Multi-technology dermis treatment integral handpiece

Abstract

A multi-technology dermal therapy monolithic handpiece includes a spray spray delivery handpiece having an elongate housing terminating in one or more nozzles for directing a therapeutic spray along an axis toward a subject's skin at a desired spray application distance from the subject's skin; and one or more symbiotic therapeutic handpiece elements terminating in an operative end member having a dermal touch surface for delivering a therapeutic substance to the skin, the therapeutic substance symbiotic with the therapy provided by the therapeutic spray, wherein the operating end member and the touch surface are laterally spaced apart from the axis, and wherein the operating end member and the touch surface are axially offset from the one or more nozzles determined to limit proximity of the one or more nozzles to the skin of the subject to a distance not less than the desired spray application distance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to handheld devices for dermal drug delivery of therapeutic agents. Background Technology

[0002] Various techniques for therapeutic treatment of the skin of human subjects are well known in the art. One such skin care technique is described in the applicant's international publication No. WO 2005 / 065032, "A High Velocity Liquid-Gas Mist Tissue Abrasion Device," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The aforementioned reference discloses a dermal abrasion device comprising a high-speed liquid-gas jet spray formed from droplets of a therapeutic agent in a liquid suspension. The spray is applied as a fluidized mist to the skin of a subject and can be used for transdermal delivery of the therapeutic agent to the skin.

[0004] Various supplementary technologies are known for their beneficial effects in the field of skin care.

[0005] For example, electroporation uses electrical pulses to increase cell permeability and aid in the deep penetration of skincare products. A detailed discussion of electroporation can be found in the article Front. Bioeng. Biotechnol., January 16, 2023, Chapter CellandGene Therapy, Volume 10–2022. An electroporation device for dermal therapy is also disclosed in Broderick et al., USP 11291836.

[0006] Ultrasound therapy (also known as ultrasound transdermal and ultrasound delivery) is known for its ability to assist in the transdermal administration of therapeutic agents, as described, for example, at https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Phonophoresis. Utility Model Content

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a multi-technology integrated handheld device for dermal treatment.

[0008] Therefore, according to an embodiment, a multi-technology dermal treatment integral handheld device includes:

[0009] A spray delivery handheld device having an elongated housing terminating in one or more nozzles for guiding a therapeutic spray toward the subject's skin at a desired spray application distance along an axis; and

[0010] One or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld elements, terminating at an operational end member having a dermal contact surface for delivering a therapeutic agent to the skin, the therapeutic agent being symbiotic with the therapy provided by the therapeutic spray.

[0011] The operating end member and the contact surface are laterally spaced from the axis.

[0012] Furthermore, the axial offset of the operating end member and the contact surface from the one or more nozzles is determined to limit the proximity of the one or more nozzles to the subject's skin to a distance not less than the desired spray application distance.

[0013] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the operating end of the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld elements can be adjusted relative to the one or more nozzles along the axis, thereby correspondingly adjusting the spray application distance.

[0014] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld components include a first symbiotic therapeutic handheld component and a second symbiotic therapeutic handheld component.

[0015] In another embodiment, the operating end member and the leather contact surface are bent and mounted so as to reside in a plane transverse to the axis.

[0016] In another embodiment, the genuine leather touch surface is arc-shaped and mounted such that its center of curvature intersects the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis.

[0017] Additionally, according to an embodiment, the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld components further include:

[0018] A cylindrical sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical sheath being configured to at least partially surround the housing of the spray delivery handpiece, such that one or more nozzles of the spray delivery handpiece protrude through the distal end of the cylindrical sheath; and

[0019] A support member for mounting the operating end member to the distal end of the cylindrical sheath to position the contact surface relative to the one or more nozzles at a distance equal to the desired spray application distance.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the housing of the jet spray delivery handpiece has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the jet spray delivery handpiece further includes a jet spray delivery head formed at the distal end of the housing and terminating in one or more nozzles, the delivery head being connected to a source of a liquid suspension of a therapeutic agent and a source of pressurized gas to selectively supply the liquid suspension and the pressurized gas in combination to the jet spray delivery head.

[0021] In another embodiment, the operating end member is powered by electricity, and the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld elements include an electrical conduction element for supplying electricity from the power source to the operating end member.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the jet spray delivery handheld device includes a liquid supply tube positioned within the housing for supplying the liquid suspension of the therapeutic agent, wherein the housing is operable to deliver pressurized gas to the delivery head to combine the liquid and the pressurized gas into a jet spray at the delivery head for delivery through the one or more nozzles;

[0023] Furthermore, the cylindrical sheath is associated with an electrical conductor for supplying power to the operating end member.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the liquid supply tube terminates at its proximal end at a liquid connector leading to an external liquid source, the sealing housing terminates at its proximal end at a gas connector leading to an external pressurized gas source, and the electrical conductor terminates at its proximal end at an electrical connector leading to an external electrical source.

[0025] The handheld device also includes a hollow coupling connected to the proximal end of the cylindrical sheath for accommodating the liquid connector, the gas connector, and the electrical connector.

[0026] In another embodiment, the coupling and the cylindrical sheath are connected together by a clamp.

[0027] In another embodiment, the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld components are electroporation elements, and the operating end component is an electroporation probe.

[0028] In another embodiment, the one or more symbiotic therapeutic handheld components are ultrasonic elements, and the operating end component is an ultrasonic transducer.

[0029] In another embodiment, the first symbiotic therapeutic handheld element is an electroporation element and its operating end member is an electroporation probe; and the second symbiotic therapeutic handheld element is an ultrasonic element and its operating end member is an ultrasonic transducer.

[0030] Alternatively, a dermal treatment handpiece is provided, comprising:

[0031] A spray delivery handheld device having an elongated housing terminating in one or more nozzles for guiding a therapeutic spray toward the subject's skin at a desired spray application distance along an axis; and

[0032] An adjustable rigid spacer element, mounted on the housing, for adjustably limiting the proximity of the one or more nozzles to the subject's skin during treatment to a selected spray application distance, the spacer element comprising:

[0033] A curved dermal contact portion, said curved dermal contact portion extending axially beyond said one or more nozzles to allow a delivery head configured to remain against the subject's skin during treatment to suspend; and

[0034] The mounting portion is configured to mount the leather contact portion onto the housing at a known distance from the one or more nozzles, thereby determining the spray application distance.

[0035] definition

[0036] In the following disclosure, the term "far side" refers to the portion of the disclosed device or handheld device that is furthest from the user operating the device, i.e., closest to the spray delivery end of the device. The term "proximal side" refers to the portion of the device or handheld device that is closest to or most intimately connected to the user, i.e., furthest from the spray delivery end of the device.

[0037] The term "operating medium" is used collectively as the flow of gas, liquid, and electricity required for the operation of the integral handheld device including the contents of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0038] The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0039] Figure 1A It is a dermal treatment system including a multi-technology dermal treatment integral handheld device constructed and operated according to embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 1B It is shown Figure 1A An enlarged schematic diagram of the operation of the multi-technology dermal treatment monolithic handheld device seen in the figure, wherein the illustrated operating end component is exemplified as an electroporation probe;

[0041] Figure 1C The operating end component is in Figure 1B A schematic top view depicting the location;

[0042] Figure 2 According to the implementation method Figure 1A and Figure 1B Exploded view of the handheld components before assembly;

[0043] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 2 A view of the handheld component after assembly;

[0044] Figure 4 It is a slender cross-sectional view of the handheld component;

[0045] Figure 5A Is it like this? Figure 4 Enlarged partial sectional side view of the illustrated coupling;

[0046] Figure 5B Is it like this? Figure 5A A perspective view of the coupling depicted in the image;

[0047] Figure 6 Is with Figure 5A and Figure 5B Similar, but with a snap-fit ​​coupling view;

[0048] Figure 7A This is an enlarged view of the operating end of the handheld device illustrated above according to one embodiment, wherein the probe is slidably adjustable relative to the illustrated nozzle.

[0049] Figure 7B and Figure 7C yes Figure 7A The cross-sectional view shows the probe relative to the nozzle in the extended and retracted positions, respectively;

[0050] Figure 8A and Figure 8B The above-described enlarged view shows the operating end of the handheld component in an extended position and a retracted position, according to the second embodiment, wherein the probe can be adjusted relative to the illustrated nozzle by means of a thread.

[0051] Figure 9 Is with Figures 1A to 8B A perspective view of a similar integral handheld device, but the operating end component illustrated therein is exemplified as a ring-shaped ultrasonic transducer;

[0052] Figure 10 and Figure 9 Similar, but the transducer in this case is U-shaped;

[0053] Figure 11 Is with Figures 1A to 10A perspective view of a similar integral handheld device, but in which the electroporation probe and ultrasonic transducer are incorporated into the integral operating end component;

[0054] Figure 12A yes Figure 11 Enlarged view of the end portion;

[0055] Figure 12B and Figure 12A Similarly, but in which the integral operating end member is seen in cross-section; and

[0056] Figure 13 This is an enlarged schematic diagram showing the operation of a spray handheld device, on which an interval probe is mounted for accurately controlling the distance between the nozzle and the subject's skin. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Now for reference Figure 1A This invention relates to a multi-technology dermal treatment system 10 for enhancing the delivery of therapeutic substances to a subject through the dermis. System 10 employs one or more complementary dermal treatment systems, such as those manufactured and sold by Tav-Tech Ltd. of Yehud, Israel, and available at https: / / jetpeel.com, for treating a subject using a multi-technology dermal treatment monolithic handpiece 100, in symbiotic combination with a dermal jet spray treatment system. Incorporating one or more technologies, along with the jet spray technology described herein, into the monolithic handpiece increases the porosity of the dermis to enhance jet spray treatment in ways not previously available. As exemplified below, such symbiotic or complementary systems may utilize electroporation and / or ultrasound technologies, but other technologies may also be used as alternatives to or complements to these technologies.

[0058] Now for reference Figures 1B to 4 As mentioned, the handheld component 100 incorporates a jet spray delivery handheld component 200 and a symbiotic therapeutic element 300, both integrated into a single handheld dermal treatment tool. The therapeutic element 300 extends generally along and wraps around the jet spray delivery handheld component 200 and terminates in an operating end member 320, which is generally considered to be coaxial with and protruding beyond the nozzle 230 of the handheld component 200, such that in use the operating end member substantially defines and isolates the treatment area on the subject. In this illustrative embodiment, the element 300 is an electroporation element, but other types of treatment techniques symbiotic with the jet spray therapy provided by the handheld component 200 are also contemplated. Therefore, this is only by way of non-limiting example, as described below. Figures 9 to 12BAn alternative or supplementary symbiotic technology shown and described is ultrasound.

[0059] Furthermore, as seen in the accompanying drawings, the end member 320 and the leather contact surface 323 are curved and reside at 241 (which is transverse to axis 240 (generally orthogonal to said axis)). Figure 1B and Figure 3B ( ) is schematically shown in the plane.

[0060] Now for specific reference Figure 1A System 10 has an operating system 12, which is compatible with, for example, JetPro for the applicant. TM JetProDuo TM JetProToGo TM Or MyJet TM Any of the operating units provided by the product is generally similar. The operating system 12 includes sources of various operating media required to operate the integral handheld device of this invention, and therefore includes an air compressor 14, a cooling unit 18, and a power supply unit 20 for supplying compressed air to the handheld device 200 via an air pipe 16 to deliver the spray.

[0061] The power supply unit 20 incorporates the necessary hardware and software required for the operation of the terminal component 320, which is reflected in (i) as follows: Figures 1B to 8B The electroporation probe 320 shown and described; (ii) as follows, in conjunction with Figure 9 and 10 The ultrasonic transducers 420 and 420' shown and described; (iii) in conjunction with the following Figures 11 to 12B The combination of probe 320 and transducer 420 shown and described as a combined component 520; or (iv) any other technology associated with the jet spray technology described herein. Such hardware and software required to operate, on the one hand, the electroporation probe and on the other hand, the ultrasound therapy or ultrasound transducer, are well known in the art and therefore are not described in detail herein.

[0062] One or more therapeutic fluids, such as JetCare by TavTech available at https: / / jetpeel.com / jetcare / TM The liquids advertised by the brand are supplied from various liquid containers 22 via liquid fittings 24. Cables 26 are also provided for conducting electricity from the power supply unit 20 to an additional symbiotic subsystem incorporated into the handheld unit 100 as needed. The air tube 16, liquid fittings 24, and cables 26 are all encased in a protective molded umbilical hose 28, which is connected to the handheld unit 100 via a coupling 120. A control panel, schematically illustrated in the drawings and labeled 30, is also provided.

[0063] Now for reference Figure 2 The example shown is a handheld component 100 before assembly. The jet spray delivery handheld component 200 has an elongated housing 202 with proximal and distal ends, respectively designated 210 and 212. The distal end 212 forms a delivery head 220 with one or more nozzles 230. The jet spray delivery handheld component 200 can be as detailed in the applicant's European Patent No. 1883447, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference; as described by the applicant at https: / / tav-tech.com / jet-technology; or any suitable product from Tav-Tech Ltd. employing its liquid mist / jet spray technology. Therefore, the precise internal construction and operation of the handheld component for obtaining the cited jet spray are well known in the art and are therefore not shown or described herein.

[0064] Nozzle 230 operates to spray therapeutic spray 242 (e.g., towards the subject's skin 110) towards the subject's skin. Figure 1B (See image). The spray is guided along axis 240 at a predetermined spray application distance 'z' (typically in the range of 5-15 mm). Axis 240 is typically the longitudinal axis of both the spray delivery handpiece 200 and the symbiotic treatment handpiece element 300.

[0065] As is well known in the art, therapeutic sprays are produced by combining liquid sources (such as container 22) Figure 1A The inflow of a liquid suspension of the therapeutic agent provided and the compressor 14, which can be operated by a suitable controller 30, are also included. Figure 1A The pressurized gas supplied is used to generate the high-pressure, high-speed jet spray. This method of generating high-pressure, high-speed jet spray is well known in the prior art, particularly in PCT Publication No. WO 2005 / 065032 and European Patent No. 1883447, which are cited above by the applicant and describe the discharge of liquid into a high-speed gas stream to form an accelerated mist or spray of liquid.

[0066] like Figure 2 As seen, the symbiotic therapeutic handheld component 300 consists of a cylindrical sheath 302 having a proximal end and a distal end, respectively designated 310 and 312. An operating end component 320, formed of any suitable conductive material (e.g., an electroporation probe in this document), is mounted to the distal end 312 by means of a support arm 314.

[0067] For example Figures 2 to 4 and Figures 7A to 8BAs seen, the sheath-like cylindrical sheath 302 is configured to fit over the spray delivery handpiece 200, such that the nozzle 230 protrudes through the distal end 312 of the cylindrical sheath 302.

[0068] When the spray handheld device 200 and the symbiotic therapeutic handheld device element 300 are assembled together, the opening 321 of the nozzle 230 and the operating end member 320 are considered to be substantially coaxial. Also as seen, the operating end member 320 is considered to extend beyond the nozzle 230 so as to be displaced distally from the nozzle along axis 240, and thus closer to the skin 110 during treatment, such that the contact surface 323 contacts the skin, while the nozzle 230 is spaced apart from the skin. As described, the sheath 302 is formed to partially wrap around the spray housing 202 to form an integral handheld device suitable for holding in and operated by the user's single hand. Furthermore, the respective proximal ends 210 and 310 of the housing 202 and the sheath 302 are combined below... Figures 5A to 6 The hollow coupling 120 is fastened together in a more detailed manner.

[0069] Now for reference Figures 5A to 6 The coupling 120 has a proximal end 142 and a distal end 144. The proximal end 142 has a proximal opening 143 through which an umbilical hose 28 passes to facilitate the supply of operating media to the component hands 200 and 300, respectively. The distal end 144 has an opening 145 and is configured to connect to the proximal end 310 of the sheath 302 of the symbiotic therapeutic element 300. The coupling 120 and the sheath 302 can be connected, for example, by adhesive or welding, such as in… Figure 5A and Figure 5B As seen in the text. Alternatively, as... Figure 2 and Figure 6 As illustrated, coupling 120 and sheath 302 can be connected via clamp 345 to facilitate a snap-fit ​​connection between them. According to another embodiment, clamp 345 can be configured to be pressed inwards, as illustrated by a push-button as shown in the illustration 347, thereby facilitating disengagement of coupling 120 from sheath 302 for maintenance purposes when necessary. As mentioned, the connection between coupling 120 and sheath 302 (which is a simple mechanical connection between two polymer components) can be achieved by any suitable means known in the art (such as by adhesive bonding), and therefore will not be described in further detail herein.

[0070] The umbilical hose 28 has a distal end 282, which is fitted directly inside the coupling 120. Each of the air tube 16, the liquid tube 24, and the wire 26 extends from the distal end 282 of the hose 28 to provide the operating medium to a corresponding portion of the integral handheld component 100, whereby the air tube 16 is connected to a corresponding air intake tube 216 that extends inward into the spray housing 202; the liquid tube 24, carrying a solution of water and selected therapeutic substances, is connected to a corresponding liquid air intake tube 224 via suitable connectors 225 and 227; and the wire 26 is connected via a suitable pin connector 326 to a suitably positioned electrical conductor 327 for conducting charge to the end member 320.

[0071] like Figure 4 As illustrated, by way of illustrative example only, conductor 327 may be embedded or otherwise formed within the wall of sheath 302 to have a distal end portion 329 that overlaps with and contacts the proximal portion 331 of end member 320 in an overlapping region generally designated 333.

[0072] As is well known in the art and referenced again Figure 1B It is known that exposing the skin 110 to the jet spray 242 is for the purpose of providing a predefined therapy, such as infusion. The jet spray 242 provides a focused jet with predefined characteristics (such as pressure, flow rate, jet pattern, droplet size, droplet velocity, effect on the skin, reach, etc.) to facilitate transdermal infusion as mentioned above.

[0073] The spray 242 consists of high-speed, high-pressure microdroplets that bombard and thus impact the skin. These microdroplets possess kinetic energy, which effectively causes them to act as solids upon impact with the skin, and, depending on the angle at which the handheld device is held relative to the skin, produces an injection effect, thereby injecting a liquid carrying a therapeutic agent into the skin. As seen in the accompanying drawings, when the spray handheld device 200 is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the skin, cavitation occurs, resulting in the formation of grooves or recesses 111 in the skin 110. This causes the skin in which the grooves 111 are formed to be stretched, thereby opening micropores in the skin for injection of the spray components and generating gas and liquid cavitation bubbles in the skin tissue.

[0074] Simultaneously, when the symbiotic therapeutic handheld element 300 is an electroporation handheld element and the end element 320 is an electroporation probe, the operation of the operating end element 320 of the element 300, while maintaining contact with the skin 110, exposes the surrounding recessed area 111 of the dermis and the portion 113 below it to electrical charge. This increases the porosity of the dermis, thereby facilitating more effective penetration of the spray therapy.

[0075] Combined with the following text Figure 9 As described above, when the symbiotic therapeutic handheld component uses an ultrasonic transducer 420, a similar effect is achieved with necessary modifications, wherein the recessed region 111 is exposed to ultrasonic radiation energy.

[0076] Still referencing Figure 1C The end member 320 extends distally from the integral handheld member 100, as described below, and is exemplified herein as an annular circular opening 321 with a radius 'R'. Additionally, as can be seen, the end member 320 is generally mounted coaxially with and orthogonal to the nozzle 230, such that an axis 240 passes through the geometric center of the opening 321, as can be seen.

[0077] The probe 320 has a distal contact surface 323, which, during use, contacts the subject's skin 110. Figure 1B The contact is maintained so as to extend beyond the nozzle 230 by a certain dimension, the magnitude of which is equal to the applied distance 'z' from its preselected spray. As is known in the art, the distance the spray is directed from the subject's skin 110 can vary depending on the treatment, and even during different phases of a single treatment. In the prior art, the handpiece is entirely held by the user, and therefore this distance is difficult to measure; it is approximate and difficult to maintain, making the consistency of this distance in a single treatment dependent on the stability of the hand of the person applying the treatment. However, in this invention, the distal contact surface 323 is held against the skin 110, such that the applied distance 'z' is known before treatment. Furthermore, as described below... Figures 7A to 12B As will be understood from the description, the applied distance 'z' is adjustable. According to one implementation, for example in... Figures 7A to 7C As seen, component 320 is slidably adjustable, while... Figures 8A to 8B In some implementations, a spiral mechanism is provided. These are merely examples, and other means of adjusting the mounting of member 320 are also considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0078] Therefore, and as in Figures 7A to 7C As seen in the embodiments, the symbiotic therapeutic element 300 is an electroporation element, and the support arm 314 of the electroporation probe extends rearward through the channel 122 formed between the spray housing 202 and the sheath 302. Figure 7B and Figure 7CThe T-shaped slider element 124 is typically positioned parallel to axis 240 within an elongated window 330 formed in the sidewall 332 of the sheath 302. The slider element 124 has an inwardly radially extending protrusion 126 that extends through the opening 334 of the support arm 314. Thus, it will be appreciated that the position of the contact surface 323 and consequently the magnitude of the spray application distance 'z' can be adjusted by sliding the slider element 124 within the window 330, where the maximum value Zmax and the minimum value Zmin are respectively exemplified in… Figure 7B and Figure 7C middle.

[0079] exist Figures 8A to 8B In one embodiment, the operating end member 320 (illustrated herein by way of example as an electroporation probe 320) is screw-mounted to the distal end 312 of the cylindrical sheath 302 by means of a proximal annular portion 340 having internal threads (not visible), the internal threads cooperating with external threads 342 formed on the distal end 312 of the sheath 302. Figure 8A As illustrated, the probe 320 can rotate along the thread 342 in the first direction 344 to increase the spray application distance 'z' until it reaches the maximum value Zmax. Additionally, as... Figure 8B As illustrated, the probe 320 can rotate along the thread 342 in a second direction 346 opposite to the first direction in order to reduce the spray application distance 'z' until it reaches a minimum value Zmin.

[0080] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figures 7A to 8B The illustrated adjustment mechanism is merely an example, and any suitable mechanism for achieving the same purpose is within the scope of this invention.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 9 What is seen is a monolithic handheld device, typically designated 400, in which the symbiotic therapeutic element is an ultrasound element. In other respects, the handheld device 400 is generally similar to the combination described above. Figures 1A to 7C The handheld component 100 is shown and described. In this drawing, the parts of the device 400 illustrated above are depicted by similar reference numerals, and the device 400 is described only with respect to the differences when compared with the handheld component 100.

[0082] In this embodiment, the operating end component is exemplified as an ultrasonic transducer 420, which in... Figure 9 The image shown is an arc shape, and in this example, it is a complete circular ring. Therefore, in conjunction with... Figure 1B In a similar manner to that depicted, the transducer 420 and nozzle 230 are coaxially aligned, causing the spray 242 to be ejected. Figure 1B The ultrasound waves are impacted at the center of the area 113 exposed to the ultrasound waves onto the subject's skin 110, as in combination. Figure 1B and Figure 1C As shown and described. The precise construction of ultrasonic transducers is well known in the art and is therefore beyond the scope of this invention. A typical circular transducer may be manufactured by PZT Electronic Ceramic Co., Ltd., located at 15 Dezheng West Road, Changan Town, Dongguan City, Guangdong Province, China, and is selected from its product list at https: / / www.piezoelements.com / piezo-ceramic / piezo-ring / .

[0083] Depending on the implementation, the shape of the operating end member does not need to be particularly circular. For example, as Figure 10 For example, the operating end component can be U-shaped, as shown by the U-shaped transducer 420'. The spatial positioning of the transducer 420' is as described above. Figure 1C The spatial positioning shown and described is generally similar, and the transducer is mounted such that the contact surface 423' of the transducer surrounds the axis in a plane orthogonal to the axis 240.

[0084] Now for reference Figures 11 to 12B What is seen is an integral handheld device 500, in which the symbiotic therapeutic element, as exemplified, combines two end members to achieve two different technologies. In this example, the symbiotic therapeutic element combines complementary dermal therapeutic component parts, labeled 320' and 420', which are formed as combined end members 520. The outer member 320' is an electroporation probe, and the inner member 420' is an ultrasonic transducer.

[0085] Except as specifically described below, the handheld device 500 is combined with the above. Figures 1A to 10 Handheld devices 100 and 400 shown and described are generally similar. In this drawing, the parts of the illustrated device 400 shown and described above are depicted with similar reference numerals, and when compared with handheld devices 100 and 400, device 500 is described only for the differences.

[0086] As can be seen in the enlarged cross-section of the combined end member 520, the two parts are arranged in a nested ring configuration to ensure that they move synchronously during adjustment so that their distal contact surfaces (323 and 423, respectively) are coplanar.

[0087] Now for reference Figure 13 ,exist Figure 13What is seen is a rigid spacer element 620, which is formed of any suitable material (typically rigid plastic) for accurately positioning the nozzle 230 of the delivery head 220 of the spray delivery handheld device 200 relative to the subject's skin 110.

[0088] Component 620 is mounted to the distal end 212 of handheld component 200 by means of a support arm 614 and an adjustable mount 615, the support arm and the adjustable mount being operable to be slidable along the housing 202 of handheld component 200 or otherwise adjustable. In practice, the adjustable mount may be made by means similar to the combination described above. Figures 7A to 8B Replace any suitable sliding or threaded attachment device shown and described. Similar to probe 320, element 620 is exemplified herein as having a circular opening 621, thereby facilitating the passage of spray 242. Element 620 has a contact portion 623 adapted to be placed against the subject's skin 110. As can be seen, element 620 limits the range from which nozzle 230 can be positioned on the skin 110 during treatment to not less than a spray application distance 'z', which varies from a minimum value Zmin to a maximum value Zmax. Typically, Zmin is about 5 mm and Zmax is 15 mm, but the actual range will be determined according to the requirements of different treatments.

[0089] Those skilled in the art will understand that the scope of this invention is not limited to what has been shown and described above by way of example only. Rather, the scope of this invention is defined only by the claims.

Claims

1. A multi-technology dermal treatment monobloc handpiece comprising: a jet-spray delivery handpiece having an elongated housing terminating in at least one nozzle for directing a therapeutic spray toward a subject's skin along an axis at a desired spray application distance therefrom; and at least one symbiotic treatment handpiece element terminating in an operative end member having a dermal contact surface for delivering a treatment to the skin symbiotically with a therapy provided by the therapeutic spray, characterized in that, the operative end member and the contact surface are laterally spaced from the axis, and the operative end member and the contact surface are axially offset from the at least one nozzle by a distance determined to limit the proximity of the at least one nozzle to the subject's skin to no less than the desired spray application distance.

2. The handpiece of claim 1, wherein, the operative end of the at least one symbiotic treatment handpiece element is adjustable along the axis relative to the at least one nozzle, thereby correspondingly adjusting the spray application distance.

3. The handpiece of claim 1 wherein, the at least one symbiotic treatment handpiece element comprises a first symbiotic treatment handpiece element and a second symbiotic treatment handpiece element.

4. The handpiece of claim 1 wherein, the operative end member and the dermal contact surface are curved and mounted so as to reside in a plane transverse to the axis.

5. The handpiece of claim 4 wherein, the dermal contact surface is arcuate and mounted so that its center of curvature intersects the axis in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

6. The handpiece of claim 1 wherein, the at least one symbiotic treatment handpiece element further comprises: a cylindrical sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, the cylindrical sheath configured to fit at least partially around the housing of the jet-spray delivery handpiece so that the at least one nozzle of the jet-spray delivery handpiece protrudes through the distal end of the cylindrical sheath; and a support for mounting the operative end member to the distal end of the cylindrical sheath so as to position the contact surface at a distance from the at least one nozzle equal to the desired spray application distance.

7. The handpiece of claim 6 wherein, the housing of the jet-spray delivery handpiece has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the jet-spray delivery handpiece further comprises a jet-spray delivery head formed at the distal end of the housing terminating in the at least one nozzle, the delivery head connected to a source of a liquid suspension of a therapeutic agent and a source of pressurized gas to selectively combine supply the liquid suspension and the pressurized gas to the jet-spray delivery head.

8. The handpiece of claim 7 wherein, the operative end member is powered electrically, and the at least one symbiotic treatment handpiece element comprises an electrically conductive element for supplying electricity from a power source to the operative end member.

9. The handpiece of claim 8 wherein, The jet spray delivery handpiece includes a liquid supply tube positioned within the housing for supplying the liquid suspension of therapeutic agent, and wherein the housing is operable to deliver pressurized gas to the delivery head so as to combine the liquid and the pressurized gas at the delivery head into a jet spray for delivery through the at least one nozzle, and wherein the cylindrical sheath has associated therewith mounted an electrical conductor for supplying power to the operative end member.

10. The handpiece of claim 9 wherein, The liquid supply tube terminates at a proximal end at a liquid connector to an external source of liquid, the sealed housing terminates at a proximal end at a gas connector to an external source of pressurized gas, and the electrical conductor terminates at a proximal end at an electrical connector to an external source of electrical power, and wherein the handpiece further includes a hollow coupling connected to the proximal end of the cylindrical sheath for accommodating the liquid connector, the gas connector, and the electrical connector.

11. The handpiece of claim 10, wherein, The coupling and the cylindrical sheath are coupled together by a clamp.

12. The handpiece of claim 1 wherein, At least one symbiotic therapeutic handpiece element is an electroporation element, and the operative end member is an electroporation probe.

13. The handpiece of claim 1 wherein, At least one symbiotic therapeutic handpiece element is an ultrasound element, and the operative end member is an ultrasound transducer.

14. The handpiece of claim 3 wherein, The first symbiotic therapeutic handpiece element is an electroporation element and its operative end member is an electroporation probe, the second symbiotic therapeutic handpiece element is an ultrasound element and its operative end member is an ultrasound transducer.

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