Abstract: A low cost, accurate, single use, disposable, iontophoretic fluid delivery device having cationic and anionic chambers separated by container structure and arranged to promote a flow of treatment ions into a body. The device desirably uses rugged mini batteries safely to provide increased electromotive force to the ion transfer process compared to galvanic cells having electrolyte matched to a human body's electrolyte. Mini batteries may be located in one or both cationic and anionic chambers, and/or attached to structure of a container outside the chambers. One or more electric circuit components may be arranged in a parallel circuit to the body to provide enhanced efficacy of the device. For example, a shunt resistance may be provided to control delivery of a beneficial agent in an amount over a time interval corresponding to any portion of a battery capacity, typically between 1 mAmp-min to 500 mAmp-min, or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating sexual dysfunction. The method includes stimulating sacral nerve roots, S2 and/or S3, with electromagnetic stimulation in or about the sacrum. The stimulation may be achieved with leads terminating in electrodes that extend with an emerging sacral nerve root or extend transverse the sacrum at or about the location of the nerve root to be stimulated. Alternately, spiraled electrodes and nerve cuffs may be used to stimulate the nerve root within the sacrum, as it emerges from the sacrum, or outside the sacrum. In this manner, the selected sacral nerve root may be stimulated to provide genital stimulation and thereby induce orgasm.

Abstract: An implantable device and method for managing a patient's erectile dysfunction, wherein the device generally comprises: at least one power source member that is adapted to be implanted in the patient's lower abdominal wall; at least one pulse generating member that is adapted to be implanted in the patient's lower abdominal wall; and at least one electrode that is adapted to be implanted at the suprapubic level of the patient's neurovascular bundle of the phallus, is connected to said power source member and pulse generating member, and is adapted to electrically stimulate the neurovascular bundle upon selective activation by the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to percutaneous sorbefacients for electroporation consisting of monoterpene and being useful in elevating percutaneous absorbability of drugs, etc. By adding these percutaneous sorbefacients to compositions for electroporation, the percutaneous absorbability of drugs can be elevated.

Abstract: The systems and methods provide effective neuromuscular stimulation to meet a host of different prosthetic or therapeutic objections. The systems and methods also provide convenience of operation, flexibility to meet different user-selected requirements, and transportability and ease of manipulation, that enhance the quality of life of the individual that requires chronic neuromuscular stimulation.

Abstract: A device for stimulating muscles and nerves defining and surrounding an intravaginal cavity of an individual and/or for sensing tonus and/or electrical activity of muscles defining and surrounding an intravaginal cavity is provided. The device includes (a) a body having memory properties such that when the body is contracted and positioned within an intravaginal cavity of the individual the body self expands to conform to a contour of the intravaginal cavity; and (b) at least one pair of electrodes being attached to an exterior surface of the body such that when the body is positioned within the intravaginal cavity, each electrode of the at least one pair of electrodes is biased against a wall of the intravaginal cavity. Thus they maintain electrical contact with the wall.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating penile tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce excitation and orgasm in males, particularly where impotence is a problem. Four embodiments of an electrode apparatus include a flexible ring (22) and an electrically conductive section (24) having a first end (26) coupled to and extending from the flexible ring (22), and an intermediate portion (30) extending through a hole (32) in the flexible ring (22). An electrical contact (34), in electrical communication with a second end (28) of the electrically conductive section (24), allows the section (24) to be connected to an electrical source. Auxiliary members such as conductive spheres (72, 78, 90, and 92) and additional conductive sections (86, 100) are added to the electrode apparatuses to impart specific stimuli in specific regions of the user's anatomy.

Abstract: Methods of using unidirectionally propagating action potentials (UPAPs) for cavernous nerve stimulation and for certain disorders are provided. Stimulators capable of creating such UPAPs include, but are not limited to, miniature implantable stimulators (i.e., microstimulators), possibly with programmably configurable electrodes.

Abstract: An implantable stimulator(s) with at least two electrodes, which is small enough to have the electrodes located adjacent to a cavernous nerve(s) or other nerve(s) innervating the reproductive organs, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a battery is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides means of stimulating a nerve(s) when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open-and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment prosthesis apparatus comprises an operable prosthesis (48) implanted in the cavities of the corpora cavernose of a patient's penile tissue for providing erect penile condition, when the prosthesis is operated. The prosthesis is operable by an implanted operation device (60). A control device (62 and 64) is provided for controlling a source of energy which may or may not be implanted, from outside the patient's body to release energy for use in connection with the operation of the prosthesis, i.e. to power the operation device. The patient uses the control device to operate the prosthesis to achieve erection.

Abstract: An underpants structure comprises a left waistband, a right waistband, a seat, and a pulsating current generator. The left waistband, the right waistband, and the seat are joined together to form a waist hole, a left leg hole, and a right leg hole. The seat is provided with an opening and an electrically-conductive rubber sheet attached to the inner side of the seat such that the rubber sheet is corresponding in location to the perineum of a male person. The seat covers the buttocks of the male person such that the penis and the scrotum of the male person are extended out of the seat via the opening of the seat, and that the rubber sheet comes in contact with the perineum of the male person. The rubber sheet is provided with a low frequency pulsating current by the pulsating current generator.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the development of a non-invasive method and apparatus for delivery of drugs into the penile erectile tissue to induce or enhance penile erection, which affords an alternative treatment for patients afflicted with erectile dysfunction (ED). Sufficient electric pulses temporarily create new pathways in the penile skin thereby driving a composition, such as a vasoactive or androgenic medication, into the corporal cavernosum.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device includes a pair of electrodes for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The electro-stimulation device both electrically arrests the heartbeat and stimulates the heartbeat. A pair of electrodes are provided for connection to at least one location in the body that affects or regulates the heartbeat. The pair of electrodes may be connected to an intravenous catheter for transvenous stimulation of the appropriate nerve. A first switch is connected between a power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to augment any natural stimuli to the heart and thereby stop the heart from beating. A second switch is connected between the power supply and the electrodes for selectively supplying current from the power supply to the electrodes to provide an artificial stimulus to initiate heartbeating.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as penile, scrotal, anal, vaginal, and clitoral tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce penile erection, or to induce excitation and orgasm in either males or females, particularly where impotence or frigidity is a problem. Four embodiments of the electrode apparatus include a flexible base and an electrode removably coupled to the base. The electrode is formed from elastomeric material and can be optionally formed into a loop for use around penile or scrotal tissue and against vaginal or anal issue. In addition, two embodiments include a penile sheath for secure placement and retention of the electrode on the penis. An electrical contact at one end of the electrode allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for spinal cord stimulation to treat orgasmic dysfunction. Stimulating electrodes are placed in the spinal canal via a needle inserted between the appropriate vertebrae in parallel with the spinal cord. The electrodes are connected to a power source. Through variable transmission of electrical signals a patient suffering from orgasmic dysfunction may once again achieve orgasm.

Abstract: Electrodes for stimulating living tissue such as vaginal, anal, clitoral, penile, and scrotal tissue are shown. Electrical stimulation to such areas is intended to induce excitation and orgasm in either females or males, particularly where frigidity or impotence is a problem. Four embodiments of the electrode apparatus include a flexible tube shaped base and an electrode either in the form of a loop or a stem coupled to the base. The electrode is formed from one of an electrically-conductive solid cord, an electrically-conductive tube, and an insulated conductor cable. An electrical contact at one end of the electrode allows the electrode to be connected to an electrical source. Auxiliary members such as conductive beads, conductive endpieces, conductive or nonconductive tube shaped coverings, and vibrators are added to any of the electrode apparatuses to impart specific stimuli in specific regions of the user's anatomy.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for treating erectile dysfunction includes arranging a therapy apparatus to be connected to an electrical power source, placing a skin electrode on two sides laterally of a penile shaft and employing an amplifier for performing the stimulation. A current is applied transcutaneously for a regeneration of the smooth musculature of the penile corpus carnaversum. The current applied has zero line-symmetrical impulses of rectangular or trapezoid form with a built-up time of 0,01 to 2 seconds, a stimulation period of 1 to 60 seconds direct or alternating, a stimulation pause of 0.01 to 60 seconds, a frequency range of 1 to 50 Hertz and an impulse period of 100 .mu.s to 10 ms. Advantageously, the stimulation is performed diagonally alternatingly with zero-line symmetric impulses of trapezoidal shape in a first channel and in a second channel with alternating stimulations. The frequency for the first channel is 10 to 20 Hertz and the frequency for the second channel is 20 to 35 Hertz.

Abstract: For impotency due to an inadequate volume of penis-engorging blood, the use of electromagnetic therapy to align the nutrients of the blood in a pearl cell formation in the direction of arterial flow, which contributes, because of lessened flow resistance, to an increased volume of blood adequate for penis-engorgment.

Abstract: A transcutaneous uterine contraction inhibiting device comprises a first plurality electrode positioned on an anterior side of an abdomen of a patient, a second plurality electrode positioned on the anterior side, and an electric current generator establishing electric current flow between the first plurality electrode and the second plurality electrode. The first plurality electrode is positioned above an upper portion of the uterus and extends laterally across the uterus. The second plurality electrode is positioned on a mid to lower portion of the uterus and also extends laterally across it. Further, a feedback unit can be provided for generating a signal indicative of any uterine contractions. The electric current generator then establishes an electric current in response to the signal from the feedback unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling changes in stimulation of every sort and kind including electrical stimulation, utilizes a three-dimensional 1/f fluctuation. The method is a change control method for controlling changes in stimulation to an object using a three-dimensional 1/f fluctuation and includes the steps of causing changes based upon 1/f fluctuation periods in the X-Z plane of a X-Y-Z space, causing changes based upon 1/f fluctuation periods in the X-Y plane of the space, superposing the caused changes of the previous steps, and applying the superposed caused changes to the object. This makes it possible to realize a low-frequency device free of problems attributable to the tolerance in neural response. A recording medium used to store the change control method, and a change control device using a three-dimensional 1/f fluctuation are also disclosed. Changes based on 1/f fluctuation periods in the X-Z plane and changes based on 1/f fluctuation periods in the X-Y plane are superposed on each other.

Abstract: A transcutaneous uterine contraction inhibiting device comprises a first plurality electrode positioned on an anterior side of an abdomen of a patient, a second plurality electrode positioned on the anterior side, and an electric current generator establishing electric current flow between the first plurality electrode and the second plurality electrode. The first plurality electrode is positioned above an upper portion of the uterus and extends laterally across the uterus. The second plurality electrode is positioned on a mid to lower portion of the uterus and also extends laterally across it. Further, a feedback unit can be provided for generating a signal indicative of any uterine contractions. The electric current generator then establishes an electric current in response to the signal from the feedback unit.

Abstract: A device and method for impotence correction. A device is implanted inside the body. It is programmable and controllable from outside the body. The press of a button sends a signal which initiates a process which simulates the body's natural reproductive processes. In a preferred embodiment, a programmable electronic device is implanted under abdominal muscle rectus. An electrical conductor is fixed to the surface of the pelvic splanchnic nerve. Stimulation of this nerve by low voltage electrical pulses from the electronic device causes neuromediators release which causes penis arterioles dilation which initiates erection. The electronic device is controlled by a controller operated by the patient or his partner. A second preferred embodiment also provides for emission stimulation. Emission is stimulated by electrical excitation of the pelvic plexus nerves from separate conductors from the electronic device.

Abstract: A transcutaneous uterine contraction inhibiting device comprises a first plurality electrode positioned on an anterior side of an abdomen of a patient, a second plurality electrode positioned on the anterior side, and an electric current generator establishing electric current flow between the first plurality electrode and the second plurality electrode. The first plurality electrode is positioned above an upper portion of the uterus and extends laterally across the uterus. The second plurality electrode is positioned on a mid to lower portion of the uterus and also extends laterally across it. Further, a feedback unit can be provided for generating a signal indicative of any uterine contractions. The electric current generator then establishes an electric current in response to the signal from the feedback unit.