Device and method for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin

Abstract

An apparatus for delivering or withdrawing a fluid through at least one layer of the skin is provided. A device includes a body having a top face, a bottom face, a side edge and at least one channel. The bottom face includes a first surface area and a second surface area adjacent to and recessed at a first distance from the first surface area. The bottom face further includes at least one raised protrusion disposed on the second surface area. The protrusion has a height from the first surface greater than the first distance. At least one dermal-access member is provided in the protrusion and is in fluid communication with the channel to deliver or withdraw the fluid.

1 . A method of delivering a substance through at least one layer of the skin of a subject, the method comprising the steps of:
 providing a device having a substantially circular shaped body having a top face, a bottom face spaced from the top face, and a side edge having a flange, the body having a channel, wherein the bottom face includes at least one raised conical frustum shaped protrusion disposed on the bottom face having a skin abutment surface;
 at least one dermal-access member being provided in each of the at least one raised conical frustum shaped protrusion and in fluid communication with the channel, wherein the at least one dermal-access member extends from about 0.3 mm to about 3 mm from the skin abutment surface wherein the channel is fluidically coupled to a fluid delivery system selected from the group consisting of syringe, pump, and medication delivery pen; 
   positioning the at least one dermal-access member on a target site of the skin of the subject;   applying a pressure against the device sufficient for the at least one dermal-access member to penetrate the skin and for the skin abutment surface to contact the skin; and   delivering a substance to the target site of the subject.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adhesively attaching the device to the skin of the subject. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the dermal-access member penetrates the skin at a targeted depth. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the substance is delivered to an intradermal layer of the skin. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one dermal-access member is a needle.