Iontophoretic catheter device
First Claim
1. Apparatus adapted for iontophoresis application to provide antibacterial activity which comprises:
- a catheter adapted for physiological use comprising an elongated tubular member having an orifice at the distal end for the passage of electrolyte fluid therethrough;
a positive electrode containing a heavy metal, the positive electrode disposed and terminating internally to the tubular member, and having a surface exposed to the lumen of the tubular member proximate the orifice;
a negative electrode disposed and terminating internally to the tubular member, the negative electrode having a surface exposed to the lumen of the tubular member proximate the orifice; and
means for conductive electrical connection to a constant current source from each of the said positive and negative electrodes.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
-
Citations
10 Claims
-
1. Apparatus adapted for iontophoresis application to provide antibacterial activity which comprises:
-
a catheter adapted for physiological use comprising an elongated tubular member having an orifice at the distal end for the passage of electrolyte fluid therethrough; a positive electrode containing a heavy metal, the positive electrode disposed and terminating internally to the tubular member, and having a surface exposed to the lumen of the tubular member proximate the orifice; a negative electrode disposed and terminating internally to the tubular member, the negative electrode having a surface exposed to the lumen of the tubular member proximate the orifice; and means for conductive electrical connection to a constant current source from each of the said positive and negative electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
-
-
5. A method for preventing bacterial infection associated with catheterization the method comprising:
-
inserting into a physiological fluid passageway a catheter having internally disposed and terminating therein a heavy metal containing positive electrode and a heavy metal containing negative electrode; connecting the positive electrode to the positive terminal of a constant current source; connecting the negative electrode to the negative terminal of a constant current source; providing an electromotive force flow through the positive electrode to produce heavy metal ions at a sufficient concentration to inhibit proliferation of bacteria. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
Specification