Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus permitting rapid and thorough hydration of an initially dry hydratable matrix element contained within a bioelectrode element for use in an iontophoretic delivery device. The apparatus of the invention comprises a bioelectrode element for iontophoretic delivery of medicaments having at least one hydratable matrix element and associated removable hydration assembly. The removable hydration assembly includes an initially sealed liquid-storage component which maintains the desired hydrating liquid in isolation from the hydratable matrix element until such time as hydration is desired. At that time, the removable hydration assembly can be activated by the user through application of force to a pocket in a side of the sealed liquid-storage component to cause the pocket to become inverted and substantially aligned within an opposing pocket in the other side such that the sealed liquid-storage component unseals at a predetermined release location.

Abstract: Pumping mechanisms for performing peritoneal dialysis and the like employ a pumping mechanism comprising a diaphragm that operate in response to applied fluid pressure. Flexible tubing is attached to the pumping mechanism for carrying liquid to and from the patient's peritoneal cavity. An actuating station for pumping mechanism receives the pumping mechanism and attached tubing. A pressure transfer element conveys fluid pressure to the diaphragm for moving liquid through the cassette. An occluder element contacts and crimps closed the tubing attached to the cassette. A first reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the pressure transfer element to hold it in operative contact against the diaphragm. A second reservoir inflates with positive fluid pressure for contacting the occluding element to hold it away from crimping contact with the tubing. At least one of the first and second reservoirs also transports fluid pressure to the pressure transfer element for conveyance to the diaphragm.

Abstract: Low frequency ultrasonic pressure waves of high intensity are applied to the skin to cause cavitation. A therapeutic agent may be applied to the skin in a predetermined amount prior to the application of the pressure waves. The therapeutic agent may also be applied to the skin subsequent to the application of the pressure waves. Ultrasonic pressure waves of high frequency which do not cause cavitation may be applied to the skin after delivery of a therapeutic agent. The depth of penetration of the agent may be controlled by varying the burst width of electrical signals applied to a piezoelectric transducer. A housing surrounds the transducer and a sleeve may be provided to define with the housing a predetermined controlled volume chamber for holding a measured amount of agent. An ultrasonic power supply includes means for generating both low and high ultrasonic frequency electric signals, and a switch alternatively connects the high and low frequency signals to the transducer.

Abstract: A technique is described for liquefying, or gelifying, a hardened, cataractous lens nucleus and aspirating the same. Heat or heated solution is delivered to the lens nucleus in vivo so that the heat or heated solution is placed in contact with the hardened nucleus in order to heat and liquefy the same. The lens nucleus is irrigated simultaneously with a cooled solution to thereby limit to a very small area where the heat or heated solution is present in the eye. This allows the surgeon precise control over which intraocular anterior segment structures are exposed to the heat or heated solution. The liquefied lens nuclear material is then aspirated from the eye. The above allows the removal of a lens nucleus through a 1 to 2 mm corneal or limbal incision which is smaller than the smallest incision allowable with previously known small incision cataract techniques. The above benefits the patient as it allows small incision cataract removal to be done in a way that is non-traumatic to intraocular structures.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device provides the electrical energy from an electrosurgical generator to an electrode for cutting, coagulation, and the like, and further provides suction and irrigation to a cannula for the electrode. The device comprises a handle assembly adapted to be held in the hand of a user. The handle assembly is connected to suction and irrigation supplies as well as to the electrosurgical generator. An instrument port at the distal end of the handle assembly has a finger wheel for rotating the instrument port in relation to the handle assembly. Cutting and coagulation current are controlled by thumb switches located on the proximal side of the handle assembly. Suction and irrigation are controlled by thumb actuated buttons also located on this proximal side. A safety switch disconnects the cutting or coagulation current from the instrument port when either the suction or the irrigation button is actuated.