Iontophoretic catheter device
US4411648A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1981 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0017
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A urinary catheter which comprises two internal heavy metal-containing electrodes disposed proximate the distal orifice of the catheter. The catheter is adapted for iontophoresis application for the purpose of preventing bacterial infection associated with catheterization procedures. Provision is made for connecting the electrodes to a constant electromotive force source. Iontophoretic operation of the catheter employs electromotive force to generate heavy metal ions at the electrode surfaces. The heavy metal ions are driven into an electrolyte solution provided by urine or tissue fluid near the site of the catheter tip. Heavy metal ions such as gold, silver, platinum, iron, and copper have been demonstrated to have antibacterial activity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.