Abstract: Methods for conducting controlled environment electrotransport are described. The methods generally concern control of the ionic environment of the active electrode reservoir, in an electrotransport system. This control may be utilized, for example, to maintain a constant extraneous ion presence, such as pH. It may also be applied in a preferred manner to maintain selected control over the delivery rate of a target species, in time, in the presence of extraneous ions. Apparatus usable to provide for controlled environment electrotransport are also described. In general the apparatus comprises an electrotransport system including an active electrode reservoir having therein both a primary electrode arrangement and a secondary electrode arrangement, with a control arrangement for selected operation of both.

Abstract: A blow molded, rigid plastic venous chamber for hemodialysis, for use in a venous hemodialysis set. The chamber defines a plurality of first access ports adjacent to a first end thereof. A second access port is provided at an opposed end. A tubular plastic filter is positioned in close-fitting relation within the second access port to project into the chamber. Unique advantages are provided by such a blow-molded, filter-carrying chamber, and by the chamber shape.

Abstract: Dual headed catheter assemblies are provided with a tubular central instrument body portion connected at each end to an elongate tubular distal body, each of which may be provided with an expansible balloon for dilatation purposes. One or more releasible connectors may be provided for sealingly connecting each of the tubular distal bodies to the central instrument body portion to allow for replacement of the tubular distal body and to simplify potential resterilization and reuse of the central instrument body portion. Alternative embodiments include multiple inflation lumens each provided with an individual inflation port which may be preferentially accessed by a fluid conducting inflation assembly configured to preferentially access individual inflation ports. The dual headed catheter with replaceable components may be utilized in place of multiple single headed catheters to perform medical procedures involving repeat access to vascular target sites.

Abstract: Methods for delivering therapeutic agents by iontophoresis with reduced or mitigated sensation are disclosed. The methods generally involve the step of delivering therapeutic agent by iontophoresis in the presence of an intentionally added sensation reducing amount of a multivalent ion. Preferred multivalent ions useful to mitigate sensation are calcium, magnesium, phosphate and zinc.