| abstract |
A system for ablation of the layer of the stratum corneum of the skin of an organism, comprising: a means (140) for ablation of the skin (160) of the organism in an area selected to form at least one non-transient micropore, each micropore having a diameter of 1-1000 μm and extending to the desired depth, where the means for ablation is a means to heat a selected area of the stratum corneum with a heat source to remove the stratum corneum, where the source of heat comprises a metallic solid element (148) in operative communication with a means (156) for modulating the temperature of said metallic solid element (148) between an elevated temperature state of at least 123 ° C and a reduced temperature state, and wherein, in the high temperature state, said metallic solid element conductively transfers thermal energy to the skin to sufficiently raise the skin temperature below the element s lido metal to remove a portion of the skin, and wherein, in the lowered temperature state, said solid element metal transfers less thermal energy to the skin than is required to ablate the portion of skin. |