined in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 2,867,214
`similarly discloses a device that employs motor driven
`stainless steel wire brushes and cannot effectively perform
`microdermabrasion.
`
`[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,241,499 discloses a hand held foot
`care instrument that
`includes a roughened dermabrasion
`undersurface to function as a nail file and skin smoother
`
`While this device may be effective for “spot treatment” of
`calluses, corns and the like on the foot, it would not be an
`effective tool for an overall microdermabrasion treatment of
`
`the face or other large area of skin that must be treated with
`a consistent amount of abrasion over an entire surface.
`
`[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,378,804 is directed to a skin
`abrasion device which uses flowing water to rotate an
`abrasive brush and create a vacuum to remove loosened skin
`particles. The rotating brush is usually used in conjunction
`with a liquid detergent or medicinal compound applied to the
`skin surface being scrubbed.
`
`[0013] Yet, none of the aforementioned references teach a
`system that
`incorporates the various advantages of the
`present invention. For example, no instrument or system
`adapted to perform microderabrasion includesprovision for
`[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,572,187 discloses a dermabrasion
`delivery of a therapeutically useful solution at the abraded
`tool that employs a rotary hub andaplurality of flexible
`site. Instead, useful agents are applied as a lotion, salve or
`strips each having a single abrasive surface. No means are
`balm, after moving the treatment device or terminating its
`disclosed for conditioning the skin or of removing the dead
`use altogether. The present invention offers an improved
`skin particles from the surface of the skin after they have
`approach for skin treatment. Particularly,
`it
`is a system
`been abraded.
`offering additional/optional advantages in the context of
`vacuum massage, dermal abrasion and/or point delivery of
`a desired compound.
`9
`
`[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,747 discloses the use of pow-
`dered aluminum oxide or a liquid topical composition con-
`
`9
`
`

`

`US 2003/0212415 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`[0014] The present invention is directed to a microderm-
`abrasion device, microdermabrasion system employing the
`device and method of performing microdermabrasion.It is
`further directed to vacuum massage devices. It is especially
`applicable in either context for therapeutic fluid delivery.
`
`[0015] Adevice for exfoliating skin cells from an external
`surface of skin includes a vacuum head base defining a
`chambertherein and having a substantially smooth treatment
`tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral
`therewith. The tip has at least one central opening whichis
`open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and
`traverse the skin in a substantially non-abrasive manner. A
`vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of
`the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source
`of vacuum. An abrasive member maybe located within the
`chamber, and at least one opening adapted to allow the flow
`of one or more fluids through the chamber is provided,
`wherein upon application of vacuum through the vacuum
`access opening, the fluids are drawn though the chamber,
`applied to the skin and taken up through the vacuum access
`opening, and a portion of the skin,
`targeted by the tip
`opening,is drawn into the chamber and broughtinto contact
`with the abrasive member.
`
`[0016] Asystem for performing microabrasion is provided
`which includes an applicator tool having a substantially
`non-abrasive tip with at least one opening therethrough, the
`tip being adapted to contact the skin of a patient; an abrasive
`memberlocated internally of the applicator tool, and means
`for applying vacuum through the at
`least one opening,
`wherein upon application of vacuum a portion of the skin is
`drawn into contact with the abrasive member.
`
`[0017] Meansfor delivering fluid through the applicator
`tool and the at
`least one tip opening are provided, for
`application of the fluid to the skin.
`
`[0018] Asystem for performing microabrasion according
`to the present invention includes an applicator tool having a
`longitudinal axis and a substantially non-abrasive tip with at
`least one opening therethrough. A conduit extends into the
`applicator tool and an abrasive memberis mounted on an
`end of the conduit and located internally of the applicator
`tool. A vacuum access opening is provided through a side
`wall of the tool, for connection with a source of vacuum to
`apply vacuum to a tip opening.
`
`[0019] The abrasive member or a non-abrasive member
`seals off the end of the conduit whichis located internally of
`the applicator tool, and at least one opening is provided
`through a wall of the conduit. In either case, the memberthat
`seals off the conduit is positioned relative to the tip opening
`to serve as a limiting surface with respect to tissue drawn
`into the device by vacuum. The abrasive memberis textured
`to enable microdermabrasion. The non-abrasive member
`preferably has a surface finish that avoids such action. Still,
`the system may be provided with a conduit sealing member
`of any of a range or spectrum of abrasiveness ranging from
`(substantially) zero, to a maximum level suited for micro-
`dermabrasion. To maximize device utility, the sealing mem-
`ber is preferably removable/interchangeable with others to
`offer a variety of functions and/or treatment options.
`
`[0020] A fluid reservoir adapted to hold treatment liquids
`may be connected to the conduit, wherein, upon application
`
`of vacuum through the vacuum access opening,the treat-
`mentliquids are drawn through the conduit and delivered to
`the at least one opening in thetip.
`
`[0021] Accollection reservoir is connected to the vacuum
`access opening via a vacuum line for collection of the fluids
`and microabraded skin cells and is in turn connected to a
`
`vacuum source. A filter may be connected inline between the
`collection reservoir and the vacuum source.
`
`[0022] A method of performing microabrasion is provided
`which includes: applying a non-abrasive treatment tip to a
`skin surface; providing negative pressure through an open-
`ing in the treatment
`tip to establish a relative vacuum;
`drawing a portion of the skin surface through the opening
`and into contact with an abrasive member; and moving the
`non-abrasive treatment tip over the skin surface and micro-
`abrading the portion of the skin in contact with the abrasive
`member.
`
`[0023] Microabraded skin particles are collected through a
`vacuum conduit
`through which the negative pressure is
`provided. Fluid may be applied to the skin though the
`opening in the treatmenttip. In such instances, the vacuum
`conduit will also collect excess fluid.
`
`[0024] The vacuum provided by the negative pressure
`surrounds a perimeter of the abrasive, moderately abrasive
`or non-abrasive conduit seal member. In a microabrasion
`application, this makesit so that microabraded skin particles
`are collected downstream of the abrasive member and from
`all
`locations surrounding the abrasive member. In other
`applications (but also in microdermabrasion), such an
`arrangementassists in the ability to move the device in any
`direction over the skin. The symmetric nature of the con-
`figuration avoids such need as experienced with other imple-
`ments that have a certain directionality requirement (i.e.,
`they must “point” in their direction of travel). In a micro-
`dermabrasion application, the inventive device configura-
`tion provides for applying not only any abrasive compounds
`as may be desired directly and immediately at the spot of
`abrasion, but also (or alternatively) other solutions or com-
`pounds offering various benefit(s).
`
`[0025] These and other objects, advantages, and features
`of the invention will become apparent to those persons
`skilled in the art upon reading the details of aspects of the
`invention as more fully described below.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0026] A more complete understanding of the devices,
`system and methods according to the present invention may
`be obtained byreferring to the following detailed description
`together with the accompanying drawingsbriefly described
`hereinafter. Comparable elements in the figures share the
`same or similar numbering.
`
`[0027] FIG. 1A is a partially exploded view of a micro-
`abrasion/skin treatment device according to the present
`invention; FIG. 1B is a detail of a portion of the device in
`FIG. 1A
`
`[0028] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded view of a micro-
`abrasion device with a tip of the device removed.
`
`[0029] FIG. 3 is a view of an assembly including a
`vacuum head base and cannula with abrasive member
`
`according to the present invention.
`10
`
`10
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`

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`US 2003/0212415 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`FIG.4 is a view of a vacuum head base according
`[0030]
`to the present invention.
`
`[0031] FIG. 5 is a view of a cannula with abrasive
`memberaccording to the present invention.
`
`[0032] FIG. 6 is a schematic of a microdermabrasion
`system according to the present invention.
`
`[0033] FIGS. 7A-7C show views of an alternate micro-
`abrasion/skin treatment device according to the present
`invention.
`
`[0034] FIG. 8 provides views of a panel of sealing and
`tissue abutment members as well as readable media provid-
`ing instructions for use.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS
`
`[0035] Before the present device, system and methods are
`described, it is to be understood that this invention is not
`limited to particular structures described, as such may, of
`course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
`used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
`embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since
`the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the
`appended claims.
`
`[0036] Where a range of values is provided, it is under-
`stood that each intervening value,to the tenth of the unit of
`the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise,
`between the upper and lower limits of that range is also
`specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any
`stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any
`other stated or intervening value in that stated range is
`encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower
`limits of these smaller
`ranges may independently be
`included or excluded in the range, and each range where
`either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller
`ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to
`any specifically excludedlimit in the stated range. Where the
`stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges
`excluding either or both of those included limits are also
`included in the invention.
`
`[0037] Unless defined otherwise below, all technical and
`scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as
`commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
`which this invention belongs. Although any methods and
`materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can
`be used in the practice or testing of the present invention,the
`preferred methods and materials are now described. All
`publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by
`reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or mate-
`rials in connection with which the publicationsare cited.
`
`It must be noted that as used herein and in the
`[0038]
`appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “and”, and “the”
`include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates
`otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a vacuum tube”
`includes a plurality of such vacuum tubes and reference to
`“the vacuum tube” includes reference to one or more
`vacuum tubes, to include a plurality of tubes interconnected
`in series, and equivalents thereof knownto those skilled in
`the art, and so forth. More particularly, it is also understood
`that if an element is described as being connected to a
`vacuum source, that this description also includes the ele-
`
`ment being connected to an intermediate element, such as a
`tube or a filter, which is in turn connected to the vacuum
`source.
`
`[0039] The publications discussed herein are provided
`solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the
`present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an
`admission that the present invention is not entitled to ante-
`date such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further,
`the dates of publication provided maybe different from the
`actual publication dates which may needto be independently
`confirmed.
`
`[0040] The present invention provides the ability to per-
`form microdermabrasion with or without flowing abrasive
`particles to be applied to the skin, with the ability to pretreat
`or condition the skin prior to microabrading it. The present
`invention further provides more efficient and complete
`removal of microabraded particles with the enveloping
`arrangement of the vacuum and,optionally, fluid flow that
`surrounds an abrasive member provided. Furthermore, the
`invention providesfor application of therapeutic formula, in
`aid of microabrasion or for its own purpose.
`
`[0041] The term “tube”, “tubular” or “conduit” refers to a
`structure having a hollow, bore or through passage or other
`passageway, substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis
`of the structure and which may have variouscross sections.
`Thus, these terms refer not only to a commontube having a
`circular cross section with a central opening, but also to
`other structures including those having square, elliptical or
`non-geometric and even irregular cross-sections, which
`include such a passageway.
`
`[0042] The term “tip” refers to the end of a structure or
`assembly. As used herein, the applicator tip is that compo-
`nent, whether integral or attachably fixed to the device,
`which is the endmost extremity of the device and is used in
`contacting the skin.
`
`[0043] A “vacuum line” as used herein is a tubular struc-
`ture that interconnects other components of the system so as
`to form a vacuum pathway therebetween.
`
`[0044] FIG. 1A shows a partially exploded view of a
`microabrasion/skin treatment device 10 according to the
`present invention. A portion of the sameis detailed in FIG.
`1B. Device 10 is designed to be handheld by a user for its
`application to the skin of a patient in the performance of
`microdermabrasion or other vacuum therapy applications.
`As such, it may be designed with an elongated handle 12 to
`facilitate grasping by a user. One of ordinary skill in the art
`will appreciate that many different shapes and materials may
`be employed for the handle 12 and the present invention is
`not to be limited to an elongated, substantially cylindrical
`handle 12 as shown.In the example of FIG. 1, handle 12 is
`made of plastic, such as nylon or other plastic having
`sufficient toughness and mechanical strength, but may also
`be made of metal, such as stainless steel, for example, or
`ceramics or composites. Handle 12 is annular or tubular,
`providing a passageway 12a through which tube 14 is
`extended.
`
`[0045] Tube 14is adapted to be connected atits proximal
`end 14a (the end extending away from handle 12) to a fluid
`reservoir 70 (described below in reference to FIGS. 6 and
`8) which is in turn, open to atmosphere. Tube 14is flexible
`and may be made of PVC or other compatible plastic, for
`11
`
`11
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`US 2003/0212415 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`example. Similarly, all other vacuum lines described herein
`are flexible to afford maneuverability to device 10 and may
`be made of PVC or other compatible plastic. Alternatively,
`the proximal end of tube 14 can be left open to atmosphere
`or connected to a flow control valve and/or filter, with or
`without connection to fluid reservoir 70. The distal end 14b
`
`of tube 14 is connected to cannula 16, Cannula 16 is adapted
`to be fixed to handle 12 and may be machined from metal
`such as surgical stainless steel or may be machined or
`moldedofplastic or cast or molded from ceramic. Cannula
`16 runs through the center of the handpiece
`
`[0046] Vacuum head base 18isfitted over functional block
`16, as shownin FIG.3, for example, to form a pressuretight
`seal therewith. Vacuum head base 18 may be machined from
`machined from metal such as surgical stainless steel or may
`be machined or molded ofplastic or casted or molded from
`ceramic. Vacuum head base 18 may befrictionally fit over
`functional block 16 with a seal being effectuated by posi-
`tioning of one or more O-rings 16b (see FIG. 5) or other
`sealing members between functional block 16 and vacuum
`head base 18.
`
`[0047] A treatment tip 20 is fitted over the end of vacuum
`head base 18, and,
`likewise may be friction fit and/or
`provided with threads or other attachment meansto provide
`a pressure tight fit between the components. The tip is
`smooth surfaced and adapted to glide over the skin surface
`for application of lotions/vitamins or other fluids thereto
`during processing. The tip may be made of plastic such as
`nylon or glass, such as pyrex, for example and is preferably,
`although not necessarily transparent or translucent. A trans-
`parent tip allows better visualization by the operator during
`processing. One or more O-rings 18a (see FIG. 4) or other
`sealing members may be provided between vacuum head
`base 18 and tip 20 to facilitate the pressure tight seal.
`Alternatively, trp 20 may be integrally machined or molded
`with vacuum head base 18. Tip 20 includes an opening 20a
`which targets an area of skin to be contacted (e.g., to be
`microabraded) whentip 20 is applied to the skin. Although
`shownwith a single large opening 20a,it is conceivable that
`tip 20 could be provided with more than one opening to
`perform a similar function as described below, in which
`case, multiple skin-opposing surfaces may be provided.
`
`[0048] Functional block 16 is a tubular structure that is
`configured to mate with vacuum head base 18. Vacuum head
`base 18 is also a tubular structure which hasa significantly
`larger inside diameter than the outside diameter of the distal
`portion of functional block 16, so as to form an annulus 22
`therebetween. Tip 20 extends the annular space 22, as shown
`in FIG. 1. A passageway 16c runs the full
`length of
`functional block 16 and forms a continuation of the flow
`path defined by tube 14 when tube 14 is connected to the
`proximalend of functional block 16. An abrasive member 24
`is formed at the distal end of functional block 16 thereby
`closing off the passageway 16c atthe distal end of functional
`block 16. The abrasive member 24 is formed by fusing
`abrasive particles to the end of the functional block 16, or
`could alternatively be made as an abrasive disk andfitted
`within an open end of the functional block to seal the end or
`mounted to a closed end of a functional block 16. Other
`removable and or replaceable configurations are possible as
`well.
`
`[0049] The invention may also employ a non-abrasive
`sealing member or portion 24. Such an alternative end
`
`configuration is best indicated in FIG. 1B by way of a
`hashed line tip 80 where abrasive material would otherwise
`be set. Like the abrasive end feature of device 10, a
`non-abrasive or less abrasive sealing portion 24 may be
`provided as a removable or replaceable member or segment.
`This potential
`is illustrated by virtue of dashed line 82
`indicating a possible separation line between the main body
`of block 16 and sealing portion 24.
`
`[0050] Although the abrasive or non-abrasive sealing
`member shownis substantially planar, it may alternatively
`be rounded,
`flared, concave, convex or elongated,
`for
`example. For an abrasive tip,
`the abrasive particles are
`generally of a size ranging from about 50 to 300 grit,
`typically about 100 to 120 grit and are typically carborun-
`dum (aluminum oxide) or sodium bicarbonate, or the like.
`The coarser particles (at the lower ends of the grit ranges)
`may be provided for use in initial treatments, while finer
`particles (at the higher ends of the grit ranges) may be
`employed for subsequent treatments. Alternatively, the abra-
`sive member may be formed by knurling, machining, laser
`treatment or otherwise mechanically or chemically treating
`a closed end of the functional block or cannula end as
`discussed below.
`
`[0051] As shown in FIG.8, in some instances it may be
`desired to provide a kit or panel 90 of end pieces 24 that vary
`from mostabrasive to smooth or substantially smooth. These
`may be intended for sterilization and repeated us or as
`disposables. Threadings 92 may beutilized to attached any
`of the sealing members 24 to the device. The length “L” of
`such members may vary, as may other dimensions. How-
`ever, the length will generally be coordinated with that of the
`member to which it is attached in order that the surface
`(abrasive or non-abrasive) will form a limiting surface for
`tissue drawninto tip opening 20a. Such contact is obviously
`necessary to enable dermal abrasion.It is also useful in the
`context of vacuum massage application in order to avoid
`drawingtissue too far into opening 20a suchthatit is bruised
`or otherwise damaged.
`
`Instructions as to treatment regimen or procedures
`[0052]
`in connection with the inventive hardware may be provided
`on any readable medium 100, including paper stock and/or
`a computer readable medium. Both the panel and instruc-
`tions may be provided in packaged combination alone or
`with such other hardware as shownin the figures to provide
`a kit. Alternatively, the end-piece kit 90 may be provided
`separately though they are shown associated in FIG.8.
`
`[0053] One or more openings 16d are provided through
`the wall of the distal tubular structure of functional block 16
`to establish one or more flow pathways between passageway
`16c and annulus 22. Tip 20 extends beyondthe extremity of
`functional block 16 such that abrasive member24is posi-
`tioned internally of the assembled device 10,and surrounded
`by annulus 22.
`
`[0054] An openingorport 185 is provided in vacuum head
`base 18 for connection of a vacuum source, for example, by
`connecting the vacuum port 185 to the vacuum source via a
`vacuum line. When vacuum is applied through opening 185
`an opening 20a is sealed off, for example by placing it up
`against skin tissue, a closed loop vacuum flow path is
`established between the vacuum source and connecting line,
`vacuum opening 18), annulus 22, opening(s) 16d, passage-
`way 16c and tube 14. This flow path is shown in FIG.1.
`12
`
`12
`
`

`

`US 2003/0212415 Al
`
`Nov.13, 2003
`
`[0055] FIGS. 7A-7C show an alternative construction of
`the microdermabrasion device. Whereas the previous device
`10 utilized a separate handle 12 and vacuum head base 18,
`these element are integrated in device 10' in element 110.
`Still further, in the variation of the wand shown in FIGS.
`7A-7C(especially as illustrated in FIG. 7C by virtue of the
`use of hidden line) a separate functional block 16 and line 14
`within the handle may be abandon in favor of a single tube
`or cannula 120. This member—closely fit within the inte-
`grated handle section 12' but
`leaving space within the
`integrated vacuum base region 18'—preferably comprises
`stainless steel and includes threaded end sections to receive
`a threaded end fitting 112 and threadings 92 of a stop
`member 24. Naturally, other materials and constructional
`options such aspress-fitting, bonding, welding, etc. may be
`employed as to these referenced elements. However,
`the
`connectoris preferably a quick connect/disconnectfitting as
`shownenabling simple separation,sterilization and/or swap-
`out. Of course, other variation in the microdermabrasion
`device/wand configuration are possible as well.
`
`[0056] FIG. 6 shows an example of a microdermabrasion
`system 30 according to the present invention, which incor-
`porates device 10 or 10' (though only device 10 is shown).
`Vacuum opening 18b is connected with a vacuum source 40
`as described above, by vacuum line 42. A collection reser-
`voir 50 and, optionally, an inline filter 60 are connected in
`the vacuum line between device 10 and vacuum source 40.
`Vacuum line 42 connects to an input 52 to collection
`reservoir 50 via elbow 54, for example, and output 56
`connects with a second vacuum line 44 via elbow 58, for
`example. A manifold cover 59 sealably interfaces the input
`(52,54) and output (56,58) connections with a reservoir 51
`whichis typically a jar made of glass or plastic for example.
`An extension tube 53 connects with input 52,54 and extends
`into the reservoir 51 to ensure effective delivery of waste
`materials (abraded skin particles and, optionally, fluids) to
`reservoir 51.
`
`[0057] Optionally, a back-up filter 60 may be provided
`inline between vacuum lines 44 and 46 as added insurance
`
`that no or substantially no fluid, skin particles, abrasive
`particle or other materials being collected by collection
`reservoir 50 can be transported to vacuum source 40. Filter
`60 may be an in-line condensation filter, such as water
`condenser produced by Wilkerson Labs and availableas part
`no. F0001-000 from Nor-Cal Controls, Inc. of Santa Clara,
`Calif.
`
`[0058] The vacuum source may be the same as that
`provided for currently existing microdermabrasion devices,
`such as the ProPeel, MDPeel or iPeel, for example, each
`available from emed,Inc., Westlake Village, Calif. A power
`switch is used to activate the vacuum source and a vacuum
`
`in the range of about 2 to 14 psi is generally used during a
`procedure, depending upon the skin condition of the person
`being treated.
`
`[0059] Tube 14 extends from the proximal end of the
`microdermabrasion device 10, and connects with output 72
`of fluid reservoir 70 via elbow 74, for example. A breather
`line 76 may be connected inline via T-joint 76', for example,
`or other interconnection, and includes an adjustable valve 78
`or other means for varying an amountofair that is allowed
`into the tube 14. This feature not only allows the amountof
`vacuum to be adjusted for a given fluid, but allows fluids
`
`having different viscosities to be applied at the same vacuum
`level,
`since different viscosities will
`require varying
`amounts of air to be inletted through the breather line, to
`give a constant vacuum level. Alternatively, a breather line
`or input with adjustment valve maybe located on elbow 74
`or directly on manifold cover 79. Still further,