Skin abrasion growth factor fluid delivery system and method

Abstract

A human growth factor delivery system for use in connection with dermabrasion includes a source of human growth factors in fluid. The growth factor fluid may be applied to the target skin area simultaneously with the step of abrading the skin by a single handpiece. Furthermore, the fluid is caused to penetrate by a combination of the abrasive elements, a vacuum, and a positive pressure applied in bursts, which produces a massaging effect. The fluid source may be contained in a removable cartridge adapted to fit within the handpiece. The fluid is drawn from the cartridge by the vacuum. The vacuum also draws a portion of target skin into a space of the handpiece for contact with an abrasion element. The vacuum furthermore draws excess fluid and removed skin cells into a disposable or reusable canister.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 315,478 filed Dec. 10, 2002, and entitled "MICRODERMABRASION FLUID APPLICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD", which is incorporated herein by reference and which in turn claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60 / 361,045 filed on Mar. 1, 2002, entitled "HUMAN GROWTH FACTOR DELIVERY SYSTEM," which is incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND METHOD[0002] 1. Field of the Invention[0003] The invention relates generally to skin or surface abrasion apparatus and methods.[0004] 2. Description of Prior Art and Related Information[0005] It is often desirable to abrade the outer layer or epidermis of the skin in order to smooth or blend scars, or blemishes caused by acne for example. In a technique known as microdermabrasion, a sand or grit is carried by an air flow which is directed against the skin. The momentum of the grit tends to wear away two to three cell layers of...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0017] In a further aspect, the invention includes a single handpiece that simultaneously implements dermabrasion, growth factor fluid delivery, and a massage. The massage and dermabrasion improve penetration of the fluid growth factor. The massage is provided by a relatively constant vacuum pressure combined with bursts of positive pressure fluid directed at the target area of the patient's skin. The positive pressure bursts cause the penetration to go deeper into the skin. They also cause a variation of the overall fluid pressure inside the handpiece when the handpiece is in sealed contact with the target area of the skin. Therefore, a massage is provided by a repeated pushing and pulling effect.

[0019] The handpiece that implements massage in addition to abrasion and growth factor fluid delivery, is incorporated into a treatment system. The system includes a vacuum source and a vacuum pressure adjustment mechanism. The system also includes a positive pressure fluid source and a positive pressure adjustment mechanism. Importantly, the system further includes a pressure burst timing adjustment device for controlling a rate and a duration of the positive pressure fluid bursts. The positive pressure bursts in combination with a relatively constant vacuum source pressure result in a massaging effect.

[0039] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a still further preferred handpiece for improved fluid penetration;

Problems solved by technology

Since microdermabrasion is intended to wear away cell layers of the skin, the process tends to create a wound on the target skin area.

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