US 5,462,645 A · Dialysis electrode device

Abstract

A dialysis electrode device comprises a shank of needle-like proportions and formed from a hollow dialysis fiber membrane. The shank is closed at its distal end by a sealing plug and, at its proximal end, it is sealed to and in communication with an auxiliary chamber defined by a tubular body part. Electrolyte is supplied to the chamber in the shank through an inlet conduit and is removed via an outlet conduit connected to the auxiliary chamber. The device also includes a dialysis or first working electrode, which is insulated save for a length thereof disposed within the hollow shank, a counter electrode and a reference electrode mounted within the auxiliary chamber. It may be used in clinical medicine and the food, pharmaceutical and other industries where it is desirable to analyze or monitor the presence of chemical substances. In carrying out a microdialysis procedure in human tissue, for example, the device is primed with an enzyme electrolyte solution and electrical measurements are taken, in situ, of the concentration of a chemical substance diffusing into the shank chamber through the dialysis fiber shank.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A dialysis electrode device for monitoring the presence of an analyte in test matter comprising:

(a) probe means for implanting in said test matter, said probe means including a hollow shank formed from a hollow fiber of dialysis membrane material, said hollow shank having an internal chamber delimited by said dialysis fiber membrane, a proximal end and a closed distal end,
(b) conduit means for supplying electrolyte to said probe means and removing electrolyte therefrom, said conduit means including an inlet conduit for said electrolyte extending into said chamber in said hollow shank to a location adjacent said distal end of said hollow shank, and an outlet conduit in communication with said proximal end of said hollow shank,
(c) a working electrode mounted in said probe means and extending into said chamber in said hollow shank to a location adjacent said distal end of said hollow shank, and
(d) a reference electrode mounted in said probe means and electrically coupled to said working electrode by said electrolyte supplied to said chamber via said conduit means.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dialysis electrode device

Life of this patent

Dialysis electrode device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11