Device and method for enhancing skin piercing by microprotrusions

US7087035B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ALZA CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Joseph C. Trautman · Sunnyvale, US
• Michel Cormier · Mountain View, US
• Kellee Eng · Gilroy, US
• Wei-Qi Lin · Palo Alto, US
• Hyunok Kim · Seojong-myeon, KR
• Sara Sendelbeck · Los Altos, US
• Armand P. Neukermans · Palo Alto, US
• Bruce Edwards · Menlo Park, US
• Wai-Loong Lim · Menlo Park, US
• Andrew Poutiatine · Palo Alto, US
• J. Richard Gyory · San Jose, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 8, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 8, 2006
• Expiry date: Mar 12, 2022

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M2037/0046
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A device and method for enhancing skin piercing by microprotrusions involves pre-stretching the skin to enhance pathway formation when the microprotrusions are pressed into the skin. An expandable device includes skin engaging opposite ends that contact the skin surface so that when the device is expanded the skin is stretched. The skin is placed under a tension of about 0.01 to about 10 megapascals, preferably about 0.05 to 2 megapascals. The device has a plurality of microprotrusions which penetrate the skin while the skin is being stretched by the expanded device. Another stretching device employs suction for skin stretching.