Patent ID: 8366700

Claim:
A method of removing visceral fat from a subject using a cannula that has a longitudinal axis that runs in a proximal-to-distal direction, the cannula having an interior cavity and an orifice that is configured to permit material to enter the interior cavity, the method comprising the steps of: generating a negative pressure in the interior cavity so that the negative pressure draws a portion of the visceral fat, in a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, into the interior cavity via the orifice, wherein the orifice is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis; delivering fluid, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the interior cavity and impinges against the portion of the visceral fat that was drawn into the interior cavity, wherein the fluid is delivered as a series of pulses at a pressure between 600 and 1300 psi and at a temperature between 100° F. and 140° F., so as to soften, liquefy, or gellify the visceral fat; and suctioning away the visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified.