The present invention provides a method for producing condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or chronic, intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols are produced from drugs including temperature sensitive drugs and small molecule drugs that are coated onto a foil substrate which is heated via electrical resistance heating at precisely controlled temperature profiles with controllable ramp-up and heating rates to vaporize the coated drug which subsequently condenses to form aerosol particles. These condensation aerosols have little or no degradation products. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits and methods of making the aerosols.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-invasive transportation method which relates to the field of transdermal transportation and is aimed at improving absorption of active ingredients by skin. The non-invasive transportation method includes: applying needlelike crystals onto the skin, and forming a micro-channel array in epidermis by the needlelike crystals. The present invention is applicable to the transdermal transportation of active ingredients, and more commonly used in cosmetology processes.

An insertion and retraction device is described for delivery and removal of a microparticle from target tissue. The device comprises a magnetic or magnetizable needle or cannula having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen adapted to convey microparticles; a tubular catheter receiving the needle or cannula; a pressure device adapted for delivery of microparticles through the needle or cannula lumen by pressure; a magnetic field modulator adapted to move the needle or cannula by modulation of a magnetic field; and a magnetic sensor positioned toward the distal end of the tubular catheter responsive to a magnetic moment of the microparticle.

A laser heater assembly for a vaporizer includes a power source, a laser source, a lens, and a reaction chamber. The lens is disposed within the optical path. During operation, the laser source emits light, the light propagating along an optical path during operation of the light source. The lens receives the emitted light from the laser source, and outputs a modified light having an energy profile that is substantially spatially uniform. The modified light traverses at least a portion of an opening of the reaction chamber and vaporizes a vaporization substance (e.g., a dry plant material) received within the reaction chamber. The emitted light can be collimated light, and the modified light can be a homogeneous line profile beam.

A method for application of laser energy to skin including applying a first pass of laser energy from a laser system to skin, placing a layer on the skin, and applying a second pass of laser energy from the laser system that impinges on the layer to create a shockwave on the skin.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O.sub.2 or SF/O.sub.2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

A drug dosage form is provided in the form of a solid tablet which is greater than 50% by weight the local anesthetic agent. The local anesthetic agent may be selected from the group consisting of an aminoamide, an aminoester, and a combination thereof. The drug tablet may be in the form of a mini-tablet which is greater than 70 wt % drug, with the balance being excipient. For example, the anesethetic agent may include lidocaine, in a salt or base form, combined with binder and lubricant excipients. Implantable drug delivery devices including the tablets are also provided, e.g., one or more of the drug tablets may be contained in a biocompatible housing. The drug tablets may be substantially cylindrical with flat end faces, and the device may have from 10 to 100 drug tablets aligned in the housing with the flat end faces of adjacent tablets abutting one another.

A laser heater assembly for a vaporizer includes a power source, a laser source, a lens, and a reaction chamber. The lens is disposed within the optical path. During operation, the laser source emits light, the light propagating along an optical path during operation of the light source. The lens receives the emitted light from the laser source, and outputs a modified light having an energy profile that is substantially spatially uniform. The modified light traverses at least a portion of an opening of the reaction chamber and vaporizes a vaporization substance (e.g., a dry plant material) received within the reaction chamber. The emitted light can be collimated light, and the modified light can be a homogeneous line profile beam.

Present disclosure relates generally to an improved design for an induction powered vaporizer that is capable of vaporizing both liquid and solid products, specifically liquid as in oil-based products, and solid as in leaf-based products. The device and method thereof incorporate unique and novel induction heating, the air-flow design, and in the circuitry control of the induction vaporizer. Other improvements in the design of the induction powered vaporizer included herein.

An inhaler comprises first and second user-operable controllers configured to independently meter first and second amounts of a physiologically active substance and a pressurized gas, respectively, to the user in the dose. In preferred embodiments a regulator is configured to release a dose to the mouthpiece. Triggering can be activated by one or more of the user drawing a breath through the mouthpiece, and the user operating a trigger