Abstract: A device for providing treatment is disclosed. The device provides proper skin electrical conductivity while still being minimally invasive by adhering to the patient's skin that also implements safety measures that off-the-shelf electrode options do not have. This device includes a graphite powder-based skin counter electrode that has a graphite powder suspended in an electrolyte gel that allows for electrochemical conduction between the graphite particles in the graphite powder. The gel is spread over a first side of a hydrogel layer. A device housing is mounted on the hydrogel layer over the first side. The device housing contains the electrolyte gel and graphite powder, defines an opening or lead opening as well as an empty expansion chamber for gaseous anodic byproduct. A metallic wire or rod extends from the electrolyte gel and through the housing opening and connects to a potentiostat. The second side of the hydrogel layer is adhered to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A method and related system for treating a metallic surface in order to eradicate bacteria on the metallic surface using at least three electrodes and in which the metallic surface is one of the electrodes and in which a stimulation voltage is applied to the metallic surface and an accumulated charge is measured. The accumulated charge is compared to a threshold level wherein the stimulation voltage is maintained until the accumulated charge exceeds the threshold level. In at least one version, the metallic surface is that of a surgical implant.

Abstract: A method and related system for treating a metallic surface in order to eradicate bacteria on the metallic surface using at least three electrodes and in which the metallic surface is one of the electrodes and in which a stimulation voltage is applied to the metallic surface and an accumulated charge is measured. The accumulated charge is compared to a threshold level wherein the stimulation voltage is maintained until the accumulated charge exceeds the threshold level. In at least one version, the metallic surface is that of a surgical implant.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a needle electrode assembly used to disrupt biofilm from an implanted metallic object, such as a replacement orthopedic appliance, includes a body that retains the needle electrode assembly including a projecting needle portion projecting from a lower end of the body. A needle adjustment mechanism enables the length of the projecting needle portion to be adjusted, the needle adjustment mechanism including a spring element within the apparatus body and attached to the needle electrode assembly. The spring element has a substantially nonvariable spring constant such that constant pressure is applied to the needle electrode irrespective of the length of the needle electrode to be brought into contact with the skin of a subject and implanted metallic object, once released by the needle adjustment mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance increases as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists as well as detecting the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has increased from the main needle alone to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant. The apparatus can include a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues increases, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists and the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has gone from the main needle to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant surface area. The apparatus may also have a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A method and system for bone regeneration is provided that includes an electrical stimulation system for the purpose of accelerating the process of bone healing. The electrical stimulation system includes a coil and a capacitor such that when the coil is powered a pulsed electromagnetic field is generated to accelerate healing. There are also implantable medical devices that include inserts such as an elbow insert. The elbow insert includes or is formed with a repeater coil and a device capacitor, such that when the coil is powered the device coil is powered and delivers a repeater pulsed electromagnetic filed to the surrounding bone. This inductive coupling provides for treatment by both the coil and the repeater coil to accelerate bone healing. The insert may be embodied so it can be used in connection with a plurality of different implantable medical devices.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metal implant contact detection through capacitive measurements is provided. Capacitive measurement is accomplished with a conductive wire/lead, for example a main needle. The measured capacitance as the main needle is moved through the skin and tissues increases, then jumps when the main needle makes contact with the metal implant, thus proving the metal implant exists and the location of the metal implant. The jump in capacitive measurement is detectable because the area of capacitance has gone from the main needle to the main needle plus the surface area of the metal implant surface area. The apparatus may also have a reference needle for taking reference needle capacitive measurements in the tissues surrounding the metal implant to increase the accuracy during use of the apparatus. A housing is provided for supporting the main and reference needles and supporting or housing apparatus electronics.

Abstract: A wound healing system and a wound care bandage are provided. The wound care bandage has an electronics housing that houses a battery and wound care microcontroller. A bandage layer is provided and it defines a pad recess in which a pad is disposed. The pad has channels to allow for airflow. The wound care bandage at least first and second snap button electrodes, but there may be more snap button electrodes in other preferred embodiments. There are also electrically conductive adhesive strips with one being in contact with each of the first and second snap button electrodes. When current is controllably supplied to the first and second snap button electrodes a plurality of electric current flow paths are generated and that extend across the wound and stimulate the healing of the wound. The wound care bandage can be monitored and controlled wirelessly.