Patent ID: 6464694
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
An apparatus for removal of fatty tissue, comprising:a hollow cannula; a substantially rigid enclosure on said cannula, said enclosure being shaped to enclose an active area within said cannula, and protect said active area from intrusion by surrounding tissues; a fluid source on said cannula, said fluid source being disposed to release aqueous solution into said active area enclosed within said cannula; a laser source on said cannula, said laser source being disposed to impinge laser energy on said aqueous solution from said fluid source in said active area enclosed within said cannula, to energize water molecules in said aqueous solution, said laser source being arranged relative to said fluid source and said enclosure so as to prevent escape of any laser energy from said enclosure prior to impingement of said laser energy upon said water molecules; an opening in said enclosure, said opening being positioned to allow said energized water molecules to escape from said enclosure to contact and break down surrounding fatty tissues; and a suction port on said cannula for aspirating liquid material resulting from breakdown of surrounding fatty tissues.