Method of Destroying Tissue Cells by Electroporation

Abstract

An apparatus and method for performing noninvasive treatment of the human face and body by electroporation in lieu of cosmetic surgery is provided. The apparatus comprises a high voltage pulse generator and an applicator having two or more electrodes in close mechanical and electrical, contact with the patient's skin for applying the pulses to the patient's skin. The applicator may consist of two pieces with one electrode having a sharp tip and another having a flat surface. High voltage pulses delivered to the electrodes create at the tip of the sharp electrode an electric field high enough to cause death of relatively large subcutaneous fat cells by electroporation. Moving the electrode tip along the skin creates a line of necrotic subcutaneous fat cells, which later are metabolized by the body. Multiple applications of the electrode along predetermined lines on the face or neck create shrinkage of the skin and the subcutaneous fat volume underlying the treated area.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for sculpting a human body comprising:
 an applicator comprising first and second electrodes defining a treatment area therebetween, the treatment area adapted to accept a portion of the human body comprising at least one of skin, subcutaneous tissue, and fat; and   a generator operably connected to the applicator and adapted to apply a plurality of electrical pulses between the first and second electrodes in an amount sufficient to irreversibly open pores in fat cells of the portion of the human body.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator is adapted to retain the portion of the human body within the treatment area during the application of electrical pulses. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second electrodes are positioned on opposing sides of the treatment area. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generator is further adapted to apply electrical pulses whose amplitude is in a range of 20 Volt/mm and 2000 Volt/mm. 
     
     
         5 . The system according to  claim 1 , wherein the generator is further adapted to apply electrical pulses whose amplitude is above 20 Volt/mm. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generator is further adapted to apply electrical pulses whose duration is in a range of 10 microseconds and 100 milliseconds. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the generator is further adapted to apply electrical pulses whose amplitude is in a range of 20 Volt/mm and 2000 Volt/mm and whose duration is in a range of 10 microseconds and 100 milliseconds. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the applicator comprises a grip and first and second opposed arms configured to move toward each other to forcibly retain the portion of the human body by compression. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of the human body is a skin fold.