Determination process and predictive closed-loop control of dosimetry using measurement of skin surface temperature and associated methods
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12004807-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-11
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method of treating a patient with a therapeutic laser pulse includes applying a cooling mechanism to a first skin area, cooling a target skin area within the first the skin area from a first surface temperature to a second temperature through application of the cooling mechanism prior to application of the therapeutic laser pulse, initiating application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a first timepoint, while continuing to apply the cooling mechanism, determining a surface temperature of the target skin area a plurality of times during application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz, and terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse at a second timepoint, based on the surface temperature determinations. Each of the plurality of surface temperature determinations occurs during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration from the first time point to the second timepoint.
Core Innovation
A method of treating a patient with a therapeutic laser pulse applies a cooling mechanism to a first skin area and cools at least a target skin area within the first skin area from a first surface temperature to a second surface temperature prior to initiating application of the therapeutic laser pulse to the target skin area. The cooling mechanism is continued at the first skin area when the therapeutic laser pulse is initiated at a first timepoint to the target skin area.
During application of the therapeutic laser pulse, a surface temperature of the target skin area is determined a plurality of times based on infrared energy, with each determination occurring at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz and occurring during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration from the first timepoint to a second timepoint. The application of the therapeutic laser pulse is terminated at the second timepoint based at least in part on the plurality of surface temperature determinations.
In the approach, terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse is performed when at least one of the plurality of surface temperature determinations indicates that the target skin area has reached a third surface temperature within the therapeutic laser pulse duration. Cooling actions include cooling the target skin area from a first surface temperature to a second surface temperature using the cooling mechanism prior to initiating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse, and cooling the target skin area from the third surface temperature to a fourth surface temperature using the cooling mechanism after terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Each independent claim centers on using cooling plus infrared-based surface temperature determinations at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz, with laser termination based on reaching a temperature threshold during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration.
Cooling to a target skin condition before therapeutic laser pulse
Applying a cooling mechanism to a first skin area; cooling at least a target skin area within the first skin area from a first surface temperature to a second surface temperature prior to initiating application of the therapeutic laser pulse to the target skin area, and continuing the cooling mechanism during initiation of the therapeutic laser pulse to the target skin area at a first timepoint.
Infrared surface-temperature determinations during a single therapeutic laser pulse with 25 Hz to 400 Hz refresh rate
Determining a surface temperature of the target skin area a plurality of times during application of the therapeutic laser pulse based on infrared energy, at a refresh rate of 25 Hz to 400 Hz, wherein each determination occurs during a single therapeutic laser pulse duration from the first timepoint to the second timepoint.
Terminating the therapeutic laser pulse based on a temperature-indicating determination within the pulse duration
Terminating the application of the therapeutic laser pulse to the target skin area at a second timepoint, based at least in part on the plurality of surface temperature determinations, and, where recited, terminating when at least one determination indicates that the target skin area has reached a third surface temperature within the pulse duration.
Cooling before and after laser application tied to surface temperatures
Performing cooling actions selected from cooling the target skin area from a first surface temperature to a second surface temperature before initiating the therapeutic laser pulse, and cooling the target skin area from the third surface temperature to a fourth surface temperature after terminating the therapeutic laser pulse.
Across the independent claims, the main inventive theme is maintaining a cooled skin condition while repeatedly determining a target skin-area surface temperature from infrared energy at 25 Hz to 400 Hz, then terminating the therapeutic laser pulse at a second timepoint when temperature determinations indicate reaching a threshold surface temperature, with cooling performed both before and after laser application.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Treatment of a patient for acne, where stopping the therapeutic laser pulse at a second timepoint is determined by measuring the surface temperature of the target skin area until it reaches a terminal skin surface temperature indicative of sebaceous gland damage.
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