The present invention is directed to devices and methods that efficiently and safely kill pathogens in blood functions by the generation of metal ions in situ. Such metal ions include silver ions, copper ions, and gold ions; however, additional metals can be employed for generation of ions in situ, including platinum, iridium, and zinc. The activity of the devices and methods of the present invention is extremely broad, and can kill pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The activity of the devices and methods of the present invention does not depend on specific interactions between the device and the surface of the pathogen being killed. Additionally, the activity of the devices and methods is not subject to the development of resistance by the pathogen, such as can occur subsequent to the administration of conventional antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral agents.

Embodiments provide apparatus and methods for producing markings in the skin. One embodiment provides an apparatus for marking the skin comprising a housing and reservoir for storing a skin colorant. An electrode is positioned within the housing so as to be electrically coupled to the colorant in the reservoir and is configured to be coupled to a current source and return electrode. A colorant applicator having at least one fluid pathway is coupled to a housing distal end. The applicator proximal end is positioned such that the fluid pathway is coupled with the reservoir. The applicator distal end applies colorant to the skin surface through the fluid pathway as the applicator is moved across the skin. The electrode delivers current from the current source to the skin to transport charged pigment elements of the colorant into the skin using an electromotive driving force to produce a marking in the skin.

The present disclose generally relates to high-charge capacity electrodes that include a substrate and a coating covering at least a portion of the substrate that includes active particles held together by a biocompatible binding material. One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a current generator that generates a direct current (DC). The system can also include a high-charge capacity electrode that can be coupled to the current generator to deliver the DC to block conduction in a nerve.

A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

Various embodiments provide methods and systems for the biphasic iontophoretic transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. An 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 the skin. A dose of agent is delivered from the assembly into the skin during a first period using a first current having a characteristic e.g., polarity and magnitude, to repel the agent out of the assembly. During a second period, a second current having a characteristic to attract the agent is used to retain the agent in the assembly such that delivery of agent into skin is minimized. A dose of agent may be delivered on demand by an input from the patient. Embodiments may be used for delivery of agents which cause adverse effects from unwanted passive diffusion.

The present disclosure relates to devices and systems for targeted and controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent to a treatment site of an eye. Particularly, aspects are directed to a therapeutic agent delivery device that includes a polymeric substrate having a release region, a delivery region, and a receiving region; one or more reservoirs formed within the release region; a therapeutic agent disposed within the one or more reservoirs; an active, passive, or combination thereof controlled release mechanism for release of the therapeutic agent from the one or more reservoirs into the delivery region; and a circuit formed on the polymeric substrate, the circuit having a current source, a first iontophoresis electrode located within the delivery region for transport of the therapeutic agent from the delivery region into a target tissue via electromigration, and a second iontophoresis electrode located within the receiving region for maintaining electroneutrality within the tissue.

Ocular iontophoresis device and method for delivering any ionized drug solution to the cornea includes: a reservoir containing a solution suitable to be positioned on the eye; an active electrode disposed in or on the reservoir; and a passive electrode suitable to be placed on the skin of the subject, elsewhere on the body; elements for irradiating the cornea surface with suitable light for obtaining corneal cross-linking after the drug delivery; wherein the reservoir and the active electrode are transparent to UV light and/or visible light and/or IR light. The method includes: positioning the iontophoretic device on the eye to be treated; driving the solution by a cathodic current applied for 0.5 to 5 min, at an intensity not higher than 2 mA; and thereafter irradiating, with UV light for 5 to 30 min at a power of 3 to 30 mW/cm.sup.2; thereby obtaining the corneal cross-linking of the solution.

A system is provided for healing a wound. The system includes a flexible body, a therapeutic agent delivery mechanism, a suction mechanism, and a power source. The flexible body includes a cover film having oppositely disposed first and second surfaces that define a compartment. The compartment includes a first porous material, a second porous material, and at least one electrode disposed therein. The second porous material is disposed between the first porous material and the at least one electrode. The therapeutic agent delivery mechanism and the suction mechanism are fluidly connected to the compartment. The power source is in electrical communication with the at least one electrode.

The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for an electrotherapeutic system including a first and second electrode. Each electrode includes a respective resistance wherein during operation of the electrotherapeutic system, an electrochemical reaction involving one or both of the electrodes varies the respective resistance of at least one of the electrodes.

An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.