Ultrasound enhancement of transdermal transport
First Claim
1. A device for application of ultrasound to the skin for enhancing transdermal transport, the device comprising an ultrasound transducer capable of emitting ultrasound at a frequency between 20 kHz and 2 MHz and walls forming a chamber for containing coupling medium,wherein the chamber is geometrically configured to direct the ultrasound to induce cavitation at the skin, when the chamber abuts the surface of the skin.
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Abstract
Methods and devices for application of ultrasound to a small area of skin for enhancing transdermal transport. An ultrasound beam having a first focal diameter is channelled into a beam having a second, smaller diameter without substantial loss of energy. Higher energy ultrasound can be used while causing less pain. Alternatively, ultrasound energy is applied through a vibrating element positioned just contacting, above or extending into the skin. Use of the element facilitates extraction of analyte and may enhance drug delivery. A two step noninvasive method involves application of ultrasound to increase skin permeability and removal of ultrasound followed by transdermal transport that can be further enhanced using a physical enhancer.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A device for application of ultrasound to the skin for enhancing transdermal transport, the device comprising an ultrasound transducer capable of emitting ultrasound at a frequency between 20 kHz and 2 MHz and walls forming a chamber for containing coupling medium,
wherein the chamber is geometrically configured to direct the ultrasound to induce cavitation at the skin, when the chamber abuts the surface of the skin.
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11. A method of enhancing transdermal transport, comprising the steps:
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providing an ultrasound device comprising an ultrasound transducer capable of emitting ultrasound at a frequency between 20 kHz and 2 MHz and walls forming a chamber for containing coupling medium, wherein the chamber is geometrically configured to direct the ultrasound to induce cavitation at the skin, when the chamber abuts the surface of the skin; and
applying the directed ultrasound to an area of skin. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
applying ultrasound to an area of skin to make the skin more permeable;
removing the ultrasound; and
applying a transdermal transport driving force selected from the group consisting of additional ultrasound, suction, osmotic pressure gradient, concentration gradient, iontophoresis, electroporation, magnetic field and mechanical pressure.
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13. The method of claim 12 wherein the device includes a reservoir for collection of analyte, comprising the ultrasound to enhance analyte recovery.
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14. The method of claim 12, wherein the ultrasound is applied by providing ultrasound having a frequency from about 20 kHz to 200 kHz.
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15. The method of claim 12, wherein application of the directed ultrasound to the skin creates an abraded area on the skin having a diameter from about 100 μ
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Specification