Abstract: A microneedle device includes an elastic sleeve to provide a biasing force and also to provide a fluid impermeable seal. The biasing force urges a barrel from the extended position to the retracted position. As a seal, the sleeve prevents contamination by fluids that may enter the barrel. Additionally, the distal end of the barrel features an undulating (waveform-like) formation to prevent suction buildup between the barrel and a patient's skin.

Abstract: A radio frequency sclerotherapy system includes a needle assembly with a thin (26 to 32 gauge) solid conductive needle, about 1.25 inches long. A multilayer coating is applied over a proximal portion of the needle leaving an uncoated distal tip, about 0.10 inches long, exposed. The multilayer coating is an electric and thermal insulator. An electrical plug electrically coupled to the proximal end of the wire. The multilayer coating provides a palpable transition. A generator supplies voltages in the range of 300V to ?100V, at frequencies of 1 MHz to 50 MHz, with voltage spikes having a time from rise to fall of up to 100 nS and a low voltage between voltage spikes for about twice the duration of the time from rise to fall of the voltage spikes.