Electrodes, electrode assemblies, methods, and systems for tissue stimulation
AssigneeTrustees of Boston University
InventorsWhitney R. Powers, Henry Sisun
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A novel electrode and electrode assembly is provided which preferably uses alternating and direct electrical energy for transdermal delivery of pharmacologically active ligands and for stimulation of tissues in-vivo. Methods and systems are also disclosed which allow a broad range of therapeutic agents to be transmitted to tissues and organs superficially or deep within the body.
Claims18
An electrode intended for use with a source of energy comprising:
- a hydrophilic porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying energy from the source to said polymeric matrix.
An active electrode comprising:
- a source of energy;
- a hydrophilic porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying said energy from said source to said polymeric matrix.
An electrode assembly comprising:
- a source of energy;
- a plurality of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes comprising a hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying said energy from said source to said electrodes.
An active electrode comprising:
- a source of sinusoidal electrical energy;
- a hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying said sinusoidal electrical energy from said source to said polymeric matrix.
An active electrode comprising:
- a source of galvanic electrical energy;
- a hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying galvanic electrical energy from said source to said polymeric matrix.
An electrode assembly comprising:
- a source of electrical energy;
- a plurality of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes comprising a hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration;
- and
- means for conveying said energy from said source to said electrodes.
A method for electrical stimulation of the tissues of a subject comprising the steps of:
- preparing an electrode assembly comprising a source of electrical energy, a plurality of electrodes, in which at least one of said electrodes comprises a hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of electrically conductive salt solutions above 1.0% in concentration, and means for conveying electrical energy from said source to said polymeric matrix;
- placing said electrode assembly onto the tissue of the subject;
- and
- conveying electrical energy to said electrodes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.