The present invention provides a contactless technique for delivering a charged drug into a body tissue using a replaceable reservoir or cartridge loaded with the charged drug and applying to it an electrical gradient, a high voltage pulses and an electrostatic force, such that the nanonized charged drug moves into the tissue under the influence of these electrical field and force.

A medicament containment device (106) is provided containing a medicament (114) and is associated with an implant, such as an orthopedic implant (102). The medicament containment device (106) can degrade upon exposure to energy, such as energy (112) from an energy source (110). The orthopedic implant (102), including the medicament containment device is implanted or inserted into an environment (100) such as a patient's body. The energy source (110) can be used outside the patient's body, but in proximity to the orthopedic implant (102), to apply energy (112) to the medicament containment device (106). Upon exposure to the energy (112), the medicament containment device (106) can degrade and release the medicament (114) into the environment (100). The medicament (114) can kill and/or disrupt bacterial cells (108) or other infectious cells that form in proximity to the orthopedic implant (102).

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

Embodiments of the invention provide methods for transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents for treatment of addictive cravings e.g., from nicotine. Embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract agent is used to retain agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. In particular embodiments, a dose of agent may be delivered on-demand using an input from the patient using an inhalation sensing device which mimics an inhaled form of tobacco.

Embodiments of the invention provide methods for transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents for treatment of addictive cravings e.g., from nicotine. Embodiment of a method for such delivery comprises positioning at least one electrode assembly in electrical communication with a patient's skin. The assembly includes a solution comprising a therapeutic agent which passively diffuses into skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract agent is used to retain agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. In particular embodiments, a dose of agent may be delivered on-demand using an input from the patient using an inhalation sensing device which mimics an inhaled form of tobacco.

A closed-loop wearable device or platform integrates sensors, actuators, and microcontroller on board. The device is applied directly to the skin using stretchable epidermal electronics. It can sense a variety of signals from the human body, thus collecting medically relevant information, and can activate delivery of a therapeutic upon detection of an abnormal condition. The therapeutic can be delivered at a personalized dosage and/or with a unique combination of drugs or other agents based on the individual's metabolism as tracked by various sensor modules integrated with the medical device.

A method of preventing damage to non-neoplastic, e.g. healthy cells, by irradiating the non-neoplastic cells with a low-dose radiation is provided. The method initiates a protective cellular response which prevents later damage to non-neoplastic cells by radiotherapy and an immune response against neoplastic cells. The method of preventing damage to non-neoplastic cells is provided where the low-dose radiation is interspersed with a high dose sessions which themselves are varied through the weekly schedule.

A method of preventing damage to non-neoplastic, e.g. healthy cells, by irradiating the non-neoplastic cells with a low-dose radiation is provided. The method initiates a protective cellular response which prevents later damage to non-neoplastic cells by radiotherapy and an immune response against neoplastic cells. The method of preventing damage to non-neoplastic cells is provided where the low-dose radiation is interspersed with a high dose sessions which themselves are varied through the weekly schedule.

Disclosed is an energy self-sufficient real time bio-signal monitoring and nutrient and/or drug delivery system based on salinity gradient power generation. The energy self-sufficient real time bio-signal monitoring and/or nutrient delivery system based on salinity gradient power generation includes: an electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module including a reverse electrodialysis device which generates electricity by using a nutrient and/or drug solution and discharge a diluted nutrient solution; and a bio-signal measuring unit inserted into the electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module and configured to receive electricity from the electricity generation and nutrient and/or drug delivery module and measure a bio-signal.