Iontophoresis apparatus for applying local anesthetics

In iontophoresis apparatus for applying liquid anesthetics to the tympanic membrane and other portions of the ear canal, an electrode dimensioned for insertion into the ear canal and comprising:

• a. an electrically-conducting wire;
• b. means for coupling one end of the wire to a source of electric current;
• c. an electrically-insulating sheath substantially encasing the wire, said sheath having a cutaway section therein exposing a portion of said wire;
• and
• d. means cooperating with said sheath for spacedly positioning the exposed portion of said wire vertically with respect to the tympanic membrane and laterally with respect to the side walls of the ear canal and for shielding said exposed portion of the wire from direct contact with any portion of the ear canal.

Iontophoresis apparatus for applying liquid anesthetics to the tympanic membrane, an electrode dimensioned for insertion in the ear canal and comprising:

• a. an electrically-conducting wire having inner and outer ends,
• b. means for connecting the inner end of the wire to a source of direct electric current,
• c. an electrically insulating sheath having inner and outer ends encasing the wire,
• d. the outer end of the sheath having a longitudinal slot exposing the outer end of the wire to contact with a liquid anesthetic contained in the ear canal, and a pair of spaced tabs positioned longitudinally, one on each side of the slot and parallel thereto for positioning the electrode laterally with respect to the side wall of the ear canal.