Abstract:
This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue collection 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 transports the removed tissue to a collection container.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides a treatment tool and tissue collection system for remove of outer layers of skin to provide a revitalized, fresh skin surface. This objective is to remove dead and old skin 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 maintenance sessions. The benefits are: 
     1. 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 typical in 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 tipped 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 describes a 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 for flat surfaces, incorporates a rotating grinding tool enclosed in a 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 describes the use of a pressurized jet of a liquid, such as water or sterile saline, to fragment and remove diseased tissue without harming surrounding healthy tissue. This device operates in conjunction with vacuum aspiration to remove the liquid and fragmented tissue. 
     The present trend is to abrade the skin surface using powdered aluminum oxide or a liquid topical composition 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 powders to flow by applying a vacuum to the exhaust side of a container holding the abrasive powder and entraining the powder in a flowing gas stream. The powder is then drawn by the vacuum through a treatment tool, 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., “Evaluation 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. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The device for microdermabrasion comprises a hollow tube with and abrasive material permanent attached to 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 of the treatment tube. 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the circled portion of FIG.  5 A. 
     FIGS. 6A and 7A, are cutaway side views of 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. 
     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 treatment fluid. 
     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.  12 A. 
     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 of the end of a treatment tube with an enlarged, rectangular shaped end. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention provides the capability to perform microdermabrasion without the potential health risks or hazards of using a flowing, powdered metallic substance such as aluminum oxide. This is generally accomplished by the use of a tube having a treatment tip with an abrasive material permanently attached thereto. The term “tube” or “tubular” used herein refers to an elongated hollow structure of any cross section, which includes, but is not limited to, a round, oval, square or rectangle cross section. The abrasive coated end piece, which may also have various different shaped cross sections, may be secured to the treatment tip or be removable and interchangeable. The abrasive tip is rubbed over the skin surface being treated. The tube and related instrumentation also provides a vacuum collection and an optional filter system for collection of the skin cells removed by the procedure, the skin cells being aspirated through a hole or holes in the central portion of the abrasive tip. The vacuum also aids in making an intimate contact between the skin and the abrasive coated tip. 
     FIG. 1 shows the overall system which comprises a housing  10  which encloses a vacuum pump  24 , an ON/OFF switch  12 , a gauge  14  to measure the level of vacuum and a valve  16  to adjust the vacuum. While not necessary for operation of the invention, shown mounted on the external surface of the housing  10  is a filter assembly  18 . Attached to the filter assembly  18  is a hollow tube or wand assembly  20  upon which the treatment tip  22  is mounted. The other end of the filter assembly  18  is connected to the vacuum pump  24  located inside the housing  10 . 
     FIG. 2 shows the wand assembly  20  comprising tubing  26  connecting the tip  22  and filter assemble  18 . Within the filter assembly  18  is a filter pad  28  which collects the loosened skin tissue and prevents the skin tissue or collected body fluids and oils from entering the vacuum pump. The various different tips  22  are discussed in detail herein below. The tubing  26  is flexible so that it is easy to manipulate the tip and to allow ready connection of the wand assembly  20  to an upper hollow extension  30  on the external surface of the filter assembly  18  and a connector tube  32  on the tip. Since the system uses vacuum, the connections are self-sealing. 
     A lower hollow extension  34  extending from the filter assembly  18  fits into a matching hole on the main housing  10 . The filter assembly  18  is easily removable so that it can be replaced after each patient and disposed of. The filtration pad  28  inside the filter housing  18  catches the debris but allows air to easily flow through the pad. The lower hollow extension  34  allows air pulled through the filter assembly  18  to be drawn into the vacuum pump  24 . 
     FIG. 3 shows the flow of the air stream through the vacuum system. It comprising a vacuum pump  24 , filter assembly  18 , tubing  26  which connects the filter 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 at a fixed speed to produce a fixed vacuum level. To control the level of vacuum applied through the treatment tip  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  38  in 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 treatment tip. 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 flow into the wand assembly  26 . The level of abrasion depends on the level of vacuum applied to the treatment tip and the size of the abrasive particles attached to the treatment tip. 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the working end of the treatment tube  22 . The end of the treatment tube  22  has diamond grit  42  preferably adhered to the end of a metal tube by a plating process using nickel  44  as a binder. The nickel  44  is applied in a controlled manner so that sufficient nickel is present to hold each piece of diamond in place, but yet allow a faceted portion of the diamond to be exposed, the sharp edges of the diamond providing the cutting edges. A diamond particle size of around 0.0035 inches (63-75 microns) produces a smooth and uniform removal of skin surface. However, diamond particles from about 50 to about 150 microns can be used to produce different levels of abrasion, the larger particles removing more skin cells and performing the cell removal more rapidly. However, if the particles are to large the dermis can be damaged and injury to the second and third layers of skin can occur. Very fine particles remove few skin cells and act more in a polishing manner. Other abrasive materials, such as aluminum oxide, can be bonded to the treating tool tip or the tip itself can have a roughened surface cut into the end thereof. Use of an adhered aluminum oxide of about 100 grit (151μ) provides a coarse (aggressive) treatment, and use of about a 120 grit (127μ) material provides a medium level of treatment. Particles with a higher grit (i.e. small size particles) would create more of a polishing effect. Of course, many different hard abrasive materials known to those skilled in the art, such as silicon carbide, silicon oxide, and various metal nitrates can be used in place of the diamond or aluminum oxide. 
     The dimensions and materials used to construct the wand assembly  20  is not critical. However, a preferred treatment tip  22  is formed from a 12 mm OD stainless steel tube with a 6 mm ID and a diamond coated end. The stainless steel/diamond tool can be steam or chemical sterilized between uses without damage. A first alternative would be to have a single use or single patient tube which is made of plastic, the end being coated with aluminum oxide, or similar abrasive materials. The abrasive can also be adhered with an adhesive. A further alternative would be a tube, which could be stainless steel, plastic or other stiff tubular material, with a suitable removable and replaceable tip or a tip with an abrasive end surface formed by a machining process. 
     FIG. 6 a  shows a removable disc  46  sized to fit over the end  40  of the tube  22 . The disc  46  has an abrasive end or abrasive material attached to its outer end. During the procedure various disc with different abrasive characteristics can be interchanged and at the conclusion of the procedure the disc(s)  46  can be discarded. 
     The end of the tube can also be made abrasive by machining the surface as shown in FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b  in a manner commonly called knurling. Diamond shaped projections  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. 7 b  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 of the tip can be varied. FIGS. 6 a  and  7   a  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 increasing 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 concave tip as shown in FIG. 4 is particularly effective when used in conjunction with a vacuum, as it 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  which is flat and slopped or sloped and concave 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 application of the vacuum to the skin surface. An end view of the concave 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. 6 a  and  6   b.  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 applied vacuum so that it 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 reduce friction. 
     To use devices embodying the invention the vacuum is applied, through the treatment tool, 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 of the tip, with or without the circular movements, may also be used to assure that the skin area is uniformly treated. Also, if a particular skin blemish or abnormality is to be treated. The tip motion can be restricted to that particular portion of the skin. 
     FIGS. 14A and 14B show an 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 appreciated 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 provided to collect the tissue removed. The abrasive tip has been described as formed by adhering or attaching an abrasive material t thereto or machining the surface of the tip 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 performing the process described herein.