a2) United States Patent
`US 6,241,739 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`Waldron
`Jun. 5, 2001
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`
`
`6241 739B1
`
`USOO
`
`5/1991 Liang et al.
`.
`3,012,797
`8/1991 Summers et al. wc... 606/131
`5,037,431
`
`8/1991 Molinari .
`606/131
`5,037,432
`3/1992 Rosso .....
`606/131
`5,100,412
`ww 128/898
`5/1993 Rosso .
`5,207,234
`.
`9/1998 Banuchi
`.. 606/131
`5,800,446
`9/1998 Di Fiore et al.
`ve 606/131
`5,810,842
`s+ 606/131
`5,971,999 * 10/1999 Naldoni ......
`
`
`3/2000 Cormier wo. 600/562
`6,042,552 *
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`(*)
`Notice:—Subject to any disclaimer, the termofthis
`NewsRelease, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery,
`patent
`is extended or adjusted under 35
`An Update on Micro—Dermabrasion, May 19, 1999 pp. 1-2.
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`Nidecker, Anna, “Microdermabrader Offers Alternative to
`Laser, Peels”, [Skin & Allergy News 29(3) :48, 1998 Inter-
`national Medical News Group], pp. 1-2.
`* cited by examiner
`
`(54)
`
`MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE AND
`METHOD OF TREATING THESKIN
`SURFACE
`
`(75)
`
`(73)
`
`Inventor: Stephen H. Waldron, Camarillo, CA
`(US)
`
`Assignee: Altair Instruments, Inc., Camarillo,
`CA(US)
`
`(21)
`
`Appl. No.: 09/440,020
`
`
`
`(22
`
`(51)
`(52)
`(58)
`
`(56)
`
`Nov. 12, 1999
`Filed:
`
`. AGIB 17/50
`Int. Cl.” .....
`
`sansinubuatinasineanaans 606/131
`US. Cl.
`.....
`Field of Search 00...606/131; 600/562,
`600/569
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`ZeFOL SSE @
`2,712,823
`2,867,214
`2,881,763
`2,921,585
`3,964,212
`4,378,804
`4,957,747
`
`2EEISS COOPER swicadsscnrscnivvesavvtevsnectiens 600/369
`7/1955 Kurtin .
`1/1959 Wilson .
`4/1959 Robbins .
`1/1960 Schumann.
`
`6/1976 Karden: icici 51/170 PT
`4/1983 Cortese, Ir. .
`SAID WSUSLEE, wscsssssrememesrnccssecsnnnse 424/691
`
`Primary Examiner—lefirey A. Smith
`(74) Altorney, Agent, or Firm—Michael J. Ram; Koppel &
`Jacobs
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue collec-
`tion system, for remove ofouter layers of skin to provide a
`revitalized, fresh skin surface, and a method of using same,
`comprising an abrasive tipped tool mounted on the end ofa
`tube, said tube being connected to a source of vacuum. The
`vacuum aids in maintaining intimate contact between the
`abrasive tip and the skin during the treatment process and
`transports the removed tissue to a collection container.
`
`15 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
`
`4a
`
`ae
`
`
` LECHAS
`
`SEMIS
`
`Sinclair Pharma etal.
`EUNSUNG-1027
`
`1
`
`Sinclair Pharma et al.
`EUNSUNG-1027
`
`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.5, 2001
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`US 6,241,739 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.5, 2001
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`US 6,241,739 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.5, 2001
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`US 6,241,739 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun.5, 2001
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`US 6,241,739 B1
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 6,241,739 BI
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`1
`MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE AND
`METHOD OF TREATING THE SKIN
`SURFACE
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue col-
`lection system for remove of outer layers of skin to provide
`a revitalized, fresh skin surface. This objective is to remove
`dead and oldskin cells without damaging the remaining skin
`surface and without the use of powdered abrasive materials
`because these materials may result
`in undesirable side
`effects.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
`
`Dermabrasion, also referred to as microdermabrasion,is a
`process for removal of dead cells from the outermost layer
`of the skin, referred to as the epidermis, clean out blocked
`pores, and enhance skin tone. Additionally, the margins of
`acne scars and other traumatic scars can be erased and aging
`spots and sun damaged skin can be polish off. This must be
`accomplished without injuring the lower two layers, namely,
`the dermis and the subcutaneous layer or lower dermis.
`Typically, the skin surface is treated a minimum of 5 times
`spaced 7 to 10 days apart. This is then followed by periodic 2
`maintenance sessions. The benefits are:
`
`2
`containing suspended aluminum oxide (U.S. Pat. No. 4,957,
`747). U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,432 provides for the pressurized
`delivery, using compressed air, of a powdered, abrasive
`substance and the removal of the abrasive substance and
`loosened skin tissue using a vacuum. The abrasive substance
`is typically microcrystals of quartz, metal, or aluminum
`oxide. The powdered abrasive is blown through a wand
`which has a hole in the skin contact end to provide access of
`the abrasive to the skin surface being treated. An alternative
`is to cause the aluminum oxide powdersto flow by applying
`a vacuum to the exhaust side of a container holding the
`abrasive powderand entraining the powderin a flowing gas
`stream. The powder is then drawn by the vacuum through a
`treatmenttool, across the skin surface to abrade or rub off the
`epidermis and then recovered along with the skin particles in
`a collection chamber (U.S, Pat. Nos. 5,100,412; 5,207,234;
`5,810,842), This process is similar to “bead-blasting”. A
`potential disadvantage of all of these techniques is that
`particles can be lodged in the skin and a substantial amount
`of aluminum oxide and cells, which have to be properly
`disposed of, may be left behind on or in the skin.
`While no toxic effects have been shown from aluminum
`oxide left on or in the skin, this material has been shown to
`cause inflammatory changes to the lungs in workers who
`have inhaled aluminum oxide. (Schwarz, Y, et al., “Evalu-
`ation of Workers Exposed to Dust Containing Hard Metals
`and Aluminum Oxide” Am J of Ind Med, 34(20;177-82)
`August 1999), Also, the eyes must be protected from the
`highly abrasive dust, which can injure the cornea. Therefore,
`it
`is recommended that workers using these devices wear
`breathing masks and glasses to provide protection from
`ophthalmic and respiratory damage. Similar protection is
`suggested for patients being treated. It is also possible that
`particles of the abrasive material can be left imbedded in the
`skin surface resulting in long term irritation and provide a
`situs for bacterial infections.
`
`SUMMARYOF THE INVENTION
`
`The device for microdermabrasion comprises a hollow
`tube with and abrasive material permanentattachedto a skin
`contacting end. The abrasive coated tip is moved over the
`skin surface while a vacuum is applied through the tube to
`the skin surface to remove cells abraded from the skin
`surface. The vacuum also causes the skin to be held in
`intimate contact with the abrasive tip during the treatment
`procedure.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a device incorporating
`features of the invention.
`
`FIG. 2 is a partial cutaway view of a treatment tube and
`filter assembly used in the device of FIG, 1.
`FIG.3 is a schematic drawing of the vacuum flow path of
`the device of FIG. 1.
`
`FIG. 4 is a cutaway side view of the end ofthe treatment
`tube.
`
`FIG. 5 is an enlarged view ofthe circled portion of FIG.
`5A.
`FIGS. 6A and 7A, are cutaway side viewsof two different
`treatment tubes usable with the device of FIG. 1.
`FIGS. 6B and 7B are end views of the two different
`treatment tubes of FIGS. 6A and 7A.
`FIG. 8 is a cutaway side view of the end of a sloped
`treatment tube.
`FIG. 9 is a cutaway side view of the end of a tapered
`treatment tube.
`
`. poor, dull skin is enhanced by a gentle resurfacing of
`the superficial skin layers,
`2. expression lines typically seen on the forehead and
`around the mouth are softened,
`3. fine, crepey lines on the cheeks, generally caused by
`aging and sun damage are reduced,
`4. pigment changes and skin discoloration are reduced,
`5. enlarged pores are reduced and clogged pores typicalin
`acne conditions are exfoliated and cleaned out, and
`6. margins of superficial acne marks, stretch marks, burn
`scars and surgical scars can be smoothed.
`Use of abrasion techniques can be traced back to the
`ancient Egyptians who used alabaster and pumice to remove
`blemishes and rough spots and to make the skin smooth and
`soft. More recently, abrasive lipped devices or rotating
`brushes and cylinders coated with abrasive particles, such as
`diamond dust, have been used to remove skin layers (U.S.
`Pat. Nos. 2,712,823; 2,867,214; 2,881,763; 2,921,585). U.S.
`Pat. No, 5,800,446 describesa stick, glove finger tip or glove
`palm coated with an abrasive material which is rubbed over
`the skin surface to provide a polishing action. U.S. Pat. No.
`3,964,212 directed to a pneumatic grinding machine forfiat
`surfaces, incorporates a rotating grinding tool enclosed in a 5
`housing with air flowing over the surface to collect dust
`created by the grinding operation, 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. Chemicals,
`ultrasonic oscillating tips (U.S. Pat. No, 5,012,797) and
`lasers have also been used for a more aggressive abrasion.
`U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,431 deseribes the use of a pressurizedjet
`of a liquid, such as water or sterile saline, to fragment and
`remove diseased lissue without harming surrounding
`healthy tissue. This device operates in conjunction with
`vacuum aspiration to remove the liquid and fragmented
`lissue.
`trend is to abrade the skin surface using
`The present
`powdered aluminum oxide or a liquid topical composition
`
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`US 6,241,739 BI
`
`3
`FIG. 10 is a cutaway side view of a valved treatment tube.
`FIG, 11 is a cutaway side view of the end of a treatment
`tube with a second tube for delivery of a supplemental
`treatmentfluid.
`
`FIG. 12A is a side cutaway side view of the end of a
`treatment tube with an enlarged, sloped end.
`FIG. 12B is an end view of the treatment tube of FIG.
`12A.
`
`FIG. 13 is a side cutaway side view of the end of a
`treatment tube with an enlarged, sloped concave end.
`FIG. 14A is a view of a rectangular shaped treatment
`surface with the handle being the conduit for the vacuum.
`FIG. 14B is a cutaway side view ofthe end of a treatment
`tube with an enlarged, rectangular shaped end.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`4
`FIG. 3 shows the flow of the air stream through the
`vacuum system.
`IL comprising a vacuum pump 24,filter
`assembly 18, tubing 26 which connects the filler to the
`treatment tip 22 and vacuum line 36 connecting the filter
`assembly 18 to the vacuum pump 24. The vacuum pump 24
`is operated al a fixed speed to produce a fixed vacuum level.
`To control the level of vacuum applied through the treatment
`lip 22 to the skin, a valve 16 vents air into the system, thus
`reducing the amount of vacuum. Gauge 14 allows the level
`of vacuum to be monitored, Of course, the vacuum pump
`can be operated at different speeds to change the level of
`vacuum applied.
`Referring to FIG. 2, a vacuum is applied through the tube
`26 to a hole 38in the treatment tip 22. The tip 22 is brought
`into contact with skin, the vacuum causing the skin to be
`pressed against a roughened surface on the end 40 of the
`treatmenttip. As the tube is manually moved across skin the
`roughened surface abrades the epidermis dislodging cells
`from the surface. The vacuum causes the dislodged cells to
`The invention provides the capability to perform micro-
`flow into the wand assembly 26, The level of abrasion
`dermabrasion without the potential health risks or hazards of
`depends on the level of vacuum applied to the treatment tip
`using a owing, powdered metallic substance such as alu-
`and the size of the abrasive particles attached to the treat-
`minum oxide. This is generally accomplished by the use of
`ment tip.
`a tube having a
`treatment
`tip with an abrasive material
`FIG. 4 is a side view of the working end ofthe treatment
`permanently attached thereto. The term “tube” or “tubular”
`tube 22. The endof the treatment tube 22 has diamond grit
`used herein refers to an elongated hollow structure of any
`42 preferably adhered to the end ofa metal tube byaplating
`cross section, which includes, but is not limited to, a round,
`process using nickel 44 as a binder. The nickel 44 is applied
`oval, square or rectangle cross section. The abrasive coated
`in a controlled manner sothat sufficient nickel is present to
`end piece, which may also have various different shaped
`hold each piece of diamondin place, but yet allow a faceted
`cross sections, may be secured to the treatment
`tip or be
`portion of the diamondto be exposed,the sharp edges of the
`removable and interchangeable. The abrasive tip is rubbed
`diamond providing the cutting edges. A diamond particle
`over the skin surface being treated. The tube and related
`size of around 0.0035 inches (63-75 microns) produces a
`instrumentation also provides a vacuum collection and an
`smooth and uniform removal of skin surface. However,
`optionalfilter system for collection of the skin cells removed
`diamond particles from about 50 to about 150 microns can
`by the procedure, the skin cells being aspirated through a
`be used to produce different levels of abrasion, the larger
`hole or holes in the central portion of the abrasive tip. The
`particles removing more skin cells and performing the cell
`vacuum also aids in making an intimate contact between the
`removal more rapidly. However, if the particles are to large
`skin and the abrasive coated tip.
`the dermis can be damaged and injury to the second and
`FIG.
`1 shows the overall system which comprises a
`third layers of skin can occur. Very fine particles remove few
`housing 10 which encloses a vacuum pump 24, an ON/OFF
`skin cells and act more in a polishing manner. Other abrasive
`switch 12, a gauge 14 to measure the level of vacuum and
`materials, such as aluminum oxide, can be bonded to the
`a valve L6 to adjust the vacuum. While not necessary for
`treating tool lip or the tip itself can have a roughened surface
`cut into the end thereof. Use of an adhered aluminum oxide
`operation of the invention, shown mounted on the external
`surface of the housing 10 is a filter assembly 18. Attached to
`of about 100 grit (1514) provides a coarse (aggressive)
`the filter assembly 18 is a hollow tube or wand assembly 20
`treaiment, and use of about a 120 grit (127) material
`upon which the treatment tip 22 is mounted, The other end
`provides a medium level of treatment. Particles with a higher
`of the filter assembly 18 is connected to the vacuum pump
`grit (i.e. small size particles) would create more ofa pol-
`24 located inside the housing 10.
`ishing effect. Of course, many different hard abrasive mate-
`rials known to those skilled in the art, such as silicon
`FIG, 2 showsthe wand assembly 20 comprising tubing 26
`carbide, silicon oxide, and various metal nitrates can be used
`connecting the tip 22 and filter assemble 18. Within the filters
`in place of the diamond or aluminum oxide.
`assembly 18 is a filter pad 28 which collects the loosened
`The dimensions and materials used to construct the wand
`skin tissue and prevents the skin tissue or collected body
`fluids and oils from entering the vacuum pump. The various
`assembly 20 is not critical. However, a preferred treatment
`different tips 22 are discussed in detail herein below. The
`tip 22 is formed from a 12 mm ODstainless steel tube with
`a 6 mm ID and a diamond coated end. The stainless
`tubing 26 is flexible so that it is easy to manipulate the tip
`steel/diamond tool can be steam or chemical sterilized
`and to allow ready connection of the wand assembly 20 to
`an upper hollow extension 30 on the external surface of the
`between uses without damage. A first alternative would be to
`filter assembly 18 and a connectortube 32 on the tip. Since
`have a single use or single patient tube which is made of
`plastic,
`the end being coated with aluminum oxide, or
`the system uses vacuum, the connections are self-sealing.
`similar abrasive materials. The abrasive can also be adhered
`A lower hollow extension 34 extending from the filter
`with an adhesive, A further alternative would be a tube,
`assembly 18 fits into a matching hole on the main housing
`which could be stainless steel, plastic or other stiff tubular
`10. The filter assembly 18 is easily removable so that it can
`material, with a suitable removable and replaceable tip or a
`be replaced after each patient and disposed of. The filtration
`tip with an abrasive end surface formed by a machining
`pad 28 inside the filter housing 18 catches the debris but
`process.
`allows air to easily flow through the pad. The lower hallow
`FIG. 6a shows a removable disc 46 sizedto fit over the
`extension 34allows air pulled throughthe filter assembly 18
`end 40 of the tube 22. The disc 46 has an abrasive end or
`to be drawn into the vacuum pump 24.
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`US 6,241,739 BI
`
`5
`abrasive material attached to its outer end. During the
`procedure various dise with different abrasive characteristics
`can be interchanged and at the conclusion of the procedure
`the dise(s) 46 can be discarded.
`The end of the tube can also be made abrasive by
`machining the surface as shown in FIGS. 7a and 7b in a
`manner commonly called knurling. Diamond shaped pro-
`jections 48 are raised on the surface for abrading in any
`direction. This would be similar to the construction of wood
`and metal files. The tip as shown in FIG. 7b can also be
`provided which raised portions tapered and oriented in only
`one direction, similar to a saw teeth, except the tooth would
`only be a few thousands of an inch high, to achieve smooth
`abrading of the surface.
`Besides providing different means of abrasion on the end
`of the treatment tip 22, the contour or shape ofthe tip can
`be varied. FIGS. 6@ and 7a show a flat end. The flat end can
`provide a greater surface area in contact with the skin for an
`aggressive removal of surface cells. A concave surface as
`shown in FIG. 4, in conjunction with the vacuum applied to
`the skin surface results in a more uniform cutting surface on
`the skin. For easier access to difficult to reach locations the
`roughened ends can be sloped, as shown in FIG, 8, or
`tapered, rounded or cone shaped, as shown in FIG. 9,
`to
`better treat curved surfaces, such as the area between the
`cheek and the nose.
`
`The device uses a vacuum pump 24 which generates a
`constant level of vacuum, which is controlled (lessened) by
`the venting of air into the system by the valve 16 mounted
`in the housing 10. As an alternative, the full vacuum can be
`applied to the wand assembly 20. The level of vacuum can
`then be decreased by air vented into the system through vent
`hole 50 by adjusting flow control valve 52 mounted on the
`wand 20 or treatment tube 22, as shown in FIG. 10, The
`valve 52 can be configured to be a simple on/off control or
`variable so that suction can be readily adjusted by the
`operator while performing the procedure.
`While the treatment tube can be used alone to abrade the
`skin and the vacuum system can be configured to primarily
`pick up the loosened skin cells,
`it has been found that
`applying the vacuum through the hole 38 in the end of the
`treatment tip 40 provides an unexpected advantage. The skin
`being treated is pulled against the abrasive tip, thus increas-
`ing the effectiveness of the tissue abrasion and removal
`process. Sealing off ambient air raises the level of vacuum
`and makes the abrasion more aggressive. The concavetip as
`shown in FIG. 4 is particularly effective when used in
`conjunction with a vacuum,as il provides a larger surface
`area for the skin/abrasive material contact.
`As a further variation, the treatment tip 22 can have an
`enlarged abrasive coated end 56, 58 whichis flat and slopped
`or sloped and coneave such as shown in FIGS. 12A and 13
`respectively. While a single hole 38 in the center of the end
`56 may be used for applying the vacuum,the efficacy of the
`abrasive tip can be improved by using several holes 38
`therein FIG. 12B is an end view showing an example of a
`flat, sloped abrasive tip with multiple openings for applica-
`tion ofthe vacuum to the skin surface. An end view of the
`coneave tip of FIG. 13 would have a similar appearance.
`Further, while FIGS. 12A and 13 show the end to be part of
`the treatment tip 22 it could be a separate removable piece
`as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b, These configurations have
`particular utility in treating large flat body surfaces such as
`the chest, back and legs of an individual. They can also be
`used where a large abrasive treatment surface is desired but
`it is preferential to spread out the applicd vacuum sothat it
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`does not aggressively suck skin into the tip or suck the skin
`into the tip at a single point.
`FIG. 11 shows a second tube 54 mounted on the treatment
`tip 22. The tube could be used to allow the metered use of
`chemicals to enhance the abrasion or supply or other liquids
`to reducefriction.
`To use devices embodying the invention the vacuum is
`applied, through the treatmenttool, to the area of the skin to
`be treated while the abrasive surface, which surrounds the
`applied vacuum,is moved over the skin surface to be treated.
`The abrasive tip is typically moved over the skin surface in
`a circular motion. However, a combination of vertical and
`horizontal movements ofthe tip, with or without the circular
`movements, may also be usedto assure that the skin area is
`uniformly treated. Also, if a particular skin blemish or
`abnormality is to be treated. The tip motion canberestricted
`to that particular portion ofthe skin.
`FIGS. 14A and 14B showan elongated treatment end with
`a large central opening 59 for application of the vacuum to
`the skin. In this case the device has wide treatment, shaped
`like a razor, and elongated abrasive areas for debrading flat
`areas of skin,
`While the invention has been shown and described with
`reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appre-
`ciated by those skilled in the art
`that variations in form,
`detail, compositions and operation may be made without
`departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as
`defined by the accompanying claims.
`For example, the vacuum does not have to be provided by
`a vacuum pump with controller housing but can be provided
`by a centrally located vacuum system such as may be
`available in a hospital or medical
`facility. However,
`to
`prevent contamination of the vacuum system the filter
`assembly should be providedto collect the tissue removed.
`The abrasive tip has been described as formed by adhering
`or atlaching an abrasive material t thereto or machining the
`surface ofthe lip to create a roughened surface. However,
`one skilled in the art will recognize that there are numerous
`chemical and mechanical processes to create a roughened
`surface on the end of the treatment tip sufficient for per-
`forming the process described herein.
`I claim:
`1. A device for removing portions of the outer layers of
`skin comprising:
`a source of a vacuum, and
`a tube with an abrasive treatment up thereon for dislodg-
`ing cells from a surface being treated, the tube being,
`attached to the source of vacuum so that a lumen
`through the tube has a reduced pressure therein which
`is less than the ambient pressure surrounding the tube,
`the abrasive treatment tip having al
`least one opening
`therein for applying the reduced pressure within the
`tube to a skin surface, said vacuum causing the skin
`being treated to have an increasedarea of contact with
`the abrasive tip, the vacuum also functioning to collect
`tissue or cells removed from the skin surface being
`treated.
`2. The device of claim 1 wherein the source of vacuum is
`a vacuum pump enclosed within a housing, the housing have
`means thereon for monitoring and controlling the level of
`vacuum delivered.
`3. The device of claim 1 further including means for
`varying the level of reduced pressure applied through the
`treatmenttip.
`4. The device of claim 3 wherein the means for varying
`the level of reduced pressure applied through the treatment
`tip is a valve mechanism mounted in the treatment tube.
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`US 6,241,739 BI
`
`7
`5. The device of claim 3 wherein the means for varying
`the level of reduced pressure applied through the treatment
`lip is a valve mechanism in operative connection to the
`source of vacuum,
`6. The device of claim 1 wherein the abrasive tip has
`particles of diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, sili-
`con oxide or metal nitrides attached thereto.
`7. The device of claim 1 wherein the abrasive tip has a
`mechanically or chemically created roughened surface.
`8. The device of claim 1 further including a collection
`filter disposed between the treatment tip and the source of
`vacuum so that all particulate matter entering the at least one
`opening in the abrasive treatment tip is collected therein.
`9. A tubular device for performing micro-abrasion of a
`skin surface comprising a tubular device with a lumen there
`through,
`the tubular device having a first end with an
`abrasive surface and means on a second end thereof for
`
`attachment to a source of a vacuum to apply a negative
`pressure to a skin surface to be treated, said vacuum causing
`increased contact betweenthe skin surface and the abrasive
`surface.
`10. ‘The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive
`surface on the first end comprises crystalline diamond pieces
`permanently secured to said first end.
`11. The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive
`surface on the first end comprises crystalline aluminum
`oxide permanently secured to said first end.
`
`10
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`25
`
`8
`12. A method of treating the skin surface of a patient to
`remove surface cells and reduce undesirable skin blemishes
`comprising
`providing a tubular treatment tool with an abrasive skin
`contacting surface,
`providing a pressure through a lumen within the tubular
`treatment
`tool which is less than ambient pressure
`surrounding the treatment tube, and
`bringing the abrasive skin contacting surface into contact
`with the skin surface to be treated while said lesser
`pressure is delivered to the skin surface through the
`lumen and
`
`moving the abrasive skin contacting surface across the
`skin surface.
`13. The method of claim 12 wherein the abrasive skin
`contacting surface has an abrasive crystalline material
`adhered thereto.
`14. The method of claim 13 wherein the abrasive crys-
`talline material
`is sclected from the group consisting of
`crystals of diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide,sili-
`con oxide and metal nitrides,
`15. The method of claim 12 wherein the abrasive skin
`contacting surface is formed by a machining process.
`ae
`*
`*
`*
`*
`
`9
`
`

`

`a2) EX PARTE REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (6045th)
`United States Patent
`US 6,241,739 C1
`(10) Number:
`Waldron
`(45) Certificate Issued:
`Dec. 11, 2007
`
`
`
`39
`
`Cl
`
`US0062417
`
`(54) MICRODERMABRASION DEVICE AND
`METHOD OF TREATING THE SKIN
`SURFACE
`
`(75)
`
`Inventor: Stephen H. Waldron, Camarillo, CA
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Altair Instruments Ine., Camarillo, CA
`(US)
`
`(51)
`
`Reexamination Request:
`No, 90/007,683, Aug. 22, 2005
`Reexamination Certificate for:
`Patent No.:
`6,241,739
`Issued:
`Jun. 5, 2001
`Appl. No.:
`09/440,020
`Filed:
`Nov. 12, 1999
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`AGIB 17/54
`(2006.01)
`AGIB 17/32
`(2006.01)
`AGIB 17/00
`(2006.01)
`AGIH 9/00
`(58). SSCL racsssccnacssWistenciiiaac OOOASL
`. 606/131;
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`600/562, 569
`See applicationfile for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2.881.763 A *
`4/1959 Robbins wo... eee 606/131
`
`transports the removed tissue to a collection container.
`
`11/1965 Stryker
`3.214,869 A
`....
`--- 424/691
`9/1990 Stiefel
`4,957,747 A *
`
`.......0.0.0.... 606/151
`8/1991 Molinari
`§,037,432 A *
`6/1992 Harrel
`5,122,153 A
`5/1993 Rosso v.secccsssreeresseeeree 128/898
`5,207,234 A *
`9/1998 Di Fiore et al.
`............ 606/131
`5,810,842 A *
`3/1999 Salem
`5,882,201 A
`5,971,999 A * 10/1999 Naldoni .......ccccsee 606/131
`6,423,078 Bl
`*
`7/2002 Bays et al. occ606/131
`6,641,591 Bl
`11/2003 Shadduck
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 60/150,782, filed Aug. 26, 1999, Inventor
`John H. Shadduck.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Sara S Clarke
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue collec-
`tion system, for remove of outer layers of skin to provide a
`revitalized, fresh skin surface, and a method of using same,
`comprising an abrasive tipped tool mounted on the end of a
`tube, said tube being connected to a source of vacuum. The
`vacuum aids in maintaining intimate contact between the
`abrasive tip and the skin during the treatment process and
`
`10
`
`10
`
`

`

`US 6,241,739 Cl
`
`1
`EX PARTE
`REEXAMINATION CERTIFICATE
`ISSUED UNDER35 U.S.C. 307
`
`THE PATENT IS HEREBY AMENDED AS
`INDICATED BELOW.
`
`Matter enclosed in heavy brackets [ ] appearedin the
`patent, but has been deleted and is no longera partof the
`patent; matter printed in italics indicates additions made
`to the patent.
`
`AS A RESULT OF REEXAMINATION, IT HAS BEEN
`DETERMINED THAT:
`
`Claims 7 and 15 are cancelled.
`
`Claims 1, 2, 6 and 9-13 are determined to be patentable
`as amended.
`
`Claims 3—5, 8 and 14, dependent on an amended claim,
`are determined to be patentable.
`
`New claims 16-18 are added and determined to be
`patentable.
`
`C
`
`wa
`
`30)
`
`30
`
`1. A device for removing portions of the outer layers of
`skin comprising:
`a source of a vacuum, and
`tip thereon for
`treatment
`a tube with [an abrasive] a@
`dislodging cells from a surface being treated, the (reat-
`ment
`tip having an abrasive material permanently
`attached to an operating end thereof to provide a
`treatment delivery surface, the treatment delivery sur-
`face having an orientation fixed in regard to an axis
`extending longitudinally through the tube,
`the tube
`being attached to the source of vacuum sothat a lumen
`through the tube has a reduced pressure therein which
`is less than the ambient pressure surrounding the tube,
`the [abrasive] treatment [tip] delivery surface having
`[at least one opening] ore or more openings therein for
`continuously applying the reduced pressure within the
`tube through substantiallyall said one or more open-
`ings to a skin surface, said continuously applied
`vacuum causing the skin being treated to have an
`increased area of contact with the abrasive material
`permanently attached to the treatmenttip, the vacuum
`also functioning, to collect tissue or cells removed from
`the skin surface being treated.
`2. The device of claim 1 wherein the source of vacuum is
`a vacuum pump enclosed within a housing, the housing
`[have] f/aving means thereon for monitoring and controlling
`the level of vacuumdelivered.
`6. The device of claim 1 wherein the abrasive material
`permanently attached to the treatment tip [has] comprises ~
`particles of diamond, aluminumoxide, silicon carbide, sili-
`con oxide or metal nitrides [attached thereto].
`9, A tubular device for performing micro-abrasion ofa
`skin surface comprising a [tubular device] swbe with a lumen
`there through, the [tubular device] ube having a first end
`with an abrasive surface provided by an abrasive material
`permanently attached thereto, the first end having one or
`niore openings in the abrasive surface, said abrasive surface
`being at afixed orientation to an axis through the lumen, and
`means on a second end [thereof] of the tube for attachment
`to a source of a vacuum [to apply] which continuously
`provides a negative pressure through said one or more
`
`30
`
`ap
`
`2
`openings in the abrasive surface substantially simulta-
`neously to a skin surface to be treated, said vacuum causing
`increased contact betweenthe skin surface and the abrasive
`material attached to said surface ofthe first end.
`10. The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive
`material permanentlyattached to the surface onthefirst end
`comprises crystalline diamond pieces [permanently secured
`to said first end].
`11. The tubular device of claim 9 wherein the abrasive
`material permanently attachedto the surface on thefirst end
`comprises crystalline aluminumoxide [permanently secured
`to said first end].
`12. A method oftreating the skin surface ofa patient to
`remove surface cells and reduce undesirable skin blemishes
`comprising
`providing a tubular treatment tool with [an abrasive] a
`skin contacting surface having an abrasive material
`permanently attached to the end thereof, the skin con-
`tacting surface being non-rotational during use,
`providing[a pressure] through a lumen within the tbular
`treatment tool and one or more holes in the end ofsaid
`tool a pressure which is less than ambient pressure
`surrounding the treatment tube, and
`bringing the [abrasive] end ofthe skin contacting surface
`having an abrasive material permanently attached
`thereto into contact with the skin surface to be treated
`while said lesser pressure is delivered to the skin
`surface through [the lumen] the one or more holes in
`contact with the skin surface in the end ofsaid tool, and
`moving the abrasive material ow the skin contacting
`surface across the skin surface.
`13. The method of claim 12 wherein the [abrasive] skin
`contacting surface has an abras