Method and apparatus for accessing mammalian skin locations below the stratum corneum

摘要

A device for removing a substantial amount of the stratum corneum from a defined area of a patient's skin surface as provided, for use prior to application to the defined area of a transdermal drug delivery device. The device includes a first rigid frame (10) with a bottom plate having a central aperture through which the area to be treated is exposed when the device is placed against the skin in use. A second frame (16) slidably mounted with respect to the first carries a reel (18) of outwardly adhesive film and a movable applying surface over which the adhesive film passes and advances intermittently. By repeated extension and retraction of the movable frame an appropriate number of times, the stratum corneum may be substantially completely removed from the selected area and a transdermal drug delivery device subsequently applied thereto.