Device and method for monitoring and controlling electrical resistance at a tissue site undergoing iontophoresis
US6801804B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Oct 5, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/30
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention provides a device for iontophoretically transporting a compound through a localized region of an individual's body tissue. The device comprises first and second iontophoretic electrodes, a reference electrode, a current source, and a monitoring means. The first electrode is placed in ion-conducting relation with the localized region to allow iontophoretic transport of a compound therethrough. The second and transport electrodes are each placed in contact with the individual's body tissue, and all electrodes are spaced apart from each other. The current source is electrically connected to the first and second electrodes and applies a current to the localized region of body tissue to effect iontophoretic transport. The monitoring means monitors the electrical resistance of the localized region by measuring any voltage difference between the reference electrode and the first and/or second electrodes. Methods for using a reference electrode to monitor and control iontophoresis are also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.