| abstract |
(57) Abstract: A method to enhance the permeability of skin (120, 274) to analytes for diagnostic purposes or drugs for therapeutic purposes is described, including microperforation and, if necessary, sonic energy and chemical Utilize an enhancer. If selected, the sonic energy may be modulated by frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, and / or a combination thereof. Microperforation comprises the steps of (a) ablating the stratum corneum (274) by rapidly heating the water locally (and thus eroding cells) so that the water evaporates; (b) up to about 1000 μm in diameter Perforating the stratum corneum (274) with a micro lancet calibrated to form micropores; (c) stratum corneum by focusing a beam of closely focused sonic energy onto the stratum corneum (274) Ablating the stratum corneum; (d) hydraulically perforating the stratum corneum (274) using a high pressure jet of fluid to form micropores up to about 1000 μm in diameter; or (e) striking the stratum corneum with a short pulse of electricity. This is achieved by perforating the layer (274) to form micropores up to about 1000 μm in diameter. Dyes having absorption maxima compatible with the wavelength of the pulsed light source may be absorbed by the stratum corneum to concentrate the energy of the pulsed light source and assist in ablation of the stratum corneum. Alternatively, a hot wire may be brought into contact with the stratum corneum. |