Patent ID: 7597692

Claim:
A method of modifying or manipulating body tissue by forming at least one microconduit therein, comprising the steps of: a) accelerating a plurality of microparticles to a velocity that causes the microparticles to penetrate a region of a tissue surface upon impingement of the microparticles on the tissue surface; b) directing the microparticles towards the region of tissue surface, thereby causing the microparticles to penetrate the tissue; and c) scissioning the tissue with the impinging microparticles, thereby forming a plurality of free microtissue particles, and thereby forming a microconduit; d) using said microconduit for manipulation or modification of the body tissue in a manner selected from the group consisting of: (i) extracting an analyte from the body tissue by removing the analyte from the tissue through the microconduit; (ii) forming a molecular matrix within at least one microconduit in body tissue by directing a molecular matrix into the microconduit; (iii) making at least one biopotential measurement across the body tissue by placing at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the body tissue with at least one electrode at the microconduit; and making a biopotential measurement across the electrodes; (iv) delivering at least one stored molecule to the body tissue by storing the molecule in at least one puncturable capsule in proximity to at least one microconduit; (v) reducing pressure caused by a pool of blood beneath an injured or traumatized portion of body tissue by releasing the pressure through the microconduit; (vi) piercing the body tissue for a decorative purpose by inserting at least one wire through one or more microconduits; (vii) marking the body tissue with at least one identifying mark or at least one decorative mark by directing a dye or an ink into at least one microconduit; (viii) treating an infection below the surface of the body tissue by administering at least one therapeutic molecule or ion by directing the therapeutic molecule or ion into at least one microconduit, thereby delivering the therapeutic molecule or ion through the surface of the body tissue; (ix) removing hair from the surface of the body tissue by forming one or more microconduits at or near the hair follicles on the body tissue, followed by washing with water, thereby removing the hair from the body tissue; and (x) implanting hair into the surface of the body tissue by forming one or more microconduits having a diameter and depth sufficient to serve as a new hair follicle on the body tissue, followed by implantation of a live hair follicle into the microconduits.