Abstract: An implantable electrophoretic pump for ionic drugs and the method of using the same is provided. A reservoir is provided with a filler opening and a discharge opening. The discharge opening has a diffusion membrane and a pair of associated electrodes. A battery and electronic components provide for energizing the electrodes so as to effect ion transfer of the ionic drugs into other portions of the patient's body through the voltage induced between the two electrodes. The pump is particularly useful for ionic drugs such as insulin, blood thinners, antibiotics and the like. A method of making a porous electrode.

Abstract: Electrophoresis apparatus including a cooperating gel slab and matrix member. The matrix member has a first surface in generally surface-to-surface contact with the gel and is positioned overlying the gel. The matrix member has a plurality of openings therein which cooperate with the gel member to define a series of upwardly open wells. Electrode means pass through the wells. A reservoir for providing buffer solution to the gel is provided in underlying relationship with respect to the matrix member-gel slab assembly. The matrix member-gel slab assembly are urged into intimate contact. In a preferred form, integrally formed channel means cooperate with the underlying slab and a pump to establish a vacuum which serves to urge the matrix member-gel slab into intimate contact.The reservoir may have a support bracket for securing the matrix member-gel slab in overlying relationship to a buffer solution containing trough so that the matrix member-gel slab is maintained in generally horizontal position.

Abstract: A implantable ventricular stimulating, ventricular sensing, inhibited heart pacer providing electronically generated stimulating pulses of varying energies depending upon the heart response. The frequency of these pulses is set at a selected rate in the absence of a natural heart beat. Stimulating pulses are inhibited once the natural electrical signal corresponding to ventricular pumping rate (R wave rate) exceeds the selected rate. The output circuit comprises an up-down counter in conjunction with a digital-to-analog converter and output amplifer. An electronic oscillator creates pacing pulses to trigger the output circuit, thus producing the stimulating pulses. Each pacing pulse increments the counter and simultaneously initiates a refractory period control circuit. An electromechanical transducer detects mechanical heart response which is gated to the up-down counter during the refractory period to decrement the counter.