Impedance Sensing Drill for Microconduit Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transdermal drug delivery face challenges due to the low rate of transport of therapeutic molecules through the stratum corneum, a thick and impermeable outer layer of the skin, which limits the effectiveness of drug permeation.
Innovation Solution
An impedance sensing drill is used to form microconduits in tissue by drilling into the skin and monitoring electrical impedance changes, allowing for precise control of drilling depth and minimizing tissue damage, enabling efficient drug delivery and analyte extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional transdermal delivery methods are used, then the stratum corneum remains intact, but the transport rate of therapeutic molecules is low
Solution Approach 1:
The drill device segments the stratum corneum by creating multiple microconduits through the impermeable layer, dividing the continuous barrier into discrete pathways that allow drug transport while maintaining overall skin structure
Solution Approach 2:
The drill creates porous microconduits in the stratum corneum, transforming the impermeable solid structure into a porous medium that permits passage of therapeutic molecules while maintaining structural integrity
2Productivity
If drilling depth is increased to reach deeper tissue layers, then drug delivery effectiveness improves, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance sensing system provides real-time feedback on drilling depth by detecting electrical impedance changes in tissue layers, allowing the operator to stop drilling at the precise moment the drill reaches the target depth, thereby maximizing drug delivery effectiveness while minimizing unnecessary tissue trauma
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical depth measurement systems with an electrical impedance sensing system, using electrical properties to detect tissue layer transitions and control drilling depth, thereby achieving more precise and less invasive depth control
3Productivity
If microconduits are formed to enhance drug permeation, then transport rate increases, but tissue structure is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The drill creates discrete segmented microconduits through the tissue rather than a continuous large opening, allowing drug permeation through multiple small pathways while preserving the overall tissue architecture and minimizing structural disruption
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The impedance sensing drill effectively forms microconduits in the skin, facilitating rapid and minimally invasive drug delivery and analyte extraction, while reducing tissue trauma and enhancing the permeation of drugs through the stratum corneum.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and devices for formation of microconduits in tissue, particularly using an impedance sensing drill to form microconduits. One embodiment of the invention is an impedance sensing drill comprising a drilling assembly, a control module, mechanically connected to the drilling assembly for controlling the depth of drilling by the drilling assembly; and a sensor, electrically connected to the drilling assembly and control module for detecting a change in an electrical impedance of a material being drilled. Another embodiment is a method of forming a microconduit in a material, which comprises the steps of drilling into the material, monitoring an electrical impedance of the material, and stopping the drilling into the material when a change in the impedance is detected, thereby forming microconduit.