Er:YAG laser pulse for small-dose splashback-free microjet
transdermal drug delivery
The laser-based microjet injection system uses the
hydrodynamic impact of a narrow liquid jet onto skin. The immediate delivery
would enable minimized prescription of topical drugs intended to work on the
outer layers of the skin, avoiding any skin irritation or allergic reaction and
preventing uncontrolled evaporation of active ingredient and unpleasant odor
associated with noninvasive procedures. Several types of injection mechanism
have been considered, including spring compression, expansion of piezoelectric
transducer, linear Lorentz-force-driven piston actuator, and expansion of
laser-initiated waves in water. Such mechanisms would eliminate abundant needle
wastes, and they are favored for highly needle-phobic patients.