Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention provides a method for alleviating acne including: applying a therapeutic substance to an area of skin having follicles, said therapeutic substance comprising a plurality of metal nanoparticles within a carrier; using a device to impart mechanical energy to deliver some of said therapeutic substance into a plurality of follicles; removing the composition remaining on the skin surface while leaving the therapeutic substance in said follicles; and irradiating the skin to which the composition was applied with light energy effective to treat acne.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising energy (e.g., light) absorbing submicron particles (e.g., nanoparticles comprising a silica core and a gold shell) and methods for delivering such particles via topical application. This delivery is facilitated by application of mechanical agitation (e.g. massage), acoustic vibration in the range of 10 Hz-20 kHz, ultrasound, alternating suction and pressure, and microjets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods for treating a vocal fold pathology by forming a substantially planar void below the epithelium of the vocal fold using optical energy. Also provided are devices, systems, and methods for combined imaging and treating of a vocal fold pathology.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for an improved wound dressing that facilitates healing. For example, the dressing can include a membrane that maintains a sterile enclosed volume over the wound. Pressure in the enclosed volume can be reduced by deforming the membrane and compressing a resilient open-cell sponge provided therein, facilitating a relatively unobstructed flow of air out of the enclosed volume. Oxygen and/or moisture can be introduced by a controlled flow of moist oxygen-containing gas into the enclosed volume. An oxygen-producing reaction within the enclosed volume using calcium peroxide or the like can also provide oxygen to the wound site. An external vacuum source that includes compressible foam can also be coupled to the enclosed volume to provide a reduced pressure therein. The external vacuum source can be attached to a user's body to maintain the reduced pressure without use of electricity.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing damage to the epidermis or other epithelial or non-target tissue during photodynamic therapy treatment. For example, an inhibiting radiation can be used to control formation of a photosensitizer from a precursor photosensitizer in the epidermis or epithelial tissue. Subsequent application of a treatment radiation can activate the photosensitizer to damage or destroy target sites while the non-target tissue remains substantially unaffected.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for preventing damage to the epidermis or other epithelial or non-target tissue during photodynamic therapy treatment. For example, an inhibiting radiation can be used to control formation of a photosensitizer from a precursor photosensitizer in the epidermis or epithelial tissue. Subsequent application of a treatment radiation can activate the photosensitizer to damage or destroy target sites while the non-target tissue remains substantially unaffected.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for harvesting a plurality of small tissue pieces, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using one or more hollow needles. A fluid can be flowed through a conduit past the proximal ends of the needles to facilitate removal of the tissue pieces from the needle lumens, and can maintain the tissue pieces in a controlled and protective liquid environment. A filter can be used to extract and collect the tissue pieces from the liquid, or the tissue pieces can be deposited directly onto a porous dressing. Such tissue pieces can be used as microscopic grafts, which can be applied directly to a wound site or provided on a substrate or dressing, or stored for later use. Such microscopic grafts can promote tissue regrowth and wound healing, or can be applied to a scaffold to grow new tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus. Compressive and/or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of skin as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure, and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for delivering substances, e.g., therapeutic substances, into openings on or near a skin surface, such as hair follicles, pores and/or into sebaceous glands. This can be achieved by using an apparatus to direct a substance into the openings under pressure via one or more nozzles or slits. A portion of the sebum present in the hair follicle is optionally heated and/or removed, e.g. using low-pressure conduit located on the lower surface of the apparatus, before introducing the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and systems can be provided for resurfacing of skin that include formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths greater than about 0.2 mm and less than about 0.7 mm or 0.5 mm, using ablative electromagnetic radiation, e.g., optical energy. An optically transparent plate or window can be pressed over a surface of the skin tissue as the holes are ablated to disrupt formation of a thermal cuff around the holes. Compressive or tensile forces can then be applied to the treated region of the skin tissue as the damage heals to facilitate hole closure and provide enhanced and/or directional shrinkage of the treated skin area.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for delivering substances, e.g., therapeutic substances, into openings on or near a skin surface, such as hair follicles, pores and/or into sebaceous glands. This can be achieved by using an apparatus to direct a substance into the openings under pressure via one or more nozzles or slits. A portion of the sebum present in the hair follicle is optionally heated and/or removed, e.g. using low-pressure conduit located on the lower surface of the apparatus, before introducing the therapeutic substance.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that are capable of selectively treating a vein using photothermolysis techniques, where an electromagnetic radiation is applied to tissue containing the vein. The radiation can be selected so that it may be more effectively absorbed by veins as compared to arteries. Thus, unwanted thermal damage to arteries in the vicinity of the vein being treated can be reduced or avoided. The radiation can have a frequency of approximately 654 nm, which can provide a ratio of absorption by veins to absorption by arteries of about 3.7. Other wavelengths near 654 nm may be provided, for example, which can have an absorption ratio greater than, e.g., about 3.3 to 3.6.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices, systems and methods for treating a vocal fold pathology by forming a substantially planar void below the epithelium of the vocal fold using optical energy. Also provided are devices, systems, and methods for combined imaging and treating of a vocal fold pathology.