Electrodes for iontophoresis
US5558632A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1994 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0448
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An improved electrode is disclosed for use in administering drug by means of iontophoresis, comprising a conductive element for receiving an electric current from a current source; a reticulated element having a plurality of reticulum for receiving an ionic drug solution for iontophoretic delivery, the reticulum being loaded or having applied thereto a hydrophilic polymer which is viscous when hydrated; and means for securing the reticulated element to the conductive element so that electric current will be distributed substantially uniformly through the reticulated element when hydrated and when current is delivered to the conductive element. The presently preferred embodiment utilizes open cell polyurethane foam as the reticulated element and high molecular weight polyethylene oxide as the hydrophilic polymer. The reticulum is further loaded with Tween 20, a surfactant, which serves to improve the rate of hydration. A reticulated element formed in accordance with the present invention is pliable and conformable both when in wet or dry state, making an electrode formed in accordance with the present invention susceptible of a wide variety of shapes and sizes and relatively easy to…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.