Methods for extracting substances using alternating current
First Claim
1. A method for extracting a substance from a body through a tissue, comprising:
- (a) supplying one or more electrical signals, the one or more electrical signals comprising an AC signal;
(b) applying the AC signal to the tissue; and
(c) adjusting the AC signal so as to maintain a substantially constant electrical state within a region of the tissue, wherein maintenance of the substantially constant electrical state facilitates extraction of the substance.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A variety of methods for extracting different substances such as endogenous substances, pharmaceutical substances, markers of disease, and their metabolites across a tissue are provided. The methods utilize an AC signal to maintain a substantially constant electrical state in a region of the tissue through which extraction occurs, thereby allowing substances to be transported across the tissue in a controlled and predictable manner. Certain methods include an optional AC or DC prepulse signal to initially achieve the target electrical state. An optional DC offset signal can also be utilized to assist in promoting extraction of the substance. The methods have utility in a variety of different clinical settings and applications.
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Citations
54 Claims
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1. A method for extracting a substance from a body through a tissue, comprising:
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(a) supplying one or more electrical signals, the one or more electrical signals comprising an AC signal;
(b) applying the AC signal to the tissue; and
(c) adjusting the AC signal so as to maintain a substantially constant electrical state within a region of the tissue, wherein maintenance of the substantially constant electrical state facilitates extraction of the substance. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50)
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51. A method for extracting a substance from the body of a human patient through a tissue, comprising:
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(a) supplying one or more electrical signals, the one or more electrical signals comprising an AC signal;
(b) applying the AC signal to the tissue, wherein the tissue is human skin or mucosal tissue; and
(c) adjusting the AC signal so as to maintain a substantially constant state of electroporation within a region of the tissue throughout the time during which extraction occurs, wherein maintenance of the substantially constant state of electroporation promotes extraction of the substance. - View Dependent Claims (52, 53, 54)
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Specification