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US 6,289,241 B1Granted
Method and apparatus for controlled environment electrotransport
AssigneeAlza Corporation
InventorJoseph B. Phipps
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods for conducting operation of an electrode arrangement are described. The methods generally concern use of an electrode reservoir containing both a first electrode and a secondary electrode. A system for practicing the methods is also provided.
Claims14
A medical electrode system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject, comprising:
- (a) a primary electrode system comprising:
- (i) a first reservoir having at least one first reservoir electrode and an electrolyte;
- and
- (ii) a second reservoir having at least one second reservoir electrode and an electrolyte;
- the second reservoir being spaced apart from the first reservoir;
- (b) a secondary electrode system comprising:
- (i) a secondary electrode located within the first reservoir and isolated from direct electrical contact with any first reservoir electrode;
- and
- (ii) a companion electrode;
- (c) a control unit constructed and arranged for operation:
- (i) to operate the primary electrode system to generate an electrical potential between at least one first reservoir electrode and at least one second reservoir electrode to provide electromotive movement of a species between either reservoir and the subject;
- and
- (ii) to operate the secondary electrode system to generate an electrical potential between at least one secondary electrode and the companion electrode, wherein the companion electrode is at least one second reservoir electrode, such that an effect of electrochemical reactions involving the secondary electrode system on contents of either reservoir is different from that of the primary electrode system.
10 more elements
A diagnostic electrode system, comprising:
- (a) a primary electrode system comprising:
- (i) a first reservoir having at least one first reservoir electrode and an electrolyte;
- and
- (ii) a second reservoir having at least one second reservoir electrode and an electrolyte;
- the second reservoir being spaced apart from the first reservoir;
- (b) a secondary electrode system comprising:
- (i) a secondary electrode located within the first reservoir and isolated from direct electrical contact with any first reservoir electrode;
- and
- (ii) a companion electrode;
- (c) a control unit constructed and arranged for operation:
- (i) to operate the primary electrode system to generate an electrical potential between at least one first reservoir electrode and at least one second reservoir electrode to provide electromotive movement of a species between either reservoir and the subject;
- and
- (ii) to operate the secondary electrode system to generate an electrical potential between at least one secondary electrode and the companion electrode, wherein the companion electrode is at least one second reservoir electrode, such that an effect of electrochemical reactions involving the secondary electrode system on contents of either reservoir is different from that of the primary electrode system;
- and
- (d) a sensor positioned within at least one of the first or second reservoir, said sensor being capable of detecting a selected characteristic of either the first or second reservoir, or both.
12 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.