JP2008100096A - Electrotransport device having reuseable controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a drug delivery system by electrotransport having a drug-containing assembly and a reusable controller having an electric operation control circuit in which the drug-containing assembly and the controller are separatably connected with a coupler connecting the assembly to the controller. <P>SOLUTION: An electrotransport system (10) includes the reusable controller (12) having a power source and a separable disposable drug-containing unit (30) which contains both a donor electrode and a counter electrode. Coupling means (36, 38) physically and electrically connects together the controller (12) and the drug unit (30) such that the controller (12) provides electrical current for the drug unit (30) for electrotransport delivery of the drug to a patient's body surface (e.g., the skin). The coupling means (36, 38) ensures a correct polarity connection of the donor and counter electrodes to the outputs of the controller (12). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a drug delivery system by electrotransport comprising a drug-containing assembly and a reusable controller having an electrically actuated control circuit, the drug-containing assembly and the controller comprising: And a drug delivery system by electrotransport that is detachably connected by a coupler that electrically connects the assembly to the controller.

  As used herein, the term “electrotransport” means the delivery of a drug (eg, drug) through a membrane such as the skin, mucous membrane or nail. The supply is triggered and assisted by applying a potential. For example, a beneficial therapeutic agent can be introduced into the body's systemic circulation by an electrotransport supply through the skin. In electromigration (also called iontophoresis), a widely used electrotransport process, the transport of charged ions is electrically triggered. In another type of electrotransport, electroosmosis, a liquid containing a drug to be delivered is flowed under the influence of an electric field. In yet another type of electrotransport process, electroporation (electroporation), pores that are transiently present in a biofilm are formed by applying an electric field. Through the hole, the drug can be supplied passively (ie, without the aid of electricity) or actively or positively (ie, affected by an electric field). However, in any electrotransport process, to some extent, two or more such processes can occur simultaneously. Therefore, as used herein, the term “electrotransport” should be interpreted as widely as possible, so electrotransport is independent of the specific mechanism or mechanisms that actually transport the drug. Including those that electrically induce or facilitate the transport of at least one drug consisting of a chargeable drug, an uncharged drug, or a mixture thereof.

  The electrotransport device uses at least two electrodes that are in electrical contact with a portion of the body's skin, nails, mucous membranes or other surface. One electrode (usually referred to as the “donor” electrode or “active” electrode) is the electrode from which a therapeutic agent is delivered to the body. The other electrode (generally called the “counter (in other words, opposite or opposite)” or “return” electrode) serves to close the electrical circuit through the body. For example, if the drug to be delivered is positively charged (ie, in the case of a cation), the anode is the active or donor electrode, while the cathode completes the circuit. Rather, if the drug is negatively charged (ie, in the case of anions), the cathode is the donor electrode. Also, for example, when anionic and cationic drug ions or uncharged (neutral) drugs are to be supplied, both the anode and cathode can be considered donor electrodes.

  Electrotransport delivery devices also generally require at least one reservoir or source for the drug to be delivered (typically in the form of a solution or suspension). Examples of such donor reservoirs can include pouches or cavities, porous sponges or pads, or hydrophilic polymers or gel matrices. Such a donor reservoir is electrically connected to the anode or cathode and the body surface and is located between the anode or cathode and the body surface, thereby providing one or more drugs or agents. Provide a fixed or renewable source of The electrotransport device also includes a power source or power source, such as one or more batteries. In general, one electrode of this power supply is electrically connected to the donor electrode, while the other electrode is electrically connected to the counter electrode (in other words, the opposite electrode or the counter electrode). ing. Some electrotransport devices include an electrical controller (control device) that controls the current supplied to the electrode to adjust the supply rate (ratio) of the medicine. In addition, a passive flow control membrane, an adhesive to hold the device in contact with the body surface, an insulating member, and an impermeable backing member are other selectable elements of the electrotransport device. It is.

  All drug delivery devices by electric transport use an electric circuit for electrically connecting a power source (for example, a battery) and an electrode. In a very simple device such as that disclosed by Ariura et al. In US Pat. No. 4,474,570, the “circuit” is simply composed of the conductors used to connect the battery to the electrodes. Yes. Other devices use various electrical elements to control the magnitude, polarity, timing, waveform, etc. of the current supplied by the power source. See, for example, US Pat. No. 5,047,007 issued to McNichols et al.

  To date, commercial transdermal electrotransport drug delivery devices (eg, Phoresor, sold by Iomed Inc., Salt Lake City, Utah; Dupel Iontophoresis System, sold by Empi Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota) Webster Sweat Inducer model 3600, sold by Wescor Inc. of Logan, Utah, generally uses a desktop power supply unit and a pair of skin contact electrodes. The donor electrode holds a drug solution, while the counter electrode holds a biocompatible electrolyte salt solution (or solution). A “satellite” type electrode is connected to the power supply unit by a long (eg, 1-2 meter) conductive wire (ie, a conductor) or a conductive cable.

  An example of a desktop power supply unit using a “satellite” type electrode assembly is shown in US Pat. No. 4,141,359 to Jacobsen et al. (See FIGS. 3 and 4); US Pat. No. 5 to LaPrade. , 006, 108 (see FIG. 9); and U.S. Pat. No. 5,254,081 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) issued to Maurer et al. The power supply unit of such a device comprises an electrical control device for adjusting the amount of current applied through the electrodes. Existing commercial electrotransport devices are only allowed to be operated by trained medical professionals. One important thing to consider when connecting the “satellite” electrode to the power supply unit is to make sure that the electrode is connected to the correct polarity. That is, a satellite donor electrode containing a cationic therapeutic agent must be connected to the positive output of the controller. However, the satellite donor electrode containing the anion therapeutic agent must be connected to the negative output of the controller. Two approaches have been used to assist medical technicians to properly connect polarities. In the first approach, the controller output is color coded in relation to the appropriate satellite electrode. In a second approach (used in the CF indicator sold by ScandiPharm, Inc.), an electrode in the form of a metal (eg, stainless steel) plate is provided on the controller. An electrode in the form of a metal plate is positioned on one side of the controller housing. The two plate-like electrodes have different dimensional shapes (for example, one is square and the other is circular). Each of the drug-containing donor gel and the electrolyte-containing countergel was different for each plate-shaped electrode to ensure that the donor gel and the countergel were in contact with the correct electrode (ie, the correct polarity). It has a shape.

  More recently, small, self-contained electrotransport delivery devices have been proposed that are intended to be worn on the skin for a long time (sometimes hidden under clothing). The electrical components of such small electrotransport drug delivery devices are also preferably miniaturized and can be integrated circuits (ie, microchips) or small printed circuits. Electronic elements such as batteries, resistors, pulse generators, capacitors (capacitors) are electrically connected to form an electronic circuit, which is the magnitude, polarity, timing, waveform of the current supplied by the power supply Control etc. Such small, self-contained electrotransport delivery devices include, for example, Tapper US Pat. No. 5,224,927, Sibalis et al. US Pat. No. 5,224,928, and Haynes et al. US Pat. No. 246,418.

  Recently, proposals have been made to utilize electrotransport devices having reusable controllers that can be used with compound-containing composite units. When the drug is used up, the drug containing unit is simply removed from the controller. The unit containing the new drug is then connected to the controller. In this manner, relatively more expensive hardware components of the electrotransport device (eg, battery, light emitting diode (LED), circuit hardware, etc.) can be provided in the reusable controller. It has become. A relatively cheaper donor reservoir matrix and counter reservoir matrix can then be provided in the disposable drug-containing unit. This reduces the overall cost of drug delivery by electrotransport. Examples of electrotransport devices with a reusable controller adapted to be removably connectable to a drug containing unit include US Pat. No. 5,320,597 to Sage, Jr. et al., US Pat. No. 5 to Sibalis. 358, 483, U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,479 to Sibalis et al. (FIG. 12) and UK Patent Application No. 2239803 to Devance et al.

  An electrotransport device that has a reusable controller and can be used with a drug-containing complex unit requires a patient (eg, drug treatment over a long period of time) in an environment outside the clinic / doctor's office Particularly suitable for the management of drugs for patients. Unfortunately, the existing configuration to ensure that the drug reservoir of the electrotransport device is connected to the correct polarity electrode is not foolproof (very simple). This is exacerbated in the environment outside the clinic / doctor's office (where patients are expected to regularly replace their own drug-containing units). This problem is further exacerbated when the patient population tends to be older.

  A feature of the present invention is to ensure a correct polarity electrical connection between the drug reservoir of the drug containing assembly and the reusable controller of the electrotransport device. The electrotransport device includes a reusable controller. The reusable controller can be used with multiple drug-containing assemblies.

  The present invention is directed to ensuring an electrical connection with the correct polarity in an electrotransport device. The electrotransport device includes a reusable electronic controller. The electronic controller can be used with multiple drug-containing units that can be used only once (eg, disposable). After the medication is used up from the medication containing unit, the medication containing unit is removed from the controller, discarded, and then replaced with a new one. The controller includes a bipolar power supply (bi-directional power supply), for example, one or more batteries. The controller optionally includes circuitry for controlling the timing, frequency, magnitude, etc. of the current applied by the electrotransport device. The medicine-containing unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode contains a therapeutic agent (ie, drug) to be delivered.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, the reusable controller can be used more limitedly (eg, can be used only once) by a snap-on connector having at least two electrical conductivity. In addition, it can be electrically connected. The snap-type connector has different dimensions. Further, the snap-type connector is configured in a state where different male / female parts are provided in different units. As a result, the controller and drug-containing unit can only be coupled in one direction, i.e. with the correct polarity connection.

  According to another embodiment of the present invention, the protruding member is provided in the controller or the medicine-containing unit. In this case, a hole having a shape corresponding to the protruding member is provided in the other unit. The protruding member and the correspondingly shaped hole are positioned so that the controller and the drug-containing unit can be coupled only in one direction, i.e. only with the correct polarity connection.

  In the drawings, like members are given like reference numerals.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the electrotransport device 10. The electrotransport device 10 includes a reusable electronic controller 12. The electronic controller 12 can be connected to the medicine-containing unit 30 containing the medicine, and can be disconnected from the medicine-containing unit 30. The electronic controller 12 is reusable. That is, the electronic controller 12 can be used with a plurality of drug-containing units 30, for example, a series of identical and / or similar drug-containing units 30. On the other hand, the drug-containing unit 30 typically has only a more limited life, and after use, ie, the drug contained in the drug-containing unit 30 has been delivered and used up. When it comes to being discarded.

  The electronic controller 12 includes a housing 14. The housing 14 is typically formed from a molded plastic material. Referring to FIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the electrotransport device 10 is shown. There, the medicine-containing unit 30 is connected to the electronic controller 12. The electronic controller 12 includes a battery 20 for supplying power to the circuit board 22, for example, a button cell battery. The circuit board 22 is formed by a normal method, and includes conductive traces (in other words, lines or patterns). The conductive traces are patterned so that the components 24 provided on the circuit board 22 can be connected to each other. The electrical component 24 controls the magnitude, timing, frequency, waveform, etc. of the current applied by the electrotransport device 10. Although not important to the present application, the electronic controller 12 includes a push button switch 18 and a liquid crystal display (LCD) 16. By using the push button switch 18, the operation of the electrotransport device 10 can be started. The liquid crystal display 16 can display system information such as a current level, a dosage level, the number of medicines to be supplied, an elapsed time when the current is applied, and a battery strength.

  The medicine-containing unit 30 is formed so as to be detachably connectable to the electronic controller 12 with the top of the medicine-containing unit 30 facing the bottom of the electronic controller 12. On the top of the medicine-containing unit 30, a male member of two snap-type connectors is provided. The male members are posts 36 and 38. The posts 36 and 38 extend upward from the drug-containing unit 30. At the bottom of the housing 14 are receptacles 26 and 28 (shown in FIG. 2). The receptacles 26 and 28 are electrically connected to the output of the circuit on the circuit board 22 by passing the connectors 23 and 25 through the circuit board, respectively. The receptacle 26 is positioned and dimensioned to receive a donor post 36. The receptacle 28 is positioned and dimensioned to receive a counter (ie, opposite or opposite) post 38. Receptacles 26, 28 and posts 36, 38 are made of conductive material (eg, metal such as silver, brass, stainless steel, platinum (platinum), gold, nickel, beryllium, copper, etc.) or coated with metal. It is made from a (coated) polymer, for example ABS coated with silver. The donor post 36 is electrically connected to the donor electrode 31. The donor electrode 31 is further electrically connected to the donor reservoir 32. Donor reservoir 32 typically contains a solution or solution of a therapeutic agent (eg, a pharmaceutical salt) to be delivered. The counter post 38 is electrically connected to a counter (opposite or counter) electrode 33. The counter electrode 33 is further electrically connected to the counter reservoir 34. The counter reservoir 34 typically contains a solution or solution of an electrolyte (eg, a buffer salt) that is compatible with the living body. The donor electrode 31 and the counter electrode 33 typically include a conductive material. The donor electrode 31 is preferably an anode electrode of silver (for example, a polymer to which silver foil or silver powder is added), ie, an anode electrode. The counter electrode 33 is preferably a silver chloride cathode electrode, that is, a cathode electrode. Donor reservoir 32 and counter reservoir 34 typically comprise a hydrogel matrix. The hydrogel matrix holds a drug or electrolyte solution (or electrolyte solution). The donor reservoir 32 and the counter reservoir 34 can be placed in contact with a surface (eg, skin) of a patient's body (not shown) during use. The electrodes 31 and 33 and the reservoirs 32 and 34 are insulated from each other by a foam member 35. The bottom surface of the foam member 35 (that is, the surface that contacts the patient) is preferably coated with an adhesive for skin contact. Before the drug-containing unit 30 is used, the release liner 39 covers the human body contacting surfaces of the two reservoirs 32 and 34 and the surface of the foam member 35 covered with the adhesive. The release liner 39 is preferably a polyester sheet coated with silicone. When the electrotransport device 10 is attached to the patient's skin (not shown), the release liner 39 is removed.

  Thus, the donor post 36 and the receptacle 26 constitute a snap-type connector that electrically connects the output of the circuit on the circuit board 22 to the donor electrode 32 containing the drug. Similarly, the counter post 38 and the receptacle 28 constitute a connector for electrically connecting the output of the circuit on the circuit board 22 to the counter electrode 34 containing an electrolyte. In addition to the electrical connections described above, the two snap-on connectors also provide a separable (ie, not permanent) mechanical connection of the drug containing unit 30 to the electronic controller 12. .

  The two outputs of the circuit on the circuit board 22 have different polarities. That is, one output is positive and can be connected to the anode electrode of the medicine-containing unit 30. The other output of the circuit is negative and can be connected to the cathode electrode of the drug-containing unit 30. It is important to ensure that the two electrodes of the drug containing unit 30 are connected to the correct polarity controller output. This is because if the connection is made in reverse (ie, if the positive output of the circuit is connected to the cathode electrode and the negative output of the circuit is connected to the anode electrode), the drug is electrotransported. It is because it is hardly supplied by. According to the present invention, the polarity can be accurately and reliably connected by substantially preventing an inaccurate (ie, reverse) polarity connection between the electronic controller 12 and the drug-containing unit 30. it can. As clearly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the diameter of the post 36 is larger than the diameter of the post 38. Similarly, the inner diameter of the receptacle 26 is larger than the inner diameter of the receptacle 28. The inner diameter of the receptacle 28 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the post 36. This makes it impossible to insert the post 36 into the receptacle 28.

  According to one embodiment of the invention, each of the posts 36 and 38 has a different dimension (size). In addition to making the dimensions (i.e., diameter) of posts 36 and 38 different, those skilled in the art can make the shapes of posts 36 and 38 sufficiently different (e.g., shapes such as cross-sections) It will be appreciated that a connection can only be reliably made between the electronic controller 12 and the drug containing unit 30 with the correct polarity.

  Another means for ensuring the correct polarity connection between the drug unit with the donor and counter electrodes and the controller is illustrated in FIG. A reusable controller 12 'can be detachably connected to one or more drug units 40. The drug unit 40 includes a donor post 42. Donor post 42 performs a similar function as donor post 36 illustrated in FIGS. However, unlike the drug unit 30, the drug unit 40 includes a receptacle 44. The receptacle 44 is electrically connected to a counter electrode (not shown) of the medicine unit 40. The receptacle 44 can be engaged with a post (not shown) extending from the underside of the controller 12 '. In this manner, drug unit 40 includes both the first snap connector male part (ie, post 42) and the second snap connector female part (ie, receptacle 44). It is out. Two snap-on connectors electrically and mechanically couple the medication unit 40 to the controller 12 '. By providing a male connector and a female connector in each of the drug unit 40 and the controller 12 ', the connection of the controller 12' to the drug unit 40 can only be achieved in one direction, i.e. with the correct polarity connection. it can.

  Referring to FIG. 4, another electrotransport device is shown. The electrotransport device includes a reusable electronic controller 12 ″ and a medicine unit 50. Unlike the electrotransport device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the reusable controller 12 ″ includes a third snap-on receptacle. The third snap-type receptacle can accommodate the third post 56 on the medicine unit 50. In this manner, posts 52 and 54 perform substantially the same function as posts 36 and 38 of electrotransport device 10. When positioning the third post 56, as well as when positioning the receptacle (not shown) for the third post 56 at the bottom of the controller 12 '', the dimensions and shape of the post and receptacle are all the same. If so, the third post 56 and the receptacle for the third post 56 should not be equidistant from the posts 52 and 54. Positioning the post 56 closer to the post 54 than the post 52 results in the only direction in which the medication unit 50 can be connected to the controller 12 '', i.e., connected with the correct polarity.

  Another method for ensuring correct polarity connection between the controller 62 and the drug unit 80 is illustrated in FIGS. The electrotransport device 60 includes a reusable controller 62. The controller 62 can be continuously connected to a plurality of the same or similar medicine units 80. The body of the controller 62 shown in FIG. 7 is shown as a solid cross section for ease of drawing. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the controller 62 includes a current control circuit similar to that illustrated in FIG. 2 and a power source (ie, a power source). The controller 62 has two circuit outputs 68 and 70. Circuit outputs 68 and 70 need to be electrically connected to electrode contacts 82 and 84, respectively, to ensure that electrodes 88 and 90 are electrically connected to controller 62 with the correct polarity. The controller 62 includes a clasp 64. The medicine unit 80 can slide in the space between the main body of the controller 62 and the clasp 64. When the drug unit 80 slides in place, the post 66 engages the notch 86 in the drug unit 80. Post 66 assists in positioning drug unit 80 relative to controller 62 so that circuit output 68 contacts electrode contact 82 and circuit output 70 contacts electrode contact 84. In addition to the sliding engagement of the drug unit 80 with the controller 62, a snap-type connector is also provided. A snap-type connector ensures a separable mechanical connection between the drug unit 80 and the controller 62. The snap-type connector includes a receptacle 72 provided on the main body of the controller 62 and a post 92 provided on the medicine unit 80. The post 92 is snapped onto the receptacle 72 as best shown in FIG.

  Another method for ensuring correct polarity connection between the controller 112 and the drug unit 130 is illustrated in FIG. The electrotransport device 110 includes a reusable controller 112. The controller 112 can be connected to a plurality of the same or similar medicine units 130 in succession. The controller 112 includes a current control circuit similar to the controller 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a power source. The controller 112 includes two receptacles (not shown in FIG. 8). The receptacle can be engaged with posts 136 and 138 provided in the medicine unit 130. Unlike the apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the posts 136 and 138 are the same size. A protruding member 134 is provided on the surface of the drug unit 130 to ensure that the posts 136 and 138 are snapped into the correct receptacle provided on the underside of the controller 112. The surface of the medicine unit 130 contacts the lower side of the controller 112. As shown in FIG. 8, the protruding member 134 has a square shape that engages a square-shaped hole (not shown in FIG. 8) on the lower side of the controller 112. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the protruding member 134 can be a number of different shapes, such as triangular, rectangular, circular, half-moon shaped, and the like. Moreover, those skilled in the art will understand the following. That is, it is preferable that the protruding member 134 is sufficiently protruded from the surface of the medicine unit 130. This ensures that post 138 cannot engage the wrong receptacle on controller 112 if the patient attempts to couple drug unit 130 to the controller with the wrong polarity connection. The protruding member 134 is preferably provided on the back member 132 having increased rigidity. To ensure a single (ie correct) polarity connection between the drug unit 130 and the controller 112 on the back member 132 at a position other than the midpoint between the two posts 136 and 138. It is important to position the protruding member 134.

  9 to 12, an electrotransport device 210 according to another embodiment is shown. The electrotransport device 210 includes a controller 212. The controller 212 can be connected continuously to a plurality of medicine units 230 that are the same or similar. As best shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the drug unit 230 includes a pair of posts 236, 238. The posts 236 and 238 can be engaged with a receptacle (not shown) provided on the lower side of the controller 212. The posts 236 and 238 are preferably provided on a rigid back member 232. Further, the back member 232 is provided with a wedge-shaped protruding member 234. As best shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the controller 212 includes a wedge-shaped opening 235. The wedge-shaped opening 235 has a size and a shape that can be fitted to the wedge-shaped projecting member 234. The projecting member 234 and the opening 235 provide a visible lock and key mechanism. The lock and key mechanism guides the user visibly so that the controller 212 can be coupled to the medication unit 230 with the correct polarity connection between the controller 212 and the medication unit 230. ing. If further certainty is required, the controller 212 may be configured as follows. That is, in such a configuration, the controller 212 is provided with a switch, and the protruding member 234 is engaged with the switch to close the switch, thereby closing the circuit path so that the device can carry the electrotransport drive current. Can be supplied to the patient. On the other hand, when the protruding member 234 is released from the engagement with the opening 235, the switch is opened, and the medicine cannot be supplied by electrotransport.

  Referring to FIGS. 13-15, an electrotransport device 310 is shown. The electrotransport device 310 includes a reusable controller 312. The controller 312 can be coupled to the same or similar series of medication units 330. The drug unit 330 includes a receptacle 334. Receptacle 334 is adapted to receive and engage the end of controller 312. Only when one of the two ends of the controller 312 is inserted into the receptacle 334, a snap connection is made at a position where the controller 312 can be electrically and reliably coupled to the drug unit 330. Alternatively, the receptacle 334 can be made to a size and / or shape that can only accept one of the two ends of the controller 312. A number of known means can be used to selectively engage the controller 312. A number of known means include appropriately changing the size and / or shape of each end of the controller 312 or providing a type of suitable keying mechanism (not shown). In this method, only one end of the controller 312 may be engaged with the receptacle 334. Thereby, a correct polarity connection between the controller 312 and the drug unit 330 can be ensured by the two snap-type connectors of the type described above.

  Referring to FIGS. 16-18, another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As in the system shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the electrotransport device 410 includes a controller 412. By making the ends of the controller 412 dissimilar and the ends of the receptacle 434 dissimilar (one end is flat and the other end is rounded), the controller 412 is simply In one direction, it can be fitted into a receptacle 434 provided in the medicine unit 430. By matching the receptacle 434 to the shape of only one of the two ends of the controller 412, only one (ie, correct) polarity connection can be made between the controller 412 and the medication unit 430.

  While the above details some examples to ensure correct polarity coupling to the drug unit (having donor and counter electrodes) of the electrotransport controller, the above description is merely exemplary, It should be understood that the disclosed invention should not be limited to this. One skilled in the art can modify the material, size, type, and shape of the couplers disclosed herein, or can include or exclude various elements and still be within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Will be understood. Accordingly, the present invention should be limited only by the following claims.

In the drawings, like members are given like reference numerals.
FIG. 1 shows an electrotransport device including a reusable controller and a separate drug-containing unit that are disconnected, and the controller and the drug-containing unit can be connected according to the present invention. It is a perspective view of the electrotransport device which has become. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrotransport device shown in FIG. 1 showing the controller and drug-containing unit in a connected shape. FIG. 3 shows an electrotransport device including a reusable controller and a separate drug-containing unit that are disconnected, and the controller and the drug-containing unit are another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the electrotransport apparatus which can be connected according to an example. FIG. 4 is an electrotransport device including a reusable controller and a separate drug-containing unit that are disconnected from each other, and the controller and the drug-containing unit are different from each other in the present invention. It is a perspective view of the electrotransport apparatus which can be connected according to the Example. FIG. 5 shows another electrotransport device including a controller and a drug-containing unit that are disconnected from each other, and the drug-containing unit can be slidably engaged with the controller. It is a perspective view of an electrotransport device. FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the electrotransport device shown in FIG. 5 in which the controller and the medicine-containing unit are connected to each other. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the electrotransport device shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. FIG. 8 shows an electrotransport device including a reusable controller and a separate drug-containing unit that are disconnected, and the controller and the drug-containing unit are another embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the electrotransport apparatus which can be connected according to an example. FIG. 9 is a plan view of a drug-containing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a side view of the medicine-containing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating the connection of the reusable controller to the drug-containing unit illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. 12 is a plan view of the coupled system shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a plan view of a coupled electrotransport system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a plan view of the medicine-containing unit shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a side view of the drug-containing unit shown in FIG. 14 with the parts shown in cross-section. FIG. 16 is a plan view of another electrotransport system according to the present invention. FIG. 17 is a plan view of the electrotransport system shown in FIG. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state in which a reusable controller is connected to the drug-containing unit of the electrotransport system shown in FIGS. 16 and 17.

Claims (27)

An electrotransport device (10) for delivering a therapeutic agent through a surface of a patient's body, comprising:
The electrotransport device (10) comprises an assembly (30) and a controller (12),
The assembly (30) has first and second electrodes (31, 32 and 33, 34), wherein at least one of the electrodes contains a therapeutic agent to be delivered;
The controller (12) has a bipolar power source (20) for supplying current to the electrodes (31, 32 and 33, 34);
The electrotransport device (10) further includes a coupling device (36, 26 and 38, 28) for electrically coupling the controller (12) and the assembly (30) to each other and releasing the coupling. And
The electrotransport device is a coupling device that allows the first electrode (31, 32) to be electrically connected to a predetermined pole of the bipolar power source (20), and includes the first electrode (31). , 32) is characterized by a coupling device that prevents it from being electrically connected to the other pole of the bipolar power supply (20). The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device allows the second electrode (33, 34) to be electrically connected to the other pole of the bipolar power source (20), and the second electrode (33, 34). 34) is prevented from being electrically connected to a predetermined pole of the bipolar power source (20). The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The predetermined pole of the bipolar power supply (20) is a positive electrode, the electrode electrically connected to the predetermined pole is an anode, and the therapeutic agent is a cation. Transport equipment. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
A predetermined pole of the bipolar power source (20) is a negative electrode, an electrode electrically connected to the predetermined pole is a cathode, and the therapeutic agent is an anion. Transport equipment. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
2. The electrotransport device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device includes a pair of conductive snap connectors (36, 26 and 38, 28). The electrotransport device according to claim 5.
The electrotransport device, wherein the snap-type connectors (36, 26 and 38, 28) comprise a material selected from the group consisting of metal and carbon. The electrotransport device according to claim 6.
The electrotransport device according to claim 1, wherein the metal is selected from the group consisting of silver and stainless steel. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The electrotransport device, wherein the coupling device also provides a mechanical coupling of the assembly (30) to the controller (12). The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes a first coupler (36, 26) and a second coupler (38, 28),
The first coupler (36, 26) includes a male fitting member (36) and a female fitting member (26).
When the fitting members (32, 26) of the first coupler are fitted, the first electrodes (31, 32) are electrically connected to the power source (20),
The second coupler (38, 28) has a male fitting member (38) and a female fitting member (28).
When the fitting members (38, 28) of the second coupler are fitted, the second electrodes (33, 34) are electrically connected to the power source (20),
The electric transport characterized in that the male fitting member (36) of the first coupler cannot be fitted to the female fitting member (28) of the second coupler. apparatus. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes a first coupler and a second coupler,
The first coupler includes a first pair (52) of a male fitting member and a female fitting member, and a second pair (54) of a male fitting member and a female fitting. With a member,
When the two pairs of (54, 54) male fitting member and female fitting member are fitted, the first electrode (31, 32) is electrically connected to the power source (20). And
The second coupler comprises a third pair (56) of male and female fitting members,
When the male fitting member and the female fitting member of the third pair (56) are fitted, the second electrode is electrically connected to the power source;
By positioning the three pairs of male and female mating members, only one electrical connection of the assembly (50) and the controller (12 '') is acceptable. Electric transport device featuring. The electrotransport device according to claim 10,
In order to electrically connect the first electrode to the power source, the first pair of mating members and the second pair of mating members must be mated. Transport equipment. The electrotransport device according to claim 10,
In order to electrically connect the first electrode to the power source, only the first pair of fitting members are fitted,
The electrotransport device of claim 2, wherein the second pair of mating members provide a mechanical connection between the assembly and the controller. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes a first coupler (44) and a second coupler (42),
The first coupler (44) has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the first coupler (44) is fitted, the first electrodes (31, 32) are electrically connected to the power source (20),
The second coupler (42) has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the second coupler (42) is fitted, the second electrode (33, 34) is electrically connected to the power source (20),
The male fitting member of the first coupler is positioned on the controller (12 ′);
The electrotransport device, wherein the male fitting member (42) of the second coupler is positioned in the assembly (40). The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes a first coupler and a second coupler,
The first coupler has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the first coupler is fitted, the first electrode is electrically connected to the power source;
The second coupler has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the second coupler is fitted, the second electrode is electrically connected to the power source;
The female fitting member of the first coupler is positioned on the controller;
The electrotransport device, wherein the female fitting member of the second coupler is positioned in the assembly. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes a first coupler and a second coupler,
The first coupler has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the first coupler is fitted, the first electrode is electrically connected to the power source;
The second coupler has a male fitting member and a female fitting member,
When the fitting member of the second coupler is fitted, the second electrode is electrically connected to the power source;
The male fitting member of the first coupler is fitted to the female fitting member of the second coupler, and the female fitting member of the first coupler is the male fitting member of the second coupler. When the fitting member of the mold is fitted, the fitting member is positioned so that the controller is oriented in a non-aligned state with respect to the assembly and is not fitted. . The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The bipolar power source (20) is provided with a battery. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
Electrotransport device, characterized in that the assembly (30) can be disposed of after a single use. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The electrotransport device according to claim 1, wherein the controller (12) can be continuously connected to a plurality of assemblies (30). A method of electrically coupling an assembly (30) to a controller (12) comprising:
The assembly has first and second electrodes (31, 21 and 33, 34);
At least one of the electrodes contains a therapeutic agent to be delivered;
The controller (12) comprises a bipolar power supply (20) for supplying current to the electrodes (31, 21 and 33, 34),
The method comprises electrically connecting and disconnecting the controller (12) and the assembly (30) by connecting devices (36, 26 and 38, 28);
The coupling device (36, 26 and 38, 28) allows the first electrode (31, 32) to be electrically connected to a predetermined pole of the bipolar power source (20);
Further, the coupling device (36, 26 and 38, 28) prevents the first electrode (31, 32) from being electrically connected to the other pole of the bipolar power source (20). A method characterized by that. The method of claim 19, wherein
The connection between the controller (12) and the assembly (30) is made by conductive snap connectors (36, 26). The method of claim 19, wherein
The connection between the controller (12) and the assembly (30) is made by a pair of electrically conductive snap connectors (36, 26 and 38, 28). The method of claim 19, wherein
Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the bipolar power supply (20) comprises a battery. The method of claim 19, wherein
Disposing the assembly (30) after the assembly (30) is disconnected from the controller (12). The method of claim 19, wherein
A method of coupling said controller (12) to a plurality of assemblies (30), one at a time in succession. The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The electrotransport device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling device includes a protruding member provided on one of the controller (112) and the assembly (130). The electrotransport device according to claim 25.
The electrotransport device according to claim 1, wherein the projecting member is engaged with an opening provided in the other of the assembly (130) and the controller (112). The electrotransport device according to claim 1,
The coupling device includes receptacles (334, 434) provided in the assembly (330, 430);
The electrotransport device characterized in that the controller (312, 412) can be engaged with the receptacle (334, 434) only in one direction.

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