transkutaneus

Transcutaneus (often rendered in English as transcutaneous) is an adjective meaning across or through the skin. The term derives from Latin, with trans- meaning across and cutis meaning skin. In medical and scientific use it describes processes, devices, or measurements that interact with the skin, either by acting on tissues beneath the skin or by examining properties through the skin barrier, without necessarily breaching deeper tissues.

In clinical and physiological contexts, transcutaneous methods are common for monitoring and assessment. Transcutaneous oximetry measures oxygen tension through the skin, using heated sensors to estimate tissue oxygen delivery. Transcutaneous bilirubin meters estimate bilirubin levels in newborns by skin reflection. Such techniques rely on sensors placed on intact skin and are noninvasive alternatives to invasive sampling.

Transcutaneous applications also include therapeutic and delivery approaches. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation, including transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical impulses for pain relief or rehabilitation. Transcutaneous drug delivery refers to applying substances to the skin with the aim of absorption into underlying tissues; transdermal systems, such as nicotine or hormone patches, are closely related but typically emphasize systemic delivery. Transcutaneous immunization explores delivering vaccines via the skin, often employing microneedles or adjuvants to enhance immune response.

Notes on usage: transcutaneous emphasizes interaction through the skin, whereas transdermal is more commonly used for sustained, systemic drug delivery through the skin. Limitations include the skin’s barrier properties and variability with hydration, temperature, and integrity.