Iontophoretic apparatus and method for marking of the skin

摘要

Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for producing markings in the skin. One embodiment provides an apparatus for marking the skin comprising a housing and reservoir for storing a skin colorant. An electrode is positioned within the housing so as to be electrically coupled to the colorant in the reservoir and is configured to be coupled to a current source and return electrode. A colorant applicator having at least one fluid pathway is coupled to a housing distal end. The applicator proximal end is positioned such that the fluid pathway is coupled with the reservoir. The applicator distal end applies colorant to the skin surface through the fluid pathway as the applicator is moved across the skin. The electrode delivers current from the current source to the skin to transport charged pigment elements of the colorant into the skin using an electromotive driving force to produce a marking in the skin.

主权项

1. An apparatus for producing markings in skin, the apparatus comprising:
a reservoir for storage of a skin colorant; a colorant applicator, the applicator having a proximal and distal end and at least one fluid pathway, the proximal end of the colorant applicator being positioned within the reservoir such that the at least one fluid pathway is coupled with the reservoir, the distal end of the colorant applicator being configured to apply colorant from the reservoir to a skin surface through the at least one fluid pathway as the applicator is moved across the skin; an electrode electrically coupled to a current source and a return electrode, the electrode positioned so that a portion of the electrode extends out of the reservoir and a distal portion of the electrode extends into the reservoir without contacting the applicator, so as to immerse the distal portion in the colorant and electrically couple the electrode to the colorant; and wherein the electrode is configured to deliver current to the skin to transport charged pigment elements of the colorant into the skin using an electromotive driving force to produce a marking in the skin from the pigment elements.