Patent EA-002506-B1 (EA)
Title: Method of selective photothermolysis
Inventor: AZAR ZION
IPC: A61B17/00
Filed: 1998-04-30
Abstract: 1. A method of selective photothermolysis of a target within surrounding tissue, comprising the steps of: (a) heating the target and the surrounding tissue together above normal body temperature; and (b) heating the target further to between about 70 degree C and about 80 degree C. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said heating of the target and the surrounding tissue together above normal body temperature is to a temperature of between about 55 degree C and about 65 degree C. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said heating of the target and the surrounding tissue together above normal body temperature is effected by using electromagnetic radiation. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is microwave radiation. 5. The method of claim 3, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is pulsed. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is generated by a source including at least one lamp. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said pulsing is effected using a mechanism including at least one shutter. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said further heating of the target is effected by using pulsed, substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a wavelength of between about 570 nanometers and about 610 nanometers. 10. The method of claim 8, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is generated by a laser. 11. The method of claim 8, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is generated by a system including: (a) at least one lamp; and (b) a mechanism for wavelength selection. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein said mechanism for wavelength selection includes at least one filter. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein said mechanism for wavelength selection includes at least one monochrometer. 14. Apparatus for selective photothermolysis of a skin target tissue, the apparatus comprising: a pulsable heat source which heats the skin target tissue and skin surrounding the target tissue; and a pulsable source of narrowband electromagnetic radiation which irradiates the skin with narrowband electromagnetic radiation to selectively heat said target tissue as compared to said surrounding tissue. 15. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the pulsable heat source forms a temperature gradient in the air between the source and the skin. 16. Apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said heat source comprises a source of broadband electromagnetic radiation which heats the skin. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said source of broadband electromagnetic radiation comprises a laser. 18. Apparatus according to claim 16 wherein said source of broadband electromagnetic radiation comprises a microwave source. 19. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein said narrowband source comprises a pulsed substantially monochromatic source of electromagnetic radiation. 20. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said narrowband electromagnetic radiation has a wavelength of between about 570 and 610 nanometers. 21. Apparatus according to claim 19 wherein said narrowband source comprises: a lamp; and a mechanism for wavelength selection. 22. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said mechanism for wavelength selection comprises at least one filter. 23. Apparatus according to claim 21 wherein said mechanism for wavelength selection comprises at least one monochrometer. 24. Apparatus according to claim 14 and including: a controller unit which controls said heat source and said source of narrowband electromagnetic radiation, for coordinating a sequence of activation of said heat source and said source of electromagnetic radiation.