Electrodes for iontophoresis
First Claim
1. An electrode for use in the iontophoretic delivery of an ionic drug comprising:
- a conductive element for receiving an electric current delivered from an electric current source;
a reticulated element including a reticulum structure and a plurality of pores formed by said reticulum structure for receiving an ionic drug solution at the time of iontophoretic delivery,said reticulated element comprising an open cell polyurethane foam having approximately 100 pores per linear inch;
a plurality of the reticulum structure of said reticulated element having applied thereto high molecular weight polyethylene oxide and surfactant; 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 from an electric current source.
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Accused Products
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 manufacture at reasonably low cost.
80 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An electrode for use in the iontophoretic delivery of an ionic drug comprising:
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a conductive element for receiving an electric current delivered from an electric current source; a reticulated element including a reticulum structure and a plurality of pores formed by said reticulum structure for receiving an ionic drug solution at the time of iontophoretic delivery, said reticulated element comprising an open cell polyurethane foam having approximately 100 pores per linear inch; a plurality of the reticulum structure of said reticulated element having applied thereto high molecular weight polyethylene oxide and surfactant; 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 from an electric current source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification