Abstract: A moisturizing pad has a heat generating element sandwiched between first and second surface sheets. The heat generating element contains metal powders, salt, water and water retaining materials adapted to generate oxidation heat and thereby to convert the water to moisture vapor as the element is supplied with oxygen through an air-permeable first surface sheet. The salt and water are provided in a form of saline solution having a salt concentration of 18-22% by weight and the heat generating element is impregnated with such a saline solution in a range of 17.5 to 26% by weight of the element.

Abstract: An IV pole mountable, therapeutic infusate processing device is incorporated into a hypothermia system to receive therapeutic fluid(s), such as normal saline, peritioneal dialysis solution, or other crystalloid solution, to heat such therapeutic fluid(s) a few degrees centigrade above normal body temperature and to direct the resulting heated infusate to and through a selected anatomical portion of a patients body to raise the temperature of that body portion so as to affect any cancerous or other tumors that may be located therein. The processing device is provided with touch screen controls and visual indicators to facilitate its proper use; while the system further includes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor the hyperthermia processing to insure patient safety.

Abstract: A skin patch laminate body includes a skin patch body having a base layer and a first adhesive layer formed on one side of the base layer for adhering directly to a skin, and a heat imparting body having an exothermic agent accommodating layer and a second adhesive layer formed on one side of the exothermic agent accommodating layer for adhering to the other side of the base layer, wherein the adhesive strength between the second adhesive layer and the base layer is less than the adhesive strength between the first adhesive layer and the skin.

Abstract: An infected nail of a digit of a patient is treated using apparatus including an enclosure capable of housing at least a distal end of at least one digit of a patient having an infected nail. The apparatus also includes a heater and a nail infection agent-containing member housed within the enclosure and positionable against an infected nail at the distal end of a digit housed within the enclosure. The heater is in heat-transfer relationship with the nail infection agent. In this way heated nail infection agent can be maintained against an infected nail by the nail infection agent-containing member.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, an actuator for driving the plunger, a temperature control device, and a temperature release mechanism. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering the temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature release mechanism is in a locked position when the substance is outside the proper temperature range and an unlocked position when the substance is in the proper temperature range.

Abstract: A method for treating the skin involves a first stage of softening the skin by projecting steam including treatment material on to it, causing the pores to open and the material to penetrate the outer skin surface. Thereafter the pores are caused to close e.g. by projecting an astringent composition on to the skin. Apparatus to effect this is described. One form includes a sealable chamber into which a quantity of liquid treatment preparation may be placed and heated to vaporise it and project the vapour via a nozzle (10) on to the skin surface, at a distance suitable for the treatment and established by a spacer (17) projecting from the side of a housing (1) containing the chamber and nozzle (10), and means (11) to trigger dispensing of the vapour when actuated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to rapidly thaw and heat frozen bags of biological materials, such as plasma. The apparatus has a hollow bladder having a flexible wall that is placed in contact with the bag. A circulation system draws fluid from a reservoir and fills the bladder with the fluid. The circulation system also drains fluid from the bladder. A heater in the reservoir heats the fluid before the fluid enters the bladder. As heated fluid flows through the bladder, heat is transferred through the bladder wall to the plasma bag to thaw the biological material. The bladder wall expands against the plasma bag as the bladder fills with fluid, and contracts from the plasma bag as the bladder is drained. The expansion and contraction of the bladder wall agitates the plasma bag and biological material to accelerate the thawing process.

Abstract: A stye treatment device for concurrent application of temperature and moisture to a stye. The device features a moisture component positioned in a central cavity formed in a sealing edge extending from the rear surface of an eyecup. A temperature component is positioned in the cavity rearward of the moisture component in a position to contact a stye when the device is biased by a strap to the face of the user. The device, when worn by the user, may impart either heat or cold temperature treatments and humidity or moisture treatment concurrently. Excessive pressure against the user's stye and eye is prevented by forming the moisture component of material adapted to collapse should the temperature component contact the face of the user under too much pressure which might otherwise cause pain.

Abstract: A therapeutic article includes a skin contact layer having a plurality of fibers forming a plurality of point-bearing surfaces configured for wear against a user's skin; a personal care composition disposed proximate the fibers; an external layer attached to the skin contact layer; and an intermediate layer interposed between the skin contact layer and the external layer, the intermediate layer being configured to activate the personal care composition, the external layer being configured to direct the activated personal care composition through the skin contact layer to treat the user.

Abstract: The present invention provides a treatment apparatus. The apparatus contains a reservoir or generator for a treatment solution, a mechanism for delivering the treatment solution to a wound site, and a mechanism for applying the solution to a wound, tissue, bone or surgical cavity for treatment. The apparatus may apply the solution (e.g., a solution containing hypohalous acid) with, for example, an occlusive wound dressing, pulsative lavage device, hydrotherapy, hydrosurgical device, and/or ultrasound. A waste container may be operably connected to the apparatus for collecting waste from the wound by run-off, or by applying negative pressure (e.g. a vacuum). Because the apparatus of the invention can optionally be portable or mobile, the invention is suitable for use in hospitals and nursing homes, as well as for home wound care.

Abstract: A flat iron-like moxibustion device provided with a flat iron-like main body 2, a heater 5, a dome-like transparent glass cover 6 an outwardly curved outer surface that is brought into contact with a human body and an inwardly curved inner surface on which fine irregularity 6b is formed, a far infrared ray radiation layer 7 coated on the inner surface of the glass cover 6 on which fine irregularity 6b is formed, and a clay-like far infrared ray radiation material 8 filled into the inside of the glass cover 6 as being in close contact with the far infrared ray radiation layer 7, the moxibustion device being capable of substantially uniform far infrared ray radiation and having an excellent appearance.

Abstract: A Personal Care Vaporizing Device is disclosed. The device has a central base unit including a large removable liquid reservoir and a handheld skin massage/exfoliating device. The handheld assembly can selectively emit vapor directly to the skin surface. Unlike the prior devices in the field, the present invention allows the user to selectively dispense either cool or warm vapor. The liquid reservoir is designed to accept skin care additives in addition to simple water for generating the vapor. The device has at least three operational modes: vapor only, massage head brush oscillation/massage motion only, and both vapor and oscillation/massage. Power for the device is available from a variety of sources, including internal batteries and/or external power supply.

Abstract: A wax heating device for wax treatment of human skin that includes a contained a controlled exothermic chemical reaction to melt wax on a flexible element for contacting human skin. A heating pouch contains a first portion. A heater element has an inner area with a first portion holding a heat generating material and a second portion holding an actuation agent, with a seal that is broken to actuate the heat generation and melt the wax.

Abstract: A container has an impermeable outer membrane sized to fit generally within the peri-orbital region and sufficiently flexible to mold to the structure of the closed eye. Heat which is generated by an exothermic reaction inside the container, which provides steady-state heat to the eyelids. A soft, non-abrasive, lint-free material is presoaked in a pH controlled (preferably antibacterial and hypoallergenic) detergent, with or without an ophthalmic antibiotic solution. The compress may also have a handle which makes holding and maneuvering the compress more feasible, while protecting the user's fingers from the heat, and preventing the contamination of the compress by the fingers. The compress may be packed in a watertight, sterile wrapper which will prevent drying of the detergent solution. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that is appropriate for transcutaneous detection of tissue or blood constituents. A sensor for tissue constituent detection may include a gas collection chamber with a conduit to a sensing component and a conduit from the sensing component to the chamber. A sensor as provided may also include a barrier layer to prevent water from infiltrating the sensor.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad for application over the wound site, a wound drape or sealing enclosure of the foam pad, the heating, and cooling pad at wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of skin conditions and lesions are disclosed herein. A thermal device can be used to heat or cool a personal care pack that can then be used to cleanse, treat, and rejuvenate the skin. The personal care pack can be formulated with smooth or abrasive material and can contain a variety of liquids, lotions or gels. Application of the personal care pack, at the desired temperature to the skin can stimulate deeper blood circulation, clear pores, diminishes or removes deep and fine wrinkles, accelerate acne clearing, treat blemished skin, decrease edema and erythema of the skin, and reduce puritis of various etiologies.

Abstract: A cooling garment including an inlet for receiving a cooling medium such as CO2. A series of conduits are associated with the garment. In a first cooling stage, the cooling medium or CO2 passes through the one or more conduits and undergoes a phase change where the cooling medium or CO2 changes from a predominantly liquid phase to a predominantly gaseous phase. In this first stage, heat is transferred from a living body having the garment disposed adjacent thereto the cooling medium or CO2. In a second stage of cooling, the cooling medium or CO2 assumes a substantial gaseous phase and the gaseous cooling medium or CO2 is dispersed onto the garment or the body resulting in the body being cooled through evaporative cooling.

Abstract: An oral supplement or topical supplement containing glucosamine sulfate and oleocanthal provides relief of pain and reduces inflammation in joints. The topical supplement is used in conjunction with a heat patch.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for cleansing wounds (5) in which irrigant fluid from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing (2) and wound exudate from the dressing are moved by a device (18) (which may be a single pump or two pumps) for moving fluid through a flow path (6, 7, 9, 10) which passes through the dressing with a means for providing simultaneous aspiration and irrigation of the wound, and means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The former provides a desired balance of fluid at a controlled nominal flow rate that removes materials deleterious to wound healing, while distributing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing over the wound bed. The latter maintains a temperature at the wound bed under the wound dressing at a level that promotes wound healing.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wash water storage apparatus for portable irrigator that is used to remove feces contained for a long time in the human large intestine or wash the interior of the women's vagina. More particularly, disclosed is a foldable wash water storage apparatus for use with a portable irrigator having a temperature regulation function, which can remove impurities contained in wash water to be supplied into the irrigator while keeping the wash water at a constant temperature, thereby supplying harmless wash water to a human body, and achieving improved convenience in storage and carrying.

Abstract: Systems for delivering an anti-inflammatory drug and methods for treating osteoarthritis are provided. Such systems can comprise, in one embodiment, a transdermal patch with a sufficient amount of anti-inflammatory drug in a formulation for sustained transdermal delivery at a human skin site. The system can further include a permeation composition or device, such as a heating device. The heating device can be configured for application over the transdermal patch and the human skin site. Further, the heating device can be configured for heating the human skin site to a specific temperature range from 36° C. to 42° C., and for maintaining the human skin site within that temperature range for a period of at least 4 or 5 hours.

Abstract: The hot medicinal compress apparatus is a therapeutic and hearth care medical device which has heating, medicament and rolling functions. It includes a heater (2) and a cartridge (3) carrying a medicinal compress layer. The heater (2) includes a heating element and a heat conducting tube (4) in which the heating element is mounted and at both ends of which a front round step member (10) and a rear round step member (10?) having a through hole are respectively arranged; at another end of the front round step member (10), a washer and a demountable baffle ring (18) are provided and fixed by a screw nut (12), while at another end of the rear round step member (10?), a handle (1) is arranged, in which a through hole is provided and on which a control switch is mounted. The cartridge (3) is comprised of a metal tube (17) and a medicinal compress layer which is wrapped around the metal tube (17).

Abstract: A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transdermal drug delivery with controlled heat are provided. Such systems can comprise a heating apparatus that includes an exothermic chemical composition, typically in the form of individual heating elements. The heating apparatus can be exposed to ambient oxygen through a cover. The cover can reduce the amount of ambient oxygen capable of contacting the chemical composition compared to when the cover is not present. In some embodiments, the heating apparatus can include more than one heating element. The systems can further include a drug-containing layer that includes a drug. The drug-containing layer can have a surface area of about 50 cm2 to about 400 cm2. The systems of the present invention can be deliver ketoprofen in an amount sufficient to produce a mean blood plasma concentration of ketoprofen in a human subject of at least 45 ng/ml within four hours after initial application of the system to a skin surface.

Abstract: A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular a device for applying water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.

Abstract: A method and device for thermolphoretic fluid or drug delivery through the creation of a thermal gradient in the skin. The device includes a heat generating mechanism capable of transdermal delivery of a beneficial agent, an insulating portion coupled with the heat generating mechanism, a cold generating mechanism coupled with the insulating portion, and wherein the heat generating mechanism and the cold generating mechanism create a thermal potential across dermal regions. The method includes generating a hot dermal region and transdermally delivering a beneficial agent, insulating, generating a cold dermal region, and creating a thermal potential across the hot dermal region and the cold dermal region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a patch and method for providing therapy to an individual. The patch and method provide a user or therapist with the flexibility to apply a patch to highly contoured areas on the individual's body. In some embodiments, the patch includes a body that applies therapy to the individual when the patch is placed on the individual. The patch further includes at least one cut in the body of the patch. In other example embodiments, the present invention relates to a method of providing therapy to an individual. The method includes selecting a patch that provides therapy to an individual. The patch includes a body and at least one cut in the body. The method further includes applying the patch to the individual where the cut in the body allows the patch to conform to the individual as the patch is applied to the individual.

Abstract: A personal hygiene wipe that includes a contained and controlled exothermic chemical reaction to provide warmth for the wipe. The fabric of the wipe, such as a rayon and polyester fabric also includes a first or chemical outer pouch, a second or water containing pouch inside the first pouch, such that the first pouch is sealed with a vacuum so that upon application of pressure to the wipe, the vacuum increases the spread of the water into contact with the chemicals to initiate the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A personal hygiene wipe that includes a contained and controlled exothermic chemical reaction to provide warmth for the wipe. The fabric of the wipe, such as a rayon and polyester fabric also includes a first or chemical outer pouch, a second or water containing pouch inside the first pouch, such that the first pouch is sealed so that upon application of pressure to the wipe, the spread of the water into contact with the chemicals initiates the exothermic reaction.

Abstract: A personal hygiene wipe device that includes a contained and controlled exothermic chemical reaction to provide warmth for the wipe. The device includes an outer pouch containing a heat generating agent and an inner pouch inside the outer pouch and having an activating element. Upon application of pressure to the device, the spread of the activating agent into contact with the chemicals an the exothermic reaction. A heat sink is provided between the wipes and the outer pouch to absorb the initial production of heat and transfer that heat to the wipes.

Abstract: The hot medicinal compress apparatus is a therapeutic and hearth care medical device which has heating, medicament and rolling functions. It includes a heater (2) and a cartridge (3) carrying a medicinal compress layer. The heater (2) includes a heating element and a heat conducting tube (4) in which the heating element is mounted and at both ends of which a front round step member (10) and a rear round step member (10?) having a through hole are respectively arranged; at another end of the front round step member (10), a washer and a demountable baffle ring (18) are provided and fixed by a screw nut (12), while at another end of the rear round step member (10?), a handle (1) is arranged, in which a through hole is provided and on which a control switch is mounted. The cartridge (3) is comprised of a metal tube (17) and a medicinal compress layer which is wrapped around the metal tube (17).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for treating a patient. The system includes a device configured to be positioned adjacent a portion of the patient, a medicinal substance delivery device, adapted to delivery a medicinal substance to the portion of the patient, a heating means adapted to provide heat to the device and a control system configured to monitor the heating means and control the temperature of the device at the portion of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical warming system includes at least one and generally two or more compartments, whereby each compartment is separately heatable and controllable over its own range of temperatures. The compartments may be implemented as separate warmer units in stacked relation. Alternatively, the compartments may be constructed into a single cabinet structure. The heat within each compartment is provided by forcing air through a heating chamber and into the compartment whereby the forced air is recycled and mixed with make-up air. Each individually controllable compartment enables an operator to simultaneously maintain the individual compartments of the same warming system at different desired temperatures. In addition, the warming system further includes for each compartment a display and a tray or drawer with individual receptacles and corresponding monitoring assemblies in order to indicate the temperature and residence time of each item heated within that compartment.

Abstract: A laminated heating body permits free adjustment of temperature to be felt on a user's skin by varying condition of a cover sheet on a surface thereof. The laminated heating body includes a heating body and a cover sheet covering the heating body. The cover sheet is formed from a laminated sheet consisted of at least two sheet bases having mutually different heat conductivity. At least two sheet bases are peelably bonded with each other.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus (10) for the controlled acceleration, and/or retardation of the body's inflammatory response generally comprises a foam pad (11) for insertion substantially into a wound site, a heating, a cooling pad (13) for application over the wound site (12), a wound drape (14) or sealing enclosure of the foam pad (11), the heating, and cooling pad (13) at wound site (12). The foam pad (11) is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of the controlled acceleration or retardation of the body's inflammatory response. The heating, and cooling provision controls the local metabolic function as part of the inflammatory response.

Abstract: A herbal steam device includes a closed heated boiling chamber with openings at the side for a steam outlet. A collecting chamber surrounds the upper part of the boiling chamber. Cold water from a reservoir below flows into the boiling chamber through an inflow pipe. Surplus water flows through an overflow and a backflow pipe back to the reservoir. An electrical heating plate is present under the boiling chamber, and a herb pot may be placed in the steam space above the boiling chamber. The inflow pipe runs in a curve around the boiling chamber. The steam which escapes from the openings heats up the inflowing water. At the same time, the relatively cold inflow pipe acts as a foam barrier adjacent to the openings.

Abstract: A semi-enclosed applicator (10) for distributing a substance onto a target surface is disclosed having a first side (24) having a first internal surface (32) and a first external surface (31); a second side (26) having a second internal surface (34) and a second external surface (33); an internal cavity (29) between the first and second internal surfaces that is externally accessible, and a temperature changing element. The flexible film pouch (30) contains a product located proximately to the first side (24).

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a stream of steam for direction against an area of skin of a person includes a water vessel for retaining a quantity of water, the vessel having an upright tubular vessel side wall and a vessel bottom wall and a vessel mounting structure, and a water heating mechanism mounted outside and in thermal proximity to the vessel including a heating element and a power source connection structure for generating heat for transfer into the water vessel to heat the quantity of water sufficiently to progressively transform the quantity of water into a stream of steam; a steam guidance framework including a vessel cover structure having a structure upper surface and a structure lower surface, a vessel engaging structure for suspending the vessel from the vessel cover structure, the vessel cover structure having a steam port over the water vessel for passing a stream of steam from the water vessel; a steam delivery tube including a steam delivery tube receiving end and a steam delivery tube disc

Abstract: A skin care apparatus includes a skin care unit and a negative ion supplying unit. The skin care unit is configured to perform skin care on a skin surface of human being. The negative ion supplying unit is configured to discharge negatively ionized air toward the skin surface and includes a negative ion generator which is configured to generate the negatively ionized air.

Abstract: A therapeutic eye and eyelid cover provides heated saturated air to the covered tissue and a transparent front (18, 19) to enable clear vision during use. The cover includes heating means (17) and means (22) for saturating the air enclosed against the face with water vapor, preventing evaporation from the eye and eye lids and enhancing heat transfer to the covered tissue. The transparent front is constructed to prevent condensation and maintain clear vision at all times during use.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A cover system for a heater unit includes a tray and a cap formed around the mouth of the tray. The tray holds a liquid medium that may be heated to various temperatures. The cap and the tray are coupled to prevent the passage of air and water. As a result, the cover system shields a non-sterilized heater unit from a sterile field in an operating room, thereby preserving the integrity of the sterile field.

Abstract: A device which can hold a position over a particular point, preferrably an acupuncture point, on a living body, has particularizeable plugs for performing different treatments to those points. Fixation to the body surface is preferred for treatment using the device is preferred. In most forms, the device will have a channel for accomodating and holding the therapy delivery devices. Moxa or other medicaments can be delivered using the inventive structures, as can pressure, or other force, and the devices can be used to provide heat, magnetism, or other forms of energy amenable to use in the inventive device, and which may be of interest in the oriental medicine and new age therapies of non-standard western medical practices.

Abstract: A hand-held buffing device having a body with at least two portions, a handle portion and a head portion is provided. The handle portion is preferably ergonomically shaped and/or oriented for convenient, comfortable handling and may preferably have a control interface for allowing an operator to control the operation of buffing device. The head portion may preferably accommodate at least a portion of a drive assembly and operatively connect with one or more buffing pads or disks that are driven by the drive assembly to move in relatively rapid, reciprocating movements in short strokes in simultaneously different directions for hair removal, massaging and exfoliating with efficiency. The buffing device enables relatively lightweight motors and components to be used.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of tissue to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for increasing the delivery rate of an androgen transdermal therapeutic system through the skin. An androgen transdermal therapeutic system can be applied to a patient's skin for delivery of the androgen. A temperature modification apparatus which is capable of generating controlled heat is applied approximate to the androgen transdermal therapeutic system. The heating from the temperature modification apparatus raises the temperature of the androgen transdermal therapeutic system and raises the temperature of the patient's skin to achieve an increased rate of delivery of androgen through the skin. The controlled heat can also be used to adjust dosage rates of the androgen transdermal therapeutic system and to mimic natural circadian patterns. The controlled heating may also be used to improve or regulate the release of androgen from injected/implanted extended/controlled release systems.

Abstract: Tissue resurfacing is accomplished by propelling biocompatible, non-toxic materials at the tissue with sufficient velocity to cause destruction or loosening of tissues to a desired depth. The biocompatible materials are generated by abrading a solid frozen unit and propelling the abraded material onto the surface of the skin or tissue to be treated. A vacuum line near the delivery tip may used to remove excess materials or reaction by-products that build up on the surface of the skin. The treatment system generally consists of a control unit, a handheld particle generator and a cable that connects the control unit to the particle generator. The control unit can include user controls to select particle temperature, particle flux, particle velocity and vacuum. The handheld particle generator contains a mechanism to push the frozen biocompatible material against a rotating grinding wheel that produces small particles, which are propelled against tissue being treated.