Medtronic, Inc.

Richard Spevak

Gary A Lattin

Allan H Jevne

An ionic substance is mixed with a polar, non-ionic adhesive to form an electrode for use in the iontophoretic introduction of the ionic substance into a body. The electrode may be formed as a sheet of the mixture of a size and shape suitable for attachment to the electrode plate of an iontophoretic current generator. The mixture may be incorporated in an electrode as a means for holding the ionic substance, a means for attaching the electrode to the body, a means for attaching the iontophoretic current generator to the body, or a means for conducting the ionic current into the body. The electrode may also be employed in combination with an electrical stimulator to provide for simultaneous electrical stimulation and iontophoretic drug administration to the body.

Apparatus and method for iontophoretic drug delivery

An improved iontophoretic device for introducing an ionic substance into body tissue. A compact casing contains all the electronic circuitry necessary for generation and control of an iontrophoretic current. Stainless steel electrode plates are mounted directly on the casing and are electrically coupled to the electronics within. The device may be used in a simplified iontophoretic procedure: adhesive pads containing the ionic substance to be driven into the body tissue are applied to the stainless steel plates and the entire iontophoretic device is then affixed to the body by the adhesive pads and a safety strap, thus permitting normal patient movement during the iontophoretic process.

Iontophortetic device

An iontophoretic device in which the polarity of the electrodes is reversible. There is a current source and a pair of electrodes. A polarity control between the current source and the electrodes determines the direction of current flow through and between the electrodes. A timer circuit communicates with the current source and the polarity switching circuit to automatically ramp down the current, switch polarity and then ramp up the current after the polarity has been switched, thereby permitting the iontophoretic process to take place under both electrodes with one application.

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Minneapolis, MN, United States of America

Richard Spevak