Abstract: A method of treating acute urinary outflow system obstruction caused by disease of the prostate gland by localised electromotive drug administration. The treatment comprises insertion within the prostatic urethra and within the bladder cavity of a urethral catheter which incorporates a specific electrode and is adapted to perform the electromotive administration of a drug or drug mixture into diseased prostatic tissues thereby resolving the pathologies without resorting to surgery.

Abstract: An intravesical method of treating dysfunctional bladder syndromes by Electromotive Drug Administration (EMDA) of local anaesthetic drugs, anti muscarinic drugs and sympathomimetic agents. The administration of said drugs combined with hydraulic bladder dilatation causes relaxation of the detrusor muscle, reversing the hypertonicity associated with dysfunctional bladder syndromes.

Abstract: A morphine formulation for use by electromotive administration comprising morphine citrate salts of the formula:M.sub.np Ct.sub.(3-n)p (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O.sub.7).sub.pwherein M is protonated morphine, Ct is a physiologically acceptable cation, n is an integer or fractional number greater than 0 and less than or equal to 3, and p is an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: Device for the combined electropharmacological treatment of the bladder and the prostatic urethra including a bougie comprising a flexible tubular body, openings for connection to the outside, an opening in its tip and elastic sealing elements arranged perimetrically around it, the bougie being internally provided with a stem-like electrode having two independent conductors, one shorter than the other, and suitable to perform a combined electropharmacological treatment of the bladder and of the prostatic urethra.

Abstract: A method of treating recalcitrant indewelling catheter-associated infections including the following procedures: inserting into the lumen of the catheter, a primary electrode whose uninsulated distal section is of a spiral or filamentous configuration physically contacting the internal surface of the catheter; positioning and sealing a secondary electrode-receptacle on the skin area around the exit site of the catheter and around an external section of the catheter so as to form a conical container for holding liquids; infusion of a solution of antimicrobial drugs through the catheter; instilling a solution of antimicrobial drugs into the secondary electrode-receptacle; and applying a voltage differential between the primary and secondary electrodes, in which an electric field is applied to the internal and external surfaces of the catheter, and this field both disrupts hitherto priviledged sites for microorganisms on the surfaces of the catheter and drives antimicrobial drugs into these same surfaces.

Abstract: Intravesical electromotive administration of specified dye substances for localisation and treatment of occult bladder cancers, is disclosed. Innocuous dye substances will provide differential staining of cancerous and normal urothelium; and anticancer dye substances will demonstrate differential staining and also initiate therapy of cancerous lesions. The addition of vasodilating agents will accentuate the differential staining and further promote therapy of the cancerous sites.

Abstract: An iontophoretic bioelectrode includes an enclosure forming upper sheet of material having a generally planar outer section circumscribing a raised central section which defines an interior compartment. A compliant, resilient and sticky raised barrier is formed on the underside of the outer section of the upper sheet of material to circumscribe the central section. When placed against the skin of a person, the barrier adheres to the skin to form a seal completely around the central section and interior compartment into which an ion carrying solution may then be introduced for administration, by iontophoresis, into a persons' skin.

Abstract: A method of treating schistosomal infestations by both adult worms and eggs-miracidia, residing in the veins, venules and nearby tissues either of the bladder and ureters or of the colorectal regions of the intestines, including the locally administration by iontophoresis of at least an antischistosomal drug in the form of a solution.

Abstract: A method of intracorporeal iontophoretic treatment of an internal hollow body organ containing a physiological ion-rich fluid environment by delivery to said hollow body organ of drug ions by means of an iontophoretic device inserted into said hollow body organ and comprising an active electrode which has the same polarity as the drug ions to be delivered. The method comprises direct measurement of the pH of said physiological fluid environment, whereby indirectly measuring its ionic composition and selecting accordingly the material of said active electrode so that it either can interact with ions contained in said physiological environment or allow the interaction of said environmental ions with water hydrolysis products so as to reduce the ionic species competitive with said drug ions during the iontophoretic process.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system is disclosed for administering substantially sterile dialysate to the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The system includes a dialyzer for passing a primary solution and a secondary solution therethrough to enabale removal of waste products from the primary solution to the secondary solution, and a primary circuit for selectively circulating a primary solution through the dialyzer. Connecting conduits or tubing is provided for selectively carrying primary solution from the primary circuit to the peritoneal cavity of the patient and for selectively withdrawing at least some of the solution from the peritoneal cavity back into the primary circuit. A pump is disposed in the primary circuit for causing primary solution to circulate in the primary circuit independently of transfer of primary solution between the primary circuit and the peritoneal cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A hydratable iontophoretic bioelectrode includes a layer of material for absorbing and holding an ionized fluid when placed in contact with the fluid. A conductive sheet of material is positioned in contact with one side of the layer of material and is connectable to an electrical charged source to receive a charge of the same polarity as the polarity of ions in the fluid. A support base holds the layer of material and conductive sheets in place to enable placement of the layer of material against the skin or tissue of a person into which ions from the ionized fluid are to be delivered. This is carried out by applying the charge in question to the conductive sheet to cause the ions in the layer of material to migrate therefrom into the person's skin or tissue.

Abstract: An iontophoretic bioelectrode includes a pouch for holding a solution, a receptacle element disposed in a wall of the pouch to allow communication therethrough from the exterior to the interior of the pouch, a pair of elongate, generally parallel prongs joined at one end and dimensioned to allow insertion thereof through the receptacle element into the interior of the container, and a solution absorbing material disposed between the prongs to absorb solution with which it makes contact.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating acne, boils and similar skin disorders which are characterized by closed, blocked channels in the epidermis of the skin.

Abstract: A solution containment system for use in connection with an iontophoretic bioelectrode having a solution containing receptacle. The solution containment system includes a nipple formed in the wall of the receptacle, a capsule disposed in the nipple, and a liquid absorbing material contained in the capsule. The capsule is burstable when squeezed so that the liquid absorbing material is released into the interior of the receptacle to absorb any solution left over from use of the bioelectrode.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for administering known quantities of medicaments by iontophoresis, while avoiding burns caused by extremes in the pH of the medicament medium during passage of an electric current, are disclosed. It is known that as iontophoresis progresses in conventional iontophoresis systems, the electrolysis of water occurs to produce hydrogen or hydroxyl ions at the interface of the electrode and medicament medium. Since these ions are highly mobile, they are transported directly into the skin of a patient in preference to the larger medicament ions. Thus, extreme changes in pH are experienced which result in burns due to the acidificaion or alkalinization of the medicament medium and passage of electric current through the skin. In addition, the efficiency of iontophoresis decreases over time. The present invention avoids extremes in pH by removing the hydrogen or hydroxyl ions which are created during iontophoresis and creates conditions for constant delivery over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for administering known quantities of medicaments by iontophoresis, while avoiding burns caused by extremes in the pH of the medicament medium during passage of an electric current, are disclosed. It is known that as iontophoresis progresses in conventional iontophoresis systems, the electrolysis of water occurs to produce hydrogen or hydroxyl ions at the interface of the electrode and medicament medium. Since these ions are highly mobile, they are transported directly into the skin of a patient in preference to the larger medicament ions. Thus, extreme changes in pH are experienced which result in burns due to the acidification or alkalinization of the medicament medium and passage of electric current through the skin. In addition, the efficiency of iontophoresis decreases over time. The present invention avoids extremes in pH by removing the hydrogen or hydroxyl ions which are created during iontophoresis and creates conditions for constant delivery over prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for administering known quantities of medicaments by iontophoresis while avoiding burns caused by extremes in the pH of the medicament medium during passage of an electric current are disclosed. It has been found that, as iontophoresis progresses in conventional iontophoresis systems, the electrolysis of water occurs to produce hydrogen or hydroxyl ions at the interface of the electrode and medicament medium. Since these ions are highly mobile, they are transported directly into the skin of patient in preference to the larger medicament ions. Thus, extreme changes in pH are experienced which result in burns due to the acidification or alkalinization of the medicament medium and passage of electric current through the skin. The present invention also avoids the production of other competing ions by employing a reactive electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheters and methods which minimize catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane.The distal end of the hollow stem (which is situated inside the peritoneal cavity), is constructed so as to minimize the likelihood of catheter obstruction during use by a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a subcutaneous peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and methods which minimizes catheter obstruction during use. The apparatus includes a receiving chamber or reservoir having a relatively small internal volume while employing a penetrable membrane and relatively enlarged target surface area. The reservoir is interconnected with the peritoneal cavity by a hollow stem. The penetrable membrane accommodates a hollow needle being inserted into the receiving reservoir and is configurated with a dome-like profile so that the membrane may also be depressed to expel insulin from the receiving reservoir into the peritoneal cavity in a direction generally toward the mesenteric peritoneal membrane.The portion of the apparatus which is in the peritoneal cavity is preferably constructed of, or coated with, a material which is capable of minimizing the adhesion of cells and the growth of bacteria on that portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A novel implantable, peritoneal injection catheter apparatus and method, the apparatus including an open top, fluid-receiving reservoir mounted to one end of a hollow stem and a penetrable membrane covering the open top of the receiving reservoir. The hollow stem is configurated to extend into the peritoneal cavity and includes a retaining flange system for retaining the hollow stem in fluid communication with the peritoneal cavity. The penetrable membrane serves as an injection site for inserting a hollow needle into the receiving reservoir. The penetrable membrane also includes a dome configuration that may be depressed to expel injection fluids from the reservoir into the peritoneal cavity. A substantial portion of the injection catheter is covered with a velour coating to accomodate tissue ingrowth for further securement of the catheter in the tissue of the abdominal wall.