WO2009054845A1 - Apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief - Google Patents
Apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2009054845A1 WO2009054845A1 PCT/US2007/082207 US2007082207W WO2009054845A1 WO 2009054845 A1 WO2009054845 A1 WO 2009054845A1 US 2007082207 W US2007082207 W US 2007082207W WO 2009054845 A1 WO2009054845 A1 WO 2009054845A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- polymer
- approximately
- ultrasonic waves
- further characterized
- delivered
- Prior art date
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N7/00—Ultrasound therapy
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
- A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
- A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
- A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
- A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
- A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes
- A61N1/36021—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes for treatment of pain
Definitions
- the present invention relates to pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief.
- Treating persistent lingering pain, often but not exclusively associated with arthritis, muscles soreness, headache, etc, with various forms of energy is well known to the art. Most often the energy chosen is a variant of thermal energy, which in particular is heat or cold applied via a portable pad or pack.
- Applying thermal energy to a portable pack or pad is generally accomplished by means of a chemical reaction or energy transfer by placing the pad or pack in hot environment, such as boiling water or a microwave oven, or a cold environment, such as a fridge or freezer. Transferring thermal energy to a portable pad or pack often results in the pad or pack becoming overheated or overcooled. When placed on the user, an overheated pad or pack can cause the user discomfort or bum the user's skin.
- an overcooled pad or pack when placed on the user's body can cause the user discomfort or freeze bum the user's skin.
- Supplying thermal energy to a portable pad or pack can also be accomplished by placing two or more chemicals that are temporarily separated within the pack or pad - these chemicals can be combined to create an endothermic or exothermic chemical reaction.
- the user activates the pad or pack by removing the barrier separating the reactive chemicals.
- the use of chemicals in portable packs or pads is hazardous in that the chemicals employed can injure the user's skin if the chemicals were to leak out of the pad or pack.
- Imparting thermal energy to a location of persistent lingering pain is also accomplished by applying chemicals and creams to the affected area and allowing them to evaporate. Though not effective at generating heat, the evaporation of chemicals applied to the skin can generate a local cooling at the location of the user's body experiencing persistent lingering pain.
- the use of creams and chemicals is disadvantaged by the fact that such creams and chemicals are often messy to apply and can cause severe irritation if they come in contact with the user's eyes or mucosal membranes, Generating and applying therapeutic energy to a location of the body experiencing persistent lingering pain is also accomplished by electrical stimulation.
- TENS Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
- portable versions of TENS, and similar devices have been created and marketed. Requiring batteries or an external power source and often being bulky, TENS devices are not truly portable. Furthermore, the device is worthless if the user of the device is without batteries or an electrical outlet.
- a method for energizing polymers and using energized polymers for pain relief comprises generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency between 15 kHz and 40 MHz and amplitude of at least 1 micron, and delivering ultrasonic waves to a polymer with an intensity of at least 0.001 watts/cm2 for at least 0, 1 seconds. For example, one could generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 30 IcHz and amplitude of 60 'microns and deliver these ultrasonic waves to a crystalline polymer for about 30 seconds, thereby energizing the polymer.
- a polymer energized in the above described manner may be capable of providing topical pain relief when placed on a patient's skin.
- crystalline polymers as used herein, means a polymer presenting three-dimensional order on the level of atomic dimensions.
- the group of crystalline polymers includes semi-crystalline polymers which contain one or more amorphous regions.
- Ultrasonic waves may be delivered to a polymer through direct contact, a coupling medium, or without contacting the polymer. Direct contact indicates that an ultrasound apparatus delivering ultrasonic waves touches a polymer. Alternatively, or in combination, ultrasonic waves may be delivered to a polymer through a coupling medium such as, but not limited to, gel, liquid, or an additional polymer. It is also possible to deliver ultrasonic waves without touching an ultrasound apparatus to a polymer.
- An energized polymer may be applied immediately to a patient's skin to provide pain relief, or it may be stored for future use. If the polymer is not to be immediately used, then it may be sealed in a plastic encasement, such as a plastic bag. Darkly colored plastic may retain the energy of the energized polymer better than a clear plastic. At a later time, the plastic encasement may be opened and the energized polymer may be used. A polymer may be exposed to ultrasonic waves more than once, rendering it reusable.
- a base material such as, but not limited to, metals, polymers, or ceramics.
- Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer.
- Figure 2 depicts a detailed view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer.
- FIG. 1 depicts an ultrasound apparatus capable of energizing a polymer.
- the ultrasound apparatus comprises an ultrasound power generator 101, a power supply cord 102, an ultrasound transducer 103, an ultrasound horn 104, and an ultrasound tip 105.
- the power supply cord 102 electrically connects the ultrasound power generator 101 to the ultrasound transducer 103.
- the ultrasound horn 104 is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transducer 103.
- the ultrasound tip 105 is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound horn. Once powered, the ultrasound tip 105 delivers ultrasonic waves to a polymer 106 wliich may be located on a base material ⁇ 07.
- a method for energizing polymers with the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 comprises generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency between 15 kHz and 40 MHz and amplitude of at least 1 micron, and delivering ultrasonic waves to a polymer with an intensity of at least 0.001 watts/cm2 for at least 0.1 seconds. For example, one could generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 30 IcHz and amplitude of 60 microns and deliver these ultrasonic waves to a crystalline polymer for about 30 seconds, thereby energizing the polymer.
- a polymer energized in the above described manner may be capable of providing topical pain relief when placed on a patient's skin.
- Figure 1 illustrates delivery of ultrasonic waves without contacting the ultrasound tip 105 to the polymer 106.
- direct contact may be created by touching the ultrasound tip 105 to the polymer 106.
- FIG. 2 depicts a detailed view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer.
- the ultrasound tip 205 delivers ultrasonic waves to a polymer 206 which may be located on a base material 207. If the base material 207 is reflective in nature, then the ultrasonic waves may be reflected 208 back toward the polymer 206 causing the polymer 206 to be "multipKcatively exposed" to ultrasonic waves.
- Industrial Applicability :
- the present invention relates to pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief.
Abstract
The present invention relates to pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief. Ultrasonic waves may be delivered to a polymer via direct contact, a coupling medium, or without contact. An energized polymer may be applied immediately to a patient's skin to provide pain relief, or it may be stored in a plastic encasement for future use.
Description
Apparatus and Methods Using Ultrasønicalϊy Energized Polymers for Topical Pain Relief
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Technical Field:
The present invention relates to pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief.
Background Art:
Treating persistent lingering pain, often but not exclusively associated with arthritis, muscles soreness, headache, etc, with various forms of energy is well known to the art. Most often the energy chosen is a variant of thermal energy, which in particular is heat or cold applied via a portable pad or pack. Applying thermal energy to a portable pack or pad is generally accomplished by means of a chemical reaction or energy transfer by placing the pad or pack in hot environment, such as boiling water or a microwave oven, or a cold environment, such as a fridge or freezer. Transferring thermal energy to a portable pad or pack often results in the pad or pack becoming overheated or overcooled. When placed on the user, an overheated pad or pack can cause the user discomfort or bum the user's skin. Similarly, an overcooled pad or pack when placed on the user's body can cause the user discomfort or freeze bum the user's skin. Supplying thermal energy to a portable pad or pack can also be accomplished by placing two or more chemicals that are temporarily separated within the pack or pad - these chemicals can be combined to create an endothermic or exothermic chemical reaction. When the user is in need of pain relief, the user activates the pad or pack by removing the barrier separating the reactive chemicals. Though effective at producing thermal energy, the use of chemicals in portable packs or pads is hazardous in that the chemicals employed can injure the user's skin if the chemicals were to leak out of the pad or pack.
Imparting thermal energy to a location of persistent lingering pain is also accomplished by applying chemicals and creams to the affected area and allowing them to evaporate. Though not effective at generating heat, the evaporation of chemicals applied to the skin can generate a
local cooling at the location of the user's body experiencing persistent lingering pain. The use of creams and chemicals is disadvantaged by the fact that such creams and chemicals are often messy to apply and can cause severe irritation if they come in contact with the user's eyes or mucosal membranes, Generating and applying therapeutic energy to a location of the body experiencing persistent lingering pain is also accomplished by electrical stimulation. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is an example of this methodology, TENS, and other similar methods, treat pain by using electrodes to induce a current across the user's skin that transverses the site of persistent lingering pain. Portable versions of TENS, and similar devices, have been created and marketed. Requiring batteries or an external power source and often being bulky, TENS devices are not truly portable. Furthermore, the device is worthless if the user of the device is without batteries or an electrical outlet.
The limitations of the current energy based treatments of persistent lingering pain create a need for a portable device that is not bulky, that does not require the user to supply an external energy source or battery, that does not derive thermal energy from chemicals that irritate, injury, or burn the user's skin, and that cannot be overheated or overcooled as to avoid injuring the user.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
A method for energizing polymers and using energized polymers for pain relief are disclosed. A method for energizing polymers comprises generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency between 15 kHz and 40 MHz and amplitude of at least 1 micron, and delivering ultrasonic waves to a polymer with an intensity of at least 0.001 watts/cm2 for at least 0, 1 seconds. For example, one could generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 30 IcHz and amplitude of 60 'microns and deliver these ultrasonic waves to a crystalline polymer for about 30 seconds, thereby energizing the polymer. A polymer energized in the above described manner may be capable of providing topical pain relief when placed on a patient's skin. Various types of polymers may be used to carry out the present method such as, but not limited to, crystalline polymers, amorphous polymers, and polymer alloys. A crystalline polymer, as used herein, means a polymer presenting three-dimensional order on the level of atomic dimensions. Thus, the group of crystalline polymers includes semi-crystalline polymers which contain one or more amorphous regions, Ultrasonic waves may be delivered to a polymer through direct contact, a coupling medium, or without contacting the polymer. Direct contact indicates that an ultrasound apparatus delivering ultrasonic waves touches a polymer. Alternatively, or in combination, ultrasonic waves may be delivered to a polymer through a coupling medium such as, but not limited to, gel, liquid, or an additional polymer. It is also possible to deliver ultrasonic waves without touching an ultrasound apparatus to a polymer.
An energized polymer may be applied immediately to a patient's skin to provide pain relief, or it may be stored for future use. If the polymer is not to be immediately used, then it may be sealed in a plastic encasement, such as a plastic bag. Darkly colored plastic may retain the energy of the energized polymer better than a clear plastic. At a later time, the plastic encasement may be opened and the energized polymer may be used. A polymer may be exposed to ultrasonic waves more than once, rendering it reusable.
It may be preferable to ultrasonically energize a polymer while it is located on a base material such as, but not limited to, metals, polymers, or ceramics. Placing a polymer on a reflective surface (e.g. metal) during soni cation may cause the ultrasonic waves to reflect off the base material and/or the ultrasound apparatus back toward the polymer and thereby cause the
polymer to be "multiplicatlvely exposed" to ultrasonic waves.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Figure 1 depicts a perspective view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer. Figure 2 depicts a detailed view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Figure 1 depicts an ultrasound apparatus capable of energizing a polymer. The ultrasound apparatus comprises an ultrasound power generator 101, a power supply cord 102, an ultrasound transducer 103, an ultrasound horn 104, and an ultrasound tip 105. The power supply cord 102 electrically connects the ultrasound power generator 101 to the ultrasound transducer 103. The ultrasound horn 104 is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transducer 103. 'The ultrasound tip 105 is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound horn. Once powered, the ultrasound tip 105 delivers ultrasonic waves to a polymer 106 wliich may be located on a base material Ϊ07. A method for energizing polymers with the apparatus depicted in Figure 1 comprises generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency between 15 kHz and 40 MHz and amplitude of at least 1 micron, and delivering ultrasonic waves to a polymer with an intensity of at least 0.001 watts/cm2 for at least 0.1 seconds. For example, one could generate ultrasonic waves with a frequency of 30 IcHz and amplitude of 60 microns and deliver these ultrasonic waves to a crystalline polymer for about 30 seconds, thereby energizing the polymer. A polymer energized in the above described manner may be capable of providing topical pain relief when placed on a patient's skin.
Figure 1 illustrates delivery of ultrasonic waves without contacting the ultrasound tip 105 to the polymer 106. Alternatively, or in combination, direct contact may be created by touching the ultrasound tip 105 to the polymer 106. It is also possible to deliver ultrasonic waves to a polymer 106 through a coupling medium such as. but not limited to, a solid, gel, liquid, or an additional polymer.
Figure 2 depicts a detailed view of an ultrasound apparatus energizing a polymer. The ultrasound tip 205 delivers ultrasonic waves to a polymer 206 which may be located on a base material 207. If the base material 207 is reflective in nature, then the ultrasonic waves may be reflected 208 back toward the polymer 206 causing the polymer 206 to be "multipKcatively exposed" to ultrasonic waves.
Industrial Applicability:
The present invention relates to pain relief. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief.
Claims
1. A method for energizing polymers, the method comprising: generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency between approximately 15 kHz to approximately 40 MHz and an amplitude of at least approximately 1 micron; and delivering said ultrasonic waves to a polymer with an intensity of at least approximately 0.001 watts/cm" for at least approximately 0.1 seconds.
2. The method of claim 1 , further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said polymer through direct contact,
3. The method of claim 1, further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said polymer through a coupling medium.
4. The method of claim 1 , further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said polymer without contacting said polymer.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sealing said polymer in plastic encasement.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: placing said polymer on a base material during delivery of said ultrasonic waves.
7. The method of claim 6, further characterized by said base material being reflective.
8. The method of claim 1 , further characterized by said polymer being selected from the group consisting of crystalline polymer, amorphous polymer, and polymer alloy.
9. A method for energizing ρolymers3 the method comprising: generating ultrasonic waves having a frequency of approximately 30 kHz and an amplitude of approximately 60 microns; and delivering said ultrasonic waves to a crystalline polymer for approximately 30 seconds.
10. The method of claim 9, further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said crystalline polymer through direct contact.
11. The method of claim 9, further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said crystalline polymer through a coupling medium.
12. The method of claim 9, further characterized by said ultrasound waves being delivered to said crystalline polymer without contacting said polymer.
13. The method of claim 9, further comprising: storing said crystalline polymer in a plastic encasement.
14. The method of claim 9, further comprising: placing said polymer on a base material during delivery of said ultrasonic waves.
15. The method of claim 14, further characterized by said base material being reflective,
16. A method of pain relief in a patient, the method comprising: placing a crystalline polymer on skin of a patient, said polymer energized by delivering ultrasonic waves having a frequency of approximately 30 kHz and an amplitude of approximately 60 microns for approximately 30 seconds.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: energizing said crystalline polymer just prior to placement on skin of patient.
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising: sealing said crystalline polymer in a plastic encasement.
19, The method of claim 18, further comprising: removing said crystalline polymer from plastic encasement to placement on skin of patient.
20, The method of claim 16, further comprising: leaving said energized polymer on skin of patient for at least approximately a few minutes.
21. An energized crystalline polymer for topical pain relief, energized by a process characterized by: delivering to the polymer ultrasonic waves having a frequency of approximately 30 kHz and an amplitude of approximately 60 microns, said crystalline polymer being exposed for approximately 30 seconds.
22. The product of claim 21, further characterized by said ultrasonic waves being delivered through direct contact.
23. The product of claim 21, further characterized by said ultrasonic waves being delivered through a coupling medium.
24. The product of claim 21 , further characterized by said ultrasonic waves being delivered through without contact.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2007/082207 WO2009054845A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | Apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2007/082207 WO2009054845A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | Apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2009054845A1 true WO2009054845A1 (en) | 2009-04-30 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| PCT/US2007/082207 WO2009054845A1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2007-10-23 | Apparatus and methods using ultrasonically energized polymers for topical pain relief |
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| WO (1) | WO2009054845A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10792495B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2020-10-06 | Thimble Bioelectronics, Inc. | Neuromodulation device and method for use |
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| US5505932A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1996-04-09 | Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Method for the preparation of fluorocarbon-containing polymeric shells for medical imaging |
| US6007499A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 1999-12-28 | University Of Washington | Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound |
| US6146732A (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 2000-11-14 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Thermal pack having a plurality of individual heat cells |
| US6451044B1 (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 2002-09-17 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Method and apparatus for heating inflammed tissue |
| US20070219481A1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2007-09-20 | Eilaz Babaev | Apparatus and methods for the treatment of avian influenza with ultrasound |
-
2007
- 2007-10-23 WO PCT/US2007/082207 patent/WO2009054845A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5505932A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1996-04-09 | Vivorx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Method for the preparation of fluorocarbon-containing polymeric shells for medical imaging |
| US6451044B1 (en) * | 1996-09-20 | 2002-09-17 | Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System | Method and apparatus for heating inflammed tissue |
| US6146732A (en) * | 1996-12-31 | 2000-11-14 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Thermal pack having a plurality of individual heat cells |
| US6007499A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 1999-12-28 | University Of Washington | Method and apparatus for medical procedures using high-intensity focused ultrasound |
| US20070219481A1 (en) * | 2006-03-16 | 2007-09-20 | Eilaz Babaev | Apparatus and methods for the treatment of avian influenza with ultrasound |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US10792495B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2020-10-06 | Thimble Bioelectronics, Inc. | Neuromodulation device and method for use |
| US11801383B2 (en) | 2016-12-01 | 2023-10-31 | Hinge Health, Inc. | Neuromodulation device and method for use |
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