Abstract: A drug delivery catheter and storage bladder adapted for use in an implantable drug delivery system. The catheter and bladder are provided with piezoelectric layers adapted to be responsively coupled to a source of ultrasonic electrical signals. When so coupled, vibration of the piezoelectric layer dislodges any accumulation of crystallized drugs within the catheter and bladder.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for performing a simple "sweat test" with particular use in screen testing for cystic fibrosis. The method includes the use of an iontophoretic device adapted for ambulatory use which has a self-adhesive drug-impregnated electrode for the stimulation of sweat coupled with the subsequent use of a test patch device for performing the analysis of the sweat in situ. For cystic fibrosis diagnosis, the test patch is particularly adapted to determine chloride concentration in the sweat when the concentration exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An electrotherapeutic device for selectively providing iontophoretic or biphasic stimulation to electrodes for introducing iontophoretic substances and for delivering biphasic current to body tissue, comprising timing circuits (120, 270, 280) for providing preselected stimulation intervals, and circuits (10, 30, 50) for providing iontophoretic and biphasic stimulation (151, 152) to the electrodes in response to the timing circuits and a user actuated input (92). The timing circuits may provide alternating intervals of biphasic and iontophoretic stimulation and optionally include a user-actuated one-shot timer (120) for interrupting biphasic stimulation and providing iontophoretic stimulation for a predetermined interval.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A reservoir system for a flexible, elongated, body implantable member of the type that is adapted to provide communication between separated body sites. A reservoir body is formed of a cup and cover which cooperate to define a cavity. Slots in the cup and/or cover admit a portion of the elongated member into the cavity. A tool is engageable with an elongated member portion within the cavity to coil a desired length of the elongated member within the cavity. On growth of the body, the coil is uncoiled to accommodate the greater distance between the body sites between which the elongated member extends. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is first rotated in one direction to coil a desired length of the elongated member within the cavity and then rotated in the other direction to uncoil and recoil all but a portion of the outermost coil spiral.