The present invention provides a method for treating a dermatological condition in a subject, comprising administering to the subjects skin a bioactive composition using a microneedle delivery device, wherein the bioactive composition comprises an effective amount of an anesthetic; administering an effective amount of electromagnetic radiation to the subjects skin to induce damage to the epidermis and/or dermis; and optionally administering to the subjects skin an effective amount of a composition to promote wound healing.

Induction heating from an induction coil (108) is used to separate a metal medical sharp (144) from its holder (142) by applying a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field that excites eddy currents and resistance heating in the sharp. The heated metal sharp melts the adhesive or plastic securing the sharp to its holder. The use of induction heating is advantageous in that it does not require direct contact between the electrical circuit and the sharp or its holder. The heating can also act to sterilize the sharp and thereby render it less hazardous at the same time that it separates the sharp from its holder. The induction coil can have a stepped or conical shape to concentrate the RF energy at the interface between the metal sharp and its holder.

An apparatus for entirely removing a medical sharp from a holder to which it is connected, including a body (102), a heating unit (104) disposed in the body, a receiving unit (114) fixedly disposed in the body and configured to receive the holder, and a collet (122) movably disposed within the body and configured to receive the medical sharp. The apparatus also includes a first biasing member (130) disposed within the body, and a user interface (136) coupled to the collet and configured to displace the collet away from the receiving unit, actuate the first biasing member to increase a bias on the collet toward the receiving unit, and actuate the heating unit.

An apparatus for destroying syringes-needle assemblies is disclosed, the invention comprising a cradle for holding the syringe and a hub grip for gripping the hub of a needle affixed to the syringe. The apparatus comprises means for destroying the needle for example, by passing a current through it to soften/melt it, whilst at the same time, applying an axial compressive force to blunt and compress the needle. The hub grip is moveable relative to the cradle so that the needle can be pulled, unscrewed or otherwise detached from the syringe. The apparatus is preferably automated, and thus enables the destroyed needle and syringe to be separated, and therefore disposed of in separate waste streams without manual intervention.

Induction heating from an induction coil (108) is used to separate a metal medical sharp (144) from its holder (142) by applying a high-frequency oscillating magnetic field that excites eddy currents and resistance heating in the sharp. The heated metal sharp melts the adhesive or plastic securing the sharp to its holder. The use of induction heating is advantageous in that it does not require direct contact between the electrical circuit and the sharp or its holder. The heating can also act to sterilize the sharp and thereby render it less hazardous at the same time that it separates the sharp from its holder. The induction coil can have a stepped or conical shape to concentrate the RF energy at the interface between the metal sharp and its holder.

An apparatus for entirely removing a medical sharp from a holder to which it is connected, including a body (102), a heating unit (104) disposed in the body, a receiving unit (114) fixedly disposed in the body and configured to receive the holder, and a collet (122) movably disposed within the body and configured to receive the medical sharp. The apparatus also includes a first biasing member (130) disposed within the body, and a user interface (136) coupled to the collet and configured to displace the collet away from the receiving unit, actuate the first biasing member to increase a bias on the collet toward the receiving unit, and actuate the heating unit.

The present invention relates to an improvement to the treatment of needles for safe disposal. The device comprises a support member having at least one recess. Each said at least one recess is configured to receive a needle contained in a corresponding plastic needle cap. The device further comprises a heating element configured to heat the support member, such that the plastic material of the needle cap softens and flows to encapsulate the corresponding needle. Each said at least one recess has dimensions such that, after heating, the needle is fully encapsulated by the plastic material of the corresponding needle cap. A corresponding method is disclosed.