Patent classifications
A61N1/044
Skin permeation device for analyte sensing or transdermal drug delivery
Devices, systems, kits and methods for increasing the skin's permeability controlled by measured skin electrical parameter are described herein. They may be used for transdermal drug delivery and/or analyte extraction or measurement. The controlled abrasion device contains (i) a hand piece, (ii) an abrasive tip, (iii) a feedback control mechanism, (iv) two or more electrodes, and (v) an electrical motor. The feedback control mechanism may be an internal feedback control mechanism or an external feedback control. The kit contains the controlled abrasion-device, one or more abrasive tips, optionally with a wetting fluid. The method for increasing the skin's permeability requires applying the controlled abrasion device to a portion of the skin's surface for a short period of time, until the desired level of permeability is reached. Then the abrasion device is removed, and a drug delivery composition or device or an analyte sensor is applied to the treated site.
Microcurrent-generating topical or cosmetic systems, and methods of making and using the same
The present invention relates to a topical or cosmetic system that includes a first element capable of acting as an electron donor and a second element capable of acting as an electron acceptor. Such first and second elements are spaced apart by a predetermined distance across a skin surface. The system also includes a third element extending over the predetermined distance across the skin surface, while the third element contains an electrically conductive medium for electrically connecting the first and second elements, thereby generating an electrical current that flows across the skin surface from the first element through the conductive medium to the second element in the absence of any power source. The present invention also relates to methods of using the above-described system for preventing or treating skin damage.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WOUND HEALING
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.
IONTOPHORETIC APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MARKING OF THE SKIN
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.
INTERVENTIONAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
A delivery system for local drug delivery to a target site of internal body tissue is provided. The delivery system comprises a source electrode adapted to be positioned proximate to a target site of internal body tissue. A counter electrode is in electrical communication with the source electrode, and is configured to cooperate with the source electrode to form a localized electric field proximate to the target site. A reservoir is configured to be disposed such that the reservoir is capable of interacting with the localized electric field. The reservoir is configured to carry a cargo capable of being delivered to the target site when exposed to the localized electric field. Associated methods are also provided.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DENTAL TREATMENT WITH EKF
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for the electrokinetic (EKF) delivery of therapeutic and cosmetic agents to oral tissues, including but not limited to enamel, dentin, cementum, gingiva, and mucosa. More specifically, it relates to modular, low-current dental treatment platforms configured to deliver active agents across or into oral tissues using flexible electrodes, voltage ramping logic, and optionally insulating or stabilizing structures.
Conductive gel compositions and methods of production and use thereof
A conductive gel composition for use with a TTField-generating system is disclosed. Also disclosed are kits containing the gel composition and methods of producing and using the gel composition. The composition includes a semi-solid conductive gel for application to a patient's skin and for placement between the patient's skin and at least one transducer array that generates an alternating electric field having a frequency in a range of from about 50 kHz to about 500 kHz, wherein the conductive gel comprises a free salt present at a concentration in a range of from about 0.1 mM to about 1 M.
DEVICE AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING THE DIFFUSION OF A SUBSTANCE THROUGH BIOLOGICAL TISSUE
An iontophoresis device includes an outer housing, and a swab subassembly slidingly received within the outer housing that includes an elongated rod, a swab, a conductor extending along the rod and coupled to the swab. The iontophoresis device also includes an additional device subassembly, such as a syringe subassembly, that is slidingly received within the outer housing. The syringe subassembly includes an elongated body for holding a substance, a needle, and a plunger.