Tissue growth control apparatus and method
US4313438A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 1980 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61F2002/2821
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing germicidal and healing treatment of tissue such as bone wherein an electrode of silver or like material is applied to a living tissue site to be healed, initially a direct voltage is applied to the electrode of a polarity driving the electrode as an anode to release silver ions to create a germicidal environment at the site, and thereafter a direct voltage of opposite polarity is applied to the electrode driving it as a cathode to stimulate healing of the tissue at the site. The apparatus is implanted in the body of a patient, and in one embodiment a battery is connected through a switch to the electrode and a reference electrode, the switch initially connecting the electrode as an anode and thereafter changeable by an external operator such as a magnet to connect the electrode as a cathode. In another embodiment, another electrode and an element cooperate with the treating electrode to form a galvanic couple with the treating electrode to create a germicidal environment and a predetermined time thereafter the arrangement changes to a biogalvanic couple with body fluid to cause healing of the tissue. In either embodiment a wave shaping circuit c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.