Therapeutic agent delivery system and method
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A therapeutic agent delivery system comprising:
- housing means defining a cavity divided by a semipermeable membrane into a donor chamber of substantially constant volume adapted to hold the therapeutic agent and a receiving chamber adapted to receive the therapeutic agent from the donor chamber through the membrane;
an anode and a cathode in communication with the cavity with at least one of the anode and cathode being in communication with the donor chamber such that the therapeutic agent remains in the donor chamber until an electromotive force of a sufficient amount is applied between the anode and cathode whereby at least a portion of the therapeutic agent passes from the donor chamber to the receiving chamber; and
delivery means for delivering the therapeuric agent from the receiving chamber to a patient.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for controllably administering a therapeutic agent to a patient is disclosed. The method and apparatus uses an electromotive force between an anode and a cathode to cause the therapeutic agent to migrate through a semipermeable membrane. The therapeutic agent is then delivered to the patient.
23 Citations
27 Claims
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1. A therapeutic agent delivery system comprising:
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housing means defining a cavity divided by a semipermeable membrane into a donor chamber of substantially constant volume adapted to hold the therapeutic agent and a receiving chamber adapted to receive the therapeutic agent from the donor chamber through the membrane; an anode and a cathode in communication with the cavity with at least one of the anode and cathode being in communication with the donor chamber such that the therapeutic agent remains in the donor chamber until an electromotive force of a sufficient amount is applied between the anode and cathode whereby at least a portion of the therapeutic agent passes from the donor chamber to the receiving chamber; and delivery means for delivering the therapeuric agent from the receiving chamber to a patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A therapeutic agent delivery system comprising:
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(a) a first housing defining a donor chamber adapted to hold the therapeutic agent; (b) a second housing defining a receiving chamber adapted to receive the therapeutic agent; (c) a semipermeable membrane in fluid contact with and separating the donor chamber and the receiving chamber, the membrane being of a material which is ion selective; (d) a first electrode exposed within the donor chamber; (e) a second electrode exposed within the receiving chamber such that the therapeutic agent remains in the donor chamber until an electromotive force of a sufficient amount is applied between the first and second electrodes and when the electromotive force is no longer applied between the electrode, no further therapeutic agent is delivered to the receiving chamber; (f) an inlet on the second housing in fluid communication with the receiving chamber; and (g) an outlet on the second housing in fluid communication with the receiving chamber. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A method for controlling the administration of a therapeutic agent to a patient comprising the steps of:
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(a) providing a housing having a semipermeable membrane defining a chamber and carrying an anode and cathode; (b) maintaining the therapeutic agent in an ionic form in the chamber of substantially constant volume until an electromotive force is applied between the anode and cathode; (c) applying an electromotive force between the anode and the cathode such that at least a portion of the agent migrates through the membrane; and (d) delivering the agent which passes through the membrane to the patient. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification