WO2006048162A1 - Device for treating the skin - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for treating the skin comprising at least one solid body irradiation source that is used as an irradiation treatment source and emits narrow-band radiation.

Description

 DEVICE FOR TREATING SKIN

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for the treatment of skin and in particular a device for the treatment of skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo or endogenous eczema, as well as for cosmetic applications.

Background of the invention

Treatments of skin diseases, such as psoriasis, vitiligo, atopic dermatitis, acne and endogenous eczema, by exposure to UVB, UVA 2 and UVA 1 light (280-315 nm, 315-340 nm and 340-400, respectively) nm) are known. For example, for psoriasis, radiation having a wavelength of about 300 nm has been found to be particularly effective.

For generating radiation in the wavelength ranges mentioned, it is known to use lasers, in particular excimer lasers, fluorescent lamps, high-pressure mercury lamps, flash lamps and metal halide lamps.

Referring to the example of psoriasis, XeCl excimer lasers with a wavelength of 308 nm show particularly good results in skin treatment. This seems to be due to the monochromatic radiation emission in the waveband, which is considered optimal for the treatment of psoriasis. In particular, undesirable side effects such as erythema and hyperpigmentation can be avoided by using such a laser.

Similar results can be achieved with excimer lamps that emit narrow band radiation in the psoriasis optimal waveband (e.g., 311 nm).

As an alternative to quasi-monochromatic radiation sources, it is known to use radiation sources which emit radiation having a broad wavelength range, such as flash lamps, fluorescent lamps and high-pressure mercury lamps. Such incoherent light sources are used, for example, in so-called "Intense Pulsed Lightsources" (IPL). It is necessary to filter out from the broad wavelength range a wavelength range required for the treatment of the respective skin disease. Narrow-band bandpass filters (eg interference filters) are used for filtering, which enable a selection of wavelength ranges with a circumference of 15 nm to 20 nm. However, such filters have a high absorption outside their transmission ranges, ie in the areas in which unwanted wavelengths are filtered out. The high absorption leads to a rapid and strong heating of the filter, which can lead to damage up to the destruction of the filter, if not costly Kühl¬ measures are taken. The measures required for cooling are cost-intensive and themselves constitute sources of error. Although no filters are required in known quasi-monochromatic radiation sources, cooling must likewise be provided there to a comparable extent.

With bandpass filters, a relatively good waveband selection can be achieved. But due to transmitted wavelengths, unwanted side effects can occur. This is especially true for near infrared wavelengths, which can lead to a disturbing heat load on patients during treatment.

Furthermore, the bandpass filters often have a low transmittance in their transmission range, for example 20% to 40%. This is significant insofar as the efficacy of phototherapeutic applications and their practicability are at least partly determined by the length of time needed to achieve the required, in each case, z. to supply a large total amount of radiation to the skin to be treated. The low degree of transmissivity may therefore make it necessary to dimension the output radiation power before filtering to such an extent that the transmission losses generated by the filtering are compensated. However, this leads to increased heating of the filter. It is also possible to extend the duration of the application, which leads to an increased burden on the patient.

All of the above-mentioned known radiation sources for the treatment of skin have in common that they require relatively powerful and complex energy supplies, which lead to increased costs and susceptibility to errors.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide a device for the treatment of skin which avoids the above-mentioned disadvantages of known approaches and in particular manages without the cooling and filtering required in the prior art. Brief description of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a device according to claim 1. An¬.

The device according to the invention for treating the skin comprises at least one solid-state radiation source which serves as a treatment radiation source for emitting narrow-band radiation. In this context, narrow-band radiation is understood in particular to be quasi-monochromatic radiation, for example with a wavelength band having a width of 2 nm to 40 nm.

As a solid state radiation source, LEDs, semiconductor radiation sources, laser diodes or diode pump solid state lasers (DPSSL) can be used.

Radiation having wavelengths in the range from 290 nm to 400 nm and more preferably in the range from 290 nm to 320 nm is preferably emitted by the solid-state radiation source.

Furthermore, it is preferred that with the solid-state radiation source a radiation having wavelengths is emitted whose spectral range comprises at most 110 nm, at most 30 nm and particularly preferably at most 10 nm.

The solid-state radiation source can be designed so that radiation can be emitted whose irradiation intensity is more than 5 nW / cm ² , 10 nW / cm ² , 50 nW / cm ^2, and particularly preferably greater than 100 nW / cm ² .

It is envisaged that the solid-state radiation source can emit radiation such that an emission surface in the range of 0.5 cm ² to 10 cm ² and / or in the range of 10 cm ² to 100 cm ^{2 is} achieved.

The radiation of the solid-state radiation source can be emitted as pulsed radiation or continuous radiation. According to one embodiment, the solid-state radiation source is arranged in a handpiece, which can be manually positioned by an operator. According to another embodiment, the solid-state radiation source is arranged in a stand apparatus, upon the use of which a patent can be positioned in front of it after the stand unit has been correctly set up.

Preferably, the solid-state radiation source is arranged in a solid-state radiation source array, which may comprise a plurality of solid-state radiation sources of one or different types. The solid-state radiation source array can have regular and / or irregular solid-state radiation source arrangements, which can be arranged in one or more planar planes and / or in one or more curved surfaces.

The solid-body radiation source array preferably comprises at least two regions which can be moved relative to one another.

Furthermore, it is preferable for the solid-state radiation source array to comprise at least two regions controllable independently of one another with regard to the radiation output.

Brief description of the drawings

In the following description of preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment of the inventive device,

FIG. 2 shows a further schematic representation of the embodiment of FIG. 1, FIG.

3 shows a schematic representation of a system with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2,

4 is a schematic representation of a component of the system of FIG. 3, FIG.

5 shows a schematic representation of a further embodiment of the device according to the invention,

6 is an illustration of a system with the embodiment of FIG. 5. Description of preferred embodiments

Preferred embodiments are described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 5 and 6, which are referred to on the one hand as a face-mask system (FMS) and on the other hand as a hand-hold system (HHS for short).

The embodiments have in common that they include LEDs as an example of solid state radiation sources. Preferably, so-called "high brightness" LEDs are used, which are particularly suitable for achieving the intensity ranges mentioned below.

In principle, radiation intensities of more than 5 mW / cm ² , preferably 10 mW / cm ^{2 are} provided. When using high-brightness LEDs, irradiation intensities of more than 50 mW / cm ² and more than 100 mW / cm ^{2 are} provided, whereby irradiation intensities of several 100 mW / cm ² can also be achieved.

Applications where smaller areas of skin are to be treated, such as using the HSS described below, have emission areas of 0.5 cm ² to 10 cm ² . Applications where larger areas of the skin are to be treated, such as using the FMS described below, have emission areas of 10 cm ² to 100 cm ² .

An emission surface is understood to be the region of the particular embodiment which emits radiation for the treatment of skin.

An advantage of LEDs compared to other radiation sources (e.g., laser diodes, DPSSL) also provided by the present invention is that LEDs can be easily and highly variably arranged to achieve differently designed emission areas. Furthermore, LEDs require no complex radiation optics; Simple lenses or lens arrays, if required, are generally sufficient. Also, only relatively simple means for controlling LEDs are required.

It is intended to use LEDs with wavelengths in the range of 290 nm to 400 nm. This makes it possible to cover the UVB, UVA-2 and UVA-1 regions. As explained in more detail below, it is further provided to cover individual and multiple partial wavelength ranges within this wavelength range, for which preferably LEDs are used, which emit radiation in a predetermined narrow wavelength range (eg, y_ 2 nm). In particular, LEDs are provided which have wavelengths in the range from 290 nm to 320 nm, preferably in such a way that the maximum irradiation intensity is achieved for a wavelength of 308 nm.

Figures 1 to 4 relate to the embodiment designated as FMS, which is used to irradiate skin in upper parts of the body, for example the breast area or the face. The FMS is intended as a table or floor unit.

The FMS includes a regular array or array of LEDs that results in an overall planar array of LEDs or a curved array of LEDs as illustrated in the figures.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the arrangement of LEDs is subdivided into segments 2, 4, 6, 8. Each of the segments 2, 4, 6, 8 comprises a planar, planar regular arrangement of LEDs. Instead of such a planar arrangement, one or more of the segments 2, 4, 6, 8 may have curved LED arrangements.

Apart from the following exceptions, identically structured segments can be used. The basic structure is explained as representative of segment 2. The LEDs of segment 2 are mounted directly on a printed circuit board (not shown). The printed circuit board contains control electronics for the individual LEDs. At the back of the circuit board, a fluid cooling is arranged, which forms ausge¬, for example, as a flat structure, all LEDs of the circuit board cools.

Furthermore, a monitoring or control device is mounted on the circuit board, with the operation of the segment 2 can be monitored or controlled. Such a device may comprise, for example, a control LED comparable with the other LEDs and a receiver which is sensitive, in particular, to a desired wavelength range and / or intensity of radiation. As a receiver, for example, a photodiode can be used. Radiation emitted by the control LED is received by the photodiode. Statements about the operation of segment 2 may then be made based on the radiation received by the photodiode. Alternatively, it is possible to use radiation of one, several or all LEDs of the segment 2 instead of radiation of a control LED.

Furthermore, means are arranged on the circuit board to detect the temperature of the segment 2. For this purpose, for example, single or multiple thermistors, bimetals and / or other temperature-sensitive sensors can be used. In dependency The temperature required for segment 2 can be used to control the above-mentioned liquid cooling.

Depending on which or which wavelength ranges are to be provided, the segment 2 may comprise LEDs of one type or LEDs of different types. When using LEDs of different types, it is preferable to arrange them so that there is a regular arrangement for each LED type. A regular arrangement is preferred in order to achieve homogeneous radiation distributions.

While using an LED type a uniform, common control of

LEDs is possible, it is provided, when using more than one type of LED, the STEU¬ tion for the different types of LEDs to perform independently. Independent LED control makes it possible to selectively provide or not provide wavelength ranges. The same applies to radiation intensities.

The segment 2 can be embodied such that, when using one or more LED types, depending on the application, differently sized emission areas and / or emission areas of different irradiation intensities are provided.

The individual LEDs of the segment 2 are each provided with a lens. This can be achieved by individual, each associated with an LED lenses or by a transparent for radiation of the LEDs disc or window-like cover, in the individual LEDs associated areas are designed such that they serve as a lens.

If no similar segments 2, 4, 6, 8 are used, the segments may differ in the LED types used. The lenses used for individual segments 2, 4, 6, 8 can also be designed differently in order, for example, to achieve an optimum radiation characteristic as a function of the arrangement of a segment in the entire segment arrangement.

Preferably, the segments 2, 4, 6, 8 are each individually movable, so that the segments 2, 4, 6, 8 can be brought into relative to each other different positions or orientations.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, this embodiment comprises a base 10, for example in the form of a foot, which supports the arrangement of FIG. 1 by means of a stand 12. Arranged on the base 10 is a display or display 14 which, as an alternative or in addition to the display options described below, provides the user with information about the operation and / or allows control of the operation via touch-sensitive areas.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system having the embodiment of FIG. 1. In addition to the components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the system includes an optional hand-held control unit 16. The control unit 16 may be connected via a port (FIG. not shown) of the base 10 and / or via a wired or wireless connection, not shown, to a connection (not shown) of a supply unit 18. The control unit 16 comprises a display or display 20 which is comparable to the display 14. This applies in particular with regard to the provided control and / or input options using a touch-sensitive device ("touch screen").

The supply unit 18 is connected via connections (not shown) to the base 10 and via this to the arrangement of FIG. The supply unit 18 comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 4, components which are used for cooling the LEDs. These components include, for example, a container 22 for cooling fluid and a fluid pump 24 for supplying and removing cooling fluid from the LED cooling. For the exchange of cooling fluid, the supply unit 18 has two connections 26 and 28 for fluid lines (not shown) to and from the LED cooling.

For cooling the supply unit 18 itself and for cooling fluid in the fluid container 22, fans and / or heat exchangers 30, 32 are provided.

The supply unit 18 has its own power supply and the power supply of the LEDs and, if present, the control unit 16, a power supply 34, which preferably corresponds to medical device technical requirements. Power of the power supply 34 may be provided, for example, using 60 volts DC via a connection (not shown).

The supply unit 18 further comprises a central control device 36, which can be hardwired for different applications and / or programmable and / or preprogrammed mierr control algorithms. When operating the embodiment of Rg. 1 and 2 or the system of Fig. 3, it is vor¬ seen to treat skin by means of pulsed radiation or continuous radiation. Ins¬ special pulse durations of more than 100 ms are provided with pulsed radiation.

As technical characteristics, for example, a total power of about 600 W are provided, whereby a total optical power of more than 13 W and an irradiation intensity of more than 30 mW / cm ² can be achieved. The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 may include a total of 296 LEDs having an optical power greater than 45 mW per LED and an electrical power of approximately 2W per LED.

The above statements also apply to the embodiment designated as HHS, which is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, apart from the possible differences mentioned below.

The embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 comprises a handpiece 38 with a handle 40 on which a control element 42, for example a push button, is arranged. Actuation of the control 42 causes radiation to be emitted.

The handpiece 38 further has a head 44 in which one or more LEDs are arranged, for example, depending on a desired emission surface, a desired irradiation intensity and / or the used solid-state radiation source type. When using multiple LEDs, a regular, areal arrangement is preferred. In the following it is assumed that a handpiece 38 with a single LED.

In the beam path of the LED of the handpiece 38, preferably immediately adjacent to the LED, a lens (not shown) is arranged to influence, if necessary, the Ab¬ beam characteristic of the LED. In this case, it is provided that the lens and / or a mechanism interacting with it are adjustable in order to achieve different emission properties. As the emitting surface, an area of about 0.6 cm ^{2 is} provided in the illustrated embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows the handpiece of Fig. 5 and a dedicated controller 46 which is connected via lines 48 to the handpiece 38. The leads 48 are for electrical connection to transmit power and control signals between the handle 38 and the controller 46. The connections 48 also serve to supply one in the

Handpiece 38 arranged cooling device (not shown) with cooling fluid and Rück¬ lead back cooling fluid from the cooling device to the control unit 46th Instead of the input and output devices shown in Rg. 6 (eg toggle and Dreh¬ switch, display LEDs, LCD display), for example, a uniform display (eg display) can be used, the at least partially touch-sensitive areas for the input of control commands can have.

Since the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 is provided for lower irradiation intensities, emission areas and treatment durations, the components described for the supply unit 18, correspondingly dimensioned and configured, can be arranged in the control unit 46.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

Base 10

Display 14

Control unit 16

Supply unit 18

Display or display 20

Container 22

Fluid pump 24

Ports 26 and 28

Fans and / or heat exchangers 30, 32

Power supply 34

Control device 36

Handpiece 38

Handle 40

Control 42

Head 44

Control unit 46

Lines 48

7232

Claims

PROTECTION CLAIMS 1. A device for treating the skin, with ^' at least one solid-state radiation source as a treatment radiation source for delivering narrow-band radiation. 2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source - an LED, a semiconductor source, a laser diode, or - Includes a diode pumped solid state laser. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation with Wellen¬ lengths in the range of 290 nm to 400 nm is designed. 4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation with wavelengths in the range of 290 nm to 320 nm is designed. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed with Wellen¬ lengths whose spectral range comprises at most 110 nm. 6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed with Wellen¬ lengths whose spectral range comprises at most 30 nm. 7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed with Wellen¬ lengths whose spectral range comprises at most 10 nm. 8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed to achieve a radiation intensity of more than 5 mW / cm ² . 9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed to achieve a radiation intensity of more than 10 mW / cm ² . 10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed to achieve a radiation intensity of more than 50 mW / cm ² . 11. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed to achieve a radiation intensity of more than 100 mW / cm ² . 12. The device according to any one of claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source is designed to emit the radiation in order to achieve an emission area in the range of 0.5 cm ² to 10 cm ² . 13. Device according to one of claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source for emitting the radiation is designed to reach an emission area in the range of 10 cm ² to 100 cm ² . 14. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source is designed for pulsed emission of the radiation. 15. Device according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source is designed for the continuous delivery of the radiation. 16. Device according to one of the preceding claims, with a handpiece or a stand-alone device in which the at least one solid-state radiation source is arranged. 17. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one solid-state radiation source is arranged in a Festkörperstrahlungsquel- lenarray. 18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the solid state radiation source array comprises at least two relatively movable regions. 19. Device according to claim 16 or 17, in which the solid-body radiation source array comprises at least two regions which can be controlled independently of one another with regard to radiation emission. 7232