Abstract: Microneedle devices with microneedles having a truncated tapered shape are disclosed. The microneedles of microneedle devices may also have a controlled aspect ratio. Microneedle delivery apparatus are disclosed that include drivers designed to deliver microneedles at velocities that may enhance perforation of the stratum corneum while limiting the sensation of pain experienced at the delivery site.

Abstract: Coatable compositions and coatings derived from the coatable compositions, and microarrays comprising such coatings are described. In one aspect, the invention provides a microarray comprising: a plurality of microneedles extending from a support substrate; a coating deposited on at least one of the plurality of microneedles, the coating comprising an active agent and a biological salt. In another aspect, the invention provides a coatable composition, comprising: active agent; a biological salt; and solvent. In still another aspect, the invention provides a dried coating coated on a microneedle, the coating comprising: an active agent; and a biological salt.

Abstract: A multi-site injection system (10) in accordance with the present invention generally includes a plurality of medicament delivering needles/microprotrusions (18) along with a support therefore. A supply of medicament (36) is provided and a means provided for supplying the medicament to the plurality of needles/microprotrusions in order to effect delivery into a stratum corneum (42) of a user.

Abstract: A medical device including an array of microneedles and a coating disposed on or within the microneedles and a method of making such a device are disclosed. The coating includes a peptide therapeutic agent and an amino acid. A method of stabilizing a peptide therapeutic agent with an amino acid on an array of microneedles is also disclosed. In some cases, the peptide therapeutic agent and the amino acid either both have a net positive charge or both have a net negative charge. In some cases, the peptide therapeutic agent is histidine.

Abstract: A handheld apparatus including (a) a motorized hand-piece including a mechanical rotatable coupling shaft which is caused to rotate so that it imparts a rotating motion to the coupling shaft; (b) an interface cup member which includes a body with an exterior surface having hook and loop fasteners thereon and a lower surface with an interface opening which is affixed to the coupling member of the mechanical rotatable shaft; and (c) the hand-piece individually retaining a multiplicity of different interchangeable components which are used for different purposes, each different component affixed on one surface to the hook and loop fasteners of the interface cup and which rotate when the motorized hand piece is energized and causes the interface cup to rotate.

Abstract: A dissolving solid solution perforator (SSP) patch for oral cavity administration may include at least one perforator. The at least one perforator may contain a first drug and be configured to pierce an outside layer of an oral cavity for promptly delivering the first drug. The at least one perforator may penetrate an epithelium layer of the oral cavity and to deliver the antimigraine drug into blood vessels in a submucosa layer.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: Angioplasty and other dilatation devices are provided with scoring elements which incorporate a drug to be delivered to a body lumen, typically a blood vessel. The non-cutting scoring elements have drugs and other active substances coated over a portion thereof or incorporated within internal structure of the element so that the drug is released into the luminal wall closely associated diseased regions of the body lumen as the non-cutting scoring structure is radially expanded into the wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to efficient devices for administration of pharmaceutical agents into the skin of the human body. In particular the present invention provides devices for vaccination into the skin. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical agent delivery device having skin-piercing portion comprising a solid reservoir medium containing the pharmaceutical agent, wherein the reservoir medium is coated onto the skin piercing portion. Alternatively, the skin piercing portion may consist of the solid pharmaceutical agent reservoir medium. The pharmaceutical delivery devices are proportioned such that agent is delivered into defined layers of the skin, and preferred delivery devices comprise skin-piercing portions that deliver the pharmaceutical agent into the epithelium or the dermis. Preferred reservoir media comprise sugars, and in particular stabilising sugars that form a glass such as lactose, raffinose, trehalose or sucrose.

Abstract: Provided herein is a microstructure array comprising a plurality of dissolving microstructures such as microprojections attached to a base. The plurality of microstructures comprise an active agent in a biocompatible and water-soluble matrix, where the water-soluble matrix preferably comprises a polysaccharide polymer and a sugar alcohol, and the base typically comprises a non-water soluble matrix. The plurality of microstructures, upon penetration of the subject's skin, undergo dissolution to deliver the active agent. Also provided are related microstructure formulations, in dried and liquid form, methods for preparing the above-described microstructure arrays, and methods for administering an active agent by application of a microstructure array as provided herein to a subject's skin, among other features.

Abstract: Applicators for a microprojection array capable of multiple impacts and methods of using the applicators are described.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a hollow needlelike object including a hollow part inside includes: a step of preparing a first needlelike-object base having a face comprising a groove forming at least a part of the hollow part; and a step of covering the face of the needlelike-object base with a covering member.

Abstract: An applicator device (20) including a housing (22), an impactor (62) for impacting a microneedle array and accelerating the microneedle array toward the target site, wherein the impactor is capable of moving along an arcuate path to move the microneedle array toward the target site. Also, an applicator device including a housing, a patch applicator pivotally supported by the housing, and a torsion spring. The patch applicator has a retaining portion (40) and a patch contacting portion (70), and the patch contacting portion is capable of moving along a substantially arcuate path between a first position and a second position. The torsion spring is capable of biasing the patch applicator relative to the housing.

Abstract: An applicator for applying cosmetic agents into human skin, comprising: (a) a base, (b) a plurality of microneedles fixed to said base and projecting therefrom a distance sufficient to penetrate into the skin, said microneedles being made of a material that is capable of disintegration and dispersion into the skin, and (c) a cosmetic agent carried by said microneedles for delivery by said microneedles into the skin.

Abstract: An applicator for applying cosmetic agents into human skin, comprising: (a) a base, (b) a plurality of dissolvable microneedles fixed to said base and projecting therefrom a distance sufficient to penetrate into the skin, said microneedles being made of a material that is capable of disintegration and dispersion into the skin, (c) a cosmetic agent carried by said microneedles for delivery by said microneedles into the skin, and (d) wherein said dissolvable microneedles are configured as a dissolvable exterior shell and said shell encapsulates one or more cosmetic agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of coating microneedles by which the microneedles mounted on a microneedle device are coated accurately and easily in a mass-producible manner. In this method, a microneedle device (22) with a plurality of microneedles (21) is mounted on a table (23), while a mask plate (25) with a plurality of apertures (24) is fixed to a frame member (26), and a coating solution (27) is drawn in the direction of arrow A on the mask plate (25) using a spatula (28) to fill the apertures (24) with the coating solution. The microneedles (21) are inserted in the apertures (24) before or after the filling of the apertures (24) with the coating solution (27) to coat the microneedles (21).

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a microneedle or a microneedle array using a mould (2) having at least a needle-forming cavity which comprises the step (A) of prefilling the needle-forming cavity with a solvent (1) before applying a microneedle-forming composition (3). The solvent (1) and microneedle-forming composition (3) are allowed to mix (step E) as a result of diffusion. The solvent is removed (step F), a flexible adhesive tape (4) can be applied on top of the mould (2), (step G), lifted (step H) so as to pull the microneedles out of the mould, giving an array of drug-filled dissolvable microneedles ready for application (step I).

Abstract: Devices and methods for using and manufacturing microstructure arrays having at least a detachable distal area are described.

Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for targeted administration of a drug to a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera of the eye at an insertion site and infusing a fluid drug formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, wherein the infused fluid drug formulation flows within the suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site during the infusion. The fluid drug formulation may flow circumferentially toward the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the posterior segment of the eye.

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: The skin preparation device and sensor of the present invention include an array of rigid tines. The tines serve to “self-prepare” the skin at each electrode site. These tines, when pressed against the skin, penetrate the stratum corneum, thereby reducing skin impedance and improving signal quality. A self-prepping device of the present invention is an optimized array of short non-conductive rigid tines in which the individual tines are created in a geometry that allows for a sharp point at the tip when molding, machining or etching is used as a method of fabrication.

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: The transdermal administration device of the present invention includes: a needle support with a plurality of microneedles formed at a tip portion thereof; a holder with the needle support placed therein, allowing the needle support to protrude itself therefrom and retract therein; and a cap for covering the microneedles, and further includes: a spring member placed between the needle support and the holder, for biasing the needle support in a protruding direction; an engaging portion at a base of the needle support; and an engaged portion capable of engaging the engaging portion, formed in the holder, where the engaging portion of the needle support can be locked with the engaged portion of the holder when the needle support is retracted in the holder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dermatological drug injecting device, and more particularly, to a dermatological drug injecting device that can use a needle to treat wrinkles, dry skin, scars, freckles, hair loss, etc. on human skin, or to use ink to inscribe images or characters. To achieve said technical aims, a dermatological drug injecting device of the present invention installed on a skin maintenance apparatus comprises: a body portion installed on a fixing portion of a drug injecting device of the skin maintaining apparatus; a connecting driveshaft portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly; an actuating portion installed on the body portion and moved linearly by means of the connecting driveshaft portion; and a needle fixing portion installed on the actuating portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the repeated piercing of a skin, with a hand-held device (1), which has a drive module (2) with a drive unit (4) that is configured for the purpose of producing a driving force, and a needle module (3) in which a piercing apparatus (6) is moveably located in the longitudinal direction of the needle module (3) and which is detachably coupled to the drive module (2) in such a way that the driving force is conducted into the piercing apparatus (6), wherein the needle module (3) has identification means (14) which can be evaluated with an evaluation apparatus (13) allocated to the identification means (14) and enclosed by the drive module (2). Furthermore, the invention relates to a needle module as well as a method for assembling the hand-held device.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: an array of microneedles, and a coating disposed on the microneedles, wherein the coating comprises: a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocalne, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of alpha 1 adrenergic agonists, alpha 2 adrenergic agonists, and a combination thereof; wherein the local anesthetic is present in an amount of at least 1 wt-% based upon total weight of solids in the coating, and wherein the dose-extending component/local anesthetic weight ratio is at least 0.

Abstract: A medical device, comprising: an array of microneedles, and a coating disposed on the microneedles, wherein the coating comprises: a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocaine, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of tetracaine, ropivacaine, bupivacaine, procaine and a combination thereof; wherein the local anesthetic is present in an amount of at least 1 wt-% based upon total weight of solids in the coating, and wherein the local anesthetic and dose-extending component are in a non-eutectic weight ratio; a medical device, comprising an array of dissolvable microneedles, the microneedles comprising: a dissolvable matrix material; at least 1 wt-% of a local anesthetic selected from the group consisting of lidocaine, prilocaine, and a combination thereof; and a local anesthetic dose-extending component selected from the group consisting of tetracaine, ropivacaine, bupivacaine, procaine and a combination th

Abstract: A device (12) and method are provided for percutaneous transdermal delivery of a potent pharmacologically active agent. The agent is dissolved in water to form an aqueous coating solution having an appropriate viscosity for coating extremely tiny skin piercing elements (10). The coating solution is applied to the skin piercing elements (10) using known coating techniques and then dried. The device (12) is applied to the skin of a living animal (e.g., a human), causing the microprotrusions (10) to pierce the stratum corneum and deliver a therapeutically effect dose of the agent to the animal.

Abstract: Described is a system and associated materials and methods for delivering a fluid to a subject's skin, e.g., for tattoo removal. In one embodiment, the fluid is provided in a continuous flow by associating the fluid with a pump. In another embodiment, a disposable template is provided that allows for precise and ideal placement of eschar-inducing material fluid for, for example, tattoo removal.

Abstract: An array for placement on the skin of a human or animal patient for the purpose of the transdermal application of pharmaceuticals, toxins or active agents, having microneedles that are situated on a carrier substrate, the microneedles having a preset breaking point in the area of the transition to the carrier substrate.

Abstract: It is an objective to provide a microneedle and a microneedle array formed from a self-dissolving base which can realize higher absorption efficiency and a higher pharmacological availability. A preparation 1 for body surface application has two sections divided in the insertion direction, namely, an acral portion 5 and a rear end portion 6. The acral portion 5 is a section including a body surface insertion end 2, and holds a target substance soluble in base. The rear end portion 6 is a section including a pressing end 3, and is formed mainly only from the base. The rear end portion 6 does not hold the target substance.

Abstract: A contrast medium injection management apparatus includes a measuring unit which repeatedly measures the injection amount of contrast medium injected from at least one contrast medium injection device into a subject to be examined, a cumulative injection amount calculating unit which repeatedly calculates a cumulative injection amount at the start of examination or after an arbitrary point of time from the injection amount, and a display unit which displays the cumulative injection amount.

Abstract: Reduced-pressure medical dressings, systems, and methods involve a dressing with a first barrier layer that desolidifies when exposed to a fluid—typically a liquid—to form a treatment aperture in the first barrier that is used to deliver reduced pressure to a tissue site. The first barrier layer is formed from a desolidifying material. The system includes a drape covering a second surface of a manifold and a portion of the patient's epidermis to provide a substantially sealed space containing a manifold and the first barrier layer. Other systems, dressings, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic video instillator that can accurately and easily administer inhalation into an airway of an animal by providing images of a throat is provided. An automatic video instillator includes a case defining a space, a guide unit that protrudes frontward from the case to secure an airway of an animal by being inserted through a throat of the animal, an image pickup unit that is installed on a front end of the guide unit to capture images of portions in front of the guide unit, an administration unit that is installed through the case and the guide unit to administer an inhalation, an administration switch for adjusting administration of a predetermined amount of the inhalation directed to the administration unit into the airway of the animal, and an image display unit that is connected to the image pickup unit to allow a user to see the images captured by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

Abstract: A skin attachment member having first and second surface with a plurality of skin penetrating elements extending integrally from the first surface of the backing to a distal tip. The skin penetrating elements are sized to avoid contact with nerves below the epidermal skin layer and have a foam disposed between at least some of the skin penetrating elements. A method of using the skin attachment member to deliver a pharmaceutical composition through the skin.

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: A blood processing apparatus includes a heat exchanger and a gas exchanger. At least one of the heat exchanger and the gas exchanger is configured to impart a radial component to blow flow through the heat exchanger and/or gas exchanger. In some instances, a heat exchanger is configured to cause blood flow to follow a spiral flow path.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a bioactive material to a subterranean layer of a skin architecture is provided that includes a head including one or more needles that are operable to penetrate a stratum corneum of a skin. A bioactive material is disposed on one or more of the needles, whereby movement of the head operates to pick up the bioactive material and to deliver a portion of the bioactive material to a selected location, the selected location being a dermis, or an epidermis, or both the dermis and the epidermis. In more particular embodiments, the bioactive material is a macromolecule substance that is part of a group of substances, the group consisting of a protein, a vitamin, a gene, a growth agent, a drug, and a peptide. The needles create an injury that triggers collagen production from one or more fibroblasts in the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a hospital wall vacuum source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus may also be capable of administering localized hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the wound using a hospital wall oxygen source and a supply line for supplying oxygen to the wound. The apparatus includes at least one regulator to control the application of negative pressure therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Abstract: An applicator for applying functional substances, such as cosmetic powder, food color marking, India ink effect marks, or drugs into human skin, having a base, a plurality of microneedles fixed to and projecting from the base a distance only sufficient to penetrate into the stratum corneum or dermis, with the microneedles being of a material that is capable of disintegration and dispersion into the stratum corneum or dermis, such as maltose. The needles contain the functional substance for delivery into the stratum corneum or dermis. The microneedles are of a length approximately 0.5 to 500 ?m when used to apply a functional substance to the stratum corneum, or are of a length of approximately 500 to 5,000 ?m when used to apply a functional substance to the dermis.

Abstract: An active suture that can be used for both wound closure and the delivery of therapeutic fluids to the tissue surrounding a wound is disclosed. The active suture may include a connector designed to join a fluid source, such as a syringe or conventional IV delivery system, to an internal passageway that is embedded within a braided suture. The internal passageway may be comprised of a fine polymeric tube and is capable of conducting and emitting a fluid into at least a portion of the braided suture and surrounding tissue. The invention enables delivery of an efficacious volume of drug bearing solution on the order of milliliters per day, provides a high level of fluid delivery rate control enabling the physician to start or stop drug administration at his/her discretion, and offers a means of providing more than one type of medication that may be selected post-surgically in accord with unexpected patient symptoms that may arise.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a hollow microneedle structure. The method includes forming an injection mold having a through hole, filling the injection mold with a photoresist formed of a viscous material, and extruding the photoresist from the injection mold through the through hole, solidifying the extruded photoresist to form a needle-type photoresist structure, forming a seed layer on the surface of the photoresist structure, forming a metal plated layer on the seed layer, inclining an end tip of the photoresist structure having the metal plated layer, and removing the photoresist from the metal plated layer to form a hollow. Thus, the hollow microneedle structure can be manufactured to have such diameter, length, hardness, and inclination angle as to minimize pain. The hollow microneedle structure can be combined with an apparatus for detecting a biomaterial or injecting cosmetic substances or medicines, and variously applied.

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: The present invention relates to improved topical administration of one or more growth factors for non-surgical, cosmetic use. In particular, a combination of one or more growth factors with a microneedle roller. Specifically, the invention resides in a kit for cosmetic use comprising: one or more growth factors, growth factor mimetics, and/or growth factor receptor agonists formulated for topical application; and means to perform wounding of skin, such as a microneedle array, wherein the wounding is targeted to at least the epidermis and/or dermis of the skin to release endogenous thrombin into dermal and/or epidermal tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus that creates a number of microconduits, i.e., small holes in the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin tissue, to provide a pathway therethrough, which can be used, for example, for transdermal drug delivery.

Abstract: A compression ring to grip and compress body structure such as diverticulum, hemorrhoids, and tissue adjacent a hole. A resilient ring-shaped body defines a compression channel, and one or more axially rigid elongated spikes extend from the body into the channel. The body defines a first axial segment surrounding the compression channel and a second axial segment surrounding the compression channel, with the spike being engaged only with the second axial segment. The first axial segment more tightly compresses the body structure than the second axial segment.