`
`066736
`
`US 6,673,082 B2
`(10) Patent No.:
`a2) United States Patent
`Mallett et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jan. 6, 2004
`
`
`64) MICRODERMABRASION HANDPIECE
`WITH SUPPLY AND RETURN LUMENS
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Scott R, Mallett, Coto de Caza, CA
`i
`7
`‘i
`4
`COR YiUlinnsCoben, eerie -
`ees Ber
`See
`SBnOm,
`seconde
`plac,
`“A (US)
`.
`. a .
`.
`(73) Assignee: Edge Systems Corporation, Signal
`Hill, CA (US)
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent
`is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`e
`
`5,100,412 A
`S992 ROSS -svssvsiewvessveceaaess 606/131
`
`5,207,034 A
`atssescias SARS
`5/1993. Lynn .....
`5,207,234 A
`5/1993 Rosso...
`128/898
`
`aene :
`eres erupeel ef hi
`peace
`os
`F
`606/13
`i Fiore et al.
`i
`bs
`
`5,954,730 A
`...
`-.. 606/131
`9/1990 Bernabei.
`
`5,971,999 A
`10/1999 Naldoni..
`... 606/131
`
`
`6,019,749 A
`—-2/2000. Fields et al.
`...
`ve 604/313
`
`6,039,745 A
`3/2000 DiFioreet al.
`.. 606/131
`
`6,080,165 A
`... 606/131
`6/2000 DeJacma ...
`
`6,120,512 A
`9/2000 Bernabei
`...
`. 606/131
`6.139.554 A * 10/2000 Karkar et al.
`606/131
`
`... 601/6
`6,196,982 Bl
`3/2001 Ball
`...
`
`
`5/2001 Parkin et al.
`..
`606/131
`6,235,039 BL
`5/2001 Metealf et al,
`» ASL/87
`6,238,275 Bl
`6/2001. Waldron ........
`606/131
`6,241,739 BL
`
`6/2001 Metcalf et al.
`.. 451/87
`6,250,996 BL
`
`*
`8/2001 Fernwood et al...4591/91
`6,277,003 Bl
`(21) Appl. No.: 10/177,173
`6,306,119 BL
`Say
`Rika
`............... 604/290
`10/2001 Weber etal.
`
`
`
`
`(2) Billed:=Sen28, 22 6,390,809 B1 * 5/2002 Loubeyre... -. 451/90
`
`9/2001 Eilers etal. cucu... 606/131
`(65)
`Prior Publication Data
`2001/0023351 Al
`US 2002/0151908 Al Get. 17, 2002
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner—Weilun Lo
`Assistant Examiner—_inh ‘Truong,
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Richard L. Myers; Myers
`Dawes Andras & Sherman, LLP
`7)
`ABSTRACT
`A microdermabrasion handpiece includes a supply lumen
`and a return lumen in fluid communication with an abrasion
`chamber. A window formedat a distal end of the handpiece
`is off-centered from the supply lumen. The supply lumen
`directs a flow ofabrasive particulate in a first direction. A
`supply nozzle adjacent
`to the distal end of the handpiece
`directs the flow ofabrasive particulate at the window in a
`second direction different from thefirst direction. Methods
`for performing microdermabrasion are also provided.
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`ey
`418i
`oe
`<¢
`(62) yee of application No. 09/540,945, filed on Mar. 31,
`(51)
`Int. CL? vecccccccscssseeenee AGIB 17/50; AIS 35/00;
`B24C 5/04
`_
`,
`;
`(52) US. Ch verre BOG/IST; 604/289; 604/290;
`451/102; 451/90
`(58) Field of Search .
`- 606/131, 132;
`604/289,290: 451/75,"39,‘90, 87, 88, 102,
`38, 39; 433/88, 89
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`5,037,432 A
`
`8/1991 Molinari... 606/131
`
`18 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
` ae
`
`PLZCZ7a
`
`
`a?
`je}
`
`1
`
`Sinclair Pharma etal.
`EUNSUNG-1024
`
`1
`
`Sinclair Pharma et al.
`EUNSUNG-1024
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`Jan. 6, 2004
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`Sheet 1 of 5
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 6, 2004
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`Sheet 2 of 5
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`US 6,673,082 B2
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`3
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jan. 6, 2004
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`Sheet 3 of 5
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`US 6,673,082 B2
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`U.S. Patent
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`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`Jan. 6, 2004
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`Sheet 5 of 5
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`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`1
`MICRODERMABRASION HANDPIECE
`WITH SUPPLY AND RETURN LUMENS
`
`Thisis a divisional application of U.S. patent application
`Ser. No. 09/540,945 filed on Mar. 31, 2000 and entitled the
`same.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`0
`
`This invention relates generally to cosmetic apparatus and
`method used by a plastic surgeon, and more specifically to
`skin abrasion apparatus and cellulite massage apparatus.
`2. Discussion of the Prior Art
`Traditional dermabrasion has been used successfully to
`treat various types of scarring, for example scarring caused
`by acne. Wire brush and diamond fraise techniques have
`been used both, requiring local anesthesia and highly skilled
`surgical techniques. Bleeding has typically occurred requir-
`ing the surgeons and technicians to protect themselves from
`blood spray while performing the procedure. Postoperative
`complications have also been encountered.
`In a new technique referred to as crystal
`microdermabrasion, aluminum oxide crystals flowing in an
`3Wh
`air stream have been applied to the skin. In this technique, »
`there is less bleeding,
`fewer complications, better
`compliance, and noneedforlocal anesthesia or high surgical
`skills. In the microdermabrasion technique, the velocity and
`density of crystals within the stream of air is related to the
`degree of abrasion which can occur over a fixed period of
`lime. In the past, the crystal velocity has been controlled
`pamarily by providing a bleed valve for the introduction of
`additional air into the stream of air. In a suction system this
`tends to slow the velocity of the operative air stream and
`thereby reduce the degree of abrasion. Although the velocity.
`is decreased, the crystal density tends to stay the same with
`this approach.
`Microdermabrasion handpieces have typically been
`formed with handles and caps which define an abrasion
`chamber. The flow of crystals and the stream ofair has been
`introduced into the abrasion chamber through a nozzle and
`along a supply path having a distal component. A return
`orifice communicating with the abrasion chamber has drawn
`the flow of crystals along a return path having a proximal
`component.
`In the past, an abrasion window has been
`formed in the cap of the handpiece with the window being
`disposed only in the supply path ofthe crystal flow. In the
`past
`the window has been provided only with a circular
`configuration. These structural limitations have not tended
`to maximize the abrasive qualities of the stream.
`Asystem for cellulite massage has been used by the same
`surgeons and technicians in an apparatus heretofore separate
`from the microdermabrasion apparatus. This procedure is,
`commonly referred to as endermologie massage, has had as
`its primary purpose the reformation of collagen fibers par-
`ticularly in cellulite. Cellulite occurs as a combination of
`several factors which may be hormonal, circulatory, and
`nutritional. Inherent genetics also contribute to this condi-
`lion where the skin tends to take an orange-peel texture.
`Nippling of the skin is relieved during this treatment by the
`applied suction massage. Congestion is alleviated by
`increasing oxygenation in the blood circulation to the tissue
`altered by cellulite. The procedure also increases exchanges
`with the connective tissue and boosts the metabolism rate
`allowing the body to dispose of toxins naturally. Stretching
`the collagen fibers and strengthening the elastic fibers make
`the surface of the skin smoother and firmer. This procedure,
`
`;
`
`40
`
`55
`
`e
`
`2
`requiring a source of vacuuming has been of particular
`advantage not only in the treatment ofcellulite, but also in
`post-operative liposuction carc. In the latter instance, post-
`operative endermologie treatments have maximizedresults
`and offered the additional advantage of keeping patients in
`communication with the practice and focusing on long-term
`goals. Particularly when combined with a dietary program
`and exercise, repeated small-volume liposuction with ender-
`mologie following each procedure, has shown significant
`results.
`
`In the endermologie procedure, a source of vacuum is
`applied to a conduit terminating at an endermologie hand-
`piece. The handpiece has typically been provided in the
`configuration of a cylinder having a single fixed diameter.
`While these two apparatus,
`the microdermabrasion
`apparatus, and the endermologie apparatus, have commonly
`been provided as separate instruments,
`they nevertheless
`have been used by the same surgeons and technicians. More
`recently,
`it has been found that
`the microdermabrasion
`procedure can be facilitated by the use of an aspiration
`system to promote tissue blood supply and thereby facilitate
`fast healing and scar
`tissue repair. Under
`these
`circumstances, the aspiration or suction system associated
`with the endermologie apparatus has been found of value in
`the microdermabrasion procedure. Notwithstanding this
`advantageous combination,
`the two instruments have not
`heretofore been combined in a single unit.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In accordance with the present invention, a single unil as
`adapted for use with a microdermabrasion handpiece as well
`as an endermologic handpiece. A stream ofair is controlled
`by a 3-way valve which alternatively directs the air along a
`first air stream to the microdermabrasion handpiece or a
`second air stream to the endermologie handpiece. The first
`air Stream is directed through a source of crystals which are
`introduced into the first air stream to provide a flow of
`crystals which is then sent to the microdermabrasion hand-
`piece. With the advent ofa single unit, the mere selection of
`the 3-way valve permits the unit
`to be used for both
`microdermabrasion techniques and endermologie tech-
`niques. This advantageis of particular interest because the
`microdermabrasion technique can be facilitated by the suc-
`tion and massage associated with the endermologie tech-
`nique.
`Further control over the degree of abrasion can be pro-
`vided by a valve which bypasses the source of crystals. A
`reduction in the amount ofair flowing throughthe source of
`crystals reduces the crystal density without necessarily
`affecting the crystal velocity at the handpiece.
`At the source of crystals, the first air stream is directed
`through a tube which is provided with a hole in communi-
`cation with the ervstals. This hole is sized and configured to
`limit the amount ofcrystals which can flow into the first air
`stream. Accordingly, the hole can be sized to control
`the
`crystal density by limiting the amountof crystals which can
`be introduced into a given volumeofair. A larger hole results
`in a higher crystal density, Using this structure in combina-
`tion with a bypass valve is of significant advantage in
`maximizing control over the crystal velocity density, and
`hence the degree of skin abrasion.
`In the microdermabrasion handpiece, the abrasion win-
`dow is positioned along the cap so that
`it
`is disposed
`between the supply path and the return path of the erystals.
`In a particular environment, the nozzle is positionedto direct
`the flow ofcrystals directly into the abrasion window of the
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`10
`
`4
`3
`As illustrated, the primary conduit 41 can be coupled to
`cap. This seemsto provide the greatest control over the skin
`the 3-way valve or mode switch 29. By operation of this
`abrasion process. [t has been found that rectangular holes
`switch 29, suction can be applied alternatively to an ender-
`can offer certain advantages over the circular holes of the
`mologie suction 43 or a microdermabrasion section 45 of the
`past.
`In these embodiments,
`the long dimension of the
`apparatus LO. Thus the switch 29 can be used to divert the
`rectangle is typically oriented generally parallel to a plane
`stream ofair 38 alternatively to form a first air stream 49 in
`including the nozzle and the return orifice.
`a secondary conduit 52 in the endermologie section 43, or
`‘These and other features and advantagesofthe invention
`alternatively to formafirst stream ofair 47 in a secondary
`will become more apparent with a description of preferred
`conduit 54 in the microdermabrasion section 45, or alterna-
`embodiments and reference to the associated drawings.
`lively a secondstream ofair 49 in a secondary conduit 52 in
`DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`the endermologie section 43.
`In the endermologie section 43 a second air stream 49 in
`a secondary conduit 52 providessuction at the handpiece 18.
`The first air stream 49 then passes back through the flexible
`hose 17 and into the mode switch 29 where the stream ofair
`38 is drawn through the primary conduit 41 by the vacuum
`pump 21.
`Alternatively, the mode switch 29 can be set to draw the
`first air stream 47 through the conduit 54 in the microderm-
`abrasion section 45. The conduit 54 is in turn coupled
`through HEPA filters 56, the crystal return station 34, the
`crystal supply station 32 and a second HEPAfilter 58. The
`filter 38 in this case provides an air inlet 61 to the micro-
`dermabrasion section 45,
`
`A supply of crystals 63 is disposed at the crystal supply
`station 32 where the secondary conduit 54 is connected to a
`pick-up tube 64 in a canister 65. In a manner discussed in
`greater detail below, the pick-up tube 64 can be provided
`with a crystal pick-up 66 which extendsinto the crystals 63
`within the canister 65. In this manner a flow of the crystal
`63 can be provided in the first air stream 47 as it
`is
`introduced through a supply lumen 67 in the flexible hose
`15. The supply lumen 67 in turn introduces the How of
`crystals 63 to the microdermabrasion handpiece 16 which is
`adapted to be held by the surgeon or technician and applied
`to the skin of the patient.
`Of particular interest in the crystal supply station 32 is a
`bypass valve 68 which extends between the HEPAfilter 58
`and the supply lumen 67 of the handpiece 16. Thus the
`bypass valve 68 effectively extends across the inlet and the
`outlet of the crystal supply station 32. When the bypass
`valve 68 is open, suction is applied directly to the filter 68
`and a portion ofthe air which would otherwise be input to
`the crystal supply station 32 is diverted to the output of the
`crystal supply station 32. As a result, the How ofair in the
`pickup tube 64 is decreased and the volume of crystals
`introduced into the erystal pickup 67 is commensurately
`reduced. At the output of the crystal supply station 32, the
`bypass air is recombined with the air in the pickup tube 64
`so that the velocity of air introduced to the handpiece 16 is
`substantially constant. However, with a decrease in the
`volume of crystals introduced into the pickup tube 64,the
`density of the crystals is reduced. Thus the bypass valve 68
`provides a mechanism for varying the crystal density with-
`out significantly adjusting the crystal velocity.
`The used crystals 63 can be removed from the handpiece
`16 through a return lumen 69 in the flexible hose 15. ‘This
`flow of crystals 63 from the handpiece 16 is directed into the
`crystal return station 34, which is discussed in greater detail
`below. The debris and used crystals are removed from the
`first air stream 47 at the return station 34, as the first air
`stream 47 is directed through the fillers 56 and the conduit
`54 to the 3-way valve or mode switch 29. This completes the
`microdermabrasion section 45 of the embodiment.
`
`In operation, the microdermabrasion section 45 would be
`activated through the 3-way mode selection switch 29 to
`
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a microdermabrasion and
`endermologie apparatus of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is the schematic view of the apparatusillustrated
`in FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a microdermabrasion
`handpiece adapted for the apparatus of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an air control device
`associated with the handpiece of FIG. 3;
`FIG, 3 is a cross-section view of the air control device
`(taken along lines 5—5 of FIG. 4.) and the associated cap;
`FIG. 6a is front elevation view of an additional embodi-
`ment of the microdermabrasion handpiece cap;
`FIG. 6b is a side view and axial cross-section of the cap
`illustrated in FIG. 6a;
`FIG. 7a is a front elevation view of a further embodiment
`of the microdermabrasion handpiece cap;
`FIG, 7b is a side view and axial cross-section of the cap
`illustrated in FIG. 7a;
`FIG.8 is a side elevation view of a set of endermologie
`massage handpieces each offering a different size in order to
`permit control over the magnitude of suction and the area of
`application; and
`FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of a crystal supply station
`and crystal return station associated with the present inven-
`tion.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENTS AND BEST MODE OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`Apreferred embodimentof the present invention ts illus-
`trated in FIG. 1 where a microdermabrasion and endermolo-
`gie massage apparatus is designated by the reference
`numeral 10, The apparatus 10 includes a single housing 12
`having, a face plate 14 which is adapted for coupling through
`a flexible hose 15 to a microdermabrasion handpiece 16
`and/or an endermologie handpiece 18. Enclosed within the
`single housing 12 is a single source of vacuum such as a
`vacuum pump 21. This pump 21 is activated by a power
`switch 23 and coupled through a vacuum gauge 25 and bleed
`valve 27 to a 3-way mode switch 29. The switch 29is in turn
`coupled to the microdermabrasion handpiece 16 and ender-
`mologie handpiece 18. These coupling arrangements in a
`preferred embodiment are discussed in greater detail with
`reference to FIG. 2. A crystal supply station 32 and crystal
`return station 34 are disposed on the faceplate 14 of this
`embodiment.
`
`55
`
`60
`
`The vacuum pump 21is illustrated schematically in PIG.
`2 and provides motive powerfor the apparatus 10. The pump
`21 has an exhaust 36 and power sufficient to pull a stream
`of air 38 through a primary conduit 41. The magnitude ofair
`pressure within the conduit 41 can be controlled by the bleed
`valve 27 which in the preferred embodiment is a needle
`valve.
`
`65
`
`8
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`

`

`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`5
`facilitate skin abrasion by way of the handpiece 16. At the
`completion of this procedure, or
`in a
`totally different
`procedure,
`the mode switch 29 could be moved to its
`alternate position thereby activating the endermologie sec-
`tion 43.
`
`Given this operation of a preferred embodiment of the
`apparatus 10, details of the microdermabrasion handpiece 16
`will now be discussed with reference to FIGS. 3-5. FIG. 3
`is an exploded view showing a handle 72 having an axis 73
`extending longitudinally between a proximal end 74 and a
`distal end 76. An air stream control device 78 is disposed at
`the distal end 76 of the handle 72 in fluid communication
`with the lumens 67 and 69 and the flexible hose 15. The
`device 78 can be provided with external threads 81 which
`register with internal threads 83 on a cap 85. Alternatively
`the cap 85 can be friction fit onto the device 78 to facilitate
`a proper orientation of these twostructures. The cap 85 can
`be provided with a Knurled circumference 87 and an end
`wall 89 which forms with the device 78 and abrasion
`chamber 92. An abrasion window 94 in the end wall 89
`provides access to the abrasion chamber 92.
`A preferred embodiment 86 of the air stream control
`device 78 is illustrated in greater detail in the front elevation
`view of FIG. 4 and the cross-section view of FIG. 5, From
`these views it can be seen that the device 78 can include a
`supply nozzle 101 which is disposed in fluid communication
`with the lumen 67 of the hose 15. The nozzle 101 receives
`
`6
`extends generally parallel to the long side 121 ofthe window
`118. Both of the side walls 127 and 129 are disposed in
`respective planes 132 and 134 whichare generally parallel
`to the long side 121 and have an angular relationship with
`the axis 73. In a preferred embodiment, the planes 132 and
`134 of the sidewalls 27 and 29, respectfully, are generally
`perpendicular to each other.
`FIG. 8 illustrates a set 141 of three endermologie hand-
`pieces 143, 145 and 147. Each ofthese handpiecesis similar
`to the handpiece 18 illustrated in FIG. 1. Thus, the handpiece
`143 includes a handle section 149 which typically has a
`cylindrical configuration and a diameter which is comfort-
`able for the surgeon or technician to hold in bis hand. An
`operative section 152 is disposed distally of the handle
`section 149 and provided with a finger hole 153. This
`operative section 152 may also have a cylindrical configu-
`ration but will typically have a diameter greater than that of
`the handle section 149. A conical transition section 154 can
`be disposed between the handle section 149 and the opera-
`live section 152. A suction window 156 at the distal end of
`the handpiece 143 will typically have a diameter equivalent
`to that of the operative section 152.
`The handpieces 145 and 147 can be similar to the hand-
`piece 143 in that they will typically include a handle section,
`such as the section 149, and an operative section, such as the
`section 152. In the case ofthese handpieces 145 and 147, the
`diameter of the handle sections may be equivalent to the
`diameter of the handle section 149. However, the operative
`sections of the handpieces 145 and 147 will typically have
`windows 146 and 148,respectively, with diameters different
`than that of the window 156 in operative section 152. Thus,
`the set 141 will offer the surgeon or technician a choice of
`handpieces 143, 145 and 147 each having a suction window,
`such as the window 156, ofdifferent diameters. By selecting
`a particular one of the handpieces 143-147, a different
`suction pressure and size of operative area can be chosen.
`Another feature ofthe present inventionis associated with
`the crystal supply station 32 and crystal return station 34. In
`an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9, these stations 32 and 34
`each include a bottom support 158 typically fixed to the face
`plate 14, and a top support 161 which is attached to posts
`163 that extend through holes in the bottom support L58.
`Beneath the bottom support 158, the posts 163 are threaded,
`passed through associated springs 165, and terminated in
`associated nuts 167. Since the top support 161 is typically
`not fixed to the faceplate 14, it can be biased by the springs
`165 from an extended relationship to a closely spaced
`relationship with the bottom support 158. This structure
`enables the top support 161 to be moved upwardly to the
`extended relationship thereby permitting insertion of the
`canister 65 of crystals 63. Once the canister 65 is installed,
`the top support 161 can be released permitting the springs
`165 to bias the top support 161 into the closely spaced
`relationship with the bottom support 158, thereby capturing
`the canister 65.
`
`The crystal return station 34 can be similarly constructed
`with a bottom support 169,
`top support 172, post 174,
`springs 176 and nuts 178. Operation of this structure at the
`crystal return station 34 can similarly permit the removable
`installation of a disposable canister 181.
`As previously discussed with referenced FIG. 2, the first
`air stream can be introduced through the pick-up tube 64
`which extends into the crystals 63 within the canister 65.
`This tube 64 will typically have a U-shaped configuration
`thereby permitting accommodating both ends of the tubes 64
`to extend through the top support 161 while allowing an
`
`the flow of crystals 63 from the supply lumen 67 and
`introduces that flow into the abrasion chamber 92. Impor-
`tantly in this case, the nozzle 101 is positioned to direct the
`flow of crystals from the lumen 67 into the window 94. In
`an embodiment wherein the window 94 is disposed along
`the axis 73, and the lumen 67 is positioned in a parallel
`spaced relationship with the axis 73,
`the nozzle 101 is
`disposed at an angle a relative to the axis 73. Thus the flow
`of crystals 63 can be directed along a supply path 103 which
`has a distal component and an angle a relative to the axis 73.
`With the window 94 disposed at the distal most point ofthe
`end wall 89, the supply path 103 of this embodiment will
`always have a componentin the distal direction.
`After the flow of crystals 63 has abraded the patient’s skin
`through the window 94, the used crystals are then drawn
`along a return path 105 to an orifice 107 in the device 78.
`This orifice 107 is in fuid communication with the return
`lumen 69 of the hose 15 which sucks the crystals 63 into the
`hose 15 and from the hose 15 into the return station 34.
`It will be noted that in the embodiment of PIG. 5, the
`window 94 has the configuration ofa circle having its center
`disposed along the axis 73. Other shapes for the window 94 ;
`have been found particularly advantageous.
`In one such
`embodimentillustrated in FIGS. 6a and 6), the window 94
`has the configuration of a rectangle 109 having a long side
`112. This window 109 is formed in an end wall 114 which
`has a generally planer configuration and is positioned at an
`angle to the axis 73. The window 109 is formed in the end
`wall 114 with its long side 112 disposed generally parallel to
`a plane 116 (FIG. 4) passing through the nozzle 101 and
`orifice 107,
`In another embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7a and 7h, a
`rectangular window 118 similar to the window 109 and
`having a long side 121 is disposed in an end wall 123. This
`end wall 123 has a generally planer configuration and is
`disposed generally perpendicular to the axis 73. Extending
`from the window 118, are opposing sidewalls 127 and 129
`which extend proximally outwardly from the associated long
`sides of the window 118. For example, the sidewall 127
`
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`

`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`7
`intermediate section of the tube 64 to be deeply embedded
`the crystal 63. The crystal pick-up 66 is preferably disposed
`in this intermediate section 183 near the bottom of the
`canister 65. In a preferred embodiment, the pick up 66 is
`formed as a hole in the wall of the tube 64 thereby providing,
`access for the crystals 63 into the first air stream 47 in the
`tube 64, The hole 66 can be carefully sized to control the
`amount of crystals introduced into the tube 64 per unit
`volumeof the first air stream 47. The larger the hole 66, the
`greater the amountofcrystal introducedintothe stream and
`therefore the higher the crystal density within the first air
`stream. The smaller the hole the less the crystal density in
`the first air stream, Variations in the size of the hole 66 can
`be provided by removable plugs or adhesive patches asso-
`ciated with the intermediate section 183.
`
`30
`
`35
`
`8
`ized fluid, these and similar circumstances can be accom-
`modated by connecting various components of the system to
`the output of the vacuum pump 21. The pressurized air
`available at this location would then be introduced into the
`system in a reverse direction to back flush various compo-
`nents. In the example noted, the output of the crystal supply
`station 32 could be connected to the output of the vacuum
`pump 21 to back flush the hole 66 and dislodge any crystals.
`Other components ofthe system which might be connected
`lo the output of the vacuum pump 21 might include for
`example the conduit 41 as well as the conduits 52 and 54, the
`return lumen 69 of the handpiece 16, or the exit tube 186.
`It is of particular advantage that the microdermabrasion
`section 45 and endermologie section 43 can be combined in
`a single unit and operated from a single vacuum source and
`mode selector switch. Only a single unit need be purchased
`by the surgeon or
`technician in order to perform both
`functions. This will be particularly appreciated in those
`procedures where the microdermabrasion process is facili-
`tated by suction massage.
`Providing for pick up of the crystals 63 through the hole
`66 directly into the tube 64 is of particular advantage and
`permits control over the crystal density with an appropriate
`choice of diameter for the crystal pick-up hole 185.
`In
`addition, the provision of separate valves 27 and 68 in the
`microdermabrasion section 45, greatly increases the control
`over crystal density and velocity. Where the bleed valve 27
`controls crystal velocity but not crystal density, the bypass
`valve 68 controls crystal density but not crystal velocity.
`Given these wide variations, which are all within the
`scope of this concept, one is cautioned not
`to restrict the
`invention to the embodiments which have been specifically
`disclosed andillustrated, but rather encouraged to determine
`the scope of the invention only with reference to the fol-
`lowing claims.
`Whatis claimed is:
`1. Ahandpiece adapted for use with a microdermabrasion
`apparatus providing a flow of abrasive particulate to the
`handpiece, comprising:
`the handle extending
`a handle to be held by a user,
`longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end,
`the handle having a supply lumenfor directing the flow
`of abrasive particulate in a first direction;
`a cap defining with the distal endof the handle an abrasion
`chamber;
`an outlet nozzle disposed at the distal end ofthe handle in
`communication with the microdermabrasion apparatus
`and the abrasion chamber ofthe cap, for directing the
`flow of abrasive particulate in a second direction dif-
`ferent from the first direction and for introducing the
`flow ofabrasive particulate into the abrasion chamber
`along a supply path having a direction with a distal
`component;
`return orifice defined at the distal end of the handle in
`communication with the abrasion chamber for receiv-
`ing the flow of used abrasive particulate from the
`abrasion chamberalong a return path having a proximal
`component; and
`the cap having portions defining a window in communi-
`cation with the abrasion chamber and regions exterior
`of the handpiece, the window extending along portions
`of both the supply path and the return path.
`2. The handpiece recited in claim 1, further comprising:
`the nozzle being disposed to direct the flow of the abrasive
`particulate at
`the window so that
`the supply path
`extends into the window.
`
`oo
`
`The crystal return station 34 can be constructed in a
`manner similar to that of the crystal supply station 32 except
`thal the input to the station 34 is provided by an inlet tube
`184 in communication with the return lumen 69 from the
`tube 15, and an exit
`tube 186 in communication with
`secondary conduit 54 the first air stream 47. Otherwise, the
`bottom support 169, top support 172, post 174, springs 176
`and outs 178 can function in the manner previously dis-
`cussed to permit the removable insertion of the canister 181.
`The canister 181 can be provided with an O-ring 187 *
`which defines an inlet hole 189 into the canister 181. This
`O-ring 187 forms a seal with the inlet tube 184, which is in
`fluid communication with the return lumen 69 of the hand-
`piece 16. Adownspout 192 extends from the O-ring 187 into
`proximity with the opposite end of the canister 181.
`As the debris and used crystals 63 exit the handpiece 16,
`they travel along the return lumen 69 and the inlet tube 184
`to the return station 32, where they pass through the down-
`spout 192 and are collected in the canister 181. In an exit
`passage, clean air is provided to the secondary conduit 54
`which extends through a hole 196 defined by an O-ring 198
`disposed in the top of the canister 181. Attached to the
`O-ring 198 is a filter 203 which is preferably pleated and
`may be formed of paperorfabric.
`The filter 203 provides filtration of the air exiting the
`crystal return station 34 into the conduit 54. Since this exit
`air forms the first air stream which in turn must pass through
`the 3-way mode selector valve 29 and the vacuum pump 21,
`it
`is
`important
`that
`the crystals 63, and any fragments
`thereof, be removed by this exit filter 203.
`When the canister 181 is full,
`it can be removed by
`elevating, the top support 172 against the bias of the springs
`176 and withdrawing the canister 181 and ils O-rings 187
`and 196 from the associated tubes 184 and 186, The full
`canister 181 can then be discarded and replaced with an
`empty canister 181. Alternatively, the canister 181 can be
`made non-disposable and provided with a drain tube 188 and
`removable hemostat 190. This configuration will enable the
`contents of the canister L81 to be removed through the drain
`188 and collected in a biologically hazardous bag. A similar
`drain and hemostat can be used with a non-disposable
`canister 65 in the crystal supply station 32. This configura-
`tion will enable various grit sizes to be changed through the
`associated drain.
`
`45
`
`s
`
`55
`
`60
`
`Another feature of the present invention accommodates
`the need for back flushing all or various components of the
`system undercertain circumstances. For example, if one of
`the crystals 63 becomes lodgedin the hole 66 of the pickup
`tube 64, it may be desirable to blow air in a reverse direction
`through the crystal supply station 32. Realizing that
`the
`vacuum pump 21 will typically have an output of pressur-
`
`65
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 6,673,082 B2
`
`9
`3. The handpiece recited in claim 1 wherein the window
`is generally circular.
`4. The handpiece recited in claim 1 wherein the window
`is generally rectangular.
`5. The handpiece recited in claim 4 wherein the nozzle
`and the orifice are disposed in a common plane.
`6. The handpiece recited in claim 5 wherein the window
`has a long side disposed generally parallel to the common
`plane.
`7. The handpiece recited in claim 5 wherein the rectangle
`has a long side oriented generally perpendicular to the
`commonplane.
`8. Ahandpiece adapted for use with a microdermabrasion
`apparatus providing a flow of abrasive particulate to the
`handpiece, comprising:
`the handle extend