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Abstract

Lysing of fat cells in adipose tissue beneath the skin and liquefying the released fat is achieved by introducing a side-firing thermal energy device into the tissue to be irradiated, while thermal energy, such as laser energy, is emitted at a selected level for a selected period of time, depending on the volume to tissue to be irradiated. The side firing device is advanced into tissue and withdrawn and, while energy is emitted, is aimed separately at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock and, is repetitively rotated through an arc of about 120°, producing a bowtie-shaped irradiation pattern. The side firing device may be centered and sealingly held in position in a liposuction cannula by ribs extending inwardly from the interior of the liposuction cannula. At least one of the ribs has a channel for infusion of an irrigating liquid. The use of laser energy during lysis of fat cell membranes and the liquefaction of the released fat also produces photomechanical cross-linking of collagen, which shrinks and tightens the skin, reducing sagging of the skin after removal or absorption of the liquefied fat. Nucleus pulposus tissue can be vaporized in a similar manner.

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First Claim