Patent ID: 6377854
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A method for modifying soft tissue by contracting collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers comprising:positioning an apparatus comprising a porous membrane having a skin-contacting surface and a non-skin-contacting surface, and an RF electrode positioned in the membrane, such that the skin-contacting surface of the porous membrane is adjacent an external skin surface of a patient; introducing electrolytic solution into the porous membrane such that the membrane is inflated to substantially conform the skin-contacting surface of the membrane to the external skin surface of the patient; transferring energy from the RF electrode to the electrolytic solution to create an energy delivery electrolytic solution; and treating soft tissue by delivering sufficient amount of energy to contract collagen in fibrous septae in subcutaneous fat layers underlying the skin surface so as to modify a structure of the underlying tissue such that soft tissues in the subcutaneous fat layers are tightened and fat is reduced in lipocytes in the subcutaneous fat layers.