Electrodes, electrode assemblies, methods, and systems for tissue stimulation and transdermal delivery of pharmacologically active ligands
First Claim
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1. An electrode to be used with a source of energy for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising:
- a hydrophilic, porous, polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration;
a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with said polymeric matrix; and
means for conveying energy from the energy source to said polymeric matrix.
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Abstract
A novel electrode and electrode assembly is provided which preferably uses alternating and direct electrical energy for transdermal delivery of pharmacologically active ligands and for stimulation of tissues in-vivo. Methods and systems are also disclosed which allow a broad range of therapeutic agents to be transmitted to tissues and organs superficially or deep within the body.
321 Citations
27 Claims
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1. An electrode to be used with a source of energy for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising:
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a hydrophilic, porous, polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with said polymeric matrix; and means for conveying energy from the energy source to said polymeric matrix. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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2. A complete electrode for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising;
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a source of energy; a hydrophilic, porous, polymeric matrix which supports a confluent and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with said polymeric matrix; and means for conveying said energy from said source to said polymeric matrix.
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3. An electrode assembly for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising:
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a source of energy; a plurality of electrodes, at least one of said electrodes comprising a hydrophilic, porous, polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; a pharmacologically active agent in communication with said polymer matrix; and means for conveying said energy from said source to each of said electrodes.
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12. A method for making an electrode to be used with a source of energy for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising the steps of:
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preparing a hydrophilic, porous, polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; combining said polymeric matrix with means for conveying energy from the energy source to said matrix; and placing a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with said matrix. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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13. A method for making a complete electrode for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising the steps of:
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preparing hydrophilic, porous polymeric matrix which supports a confluent aqueous phase and has an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; placing a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with said polymeric matrix; and joining said polymeric matrix to a source of energy whereby energy from said source is conveyed to said matrix. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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14. A method for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising the steps of:
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preparing a plurality of electrodes, each comprising a source of energy, a polymeric matrix, and means for conveying energy from said source to said polymeric matrix, at least one of said matrices being hydrophilic and porous, supporting a confluent aqueous phase, and having an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; placing a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with one of said polymeric matrices; placing said electrodes onto the tissue of the subject; and conveying energy from said source to each of said electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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21. A system for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising:
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a pharmacologically active ligand in communication with a polymeric matrix, said matrix comprising a hydrophilic, porous polymer supporting a confluent aqueous phase and having an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of active electrodes in which at least one of said electrodes comprises said polymeric matrix and pharmacologically active ligand in combination, a source of energy, and means for conveying said energy from said source to said polymeric matrix; means for positioning said electrode assembly on the tissue of the subject; and means for controlling the conveyance of energy from said source to said polymeric matrix. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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22. A system for active transdermal delivery of a pharmacologically active ligand to a subject comprising:
- the steps of;
a pharmacologically active ligand in contact with a polymeric matrix, said matrix comprising a hydrophilic, porous polymer supporting a confluent aqueous phase and having an initial ohmic resistance not greater than 500 ohms per square inch in the absence of an electrically conductive salt solution substantially above 1.0% in concentration; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes in which at least one of said electrodes comprises said polymeric matrix and said pharmacologically active ligand in combination, a source of galvanic electrical energy, and means for conveying said galvanic electrical energy from said source to said matrix; means for positioning said electrode assembly on the tissue of the subject; and means for controlling the conveyance of said galvanic electrical energy from said source to said polymeric matrix.
- the steps of;
Specification