WO1999059485A1 - Removal of stratum corneum by means of light - Google Patents
Removal of stratum corneum by means of light Download PDFInfo
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- WO1999059485A1 WO1999059485A1 PCT/US1999/010860 US9910860W WO9959485A1 WO 1999059485 A1 WO1999059485 A1 WO 1999059485A1 US 9910860 W US9910860 W US 9910860W WO 9959485 A1 WO9959485 A1 WO 9959485A1
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- light
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- patient
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- lens
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
- A61B18/203—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser applying laser energy to the outside of the body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150015—Source of blood
- A61B5/150022—Source of blood for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15134—Bladeless capillary blood sampling devices, i.e. devices for perforating the skin in order to obtain a blood sample but not using a blade, needle, canula, or lancet, e.g. by laser perforation, suction or pressurized fluids
- A61B5/15136—Bladeless capillary blood sampling devices, i.e. devices for perforating the skin in order to obtain a blood sample but not using a blade, needle, canula, or lancet, e.g. by laser perforation, suction or pressurized fluids by use of radiation, e.g. laser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
- A61B10/0045—Devices for taking samples of body liquids
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B18/18—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves
- A61B18/20—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves using laser
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00017—Electrical control of surgical instruments
- A61B2017/00022—Sensing or detecting at the treatment site
- A61B2017/00057—Light
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B2017/00743—Type of operation; Specification of treatment sites
- A61B2017/00747—Dermatology
- A61B2017/00765—Decreasing the barrier function of skin tissue by radiated energy, e.g. using ultrasound, using laser for skin perforation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00315—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body for treatment of particular body parts
- A61B2018/00452—Skin
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B18/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
- A61B2018/00636—Sensing and controlling the application of energy
Definitions
- This invention relates to a method and apparatus for forming an opening in the skin for the purpose of providing access to biological fluids for determining the concentration of analytes in the biological fluids.
- diabetes The prevalence of diabetes has been increasing markedly in the world. At this time, diagnosed diabetics represented about 3% of the population of the United States. It is believed that the total actual number of diabetics in the United States is over 16,000,000. Diabetes can lead to numerous complications, such as, for example, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy. The most important factor for reducing diabetes-associated complications is the maintenance of an appropriate level of glucose in the blood stream. The maintenance of the appropriate level of glucose in the blood stream may prevent and even reverse many of the effects of diabetes. Glucose monitoring devices of the prior art have operated on the principle of taking blood from an individual by a variety of methods, such as by needle or lancet.
- Tankovich U. S. Patent No. 5,423,803, discloses a process for the removal of superficial epidermal skin cells in the human skin.
- a contaminant having a high absorption in at least one wavelength of light is topically applied to the surface of the skin. Some of the contaminant is forced to infiltrate into spaces between superficial epidermal cells.
- the skin section is illuminated with short laser pulses at the above wave-length, with at least at least one of the pulses having sufficient energy to cause some of the particles to explode tearing off the superficial epidermal cells.
- the contaminant includes 1 micron graphite particles and the laser used in a Nd:YAG laser.
- Zahrov discloses a method for perforating skin comprising the steps of (a) focusing a laser beam in the shape of an ellipse at the surface of the skin with sufficient energy density to create a hole at least as deep as the keratin layer and at most as deep as the capillary layer; and (b) creating at least one hole, each hole having a width between 0.05 and 0.5 mm and a length of equal to or less than 2.5 mm.
- This patent discloses a variety of lasers suitable for carrying out this method.
- the method disclosed in Zahrov is limited to light source having a wavelength of 2940 nm. As stated previously, laser light of this wavelength can be provided by a Er:YAG light source, which is very expensive.
- a focused laser beam is used to form a small opening in the stratum corneum.
- a critical limitation of lasers in general is cost and power. The higher the power of a laser, the higher is its cost. If, in a desire to lower costs, a low power laser is used, the formation of an opening in the stratum corneum is preferably carried out by means of multiple light pulses. When multiple light pulses are used, it is desirable to cause each pulse, i.
- the first pulse and subsequent pulses to strike the same area of the skin of the patient at the best focus, thereby increasing the efficiency of the application of light to the target, and minimizing the spreading of the light over a large area of the skin of the patient.
- the focus of the laser because of random movement of the patient, it is difficult to maintain the focus of the laser at the best focus.
- This invention provides methods and apparatus for focusing, aligning, or both focusing and aligning pulsed light on the surface of the skin of a patient.
- the light can be used to form an opening, or pore, in the skin of the patient, from which opening or pore biological fluid can be obtained.
- the invention involves a method for focusing light on a surface of skin of a patient.
- the method for focusing light comprises the steps of:
- the pulsed light When the pulsed light is properly focused, i. e., when it is characterized by the best focus, it can be used to provide energy to form an opening in the skin of the patient.
- a pulsed beam of light driven at a level of energy at which an opening in the skin can be formed, can be caused to pass through the lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient, whereby formation of an opening in the skin occurs.
- the invention involves a method for focusing light comprising the steps of:
- a pulsed beam of light driven at a level at which formation of an opening in the skin can occur, can be caused to pass through the lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient, whereby formation of an opening in the skin occurs.
- a dichroic filter can be used to direct light to the skin from the light source and from the skin to the detector.
- the invention in another aspect, involves a method for focusing and aligning light on a surface of skin of a patient.
- aligning the light prior to each pulse will improve the efficiency of formation of the opening.
- the method for aligning and focusing is the same as the method for focusing, with the difference being that aligning further includes a step for moving the spot of light formed by the source of light so that light strikes the surface of the skin at or near the position on the surface of the skin of the patient at which the previous spot of light struck the skin.
- the method for focusing and aligning light comprises the steps of:
- the pulsed light is properly focused and aligned, e. g., when it is characterized by the best focus and best alignment, it can be used to provide energy to form an opening in the skin of the patient.
- causing a pulsed beam of light preferably driven at a level of energy that is insufficient to form an opening in the skin of the patient, to pass through a lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient;
- a pulsed beam of light driven at a level at which formation of an opening in the skin can occur is caused to pass through the lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient, whereby formation of an opening in the skin occurs.
- steps (1) , (2), (3), (4) and the opening-forming step can be repeated until the opening formed in the skin is of the desired size.
- the invention involves a method for focusing and aligning light comprising the steps of:
- a pulsed beam of light driven at a level at which formation of an opening in the skin can occur is caused to pass through the lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient, whereby formation of an opening in the skin occurs.
- steps (1), (2), (3), (4) and the opening-forming step can be repeated until the opening formed in the skin is of the desired size.
- a dichroic filter can be used to direct light to the skin from the light source and from the skin to the detector.
- this invention involves a method for aligning light on the surface of the skin of a patient, which method comprises the steps of:
- the pulsed light When the pulsed light is properly aligned, e. g., when it is characterized by the best alignment, it can be used to provide energy to form an opening in the skin of the patient.
- the invention involves a method for aligning light on the surface of the skin of a patient comprising the steps of:
- the invention involves a method for forming an opening in the surface of the skin of a patient comprising the steps of:
- a pulsed beam of light driven at a level at which formation of an opening in the skin can occur is caused to pass through the lens to project a spot on the surface of the skin of the patient, whereby formation of an opening in the skin occurs.
- steps (1), (2), (3), (4) and the opening-forming step can be repeated until the opening formed in the skin is of the desired size.
- the use of the method of this invention eliminates the need for two sources of light, namely a first source of light for focusing or aligning or focusing and aligning the light that forms the opening and a second source of light for forming an opening in the skin.
- the same source of light used for focusing or aligning the opening-forming light can be used for forming an opening in the skin.
- the errors that typically arise when using a focusing light separate from the opening-forming light are reduced.
- the invention in another aspect, involves an apparatus suitable for focusing and aligning light.
- the apparatus comprises (a) a source of pulsed light, (b) a means for projecting pulsed light onto the surface of the skin of a patient, (c) a means for adjusting for alignment and focus of the pulsed light, and (d) a means for collecting light reflected from the surface of the skin and projecting the collected, reflected light onto a detector to determine the adjustment required for best alignment and best focus.
- the apparatus comprises:
- a source of pulsed light capable of being driven at a level of energy at which formation of an opening in the skin cannot occur;
- a lens for collimating light from said source of pulsed light
- the detector is preferably the type of detector that has a central detection zone surrounded by a peripheral detection zone.
- the foregoing apparatus may further include a mechanism for moving the focusing/alignment lens when the detector indicates that movement would reduce the distance between the spots on the skin struck by successive pulses of light.
- other means for adjusting the focusing and alignment or both include, but are not limited to, mechanisms for moving the entire apparatus, mechanisms for moving the source of light, mechanisms for moving the lenses, and the like.
- the invention makes it possible to minimize the number of pulses of light needed to form an opening in the surface of the skin of a patient.
- the invention makes it possible to cause a given pulse of light to strike the skin at a position different from that struck by a previous pulse of light.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for use in this invention.
- FIG. 2A is a top view of a spot of light striking a bulls-eye detector wherein the spot is in focus and the light is properly aligned.
- FIG. 2B is a top view of a spot of light striking the detector wherein the spot is out of focus.
- FIG. 3 is a top view of a spot of light striking a bulls-eye detector wherein the light is out of alignment.
- FIG. 4A is a top view of a spot of light striking an array detector wherein the spot of light is not aligned and not properly focused.
- FIG. 4B is a top view of a spot of light striking an array detector wherein the spot of light is properly aligned and properly focused.
- FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a bulls-eye detector wherein the peripheral zone is divided into quadrants and the spot of light is not aligned.
- FIG. 5A is a schematic view of a bulls-eye detector wherein the peripheral zone is divided into quadrants and the spot of light is properly aligned and properly focused.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for use in this invention, wherein a polarizing beam splitter is used to direct the light toward the skin.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for use in this invention, wherein the incident beam and the beam reflected from the skin are separated by an angle.
- FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an apparatus suitable for use in this invention, wherein same the illuminating beam and the detected beam share the same aperture.
- the expression "surface of the skin”, and the like, is intended to include the surface of the skin in an untreated condition and the surface of the skin in a treated condition.
- the surface of the skin in the untreated condition simply means the bare surface of the skin.
- the surface of the skin in the treated condition means the bare surface of the skin onto which is applied a material capable of absorbing light at some wavelength.
- the particular type of application of the material is not critical and includes, but is not limited to, a coating of light absorbing material applied as a liquid, gel, powder, and the like, a layer of light absorbing material applied as a tape, a strip, a layer, a sheet, and the like.
- the expression “best focus” means the distance of the lens from the surface of the skin that provides a spot on the skin of a size that generates the desired opening in the skin.
- the expression “best alignment” means the distance between a pre-determined location on the surface of the skin of a patient and the location at which the pulsed light strikes the surface of the skin is as close to zero as can be effected with a given apparatus.
- pre-determined means determined prior to the emission of a given pulse of light. Typically, suitable pre-determined ranges are determined by trial-and-error.
- the term “spot” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a spot of any shape, such as, for example, circular, elliptical, and so forth.
- the term “optimized” means that the light is projected, as by reflection, onto the detector such that the distribution of the light is characterized by the best focus.
- the expression "a level of energy at which formation of an opening in the skin can occur” includes (a) a level of energy at which the desired opening in the skin can be caused to occur with a single pulse of light and (b) a level of energy at which a partial opening in the skin can be caused to occur with a single pulse of light but at which the desired opening can be caused to occur only with multiple pulses of light.
- This invention involves methods for focusing, aligning, or both focusing and aligning pulsed light so that the light strikes the desired position on a region of the skin of a patient.
- the desired position includes both desired depth position, which involves focusing, and desired regional position, which involves alignment.
- These methods can be followed by a method for forming an opening in the surface of the skin by means of pulsed light.
- biological fluid e. g., blood or interstitial fluid
- an assay to determine the presence and/or concentration of an analyte, e. g. glucose, in the biological fluid.
- Proper focusing of light is necessary to form an opening in the skin of a given size with a low expenditure of power within a short period of time.
- the light is not properly focused, a greater period of time and a greater amount of power are required than if the light is properly focused. Moreover, if the light is not properly focused, the size of the opening in the skin may be too large or too small. If the opening is too large, healing of the wound may require an excessive amount of time. If the opening is too small, the difficulty of obtaining biological fluid within a reasonable period of time is increased. Proper alignment of light is necessary for the same reasons as is proper focusing of light. If the light is not properly aligned, a greater period of time and a greater amount of power are required than if the light is properly aligned.
- One benefit of proper alignment is to cause each pulse of light that is optimally focused to strike substantially the same position on a region of the skin, thereby minimizing the number of pulses of light needed to form an opening or pore in the skin at that position.
- another benefit of proper alignment is to cause each pulse of light that is optimally focused to strike a different position of the skin from that struck by a previous pulse, so that a plurality of openings can be formed in the skin in a given region of the skin.
- the method for focusing and aligning light comprises the steps of: (1) projecting at least one pulse of light, preferably driven at a level of energy insufficient to form an opening in the skin of the patient, onto the surface of the skin of the patient;
- a preferred method for focusing and aligning pulsed light comprises the following steps:
- the method for focusing and aligning comprises the steps of:
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus suitable for carrying out this invention.
- the apparatus 10 comprises a source of light 12, which transmits a beam of light, designated by the letter "L".
- the source of light is preferably a laser.
- Other sources of light include, but are not limited to, light emitting diodes, flash lamps, and the like.
- the beam of light is collimated by a lens 14.
- the beam of collimated light strikes a semi- silvered mirror 16. A majority of the light is reflected; a minority of the light is transmitted.
- the reflected light is focused on the surface of the skin, designated by the letter "S" by a lens 18. A portion of the light striking the skin is reflected back through the lens 18 and through the mirror 16.
- the light passing through the mirror 16 is then focused onto a bulls-eye detector 20 by means of a lens 22.
- the lens 18 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially parallel to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 24 of the bulls-eye detector 20.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- the light reflected from the surface of the semi-silvered mirror is properly focused on the skin, it is also properly focused on the central detection zone 24 of the bulls-eye detector 20. See FIG. 2A.
- the light reflected from the surface of the semi-silvered mirror is not properly focused on the skin, a greater quantity of light strikes the peripheral detection zone 26 of the bulls-eye detector 20 than would be the case when the light is properly focused. See FIG. 2B.
- the lens 18 is moved as necessary (i.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin
- Sources of light that are suitable for use with this invention include, but are not limited to, lasers.
- Lasers suitable for forming an opening in the skin to draw biological fluid are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art. See for example, U. S. Patent Nos. 4,775,361 , 5,165,418, 5,374,556, International Publication Number WO 94/09713, Lane et al. (1984) IBM Research Report - "Ultraviolet-Laser Ablation of Skin", and WO 97/07734, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- Lasers that are suitable for forming an opening in the skin the skin include, but are not limited to, E ⁇ YAG, Nd:YAG, He:Ne, and semiconductor lasers.
- Lasers suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, diode lasers, gas lasers, and pumped lasers. It is preferred that the laser be capable of providing pulsed light. It is further preferred that the laser be capable of modulating the intensity of the light. Flash lamps, e. g., sources of pulsed high intensity white light, are also suitable for use with this invention. Light emitting diodes are also suitable for use in this invention.
- Lenses suitable for use in this invention are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
- the lenses can be maneuvered into proper position by electromechanical actuators, such as motors, solenoids, and voice coils.
- Detectors suitable for use in this invention should be capable of measuring the intensity of the light at a specific wavelength of the light source. Representative examples of detectors suitable for use in this invention include bulls-eye detectors, array detectors, and quadrant detectors. Detectors are well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are commercially available.
- the detector 20 comprises a central detection zone 24 surrounded by at least one peripheral detection zone 26.
- the central detection zone can be in the shape of a circle.
- the peripheral detection zone or zones, which surround the central detection zone can be in the shape of an annular ring or concentric annular rings.
- alignment is carried out by moving the focusing lens in a direction parallel to the surface of the skin in order to maximize the signal on the central detection zone 24.
- FIG. 3 illustrates the manner in which light is projected on the detector when the light projected onto the skin is both misaligned and out of focus.
- FIG. 2B illustrates the manner in which light is projected onto the bulls-eye detector when the light is not optimally focused.
- FIG. 2A illustrates the manner in which light is projected onto the bulls-eye detector when the light is optimally focused.
- the modification involves dividing the annular region of the detector into a plurality of segments.
- the detector 30 has a central detection zone 32 and a peripheral detection zone 34, which is divided into four segments 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d, or quadrants.
- the detector can have more than four segments or less than four segments. Because four separate detectors surround the central detection zone, a direct determination of both magnitude and direction of the misalignment can be made. Thus, a direct one step alignment can be made. As with the simplified bulls-eye detector, this process is improved when the incident light is spread over multiple detector segments, as when the system is defocused. Another type of detector suitable for use in the invention, which is illustrated in FIGS.
- FIG. 4A and 4B is an area array detector 40.
- the area array detector requires greater complexity in electronics to process the larger number of detection elements, direct determination of both alignment and focus are easily made.
- High resolution area array detectors such as the CCD or photodiode arrays used in video cameras or image capture systems allow an additional capability over the bulls-eye type detectors. Because of their ability to image the skin, the high resolution area array detectors can provide information about non-functional regions on the skin, such as regions covered by a hair of the body.
- FIG. 6 shows a schematic drawing of an apparatus that uses a polarizing beam splitter to direct the light toward the skin.
- the apparatus 110 comprises a source of light 112, which transmits a beam of light, designated by the letter "L".
- the beam of light is collimated by a lens 114.
- the beam of collimated light encounters a polarizing beam splitter 115.
- the horizontally polarized beam is reflected by the hypotenuse face 115a of the polarizing beam splitter 115.
- the reflected beam then passes through a quarter wave linear retarder 116 oriented at a 45° angle (with respect to the horizontal plane defined by the polarization state), thereby converting the beam to right circularly polarized light.
- the right circularly polarized light then passes through a lens 118 to strike the surface of the skin, designated by the letter "S".
- the specular reflection from the surface of the skin converts the polarization state to left circularly polarized light (due to the coordinate transformation from reflection).
- the left circularly polarized light is converted to vertically polarized light as it passes through the quarter wave retarder 116 in the opposite direction.
- the vertically polarized light is then transmitted through the polarizing beam splitter 115 onto the detector 120 by means of a lens 122.
- the source of light is a semi-conductor laser, it is oriented such that the beam of light is horizontally polarized (polarized within the plane of the page). If the source of light provides unpolarized light, a linear polarizer (shown/not shown) is placed in the beam with its transmission axis oriented horizontally.
- the lens 118 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially parallel to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 124 of the bulls-eye detector 120.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- the light reflected from the polarizing beam splitter 115 is properly focused on the skin, it is also properly focused on the central detection zone 124 of the bulls-eye detector 120.
- the lens 118 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 124 of the bulls-eye detector 120.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- FIG. 7 shows a schematic drawing of an apparatus in which the incident beam of light and beam of light reflected from the skin are separated by an angle.
- the apparatus 210 comprises a source of light 212, which transmits a beam of light, designated by the letter "L".
- L a beam of light
- the beam of light is collimated by a lens 214.
- the beam of collimated light passes through lens 216 and strikes the surface of the skin, designated by the letter "S”.
- the skin is illuminated at an angle of 30° (from the skin surface normal).
- the specular reflection from the skin is collected also at a 30° angle. Although 30° angles are shown, other angles may be chosen.
- the choice of angles is dictated by the desired geometry of the opening to be formed in the skin, the size of the components needed to secure the lenses, and other considerations involving mechanical devices.
- a portion of the light striking the skin is reflected back through a lens 218.
- the light is then focused onto a bulls-eye detector 220 by means of a lens 222.
- the central detection zone 224 of the bulls-eye detector 220 When the light reflected from the surface of skin is not properly aligned on the skin, a greater quantity of light strikes the peripheral detection zone 226 of the bulls-eye detector 220 than would be the case when the light is properly aligned.
- the lens 218 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially parallel to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 224 of the bulls-eye detector 220.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- the light reflected from the surface of the skin is properly focused on the skin, it is also properly focused on the central detection zone 224 of the bulls-eye detector 220.
- the light reflected from the surface of the skin is not properly focused on the skin, a greater quantity of light strikes the peripheral detection zone 226 of the bulls-eye detector 220 than would be the case when the laser light is properly focused.
- the lens 218 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 224 of the bulls-eye detector 220.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- FIG. 8 shows a schematic drawing of an apparatus in which the illumination beam and detection beam share the same aperture.
- the apparatus 310 comprises a source of light 312, which transmits a beam of light, designated by the letter "L".
- the beam of light is collimated by a lens 314.
- the beam of collimated light strikes a mirror 316.
- the light reflected from the mirror 316 is focused on the surface of the skin, designated by the letter "S" by a lens 318.
- the mirror illuminates half of the aperture of lens 318. A portion of the light striking the skin is reflected back through the lens 318.
- All of the light reflected from the skin passes through the lens 318.
- Half the light reflected from the skin and passing through the lens 318 is directed toward the source of light, and the other half is directed toward the detector.
- the light passing through the lens 318 is then focused onto a bulls-eye detector 320 by means of a lens 322.
- the light reflected from the surface of the mirror 316 is properly aligned on the skin, it is also properly aligned on the central detection zone 324 of the bulls-eye detector 320.
- the light reflected from the surface of the mirror 316 is not properly aligned on the skin, a greater quantity of light strikes the peripheral detection zone 326 of the bulls-eye detector 320 than would be the case when the light is properly aligned.
- the lens 318 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially parallel to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 324 of the bulls-eye detector 320.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- the light reflected from the surface of the mirror 316 is properly focused on the skin, it is also properly focused on the central detection zone 324 of the bulls-eye detector 320.
- the lens 318 is moved as necessary (i. e., substantially perpendicular to the surface of the skin) to cause the optimal amount of the transmitted light to strike the central detection zone 324 of the bulls-eye detector 320.
- the light can then be used to provide a pulsed beam of light having a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening in the skin.
- a photosensitive dye is used to cover the region of the skin that is to be struck by the pulsed laser light.
- Photosensitive dyes that are suitable for use in this invention should be coordinated with the laser selected for use in the invention. For example, if the light from the laser has a given wavelength, such as 880 nm, the photosensitive dye should be able to absorb light at that wavelength, i. e., 880 nm.
- Representative examples of classes of dyes include the polymethine, porphine, indathrene, quinone, and triphenylmethane classes of dyes.
- the expression "photosensitizing material” means a compound or mixture of compounds that absorb electromagnetic radiation.
- photosensitizing materials include, but are not limited to, photothermal materials, photochemical, and photomechanical materials.
- Photothermal materials are compound, or mixtures of compounds, that absorb electromagnetic radiation and radiate thermal energy.
- Photochemical materials are those in which a chemical reaction occurs as a result of absorbing electromagnetic energy.
- Photomechanical materials are those in which a physical response, e. g., explosion of particles, generation of a pressure wave, occurs as a result of absorbing electromagnetic energy.
- the expression "photosensitizing assembly” means a structure comprising at least one layer containing a photosensitizing material.
- the structure may take the form of a film, sheet, block, membrane, gel, woven fabric, non-woven fabric, or combination of the foregoing.
- polymer means a compound containing repeating structural units.
- the repeating structural units i. e., monomers, include, but are not limited to, cellulosics, alkylene, ester, carbonate, amide, acrylic, agar, vinyl, and the like.
- adheresive means a compound, or mixture of compounds, that promote adhesion between two surfaces.
- a photosensitizing material can be provided in such a manner that it can be applied to skin in a reproducible manner, i. e., the quantity of photosensitizing material to which the skin is exposed can be known accurately.
- Photosensitizing materials suitable for use in this invention are capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths.
- Electromagnetic radiation considered to be suitable for this invention include radiation from the ultraviolet, visible and infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is preferred, however, that visible radiation and infrared radiation be employed.
- Ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength ranging from about 10 nm to about 380 nm.
- Visible radiation has a wavelength ranging from about 380 nm to about 780 nm.
- Infrared radiation has a wavelength ranging from about 780 nm to about 50,000 nm.
- Photosensitizing materials suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, dyes and pigments.
- the term "pigment” is used to describe the class of colorants that are practically insoluble in the media in which they are applied. Pigments retain a particulate form, suspended in the media.
- the term “dye” is used to describe colorants that are soluble, or at least partially soluble, in the media in which they are applied. Dyes exhibit an affinity to the substrate to which they are applied.
- Classes of dyes that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, diphenylmethane dyes, methine-polymethine dyes, porphine dyes, indathrene dyes, quinones, dithiol metal complexes, dioxazines, dithiazines, polymeric chromophores.
- Classes of pigments that are suitable for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, carbon black, carbon based pigments, metals, metal sols, dyed latexes, inorganic pigments.
- Colorants that are preferred for this invention include, but are not limited to, copper phthalocyanine, indocyanine green, nigrosin, prussian blue, colloidal silver (20 to 100 nm diameter), carbon black, IR-780, IR-140, irgalan black, naphthol green B, tellurapyryllium, and vanadyl tetra-t-butyl-naphthalocyanine.
- particles of the dyes or pigments must be of a size that they can readily be blended with carrier materials.
- Carrier materials suitable for use with dyes and pigments include, but are not limited to, solid polymers, adhesives, gels, inks.
- These materials comprise polymeric materials such as acrylics, silicones, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyimides, cellulosics, polyvinyl derivatives, polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. It is preferred that the particles of dyes and pigments have a major dimension, e. g., length, diameter, no greater than about 50 ⁇ m.
- the photosensitizing material should not adversely affect the patient.
- the photosensitizing material should be able to withstand elevated temperatures.
- the photosensitizing material preferably does not melt or decompose at temperatures below about 120° C.
- the photosensitizing material should be capable of absorbing a sufficient amount of light to convert it to an amount of thermal energy sufficient to cause permeation of the skin.
- the photosensitizing material can be applied to a substrate by means of a carrier.
- the carrier is a material in which the photosensitizing material can be uniformly dissolved if a dye or uniformly suspended if a pigment.
- Carriers that are suitable for uniformly suspending dyes include, but are not limited to, solid polymers, adhesives, gels, inks.
- Carriers that are suitable for uniformly suspending pigments include, but are not limited to, solid polymers, adhesives, gels, inks.
- the concentration of photosensitizing material in the carrier can vary. However, that concentration must be sufficient to provide the level of energy required for the desired function within the desired period of time.
- the concentration of photosensitizing material in the carrier should be sufficient to absorb at least 10% of the input energy, preferably 50% of the input energy, more preferably 90% of the input energy.
- This parameter can also be expressed in terms of the rate of heat generation in watts per cubic centimeter.
- a sufficient concentration of dye is typically that required to obtain an optical density greater than 1.0 at the wavelength of the laser. Determination of the appropriate concentration can readily be determined by trial-and-error by one of ordinary skill in the art.
- ingredients that can be added to the carrier in addition to the photosensitizing material include, but are not limited to, plasticizers, surfactants, binders, crosslinking agents. These materials are commercially available.
- Substrates to which the carrier containing the photosensitizing material can be applied include, but are not limited to, polymeric materials, cloth, non- woven materials, microporous membranes, glass, and metal foils.
- the substrate is preferably sufficiently flexible to allow close contact with the skin.
- the substrate should adhere sufficiently to the carrier so that it does not detach before or during use, but only after removal from the skin. Both the substrate and the carrier should be biocompatible so that neither of them adversely affect the patient.
- Materials that are suitable for preparing the substrate include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polyimides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, acrylics, cellulose, derivatives of cellulose, and the like.
- the film-forming material is preferably capable of being formed into a film that will allow uniform suspension of the photosensitizing material and will allow sufficient flexibilty to conform to the skin of the patient.
- Film-forming materials suitable for use in this embodiment include, but are not limited to, polyesters, polyimides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polycarbonates, acrylics, cellulose, derivatives of cellulose, and the like.
- the photosensitizing material e. g., a dye or pigment
- the carrier is first mixed with the carrier to form a uniform suspension of photosensitizing material in the carrier.
- the thus-formed uniform suspension is then applied to a substrate, preferably by means of coating, printing, direct transfer.
- the thus-applied carrier is then cured, preferably by means of heat or radiation.
- a layer of priming material can be interposed between the carrier and the substrate. Priming materials suitable for such a purpose are well-known to one of ordinary skill in the art and are commercially available.
- the photosensitizing material e. g., the dye or pigment
- the film-forming material is mixed with the film-forming material to form a uniform suspension of photosensitizing material in the film-forming material.
- the resulting mixture is then formed into a film, preferably by means of extrusion, casting, or molding.
- the photosensitizing assembly or the photosensitizing film can be applied to the skin in a variety of ways.
- the carrier can be a pressure-sensitive adhesive.
- the adhesive can adhere the assembly to the skin.
- the film can be adhered to the skin by means of electrostatic force.
- Other means of attachment include pressure applied to the film and vacuum to draw the film or photosensitizing assembly into contact with the skin. Combinations of means of attachment can also be used.
- the device 10 is placed in proximity to a region of the skin, which is coated with an appropriate dye.
- the source of light 12 is pulsed.
- the light from the source of light 12 is collimated by means of a lens 14.
- the collimated light is reflected from a semi-silvered mirror 16.
- the mirror 16 reflects a majority of the light, allowing only a minority of the light to pass.
- the source of light 12 is driven at a low level of power, the level being sufficiently low that no opening can be formed in the skin.
- a spot of light is projected on the surface of the skin, which, as stated previously, is coated with an appropriate dye. Some of the light projected to the spot on the skin is reflected off the skin.
- This reflected light passes back first through the lens 18 and then through the mirror 16. This light then passes through a lens 22 and strikes a detector 20 having a central detection zone 24 and a peripheral detection zone 26. If the source of light 12 is in proper focus on the skin, the quantity of light projected on the central detection zone 24 of the detector 20 and the quantity of light projected on the peripheral detection zone 26 of the detector 20 are within a pre-determined range. The boundary points of the range are preferably determined by trial and error. If the source of light 12 is not in proper focus on the skin, the quantity of light projected on the central detection zone 24 of the detector 20 and the quantity of light projected on the peripheral detection zone 26 of the detector 20 are not within the aforementioned pre-determined range.
- the lens 18 is maneuvered to place the source of light 12 in proper focus on the skin.
- the source of light 12 is driven at a sufficiently high level of power that the formation of an opening in the skin can occur.
- Light from a source of light can also be used to align the source of light. In fact, it is preferred that the source of light be properly aligned prior to the adjustment of the focusing of the source of light.
- An opening in the skin can be formed with fewer of pulses of light if the source of light is aligned after each opening-forming pulse so that pulsed light from the source of light repeatedly strikes the same spot on the surface of the skin. If the source of light is not aligned after each opening-forming pulse, there is a high probability that a subsequent opening-forming pulse will miss the spot struck by the previous opening-forming pulse. The result of this hit-or-miss procedure will cause the source of light to emit a great many pulses before an opening is formed in the skin.
- a photosensitive dye is applied to the region of the skin at which the opening is to be formed by the pulses of light from the source of light.
- the interaction between the pulsed source of light and the photosensitive dye can be used to enhance the focusing and aligning of the source of light.
- a change in reflectance of the photosensitive dye can be employed to indicate the spot at which a pulse of light has previously struck.
- the pulse of light driven at a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening or pore in the skin of a patient, upon striking the photosensitive layer, results in a photothermal change in the photosensitive dye.
- This change can result in a change in the reflectance of the dye, or in its decomposition, or in its removal from the skin.
- a scan over the general region of the skin with a light having a level of energy lower than that needed to form an opening in the skin can be used to identify the specific region of the skin that has been previously struck by a pulse of light.
- a change in reflectance of the previously struck region identifies the specific region that has been previously struck.
- a change in the reflectance of a layer of reflective material coated over the photosensitive dye can be employed to indicate the spot at which a pulse of light has previously struck.
- the photosensitive dye is covered with a layer of reflective material.
- the reflective material can comprise, for example, a layer of dye, a thin polymeric film, a layer comprising a dye or pigment suspended in a polymer.
- a scan or read over the general region of the skin with a light having a level of energy lower than that needed to form an opening in the skin can be used to identify the specific region of the skin that has been previously struck.
- a change in reflectance of the previously struck region of the skin identifies the specific region that has been previously struck.
- the fluorescent or luminescent properties of the photosensitive layer, or a secondary layer can be used to identify the location of the region of the skin that has been previously struck by light.
- the fluorescent dye Upon being exposed to a pulse of light, driven at a level of energy sufficiently high to form an opening or pore in the skin of a patient, the fluorescent dye becomes photobleached.
- the region of the skin covered by the dye is no longer fluorescent, while the surrounding skin, which was not struck by light, remain fluorescent.
- a scan or read over the general region of the skin with a light having a level of energy lower than that needed to form an opening in the skin can be used to identify the specific region of the skin that has been struck by light by detecting changes in fluorescent intensity.
- the semi-reflective mirror would be replaced by a dichroic filter.
- the photothermal treatment of a receptor dye may result in a conformational change in the dye molecule, resulting in the demonstration of luminescence.
- a representative example of a suitable receptor dye is a thioindigo compound, which may be converted from a colorless cis form to a luminescent trans form, which can then be detected after illumination.
- FIG. 3A illustrates how alignment can be adjusted.
- the upper right quadrant of the detector has more light falling on it than do the remaining quadrants. It would be relatively simple to determine the centroid of light intensity and from that value, the direction and magnitude that the lens 18 would have to be moved in order to align the light as desired. Alignment and focusing could be carried out at great enough speed such that the time between the aligning/focusing pulse and the operating (opening- forming) pulse would be so short as to minimize or eliminate improper focusing and alignment between operating pulses.
- the focusing/aligning operation can be used to cause light to either strike a particular spot on the skin or to avoid striking a particular spot on the skin.
- the laser is intentionally defocused to encompass the previously formed spot.
- the spot appears to be brighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
- the blurry image is projected back on the detector (e. g., a four quadrant bulls-eye detector).
- the lens 18 can be moved either toward or away from the skin to optimize the focus.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2000549153A JP2002515284A (en) | 1998-05-18 | 1999-05-17 | Removal of stratum corneum by light |
CA002332231A CA2332231A1 (en) | 1998-05-18 | 1999-05-17 | Removal of stratum corneum by means of light |
EP99923149A EP1079737A1 (en) | 1998-05-18 | 1999-05-17 | Removal of stratum corneum by means of light |
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Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US09/080,432 | 1998-05-18 | ||
US09/080,432 US6569157B1 (en) | 1998-05-18 | 1998-05-18 | Removal of stratum corneum by means of light |
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WO1999059485A1 true WO1999059485A1 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
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PCT/US1999/010860 WO1999059485A1 (en) | 1998-05-18 | 1999-05-17 | Removal of stratum corneum by means of light |
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EP (1) | EP1079737A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002515284A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2332231A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999059485A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6569157B1 (en) | 2003-05-27 |
EP1079737A1 (en) | 2001-03-07 |
CA2332231A1 (en) | 1999-11-25 |
JP2002515284A (en) | 2002-05-28 |
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