Transkutanale

Transkutane refers to a method of administering substances or performing procedures through the skin. The term originates from Latin, with "trans" meaning "across" and "cutis" meaning "skin." This approach bypasses the need for surgical incisions, offering a less invasive alternative for various medical applications.

One common application of transkutane methods is in drug delivery. Transdermal patches, for instance, utilize the skin as a barrier to release medication over an extended period. This allows for a steady and controlled absorption of the drug into the bloodstream, avoiding the fluctuations often seen with oral medications. Examples include nicotine patches for smoking cessation, hormone replacement therapy patches, and pain relief patches.

Beyond drug delivery, transkutane techniques are employed in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Transkutanale Doppler ultrasonography, for example, uses ultrasound waves to assess blood flow through vessels beneath the skin without the need for invasive probes. Similarly, transkutanale electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) uses electrical impulses delivered through electrodes placed on the skin to manage pain by stimulating nerves.

The skin's barrier properties present challenges for transkutane administration, as it can limit the rate and extent of absorption for certain substances. Research continues to explore innovative ways to enhance transkutane penetration, such as using chemical enhancers or microneedle technology, to improve the efficacy of these minimally invasive medical approaches.