Removable tip for laser device with transparent lens

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved method of removing fluids, gases or other biomolecules, or delivering a pharmaceutical composition, through the skin of a patient without the use of a sharp or needle. The method includes the step of irradiating the stratum corneum, an applied pharmaceutical or an absorbing material, using a laser. By selection of parameters, the laser irradiates the selected material or tissue to create pressure gradients, plasma, cavitation bubbles, or other forms of tissue ablation or alteration. These methods increase the diffusion of pharmaceuticals into, or fluids, gases or other biomolecules out of, the body. For this invention, a pharmaceutical composition can be applied to the skin before or after laser irradiation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is in the field of medical procedures, namely laser medical equipment used in the delivery of anesthetics or pharmaceuticals to, or the removal of fluids, gases or other biomolecules from, a patient. BACKGROUND The traditional method for the collection of small quantities of fluids, gases or other biomolecules from a patient utilizes mechanical perforation of the skin with a sharp device such as a metal lancet or needle. Additionally, the typical method of administering anesthetics or other pharmaceuticals is through the use of a needle. These procedures have many drawbacks, including the possible infection of health care workers and the public by the sharp device used to perforate the skin, as well as the cost of handling and disposal of biologically hazardous waste. When skin is perforated with a sharp device such as a metal lancet or needle, biological waste is created in the form of the “sharp” contaminated by the patient's blood and / or ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention employs a laser to perforate or alter the skin of a patient so as to remove fluids, gases or other biomolecules or to administer anesthetics or other pharmaceuticals. Perforation or alteration is produced by irradiating the surface of the target tissue with a pulse or pulses of electromagnetic energy from a laser. Prior to treatment, the care giver properly selects the wavelength, energy fluence (energy of the pulse divided by the area irradiated), pulse temporal width and irradiation spot size so as to precisely perforate or alter the target tissue to a select depth and eliminate undesired damage to healthy proximal tissue.

A typical laser used for this invention requires no special skills to use. It can be small, light-weight and can be used with regular or rechargeable batteries. The greater the laser's portability and ease of use, the greater the utility of this invention in a variety of settings, such as a hospital room, clinic, or home.

Problems solved by technology

These procedures have many drawbacks, including the possible infection of health care workers and the public by the sharp device used to perforate the skin, as well as the cost of handling and disposal of biologically hazardous waste.

If the patient is infected with blood-born agents, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis virus, or the etiological agent of any other diseases, the contaminated sharp poses a serious threat to others that might come in contact with it.

Post-use disposal of contaminated sharps imposes both logistical and financial burdens on the end user.

These costs are imposed as a result of the social consequences of improper disposal.

For example, in the 1980's improperly disposed biological wastes washed up on public beaches on numerous occasions.

Improper disposal also permits others, such as intravenous drug users, to obtain contaminated needles and spread disease.

There exists an additional drawback of the traditional method of using a needle for administering anesthetics or pharmaceuticals, as well as for drawing fluids, gases or other biomolecules.

The pain associated with being stabbed by a the sharp instrument can be a traumatizing procedure, especially in pediatric patients, causing significant stress and anxiety in the patient.

Inherent problems with iontophoresis include the complexity of the delivery system, cost, and unknown toxicology of prolonged exposure to electrical current.

Additionally, the use of carriers or vehicles involves additional compounds which might modify the pharmacokinetics of the pharmaceutical of interest or are irritating.

If the intensity of the radiation is sufficient, rapid heating can result followed by vaporization of tissue.

In addition, deposition of this energy can result in photomechanical disruption of tissue.

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