Method and apparatus for producing homogenous cavitation to enhance transdermal transport

摘要

The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for producing homogenous cavitation. An ultrasound souce comprising an ultrasound transmitting element having an axis and a cross-section along the axis is disclosed The ultrasound transmitting element also has a first axial end and a second axial end operable to produce ultrasonic waves. The cross-section has an area having a maximum value at the first axial end and a minimum value at the second axial end. A method for producing homogenous cavitation at an area of skin comprises creating a volume of fluid having a uniformly dispersed concentration of cavitation nuclei adjacent the area of skin. Ultrasound is then applied to the volume of fluid and causes cavitation at the cavitation nuclei.