Electro-sensitive medical devices

Citation

(2002), "Electro-sensitive medical devices", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929aad.009

Electro-sensitive medical devices

Keywords: Medical, Sensors</P

Applicant: Jerome H. LemelsonPatent number: US6,287,294Publication date: 11 September 2001Title: Medical Devices Using Electro-Sensitive Gels

This invention relates to medical devices, including drug delivery systems, catheters, and heart valves, that use electro-sensitive gels to provide real time electrical control of the motion and/or physical properties of key portions of the devices. Computer control methods for optimising the performance of such devices are also disclosed and claimed.

It describes a simple drug delivery system powered by expandable copolymer gel comprises a permeable membrane which encloses a layer of expandable copolymer gel. Inside the layer of expandable copolymer gel is a thin, flexible sack which contains a dose of a drug. The term “drug” is used to include any medicine, narcotic, biologically active material, or fluid that may be injected into a body. The first electrode is attached to the expandable copolymer gel is used to supply the voltage required for actuation. The second electrode may be positioned in convenient proximity within the body to provide the other half of the actuating circuit.