Abstract: A micro bubble pump comprises a narrow tube with two liquid columns separated by a gas bubble. Separate reservoirs containing respective fluids are connected to either of the liquid columns through small valve-controlled openings. External ultrasound waves imposed on the liquid columns oscillate the bubble, allowing it to shrink and expand and causing liquid to flow into and out of the tube respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet and outlet valves are replaced with diffusers. The micro bubble pump has no moving parts and can be actuated by remote energy sources.

Abstract: A micro pump is applied to be implanted into human's blood vessels and includes a substrate, a flow-guiding-and-actuating unit, plural switching valves, a driving chip and a micro-monitor. The substrate has plural guiding channels including an inlet channel, an outlet channel and a branch channel. The flow-guiding-and-actuating unit covers a compressing chamber, and is enabled to change the volume of the compressing chamber so as to transport fluid. When a communication connector of the driving chip receives an external command, the driving chip enables the flow-guiding-and-actuating unit and the micro-monitor, and controls the open/closed states of the switching valves covering an outlet aperture and a storage outlet, thereby the flow-guiding-and-actuating unit drives the fluid medicine from a storage chamber to the outlet aperture, so as to deliver the fluid medicine to a target blood vessel.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a safety mechanism for a retaining needle and a retaining needle having the safety mechanism. The retaining needle comprises a hollow handle and a needle seat at least partially disposed within the handle for receiving a puncture needle, the safety mechanism comprises: a snapping step disposed at an inner side of the hollow handle; at least one elastic arm radially spreading outward disposed on the needle seat, an end portion of the elastic arm has a snapping portion radially protruding outward, the snapping portion being engaged with the snapping step; a button disposed on a distal side portion of the handle; the button, when being depressed, pushing the elastic arm along a radial inward direction, such that while the snapping portion of the elastic arm is disengaged from the snapping step, the needle seat and the puncture needle stretching outside of the handle are retracted into the hollow handle by virtue of vacuum within the hollow handle.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises an infusion set (30) with one or more advanced features including tube set strain relief (10), infusion pumps having heat exchange abilities and two-direction pumping abilities (100), Piezo pump devices (200), reservoirs (220, 240) made from expanded tubing, and oil impregnated pump plungers (302). An exemplary strain relief (10) includes an adhesive layer (12) such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) secured to a base (14). The base (14) rotatably receives a pin (18) of a tube holder (16). The pin (18) is captured within an opening (22) of the base (14) to allow 360 degree rotation of the tube holder (16).

Abstract: An infusion set or patch pump is provided for delivering a pharmaceutical agent, such as insulin, to a patient. The infusion set or patch pump has a recessed portion in the bottom face containing a hydrogel and a reactant capable of producing a color change upon contact with the pharmaceutical agent. The reactant includes a mixture of potassium persulfate and 4-aminoantipyrine and optionally horseradish peroxidase, and produces a rapid visually detectable color change when contacted with phenol and/or m-cresol contained in insulin as stabilizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a shell assembly for a medicament delivery device, which shell assembly comprises at least one first shell section provided with an entry passage and designed such that at least a major part of a medicament delivery device entered through said entry passage is accommodated inside said at least one first shell section, a closure element operably arranged to said at least one first shell section for closing said entry passage, and fixation elements arranged for fixating said medicament delivery device in relation to said at least one first shell section and said closure element.

Abstract: An automatic administration instrument includes a syringe and a partition wall in the syringe which partitions the syringe into different rooms for respectively holding plural kinds of drug solutions or a drug and a drug solution. A partition-wall driver displaces the partition wall and an injection needle is connected to the syringe. A body cap attached to the administration instrument body so as to cover the injection needle. The syringe, the partition wall, and the body cap are configured such that displacing the partition wall dissolves or mixes the drug solutions or the drug and the drug solution in a state that the injection needle is covered by the body cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a housing having opposite distal and proximal ends; a medicament container holder with a medicament container, disposed within the housing, wherein the container has a front opening with or for a delivery member for delivering the medicament therethrough and at least a movable stopper; a drive unit comprising a power source and a plunger rod, wherein said drive unit is arranged to be movable between a non-delivery state in which said power source is in a cocked state and a delivery state in which said power source acts on said plunger rod which in its turn acts on said stopper for delivering a dose of medicament from said medicament container; retaining means operably connected to said drive unit, and capable of holding said drive unit in its non-delivery state; and activation means operably connected to said retaining means, and capable of releasing said drive unit from its non-delivery state; wherein the device further comprises a deli

Abstract: A drive assembly for a drug delivery system includes a plunger member configured to engage and move a stopper within a container, with the plunger member having a first position and a second position axially spaced from the first position, a leadscrew configured to move the plunger member from the first position to the second position, and a biasing member configured to bias the leadscrew in a rotational direction, where rotational movement of the leadscrew is configured to move the plunger member from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An optical decoding system including an optical sensor integral with or attachable to a housing of a drug delivery device and configured to be directed at first and second rotatable components of a dose setting and dispensing mechanism of the drug delivery device and a processor configured to: (i) cause the optical sensor to capture images of the first and second rotatable components at least at the beginning and end of a medicament dose dispensing process; (ii) determine a rotational position of both the first and second rotatable components in each of the captured images; and (iii) determine from the rotational positions of the first and second rotatable components an amount of medicament delivered by the dose setting and dispensing mechanism of the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A data collection device comprises: a first portion having one or more features configured for attaching of the first portion to a dosage knob of an injection device; a second portion rotatably coupled with the first portion, wherein at least part of the second portion is movable axially relative to the first portion; a sensor arrangement configured to detect rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion; and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament amount expelled by the injection device, wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to provide a non-permanent coupling between the first portion and the dosage knob of the injection device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an injection device for delivery of a liquid medicament including a housing, a cartridge having a tubular shaped barrel filled with a liquid medicament and sealed in a proximal direction by a piston displaceably arranged in the barrel, and a drive mechanism having a piston rod to advance in a distal direction against a proximally facing surface of the piston of the cartridge. The drive mechanism is configured to advance the piston rod in the distal direction by a distance z1 to dispense a reference volume V1 of the medicament when operably engaged with a reference cartridge having a reference diameter D1, and, the cartridge has a diameter D2 smaller than the reference diameter D1 to dispense a volume V2 of the medicament smaller than the reference volume V1 when the piston rod advances in distal direction by the distance z1.

Abstract: A dispensing device is disclosed which provides for dispensing multiple doses from a cylindrical volume. An actuator button moves a tooth to engage a series of links which move a stopper to dispense the doses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a prefilled injection pen for apportioning multiple set doses of a liquid drug. The injection pen comprises a housing assembly with a removable cap rotatable coupled to the housing assembly such that the user has to rotate the removable cap upon mounting and dismounting the removable cap. Rotation of the removable cap initiates a process in which the proximal end of a needle cannula is first inserted into a cartridge permanently embedded in the housing assembly and thereafter moves the cartridge proximally to thereby pump a predetermined amount of the preservative containing liquid drug from the cartridge and into a cleaning chamber carried by an axially movable shield. The needle cannula is mounted in a needle hub which is arranged to follow rotation of the removable cap and guided helically in relation to the housing assembly such that the needle hub is moved proximally upon rotation of the removable cap.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety syringe capable of preventing needle-stick injuries, filtering foreign matters in a fluid, and preventing reuse thereof. The safety syringe includes: a safety needle part provided with a safety cap, the safety cap being configured to pop out by an elastic force of an elastic body connected thereto when the safety cap is unlatched and to be fixed while surrounding a needle tip; a filter part being configured such that a first end thereof is coupled with the safety needle part, and filtering fluid introduced or discharged through the needle; and a main body part being configured such that a first end thereof is coupled with the filter part, and having a barrel with a piston mounted therein, the piston being provided at a fore end thereof with an insertion part pushing out the fluid by being inserted into a luer of the syringe.

Abstract: Described is a needle for subcision procedures having a concave cutting tip comprising two or more cutting edges wherein the concave cutting tip is at the cutting end of a shaft of the needle and wherein a handle is disposed at an angle relative to the axis defined by the center of the shaft of the needle. The cutting edges may be sharp interior edges within the circumference of the needle.

Abstract: A smart monitoring device for automatically monitoring the injection of medicines such as insulin which can be retrofitted to a conventional insulin pen in which the device has an optical motion sensor for detecting actuation of the injection pen together with an optional accelerometer sensor, medicament temperature and mounting sensors, the monitoring device being communicable with external smart devices such as smartphones.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device comprising a case adapted to hold a container with a medicament and having a needle, a needle sleeve telescopically coupled to the case and having a first extended position relative to the case in which the needle is covered, a retracted position relative to the case in which the needle is exposed, and a second extended position relative to the case in which the needle is covered, a first indicia disposed on the needle sleeve which is visible in the first extended position and the second extended position, and a second indicia disposed on the needle sleeve and not visible in the first extended position and visible the second extended position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler device for delivering a dose of medicament in dry powder form from a container to a patient in need thereof. The inhaler comprises first and second airflow paths (80, 85) which are arranged such that during inhalation, a capsule (40) having a longitudinal axis and first and second end sections (90, 95) delimiting the capsule on opposing ends located in a capsule chamber (30) performs an oscillating movement in the capsule chamber parallel to its longitudinal axis between first and second sidewall portions (60, 65) of the capsule chamber.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine storage stand. The CPAP machine storage stand includes a base having a lip extending perpendicularly away from a periphery of the base defining an interior portion of the base. The interior portion can receive a CPAP machine therein. A U-shaped frame having a first end and a second end is hingedly affixed to opposing sides of the lip at the first and second ends thereof. The U-shaped frame can selectively move between a deployed position and a collapsed position, wherein the U-shaped frame rests flush against the base within the interior portion when in the collapsed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a respiratory tubing set for controlling breathing of a patient. A tubing set for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two airflow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device that cooperate to closely control the CO2 levels in the patient's bloodstream through the control of the patient's respiration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for protecting a ventilation device of a ventilator against backflowing exhaled air, and to a ventilator. A respiratory gas flow is generated by a blower device and is guided via a flow connection to a breathing interface. The respiratory gas flow is adjusted with the aid of a control device to a first ventilation pressure during an inhalation phase of the patient and to a second ventilation pressure during an exhalation phase. A characteristic variable for a flow within the flow connection is detected by a device for monitoring backflowing exhaled air. A back pressure with respect to the backflowing expiratory flow is adjusted by a specific increase of the ventilation pressure taking into consideration the characteristic variable, whereby an undesirable rebreathing into the ventilation device is counteracted by the back pressure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide acoustic detection for automated devices such as respiratory treatment apparatus. In some embodiments of the technology, acoustic analysis of noise or sound pulses, such as a cepstrum analysis, based on signals of a sound sensor (104) permits detection of obstruction (O) such as within a patient interface, mask or respiratory conduit (108) or within patient respiratory system. Some embodiments further permit detection of accessories such as an identification thereof or a condition of use thereof, such as a leak. Still further embodiments of the technology permit the detection of a patient or user who is intended to use the automated device.

Abstract: A system and a method for expiratory flow limitation (EFL) detection by controlling positive pressure (e.g., PEEP) applied during expiration for a subject is based on a temporary perturbation or adjustment of a pressure level of positive pressure during exhalation on selected breaths. The different responses to such a perturbation of flow-limited breaths compared to non-flow limited breaths is used to assess EFL in a subject. Automatic adjustments of the positive pressure applied to the patient are used in the disclosed algorithm to abolish EFL, and are implemented through existing ventilators and other respiratory devices.

Abstract: A cuff pressure controller device (100) is connected to a foregoing cuff (10) via an air supply tube (125). The cuff pressure controller device (100) includes a controller unit (111), a cuff pressure detector unit (113), a driver circuit (119), a piezoelectric pump (101), a check valve (121), and a release valve (122). The cuff pressure detector unit (113) detects the cuff pressure of the cuff (10). The driver circuit (119) drives the piezoelectric pump (101) at a drive frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The controller unit (111) controls the cuff pressure detector unit (113), the driver circuit (119), and the release valve (122) in such a way that the cuff pressure stays within a predetermined range based on detection results of the cuff pressure detector unit (113) and the like.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube (1) has an adjustable flange (2) that can be slid along the tube and locked in the desired position. The flange has a one-piece resilient nut (40) that is threaded on a tubular projection (30) on the flange. The nut has an integral inner sleeve (44) divided into separate fingers (48) the outside of which are engaged by the inside of the tubular projection. The flange is locked in position by screwing the nut onto the projection so that the fingers that are forced inwardly to engage the outside of the tube.

Abstract: A patient interface system for delivery of a supply of air at positive pressure to the entrance of a patient's airways for treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an air delivery tube connected to a flexible portion of a plenum; a vent structure having sufficient rigidity to support its own weight under gravity and/or not to block or fold under tube movement or tube drag; and a patient interface structure. The patient interface structure includes a seal forming structure arranged on a top portion of the plenum; and a seal positioning and stabilizing structure connected to a flexible portion of the plenum. The seal-forming structure is substantially decoupled from a tube drag force.

Abstract: A moisture removal apparatus for a breathing circuit may include a breathing gas conduit configured to receive a flow of breathing gas having a first humidity level. The apparatus may include a dry gas conduit adjacent to at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit, the dry gas conduit configured to receive a flow of dry gas having a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. The apparatus may also include a feeding conduit extending through at least a portion of the dry gas conduit, the feeding conduit configured to introduce the dry gas into the dry gas conduit. The apparatus may further include a moisture transmission pathway configured to enable transfer of moisture from the breathing gas to the dry gas based on the humidity differential.

Abstract: A fluid connector between patient interface and a respiratory therapy device and a vent adaptor for a respiratory pressure therapy system. The fluid connector comprising two parts, the first of which includes a seal and a latching portion and the second a complementary latching portion configured to engage the former to provide a fluid flow patch between the two parts. The vent adaptor comprising a vent assembly comprising a vent housing and an annular plate including an array of holes to discharge the pressurised gas to atmosphere and an deformable membrane which presses against the annular plate.

Abstract: An anesthesia delivery and ventilation system (ADVS) includes an expiratory section, a circulation flow system (CFS), an inspiratory section, a ventilation drive system (VDS), and an anesthesia delivery system (ADS). The expiratory section receives gases from a patient and the inspiratory section and fresh gases from a fresh gas supply system. An elastic mixing reservoir receives and mixes the gases circulated by the CFS with residual gases via a connector element. The inspiratory section connects to the expiratory section at one end and to a patient connector tube at the other end. The ADS infuses an anesthetic agent into the mixed gases in the inspiratory section. The VDS delivers the mixed gases with the anesthetic agent to the patient. The VDS and the CFS are controlled and operate independently of each other to provide positive end-expiratory pressure control and ventilation control to the patient without use of a proportional valve.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises an indicator to inform a user of the apparatus when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the flow of breathing gas is measured and displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the flow of breathing gas rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: In some additional aspects, an apparatus can include a chamber having an inlet valve for receiving a reactant gas and an outlet valve for delivering a product gas, a piston positioned inside the chamber and configured to move along a length of the chamber for adjusting pressure in the chamber, a sensor for collecting information related to one or more conditions of a respiratory system associated with a patient, a controller for determining one or more control parameters based on the collected information, and one or more pairs of electrodes positioned inside the chamber for initiating a series of electric arcs external to the patient to generate nitric oxide based on the determined control parameters.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for humidification of gas streams, such as air or oxygen. Hydrated superabsorbent polymers are used to provide humidity to flowing gas streams. Humidified gas streams may be used in respiratory therapy and other applications for which humidified air is desired and/or beneficial.

Abstract: The present technology relates generally to cough-assist devices with humidified cough assistance. In one example, a system includes a cough-assist device having a first phase configured to provide insufflating gas to a patient circuit and a second phase configured to draw exsufflating gas from the patient circuit. A humidifier is disposed between the cough-assist device and a distal end of the patient circuit, the humidifier including a chamber configured to contain heated water and fluidically coupled to the cough-assist device and the patient circuit. The system further includes a bypass configured to (a) direct insufflating gas from the cough-assist device through a first route to the patient circuit such that the insufflating gas is humidified in the chamber, and (b) route exsufflating gas from the patient circuit through a second route to the cough-assist device such that the exsufflating gas bypasses the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a balloon catheter can be provided. The balloon catheter includes a catheter and a balloon, a plurality of measuring electrodes formed on a primary substrate extend around the catheter within the balloon. The primary substrate and secondary substrate is formed by a portion of a flexible resilient membrane. The membrane is coiled to form a roll, and a primary substrate is also coiled around a rolled secondary substrate. The coiled primary and secondary substrates is urged through a second lumen in the catheter from the proximal end thereof to a radial slot in the catheter communicating with the second lumen. The primary substrate is urged through the radial slot and wrapped around and bonded to the catheter to form the measuring electrodes as band electrodes.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible catheter with a locatable sensor includes non-rotatably coupling a spool with a wire to a first portion of a spool carrier, non-rotatably coupling the spool carrier to a catheter body, and rotating the spool carrier with the catheter body, thereby wrapping a portion of the wire about a distal end portion of the catheter body to form a wrapping layer.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the application relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flexible catheter with a locatable sensor includes simultaneously rotating first and second spools about a common axis, whereby first and second leads of a wire twist together to form a twisted pair of the wire, and rotating a catheter body about a longitudinal axis defined by the catheter body, whereby the twisted pair of the wire wraps about a proximal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A cannula-catheter bonding method and apparatus can include a needle having a specifically configured connector end to reduce the risk of the connector end disengaging with an adapter (e.g., a catheter, a cannula, or a connector of a Huber needle assembly, etc.). The specifically configured needle connector end can be a formation, such as a barb, a bead, an annular structure, a rib, etc. The formation can be formed on the connector end, and may be elongated with a conical shaped nose leading to a base with a bottom. The formation can be used to prevent movement of the needle relative to the adapter. A method for producing the formation can include forming a mold for the formation in a plate, where the connector end can then be placed within the mold so that curable material can be disposed within the mold. Upon hardening of the curable material, the formation can take the shape of at least a portion of the mold.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an echogenic member assembly for use with a catheter assembly. The echogenic member assembly includes at least one echogenic member having a cylindrical body extending between a first end and a second end. Thus, the body defines a longitudinal length between the first and second ends. Further, the cylindrical body has an exterior surface extending from the first end to the second end. The exterior surface includes a plurality of discontinuities arranged in a predetermined pattern so as to enhance ultrasonic imaging. In addition, the longitudinal length of the echogenic member is less than a total length of a catheter of the catheter assembly. As such, the echogenic member provides enhanced ultrasonic imaging to the catheter assembly without compromising the inherent flexibility of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, a housing configured to house at least a portion of the catheter, and an actuator movably coupled to the housing. The housing has a first port configured to receive a proximal end portion of the catheter and a second port configured to couple the housing to an indwelling vascular access device. A portion of the actuator is disposed within the housing and is configured to be movably coupled to a portion of the catheter. The actuator is configured to be moved a first distance to move a distal end portion of the catheter a second distance greater than the first distance from a first position to a second position. The distal end portion of the catheter is disposed within the housing when in the first position and is distal to the indwelling vascular access device when in the second position.

Abstract: Medical appliance securement device and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the medical appliance securement device includes an anchor. The anchor includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adhesive. The device also includes a pair of foam blocks secured to the top surface of the anchor and arranged to define a channel for snugly receiving a medical appliance. The device also includes a retaining tab having a first end fixed to the anchor and a second end free to move relative to said anchor and appropriately spaced from the first end of the retaining tab to be wrapped around at least a portion of a medical appliance in the channel. The device also includes a first set of complementary fasteners disposed on the anchor and the retaining tab for detachably coupling the free end of the retaining tab to the anchor.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device comprises a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also comprise a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed that help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within a patient's body. The device comprises a transporter catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, at least a first balloon located at the distal end, substantially at a tip of the transporter catheter, and at least a second balloon located between the distal end and the proximal end of the transporter catheter. The first balloon is an orienting balloon and the second balloon is an anchor balloon. The transporter catheter may include a single lumen or more than one lumen. The transporter catheter may include a shaft comprising an inner layer and an outer layer, the inner layer may be made of a material more flexible than the material of the outer layer. The outer layer may also comprise a braided-wire assembly, said braided-wire assembly being formed by braiding a plurality of flat wires or circular wires. The braided-wire assembly may wrap around the inner layer.

Abstract: A method of using a catheter assembly for inserting in a fluid filled space in a body includes providing a main body having a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. The second end portion is adjusted to extend outwardly from the fluid filled space when the first end portion is positioned within the fluid filled space. A catheter tip is connected to the second end portion of the main body. The catheter tip includes a housing having a cavity defined therein and a rotating element positioned within the fluid filled space. The rotating element is rotated within the cavity of the housing to impart movement of the first end portion of the main body within the fluid filled space.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating obesity are provided. More particularly, intragastric devices and methods of fabricating, deploying, inflating, monitoring, and retrieving the same are provided.

Abstract: Methods and devices to affect types, proportion, quantity, distribution, or proliferation of microorganisms within a female reproductive system.

Abstract: A delivery capsule configured to be swallowed to deliver medication inside the gastrointestinal tract, including a pressure sensor for measuring the internal pressure in the delivery capsule; one or more compartments for storing medication; and a controller configured to control the release a dose of medication from a compartment responsive to the measurements of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A new minimally invasive surgical approach is proposed that contemplates a method and apparatus for tightening lax skin without visible scarring via a device in various surgical procedures such as plastic surgery procedures. In some embodiments, the device is a single use disposable instrument. This approach circumvents surgically related scarring and the clinical variability of electromagnetic heating of the skin and performs small multiple pixilated resections of skin as a minimally invasive alternative to large Plastic surgical resections of skin. This approach can also be employed in areas of the body that are currently off limits to plastic surgery due to the visibility of the surgical scar. In addition, the approach can perform a skin grafting operation by harvesting the transected incisions of skin from a tissue site of a donor onto a skin defect site of a recipient with reduced scarring of the patient's donor site.

Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.