Abstract: A vascular access system and method of use for said system. The vascular access system generally comprises a body member; a shuttle member movably coupled to the body member; and a plurality of access needles fixedly coupled to the shuttle member and extending from the body member to penetrate a patient's skin.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and a system for the delivery of biological material across the biological tissue. The device may be for the programmed delivery of biological material through a needle or a micro-needle or micro-needles or biodegradable micro-needles.

Abstract: A microneedle applicator is provided which has two roughly concentric portions which may be, for example, a solid disk and an annulus surrounding it. On the skin-facing side of the inner portion of the applicator a microneedle array is located. The outer portion of the applicator is placed against the skin, contacting it at a zone. The microneedle array is then pressed towards the skin.

Abstract: A transdermal adhesive patch assembly and method of using same. The assembly can include a backing, and an adhesive and a matrix coupled to the backing. The matrix can include an active ingredient. The assembly can further include a microneedle array in at least partially overlapping relationship with the matrix; and a carrier that couples the microneedle array to the matrix opposite the backing, wherein the carrier and the microneedle array form a skin treatment assembly that, along with the matrix, can be located on a flap. The method can include adhering at least a portion of the adhesive to skin to form an anchor; applying pressure adjacent the microneedle array to treat an area of the skin; moving the flap away from the skin; removing the skin treatment assembly to expose the matrix; and replacing the flap to position the matrix over the treated area of the skin.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for delivering microneedles to a patient's skin. In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for delivering a microneedle array to a patient's skin surface, the system comprising: a delivery apparatus including a housing; and an infusion device detachably received in the housing.

Abstract: An active agent is effectively administered without giving fear to the user when the microneedles are applied. An applicator 10 includes a transmission member that transmits biasing force of a biasing member to a microneedle array including micro projections (microneedles) with a needle density of 500 needles/cm2 or more. The transmission member has a mass of 1.5 g or less, and the transmission member activated by the biasing force of the biasing member has a momentum of from 0.0083 (N·s) to 0.015 (N·s).

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for transporting fluid across or into a biological barrier, the system comprises a device (10) having a housing with at least one abutment surface for abutting the biological barrier. A capsule is to be received in the housing comprising a substrate (21) from which a plurality of hollow micro needles (22) project and a fluid reservoir (26) which can be brought into fluid communication with the micro needles. According to the invention the capsule comprises a fluid dose and the device comprises a ram (12) arranged movably in the housing for pushing the capsule from a first position to a second position. The ram subsequently proceeds to a third ram position thereby deforming the reservoir for raising the pressure inside the reservoir such that the fluid dose will be transported through the hollow micro needles across or into the biological barrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides low-profile systems and methods for delivering a microneedle array. A delivery system includes a housing that may be secured to and temporarily worn on a patient's skin. A carrier assembly coupled to a microneedle array is received in the housing proximate a stored energy device. The stored energy device can be designed to store a predetermined amount of potential energy that is greater or substantially greater than the energy necessary to release said energy. As the stored energy device is potentially capable of releasing substantially more energy than is required to cause the release, the amount of normal force applied to the skin can be minimized while sufficient application velocity is still generated.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: A device and method for creating microchannels in the stratum corneum. The device includes a handle and a substrate detachably attached to the handle by a coupler. The substrate has a plurality of microstructures for creating microchannels in the stratum corneum. The substrate is detachable from the handle for disposal.

Abstract: A bioactive agent delivery device having a plurality of reservoirs wherein each reservoir houses a solvent provides a means for separable and segregated delivery of bioactive agent(s) to a patient. The device can include a plurality of absorbent materials wherein each absorbent material is pretreated with a bioactive agent and a delivery mechanism operable to deliver to any of the plurality of absorbent materials a controlled portion of solvent from any of a plurality of reservoirs. A diffusion layer interposed between the absorbent materials and an epidermis transfers the bioactive agent from the absorbent materials to the epidermis for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: Methods for the production chitin nanofibers and uses thereof. Furthermore, methods for the production of chitin nanofibers and the fabrication of chitin nanofiber structures and devices.

Abstract: A micro-needle array is provided that may be used to deliver a bioactive agent to a therapeutic target. The micro-needle array preferably includes a substrate, a plurality of micro-needles integral with the substrate, and a bioactive agent. At least one micro-needle preferably includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface, and a cavity defined by an inner surface. The bioactive agent may be disposed on the substrate and the plurality of micro-needles. The at least one micro-needle may further include a slit connecting the cavity to an aperture, the slit extending from the top surface to the bottom surface.

Abstract: An intra-myocardial agent delivery device comprising a myocardial tissue access line that is configured to receive a pharmacological agent therein and at least a first agent delivery line having a central lumen therethrough, the first agent delivery line being in fluid communication with the tissue access line and including a plurality of dispersal lumens extending through the delivery line wall, wherein, when the first agent delivery line is disposed in myocardial tissue and the pharmacological agent is introduced into the tissue access line, the plurality of dispersal lumens allow the pharmacological agent to be transferred from the central lumen to the myocardial tissue.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle device where a coating agent has been applied to microneedles having a biodegradable resin. It has been found that the application of the coating agent to microneedles of a biodegradable resin having a predetermined strength allows the microneedles to have excellent performance. Further, with regard to the coating agent, a predetermined type and amount thereof are also useful to demonstrate performance. Accordingly, when a microneedle device 1 is arranged so that at least a part of a microneedle array 2 provided with microneedles 3 made from polylactic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 40,000 or more is coated with a carrier containing physiologically active ingredients, it is possible to attain excellent migration characteristics of the physiologically active ingredients to a living body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for delivering agents to a solid tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure may include a medical device for delivering medicament to a body of a user. The device may include a connector for channeling a fluid from a fluid source and a device platform configured to receive the fluid via the connector. The device platform may contact the user's body. The device may further include one or more fluid cannulae coupled to and extending from the device platform and configured for insertion into the body. The fluid cannulae may be configured to receive the fluid from the device platform. The device may also include one or more channels configured to channel the fluid through the connector, into the device platform, into the one or more fluid cannulae, and into the body. The device may also include one or more sensors coupled to the device platform and configured for monitoring a parameter of the body.

Abstract: A fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections of high strength, high precision and large aspect ratio; and a process for producing the fine metal structure free of defects. There is provided a fine metal structure having its surface furnished with microprojections, characterized in that the microprojections have a minimum thickness or minimum diameter ranging from 10 nanometers to 10 micrometers and that the ratio between minimum thickness or minimum diameter (D) of microprojections and height of microprojections (H), H/D, is greater than 1.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter for peri-vascular and/or peri-urethral tissue ablation includes multiple needles advanced through supported guide tubes which expand with open ends around a central axis to engage the interior surface of the wall of the renal artery or other vessel of a human body allowing the injection an ablative fluid for ablating tissue, and/or nerve fibers in the outer layer or deep to the outer layer of the vessel, or in prostatic tissue. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into and beyond the tissue of the vessel wall. The preferred embodiment of the catheter includes structures which provide radial and lateral support to the guide tubes so that the guide tubes open uniformly and maintain their position against the interior surface of the vessel wall as the sharpened injection needles are advanced to penetrate into the vessel wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are biocompatible, dissolving microneedle structures with enhanced mechanical strength. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to microneedles containing nanomaterials. Also disclosed are methods of producing such microneedle structures, as well as methods for using them to deliver drugs or biomolecules into the skin or epithelia, or the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of a skin or epithelia cell, of a subject.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays made by an injection molding process that uses ultrasonic energy to assist flow of polymer melt into a mold cavity, said microneedles having a high proportion (at least 60%) of fill, i.e., completely formed microneedles across the array. Microneedle array can be on a base or land no more than 250 ?m thick.

Abstract: A percutaneous medication device according to the present invention comprises: a syringe into which a medical liquid is filled; and a needle formation attached to a tip of the syringe; where: the needle formation comprises a plurality of needles protruding from a surface of a tip of the needle formation; a tip of the needle is cut diagonally with respect to the longitudinal direction of the needle; a discharge opening formed at the tip of each needle is facing substantially opposite from the center direction of the needle formation; and a pitch between the adjacent needles is 1 mm to 10 mm.

Abstract: A scalable parallel injector array has a support structure for holding injector tubes in a spatial pattern in order to enable delivery of fluidic materials simultaneously to a group of specific target areas in the brain or a body part. Each injector is individually connectible at one end to a displacement-controlled pump and is designed at the other end to be inserted into the brain or body part. The injector tubes are connected to the pump by fluid-filled tubing. The spatial pattern is patient- and/or application-customizable, and the length of the injector tubes is customizable in order to more precisely reach individual target areas. A clamping device may be used to attach the injector array to a stereotaxic arm or other support structure. The action of the pump permits controlled simultaneous delivery of the fluidic materials to the target areas.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for transport of molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver material into or across a biological barrier from chambers in connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles. Representative examples of these means include the use of permeable membranes, fracturable impermeable membranes, valves, and pumps.

Abstract: An administration device comprising an array of needles, one or more fluid agents, and at least one hydrogel is described. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes into a tissue. The use of hydrogel leads to constrained delivery of the fluid agents. The constrained delivery of an agent is also achieved by depositing a drug implant into a tissue. The effect of an agent on the tissue can be evaluated thereafter. In addition, the invention is directed to treating muscle diseases by delivering a therapeutic agent in vivo, and the use of reporter tissues for candidate drug evaluation, detecting and characterizing resistance.

Abstract: A transdermal patch that can easily deliver a controlled volume of a fluidic drug compound to skin is provided. More particularly, the patch contains a microneedle assembly that is configured to be placed in fluid communication with a drug delivery assembly. The microneedle assembly contains a support and a plurality of microneedles that extend outwardly from the support. The microneedles are formed with one or more channels of a certain dimension such that passive capillary flow drives a flow of the drug compound. The drug delivery assembly contains a reservoir for the drug compound that is in fluid communication with a rate control membrane that helps control a flow rate of the drug compound by modulating a pressure of the drug compound, downstream from the reservoir. A release member is also positioned adjacent to the microneedle and drug delivery assemblies. Prior to use, the release member acts as a barrier to the flow of the drug compound and thus inhibits premature leakage.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivering a drug to a preselected treatment site, includes a rupturable film capsule enclosing a quantity of the drug to be delivered; an array of micro-needles formed with passageways therethrough carried by the device; a covering layer overlying the capsule and forming a fluid-tight seal with the perimeter of the micro-needle array such that when the device is located with the micro-needles facing the treatment site, the application of pressure to the device causes the micro-needles to penetrate the treatment site and the capsule film to rupture to deliver the drug via the passageways to the treatment site; and an open mesh layer adjacent to the array of micro-needles effective, upon rupture of the capsule film, to uniformly distribute the drug to the micro-needles and also to reduce the possibility of clogging of the passageways.

Abstract: Relations between crystallinity and performance of a biodegradable resin, between weight-average molecular weight and strength thereof, and between weight-average molecular weight and performance thereof were clarified. As a result thereof, when a microneedle array was provided with microneedles containing noncrystalline polylactic acid which had a weight-average molecular weight of 40,000 to 100,000, it was possible to obtain a microneedle array which could maintain its functional performance.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling configured and adapted to couple to a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid and a second coupling to couple to a secondary trocar assembly. A third coupling is provided to couple to a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings. Also provided is at least one valve member adapted and configured to be operable in at least first and second operating positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing of a microneedle array comprising the steps of selecting a soft production mold comprising a set of microscopic incisions defining geometry of the microneedles, said soft production mold being capable of providing the microneedle array integrated into a base plate; using a filler material for abundantly filling the microscopic incisions of the soft production mold thereby producing the microneedle array with pre-defined geometry integrated into the base plate; wherein for the filler material a water or alcohol based ceramic or polymer-ceramic slurry is selected. The invention further relates to a microneedle array 16, a composition comprising a microneedle array, a system for enabling transport of a substance through a barrier and a system for measuring an electric signal using an electrode.

Abstract: A device for skin treatment, which precisely transmits high-frequency energy to a target portion of skin tissue without causing a burn on the outer layer of the skin, thus artificially damaging the portion and inducing a wound curing reaction, therefore leading to the regeneration of skin and the propagation of collagen. The device prevents the surface of skin from suffering an injury during insertion, alleviates pain, and keeps the depth to which the needle is inserted into the skin uniform. The device includes a plurality of needles coated with an insulator except for sharp ends. A needle holding unit holds the needles. A drive unit directly or indirectly transmits a force to the needle holding unit, thus allowing the needles to be inserted into the skin. An electromagnetic wave transmitting unit is electrically connected to the needles and transmits electromagnetic waves to the needles.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for urine voiding postponement, and methods for treating conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, enuresis, nocturia, urinary frequency or incontinence. The devices deliver a desmopressin flux through the skin of a patient in a low dose amount just necessary to achieve a desired anti-diuretic effect without undesirable side effects such as hyponatremia. The devices are designed to permit a state of normal urinary production to return quickly after the desmopressin flux is terminated.

Abstract: Device for puncturing a membrane of a human or animal body so as to introduce a liquid formulation thereinto, provided with a patch (10) made of a polymeric material, includes a base surface (12) having a distal side and a proximal side, and a plurality of projections (11), each projection projecting from the distal side of the base surface to end in a tip (13) arranged for puncturing the membrane. Each projection (11) has a cavity (14) and a shell (111) enveloping the cavity at the distal side. The cavity is open towards the proximal side of the base surface. The shells (111) have substantially constant thicknesses. The projections (11) include fluid channels (150) emanating from the cavities (14), running through the shells to end at orifices (15) provided in the shells, offset from the tips (13), the fluid channels being oriented obliquely relative to the proximal-distal axis (16, 160). A method provides for manufacturing the patch.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transdermal delivery devices having microneedle arrays, as well as methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, a transdermal delivery device is provided. The transdermal delivery device includes a polymer layer which has microneedles projecting from one of its surfaces. The microneedles are compositionally homogenous with the polymer base layer.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece has a source of ultrasonic energy provided to a connecting body having a first passage with one end to receive fluid from a first source and the other end at the connecting body distal end. A work tip has first and second tubes each having at least one opening at its distal end and the proximal end of one or both of the tubes connected to the connecting body distal end to receive the ultrasonic energy and to selectively receive or discharge fluid from either the first or second source as controlled by a valve.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microneedle assembly having a support that includes a first surface and a second surface, the second surface further including a slanted surface. A plurality of microneedles are provided which project outwardly from the second surface of the support. A pathway through the microneedle assembly is formed and includes an aperture extending between the first surface of the support and the second surface of the support, a channel disposed on the exterior surface of at least one microneedle, the channel having a surface, the channel being in alignment with at least a portion of the aperture to form a junction through which fluids may pass.

Abstract: This device is a compressible chamber designed to inject a liquid medication through a plurality of needles. It is a self-contained, rapidly deployed device that replaces a classic syringe. It consists of a shallow chamber that is closed on one end and sealed on the other with a sliding elastomeric seal. A rigid ring slides up into the chamber that has multiple small double-ended needles mounted through the periphery of the ring perpendicularly so as to be able to perforate the seal of the chamber with the proximal end and simultaneously penetrate the subcutaneous tissues with the distal end thus allowing medication to flow from the chamber into the tissues when pressure is applied to the top of the chamber. The needles are also imbedded in, or juxtapose to a ring of compressible dye-containing material that serves to conceal the needles and provide demarcation of the area injected.

Abstract: An embeddable micro-needle patch for transdermal drug delivery and method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The embeddable micro-needle patch for transdermal drug delivery comprises a supporting substrate, on which the surface includes a plurality of extruded supporting shafts; a biodegradable carrier, which is formed of biodegradable polymer material and disposed on the supporting shaft; and drugs, which are encapsulated in the biodegradable carrier. When the embeddable micro-needle patch for transdermal drug delivery is attached to the skin for a predetermined time, the biodegradable carrier is separated from the supporting shafts and embedded into the skin, and the biodegradable carrier may swell and then degrade, so as to release the drugs, which are encapsulated in the biodegradable carrier, at a rate of 1%˜99% loaded drug per day into the skin. Accordingly, velocity of releasing the drugs may be regulated, so as to sustain the drug efficacy.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided. The device is a wearable active transdermal drug delivery device which facilitates drug delivery using one or more vaccine cartridges having microneedles as the point of drug delivery. The device may be used to perform multiple vaccine deliveries to the intradermal layer of a patient.

Abstract: A drug delivery device, which is to be attached to the exterior wall of a vascular vessel, includes: a) a biocompatible device body for surrounding a vascular vessel; b) one or plurality of biocompatible microneedle, which are connected to the interior of the biocompatible device body and capable of penetrating up to the tunica media so as to deliver drug to the vascular smooth muscle cells. The drug delivery device and method enable spatial and temporal control of the drug ejected onto the blood cells and enable insertions of two or more different drugs at different delivery speeds and durations, thereby significantly improving the treatment success rate.

Abstract: A microneedle or microneedle device includes a microneedle body extending from a base to a penetrating tip formed from a silk fibroin based material, which is easy to fabricate and highly biocompatible. The microneedle device can include one or more microneedles mounted to a substrate. The silk fibroin can include active agents to be transported into or across biological barriers such as skin, tissue and cell membranes. The silk fibroin microneedles can be fully or partially biodegradable and/or bioerodible. The silk fibroin is highly stable, affords room temperature storage and is implantable. The silk fibroin structure can be modulated to control the rate of active agent delivery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of a microneedle patch to a skin surface of a patient includes use of an applicator. The applicator includes a housing, a slidably disposed applicator plate, and a compression spring. The applicator plate is moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position, and has an engaging surface suitable for mashing up against a microneedle patch and pressing it against a skin surface. A docking system transfers the microneedle patch from a support to the applicator without requiring a user to handle the microneedle patch directly. Once mounted in the applicator, the microneedle patch is deployed against a skin surface of a patient for delivery of a desired agent via a microneedle array contained on the patch.

Abstract: A fluid extraction or filtration device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising an array of microneedles for contacting fluid in said body and an absorbent gel matrix in fluid communication with said array of microneedles. There is further provided a combined fluid extraction and sampling device and methods employing the device(s), for example in determining the level of a target species in a sample of fluid, transdermal dialysis and renal replacement therapy. There is further provided an absorbent gel matrix for use in the treatment of uraemia and a haemodialysis filter comprising an absorbent gel matrix. Use of such a matrix is described in the context of methods including haemodialysis, transdermal dialysis and gastrointestinal dialysis.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle device which protects microneedle, has an easily portable shape, is free from such problems as breakage of small needles in the step of puncturing the skin with the microneedle, and ensures appropriate skin puncture for administering a drug. By studying the relationship between a device to be pressed to the skin and the height of an elevation on the skin surface under the pressing and thus producing a device equipped with microneedle that are embedded in a concave part having a definite depth, the microneedle can be surely and easily inserted and punctured into the skin while avoiding such problems as breakage of the small needles of the microneedle. Thus, a microneedle patch formulation, which is easily portable and ensures convenient drug administration to the skin, can be produced.

Abstract: A needle magazine for holding a plurality of injection needles (50) is described. The needle magazine comprises a first opening adapted to receive the device fluid access portion (120) of a medical delivery device. Each needle (50) is selectively moveable from a respective storage position not aligned with said first opening into a needle mounting position aligned with said first opening. The needle magazine further comprises needle positioning means (41). configured to alter the mutual position between a needle selected from said plurality of needles (50) relative to a neighbor needle when said selected needle moves from its storage position to the needle mounting position.