Active antisepsis device
First Claim
1. A method of maintaining antisepsis in human body tissue, the method comprising:
- wholly implanting within the tissue a device having (a) a first electrode of a first polarity with a first antimicrobial metal surface, (b) a second electrode of a second polarity opposite said first polarity, and (c) a power source in electrical communication with said first and second electrodes, whereby said first and second electrodes are in electrical communication with said tissue;
applying an electrical current from said power source through said first second electrodes and through said tissue; and
electrolytically infusing antimicrobial metal ions from said antimicrobial metal surface into said tissue to maintain antisepsis in said tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device for maintaining antisepsis of embedded devices with a body is provided. The device comprises a housing having a first active surface and a second active surface with the housing being sized and shaped for being received within the body. The first active surface and the second active surface are contactable with the tissue and bodily fluids. A metal antimicrobial substance is attached to at least a portion of the first active surface and the second active surface. A control system is electrically connected to the first active surface and the second active surface of the housing for creating an electric field between the first active surface and the second active surface through the body with the electric field ionizing the antimicrobial substance thereby profusing the substance into the tissue.
78 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method of maintaining antisepsis in human body tissue, the method comprising:
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wholly implanting within the tissue a device having (a) a first electrode of a first polarity with a first antimicrobial metal surface, (b) a second electrode of a second polarity opposite said first polarity, and (c) a power source in electrical communication with said first and second electrodes, whereby said first and second electrodes are in electrical communication with said tissue;
applying an electrical current from said power source through said first second electrodes and through said tissue; and
electrolytically infusing antimicrobial metal ions from said antimicrobial metal surface into said tissue to maintain antisepsis in said tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. An apparatus for maintaining antisepsis in a human body, comprising:
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(a) a housing having;
(i) a first electrode of a first polarity with a first antimicrobial metal surface, and a second electrode of a second polarity opposite the first polarity;
(ii) a power source in electrical communication with said first and second electrodes; and
(iii) a microcontroller to control delivery of electrical current from said power source through said first and second electrodes to electrolytically infuse antimicrobial metal ions into body tissue; and
(b) a controller external to said housing for placement outside the body, the controller being in radio frequency (RF) communication with the microcontroller for varying an electrical current delivery regimen through said first and second electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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Specification