LASER EPILATION AND USE PATENTS

From: jayroth@azstarnet.com (James G. Rothschild)
 I've used the ND-Yag LASER for tattoos and lentigines.  I read in
Dermatology Times about using the LASER with a carbon emulsion to remove
unwanted facial hair.  The parameters were 7mm. spot size and power of 2
joules/cm2.  Does anyone have the complete protocol and advice regarding
obtaining the particular carbon emulsion?

Would appreciate hearing about anyone's experience and also any anticipated
side-effects such as hyperpigmentation etc.
 
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From: MerrillC@aol.com
I have contacted the company representative named in that article.
 Apparently that company has a use patent, which means it can limit the use
of the procedure any way it wants.  What they have in mind is to allow the
performance of the procedure at their own licenced centers only.  The plan is
to open one "in every major city", but the first one is to open in La Jolla
this year and nothing else before next year.  The rep says that this is to
"protect the shareholders' interests."  Too bad that they don't realize they
could make a lot more for the shareholders by making it widely available to
physicians who do laser work.  If you hear any more about it, especially
anything positive, I would like to hear about it, since I have several
patients that have heard about it too and would love to have it done.
 However, they don't want to travel so far.

I also spoke with physician named in the article--apparently it might not be
permanent, but might require at least two treatments.  The YAG laser is used
at power setting at half to one-third (or maybe less) of that used to treat
tattoos, so side effects should be minimal, if any.   
 
====================
From: ecgomez@ucdavis.edu
There are basically three types of patents:
	Composition of matter patents
	Process Paternts
	Use Patents

The first is like finding a new chemical and covers all uses of that 
chemical.  The second is like development of an industrial process, such 
as the method for synthesizing a compound, such as cortisone.  The Use 
patent is really a variation on the Process Patent, in that it describes 
a method (process) of using a compound or treatment.  Examples of this 
are "Buff Puff", Retin-A for acne, etc.

There has been some discussion of whether patenting surgical procedures, 
such as flaps, etc. is reasonable.  Your comment is the first time that I 
have ever heard the position that the patenting of a new use for a device 
or cheical agent is a violation of medical ethics.  Taking that position, 
most of industry would be guilty.