US20120150173A1 - Method for in situ treatment of a tissue - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for dehydrating, electro-oxidizing, or electro-reducing a target tissue is described. The method utilizes an electrochemical probe or other device to deliver one or more beneficial agents into the target tissue. Water from the target tissue provides a precursor that may be split by electrolysis to generate the beneficial agent. Alternatively, water is provided from an external source to generate the beneficial agent. The beneficial agent facilitates in situ oxidation and/or reduction of a material within the tissue. One type of beneficial agent is ozone.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This is a divisional application of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/052,617 filed Mar. 20, 2008, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/193,339 filed on Aug. 1, 2005, and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/616,041 filed Dec. 26, 2006. These applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND
• The present invention relates generally to a method for treating a tissue and in particular, for dehydrating, electro-oxidizing, or electro-reducing a material of the tissue. The present invention also relates to creation and administration of a fluidic therapeutic agent into the tissue.
• Back joint disc or tendon pain is a common and potentially debilitating ailment that affects an estimated 80% of the worldwide population at least once in a lifetime. In many instances, the cause of the pain can be attributed to a degenerated intervertebral disc that has further deteriorated into a condition known as disc herniation. This occurs when the disc nucleus pulposus extrudes through a tear or fissure in the outer lining of the disk, thereby exerting pressure on spinal nerves. The compression caused by the herniated nucleus leads to inflammation and is directly responsible for the pain felt, which in some cases extends down the leg (also referred to as sciatica). Available treatments for this type of back pain vary according to the severity of the hernia. If mild, the patient's condition can be treated with rest and inactivity for an extended period of time. However, for patients suffering from a severe herniation or who do not respond to non-invasive treatment (pharmacological and/or physical therapy), surgical intervention is often recommended. With this invasive treatment come several disadvantages such as: i) irreversibility of the procedure; ii) formation of scar tissue; iii) slower recovery time; iv) longer hospital stays; v) risk of infection.
• Since the late 1950s, many attempts have been made to treat sciatica and lower back pain, by reducing the volume of the disc, with minimally invasive percutaneous procedures to avoid surgery. Well known treatments, for example, are percutaneous discetomy, percutaneous plasma disc decompression (nucleoplasty), intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET), and percutaneous intradiscal radiofrequency thermocoagulation (PIRT). However, the high costs of these procedures have kept researchers looking for another alternative. Unfortunately, these conventional treatments use procedures that ablate, burn, cut, and that are relatively harsh for the target tissues, and often for surrounding tissues, while attempting to reduce volume of the target tissues.
• For other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or a repetitive injury through sports or occupation, such as tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, or house maids knee, inflammation can develop between the two surfaces that are involved in allowing joint function, such as a tendon and the sheath or lubricated tube in which that tendon moves. Inflammation such as bursitis in the knee shoulder hip, or other anatomic bursa may benefit from the administration of a therapeutic agent such as oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen. Such inflammation includes epicondylitis, and other tendonitis and bursitis, including the wrist, hand and the tendon sheaths of the hand and wrist. Inflammation can occur at a site where a tendon or a ligament insert to bone or pass through a sheath from trauma, tension, over use or disease.
• Inflammation can develop through pathologies of any joint, and these may include the inflammatory arthropatic conditions of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and the like, or osteoarthritis. Joints that are subject to these maladies and that are amenable to the administration of a therapeutic agent such as oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen include the synovial joints such as the temperomandibular joint, the hip joint, knee joint, ankle joint, elbow joint or sacroiliac joint. Vertebral facet and sacro-iliac joints may also benefit. Inflammation of joints in the hand, wrist and feet with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or a repetitive injury through sports or occupationally caused injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, may likewise benefit from treatment.
• The inflammatory and arthritic or degenerative conditions discussed and described above are usually treated with a combination of anti-inflammatory agents such as ibuprofen, or more powerful drugs such as steroids or chemotherapy such as methotrexate. It is a common medical practice to inject steroid medications or lidocaine directly into the inflamed tissue or joint. This is often done repeatedly. These drugs can be associated with side effects of infection and even death from gastric ulcer bleeding or immunosurpression and infection. Some skilled in the art believe that ozone therapy whether with oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a gas or dissolved in a liquid has advantages over the current practices.
• Lavage of a surgical space prior to placement of a permanent surgical implant such as a hip or knee prosthesis, or pacemaker or treatment of an infected joint can be facilitated by the use of oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a sterilizing substance. Similarly, a colostomy stoma can be created such that the adhesive disk is infused with oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a gas or dissolved in a liquid to aid in healing and inhibit infection. The post surgical recovery from sternotomy after cardiac surgery is often complicated by wound infection. Placement of a resorbable catheter in the wound that could be irrigated with oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a gas or oxygen dissolved in a liquid would aid healing. Indeed, any wound could have a resorbable multisided hole catheter placed in it to allow oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen to be injected through it. This would have anti-infective, analgesic, and wound-healing properties thereby shortening recovery time and decreasing complication rates after surgery.
• Endoscopic procedural infusion of ozone and trans catheter infusion of ozone can be used to inhibit the complications from endoscopic medical intervention or image guided or non-image guided catheter based intervention, such as for example, in endoscopic evaluation of the pancreatic duct.
• Dental injection of oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a gas or dissolved in a liquid may augment the preparation and repair of dental cavities, and aid in reduction of root canal inflammation or periodontal disease.
• There are veterinary applications of minimally invasive administration of oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen as a gas or dissolved in a liquid in animals diseased with disc and degenerative syndromes. Few other options are available in that arena. Some animals are destroyed due to debilitating pain from disc disease, and arthritis.
SUMMARY
• Embodiments of equipment specifically designed for the treatment of disc herniation and other medical conditions affecting the body are described. Such equipment uses oxygen-ozone mixtures or excited, energetic, pure oxygen so that treatment can be done in an efficient and sterile manner. In some embodiments, kits that are portable, disposable, or reusable are described to provide sterile, stable, ozone rapidly on demand for intervention in inflammatory and degenerative disease. Embodiments of the equipment facilitates treatments of target tissue that are less harsh than conventional procedures and which have the ability to reduce volume that is due to herniation and/or inflammation of tissues and associated membranes.
• Embodiments of a method are described. In one embodiment, the method is a method of treating a tissue. An embodiment of the method includes inserting a pair of electrodes into the tissue in a body. The method also includes applying a low frequency voltage to a pair of electrodes and causing in situ electrolysis within the tissue in the body. This is done by applying the low frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes. In some embodiments, causing the in situ electrolysis includes dehydrating the tissue by forming at least one of hydrogen and hydrogen ions, and forming at least one of oxygen, ozone, and oxygen ions. In some embodiments, causing the in situ electrolysis includes causing electro-oxidation of a material of the tissue. Alternatively, the in situ electrolysis may cause electro-reduction of the material of the tissue. In some embodiments, the method also includes placing an absorbent membrane between the pair of electrodes, at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with a fluid, and electrolyzing the fluid in the absorbent membrane. The fluid may be water from within the tissue or water from a source outside of the tissue. Other embodiments of the method are also described.
• Embodiments of an apparatus are also described. In one embodiment, the apparatus is an electrochemical probe for treating a tissue in a body. An embodiment of the electrochemical probe includes a needle, a material treatment module, and a power source. The needle includes a tip to penetrate tissue within the body. The material treatment module is located in the tip of the needle. The material treatment module includes first and second electrodes to electrolyze an electrolyte between the first and second electrodes. The electrolyte may include water from within our outside of the tissues or other fluids such as organic solvents. The power source supplies a low frequency electrical potential to the first and second electrodes. In some embodiments, an absorbent membrane is disposed between the first and second electrodes. The membrane is configured to at least partially contain the electrolyte. Other embodiments of the apparatus are also described.
• Other aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are illustrated by way of example of the various principles and embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• The present embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the accompanying drawings depict only typical embodiments, and are, therefore, not to be considered to be limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. The embodiments will be described and explained with specificity and detail in reference to the accompanying drawings as set forth below.
• FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an apparatus for administering a therapeutic agent in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is side cross-sectional view of the material treatment module ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 4 is side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the material treatment module ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5ais a plan view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 1 in a fill position.
• FIG. 5bis a plan view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 5ain a dispensing position.
• FIG. 6ais a cutaway plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 6bis cross-sectional plan view ofFIG. 6ataken along line A-A.
• FIG. 6cis detailed plan view of section B ofFIG. 6a.
• FIG. 7ais a cutaway plan view of an alternative embodiment of the invention.
• FIG. 7bis cross-sectional plan view ofFIG. 7ataken along line A-A.
• FIG. 7cis detailed plan view of section B ofFIG. 7a.
• FIG. 8ais a diagrammatic sectional view of an embodiment of an electrochemical probe.
• FIG. 8bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the electrochemical probe ofFIG. 9ataken along section A-A.
• FIG. 9ais a diagrammatic sectional view of another embodiment of an electrochemical probe.
• FIG. 9bis a diagrammatic cross sectional of the electrochemical probe ofFIG. 9aview taken along section A-A.
• FIG. 10ais a diagrammatic sectional view of another embodiment of an electrochemical probe.
• FIG. 10bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view of the electrochemical probe ofFIG. 10ataken along section A-A.
• FIG. 11ais a partial diagrammatic sectional view of another embodiment of a portion of the electrochemical probe ofFIG. 10acorresponding to region B outlined by a dashed line.
• FIG. 11bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view (or end view) of the electrochemical probe ofFIG. 11ataken along section A-A.
• FIGS. 12a-12care diagrammatic cross sectional views (or end views) of alternative embodiments that may be substituted for any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8a-11b.
• Throughout the description, similar reference numbers may be used to identify similar elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• In the following description, specific details of various embodiments are provided. However, some embodiments may be practiced without at least some of these specific details. In other instances, certain methods, procedures, components, and circuits are not described in detail for the sake of brevity and clarity.
• Although certain functionality is described herein with respect to each of the illustrated components of the electrochemical probe or other tissue treatment apparatus or system, other embodiments of the apparatuses and methods may implement similar functionality using fewer or more components. Additionally, some embodiments of the apparatuses and systems described herein may implement more or less functionality than is described herein.
• The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. While the various aspects of the embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
• Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
• Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
• Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.
• In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of housings, bathers, chambers etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations such as vacuum sources are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.
• Referring now to theFIG. 1, ahandheld dispensing apparatus10 according to the present invention is shown. Theapparatus10 includes ahousing12 that defines achamber14. In one embodiment, theapparatus10 orhousing12 includes aplunger16 and abarrel18 that define the chamber. The plunger has afirst end20 and asecond end22. Thebarrel18 has afirst end24 that is open for receiving thefirst end20 of theplunger16 such that thebarrel18 movably engages theplunger16. Thebarrel18 also includes asecond end26. In the illustrated embodiment, thefirst end20 of theplunger16 and thesecond end26 of thebarrel18 form thechamber14. Thehousing12 may have a volume of less than about 150 cubic centimeters. In one embodiment, thechamber14 can hold a volume of material up to about150 cubic centimeters. In another embodiment, thechamber14 can hold a volume of no less than about 0.1 cubic centimeters. It will be appreciated that the range of volumes may coincide with the position of theplunger16 within thebarrel18. For example, theplunger16 may move within thebarrel18 between a fill position, where thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is within thefirst end24 of thebarrel18, but not completely within thebarrel18, and a dispensing position, where thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is substantially within thebarrel18 such that thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is adjacent thesecond end26 of thebarrel18.
• Thechamber14 is configured to retain a material. “Material,” as used throughout this specification, means gas, liquid, gels, solids, or combinations thereof. Material may also be solids suspended or dispersed throughout liquids, gases, or gels. A precursor or starting material may be charged into the device to be treated by operation of the device to create a beneficial or therapeutic agent. Accordingly, thedevice10 can be used to create treated material that acts as a beneficial agent. As used throughout this disclosure, “precursor,” “precursor material,” and “starting material” are used synonymously. Additionally, “treated material,” “beneficial agent,” and “therapeutic agent” may be used synonymously. The device is used to make a precursor material into a beneficial agent and then deliver the beneficial agent to a desired place, usually within a body.
• In one embodiment, thefirst end20 of the plunger may be configured with aseal28 to facilitate retention of the material within thechamber14. The seal may be a gasket or flexible flange or other mechanical means known in the art. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that there are a variety of ways to retain material within thechamber14, each of which are within the scope of this invention. Anouter surface30 of thebarrel18 may includegraduations32 to measure the amount of material in thechamber14. Thedevice10 may be configured in such a way to facilitate moving theplunger16 between the fill position and the dispensing position. For example, thebarrel18 may include a handle and finger holds34, and theplunger16 may be configured with ahandle36.
• In one embodiment, theapparatus10 includes amaterial treatment module40. As will be discussed in greater detail in connection withFIGS. 3 and 4 below, thematerial treatment module40 can take a variety of configurations. Thematerial treatment module40 may be positioned within thehousing12 or thebarrel18. In one embodiment, thematerial treatment module40 is positioned within theplunger16. In other embodiments, thematerial treatment module40 may be positioned within thebarrel18. In still other embodiments, thematerial treatment module40 may be positioned outside thehousing12.
• Thematerial treatment module40 is in operable communication with thechamber14 such that precursor material in the chamber may come into contact with, and be treated by, thematerial treatment module40. As used throughout this specification, the treating or treatment of material means to alter the composition or properties of all or a portion of the material. Similarly, “treated material” means material that has had its chemical composition or other properties altered or modified. For example, in an embodiment where the precursor material is oxygen, thematerial treatment module40 may be an ozone generator for creating ozone and the resulting or treated material may be a mixture of oxygen and ozone. Similarly, where the precursor material is water, thematerial treatment module40 may oxidize water to produce a treated material that includes oxygen and ozone. Where the precursor material is an aqueous salt solution, thematerial treatment module40 may oxidize the ions in the solution to create a beneficial or therapeutic agent dissolved in the solution or emitted as a gas. For example, chloride ions in a precursor material may, after interaction with thematerial treatment module40, become chlorine gas under the reaction:
• 
  Cl⁻→Cl₂+2e⁻  (1)
• which can then be expelled from the device into a desired location to apply its beneficial effects. Similarly, bromide ions may become bromine under the reaction:
• 
  2Br⁻→Br₂+2e⁻  (2)
• Conversely, the material treatment module may be able to reduce the precursor material to form the beneficial or therapeutic treated material.
• It will be appreciated that the original or precursor material may be treated by thematerial treatment module40 to alter a variety of characteristics of the precursor material, including without limitation, the concentration of a particular element such as oxygen, the pH of the material, the temperature of the material, the viscosity of the material, and the like. Thematerial treatment module40 is able to take a benign material that is easy to store, and create a reactive material that has therapeutic value. Furthermore, treating the material may be accomplished by a variety of methods, including without limitation, reducing the material, oxidizing the material, electrochemically altering the material, chemically altering the material, thermally altering the material, or using light to alter the material. It will be appreciated that the treated material may be a beneficial agent with various properties, characteristics, or attributes that may be therapeutic to a user. Theapparatus10 allows for transportable, single or multiple point-of-use application of the beneficial agent.
• As will be discussed in greater detail below in connection withFIG. 2, theapparatus10 may also have means for controlling the liquid treatingmodule40. For example, thedevice20 may have an on/offswitch42 or other regulators. Additionally, theapparatus10 may include visible and/or audible displays orindicators44 to help the user determine a status of the liquid treating module. For example, theapparatus10 may indicate when the apparatus is treating material or when it has stopped treating material. It may also indicate whether treated material is in thechamber14.
• Thehousing12 may have anoutlet46 in material communication with thechamber14 for releasing the treated material from thehousing12. In one embodiment, theoutlet46 is a port configured in thesecond end26 of thebarrel18. Theoutlet46 may be configured to receive aneedle48. For example, theoutlet46 may allow aneedle48 to be press fit into theoutlet46. Theoutlet46 may also be threaded to receive a threaded end to theneedle48. Theneedle48 may be attached to theoutlet46 by a Luer or other mechanical connection or fitting. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that theoutlet46 andneedle48 may be configured in a variety of ways in order to communicate with each other. The needle is in material communication with the outlet and thus, the chamber allows treated material to enter into the body and a specific site that will provide the most therapeutic value to the user.
• Theapparatus10 may also include avalve50 to help control the movement of material between thechamber14 and theneedle48. In one embodiment, the valve is a stopcock valve. The valve may be positioned in closed state while material is being treated to prevent leakage of the material. Once a predetermined amount of material is treated, the valve may be positioned in an open state to allow the treated material to exit theapparatus10.
• Referring now toFIG. 2, a perspective exploded view of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 of the present invention is shown. Theapparatus10 may further include a controller52 for controlling the amount of material treated by thematerial treatment module40. The controller52 in one embodiment may include a timing circuit54 for controlling the length of time thematerial treatment module40 is permitted to treat material. In embodiments where thematerial treatment module40 is an ozone generator and the precursor material is oxygen or air, the controller52 may include an ozone circuit56 for controlling the generation of ozone. The controller52 is in electrical communication with thematerial treatment module40. In one embodiment, the controller52 is positioned within the plunger housing53 and is used for controlling the amount of ozone generated by thematerial treatment module40 which may be an ozone generator. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the controller52 may also include a relay circuit (not shown) in order for the controller52 to properly control the function of thematerial treatment module40.
• Apower source80 is in electrical communication with thematerial treatment module40 and the controller52. Thepower source80 can be direct current or alternating current. In one embodiment, thepower source80 includes a battery or a series of batteries positioned coaxially within theplunger16. The controller52 may include electronics capable of generating and delivering a high-voltage, high-frequency electrical signal to thematerial treatment module40. The frequency of the signal can be between about one tenth of a kilohertz (“kHz”) and about one thousand kHz. In one embodiment, the frequency is between about twenty kHz and about sixty kHz. The voltage of the electrical signal is between about one kilovolt and about twenty kilovolts. In one embodiment, the electrical signal is between about three kilovolts and about six kilovolts. In another embodiment, thepower supply80 can also supply an electric current with a voltage between about one volt and about thirty volts.
• Aswitch42 may be used to control the delivery of power by thepower source80. The switch and other electrical components communicate with each other electronically through wires orcables60. Whenswitch42 is in the “on” position current is delivered tomaterial treatment module40, and whenswitch42 is in the “off” position, no current is delivered. Theswitch42 may be any number of electrical switches known in the art. For example, the switch may be a toggle that allows a user to complete or break the circuit multiple times. In one embodiment, the switch is a pull tab configured such that when the pull tab is pulled out of theapparatus10, the circuit is complete and current is delivered to thematerial treatment module40. The timing circuit54 may automatically stop the generation or delivery of current at a predetermined time. The controller52 or individual components54 and56 of the controller52 may also include a buzzer or light source to provide an audible or visual signal or display to indicate whether theapparatus10 is on or off, or status of thematerial treatment module40. Theapparatus10 may include a display. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the electronic components of theapparatus40 may be hardwired to acircuit board62 as shown, or may be controlled by a programmable microprocessor (not shown).
• The control elements and other electronics are contained with thehandle36 and body of theplunger16. Theplunger16 may include aplunger housing62 having afirst part64 and asecond part66. Thehousing62parts64 and66 together form a hollow interior in which the controller52 andpower source80 are housed. Anend cap65 may be configured at thefirst end20 of theplunger16 to help hold the interior components in place. Theend cap65 may be configured with aseal28 to provide sealing engagement with the interior of thebarrel18. Theend cap65 may also be configured to help control the telescoping engagement of theplunger16 within thebarrel18. Theplunger housing parts64 and66 may be secured together by fasteninghardware68 known in the art such as nuts, bolts, washers, set screws, and the like. The housing halves of theplunger16 and other parts of theapparatus10 such as thebarrel18 may be made of molded plastic and attached together in their operational state. The attachment may be accomplished in a number of ways including without limitation, adhesion or other types of bonding, welding, crimping, ultrasonic coupling, thermal coupling, and the like. The housings halves may also be configured to matingly engage each other by press fitting, snap fitting, and the like.Fasteners68 of all types known in the art may also be used. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the individual components may be made and combined in a variety of ways to practice the teachings of the invention. In one embodiment, the electronics and control components may be located in thebarrel18. In another embodiment, the electronics and control components may be located in a separate housing or module from theplunger16 orbarrel18.
• Theplunger16 andbarrel18 may be made from any suitable material that is substantially rigid, such as glass, stainless steel, polycarbonate, high density polyethylene, chlorinated polyvinylchloride, silicone, ethylene-propylene terpolymer, and fluoropolymer materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated ethylene-propylene, and the like. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the material used to make theapparatus10 should be capable of functioning properly in light of the particular type of material treatment being accomplished by thematerial treatment module40. For example, where thematerial treatment module40 is an ozone generator, theplunger16,barrel18, and other components in contact with the material should be made of an inert material such as those listed above when exposed to ozone. When the material is being treated by heat, the material should be able to withstand the range of heat being used. Similarly, when the precursor material is being treated by ultraviolet light, the housing must be compatible to ultraviolet light.
• Thematerial treatment module40 may be positioned within theend20 of theplunger16. In one embodiment, thematerial treatment module40 is anelectrochemical cell40 having acathode70,anode72, and an electrolyte (seeFIG. 3). Thechip40 may be positioned within acavity69 configured withinplunger16. Thematerial treatment module40 is coaxial with the plunger and is open to and in communication with thechamber14 defined by thefirst end20 of theplunger16 and thesecond end26 of thebarrel18. Furthermore, it is to be understood that thematerial treatment module40 may be disposed at any suitable position relative to thehousing12 of theapparatus10. When thehousing12 is in the form ofplunger16/barrel18 combination, thematerial treatment module40 may be disposed at any suitable location between thefirst end20 and thesecond end22 of theplunger16, or at any location between thefirst end24 and thesecond end26 of the interior of thebarrel18. In addition, thematerial treatment module40 may also be disposed at any suitable location on an exterior surface of thedevice10, or at a location outside the device where thematerial treatment module40 is unattached to, but connected to, the device.
• Thematerial treatment device40 may also be a corona discharge device. Thematerial treatment module40 may also be an ultraviolet (“UV”) light source. In these embodiments, thepower source80, and electronic circuits54,56,circuit boards62,cables60 and controller52 would be modified to allow for the proper function of the corona discharge device or UV light source. For example, for the UV light source device, the electronics would need to provide a wavelength of the light between about 100 nm and about 700 nm or between about 140 nm and about 200 nm.
• In other aspects, thematerial treatment module40 may be an open vessel for storing an ozonated gel and a heating element, such that activation of the heating element elevates a temperature of the gel causing desorption of ozone-oxygen mixture from the gel. The gel can be formed by sparging ozone through olive oil and then chilling the olive oil. The olive oil is chilled to a temperature of between about minus fifteen ° C. and about ten ° C. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that a variety ofmaterial treatment module40 options may be used alone or in combination to practice the teachings of this invention.
• Aneedle48 attached to theoutlet46 may be of any desired material, length or gauge that may be desired according to the treated material being delivered. In one embodiment, the treated material is an oxygen-ozone mixture of therapeutic value, the details of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Where an oxygen-ozone mixture is being delivered into a herniated disc, theneedle48 can be a Chiba needle or Franceen needle or other suitable needle as will occur to those of skill in the art.
• Referring now toFIG. 3, a more detailed view of amaterial treatment module40 according to the present invention is shown. Thematerial treatment module40 may be an electrochemical cell comprising acathode70, ananode72, and anelectrolyte74. At least a portion of theelectrolyte74 is positioned between thecathode70 and theanode72. The power source (not shown) provides voltage across thecathode70 and theanode72 by means ofwires76. In this embodiment, thematerial treatment module40 can be an electrochemical ozone generator. An oxygen or air precursor material may interact with thematerial treatment module40 such that an oxygen-ozone mixture is created. This mixture may be released from the electrochemical cell configuration of thematerial treatment module40 by the electrolysis of water and the production of ozone and oxygen at theanode72. In one embodiment, an electric current is used with an applied voltage between about three volts and about twenty volts. In another embodiment, a voltage between about two volts and about ten volts is used.
• Referring now toFIG. 4 another embodiment of thematerial treatment generator40 is illustrated. Thematerial treating module40 may be a surface-discharge corona. In this embodiment, a dielectric material174 may be positioned between a pair of electrodes170 and172. Wires176 may be used to connect to a discharge electrode170 and an induction electrode172. The electrodes are incorporated within a high purity alumina or silica dielectric174. In one embodiment, the electrodes170 and172 contain without limitation, tungsten, platinum, nichrome, stainless steel or combination thereof. When a high-frequency, high-voltage power source is applied between the two electrodes170 and172, a stable high-frequency surface corona discharge takes place on the discharge electrode170. An alternative embodiment utilizes a more traditional gap-discharge, coronamaterial treatment module40 that utilizes a glass dielectric and low-frequency high voltage power. In this configuration, thedevice10 is used to create treated gas in the form of oxidizing gas. For example, the chamber14 (seeFIG. 1) may contain a starting gas in the form of pure oxygen gas. An oxygen-ozone mixture is released from thecorona discharge device40 by passing the oxygen-containing gas through an electrical field originating fromdevice40 at a frequency between about one-tenth kilohertz (“kHz”) and about one thousand kHz. In one embodiment, a frequency between about twenty kHz and about sixty kHz is used. An electric current with a voltage between about one kilovolt and about twenty kilovolts and a more presently preferred voltage between about three kilovolts and about six kilovolts may also be used.
• Referring now toFIGS. 5aand5b, adevice10 according to the present invention is illustrated. InFIG. 5a, thedevice10 is shown in a fill position where thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is retracted to fill thebarrel18.FIG. 5bshows thedevice10 in a dispensing position, where thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is substantially within thebarrel18 such that thefirst end20 of theplunger16 is adjacent thesecond end26 of thebarrel18. The range of motion of theplunger16 within thebarrel18, between the fill position and the dispensing position, may be defined by agroove17 configured within theplunger16. Astop19 configured within thebarrel18 may be positioned within thegroove17 to control the maximum fill volume of thebarrel18. In another embodiment,multiple stops19 can be incorporated to control both the fill and delivery volumes of thebarrel18. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that movement of theplunger16 within thebarrel18 may be accomplished in a variety of ways known in the art. As stated above in connection withFIG. 1 thefirst end20 of theplunger16 and the second26 of thebarrel18 form achamber14 or an accumulator. Thechamber14 volume decreases as the plunger is moved from a fill position to a dispensing position.
• In use, thedevice10 may be in a position such that the chamber (seen best inFIG. 1) is capable of holding a predetermined amount of material. This precursor material, as referred throughout the specification, may be any volume of material to be treated by the device. In most embodiments, it is a precursor liquid, gas, gel, or combination thereof that will be treated by the device in order to generate a beneficial or therapeutic agent. Precursor material may be drawn into thechamber14 by attaching theoutlet46 or an apparatus attached theoutlet46 such as a needle to the source of precursor material and drawing theplunger16 toward the fill position. Precursor material may also be charged into thechamber14 from an external source attached to thedevice10 or distant from thedevice10. Precursor material may be charged into thechamber14 before packaging of the device or after the user has obtained thedevice10. It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that there are a number of ways to charge thedevice10 orchamber14 with precursor material.
• The precursor material may include, without limitation, air, oxygen, water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, bromine, and combinations thereof. It may also include a salt solution, either alone or in combination with the foregoing. For example, the salt solution may include NaI, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, and the like. In one embodiment, the precursor material comprises a salt consisting of one or more monovalent or divalent cations including without limitation at least the following cations: H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Sr⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the precursor material comprises a salt consisting of one or more monovalent or divalent anions, including without limitation: F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃²⁻, CO₃²⁻, O²⁻, S²⁻CH₃COO⁻ (acetate) and combinations thereof.
• The precursor material may be in the form of a gas, liquid, gel, solid or combinations thereof. For example, the precursor material could be salt or ice or other solid forms. In one embodiment, the precursor material is a solid in the form of particles suspended in a fluid or gel. It will be appreciated that where the treated material is recycled for further treatment or further generation of therapeutic or beneficial agent, or where it is desirous to treat a material twice in order to generate a higher concentration of some beneficial agent, then the precursor material may contain treated material. Thus, the probe and method of treating a tissue include a module and step for creating a beneficial material, or the constituent of a beneficial material which may become a beneficial material as part of a subsequent reaction.
• Thedevice10 may then be activated by engaging a switch42 (FIGS. 1 and 2), which allows activation of the power source80 (FIG. 2), causing thematerial treatment module40 to interact with the precursor material in thechamber14. Depending upon the type ofmaterial treatment module40 being used, activation of thedevice10 creates or generates beneficial agent by treating the 0 material to create a treated material. For example, where thematerial treatment module40 is an ozone generator in the form of a corona generator, and the precursor material is oxygen, activating thedevice10 causes thematerial treatment module40 to emit a field that interacts with the oxygen in thechamber14 thereby creating ozone mixed with oxygen, which is a beneficial agent. Once the ozone generation cycle is complete, theplunger16 is depressed to deliver ozone from theoutlet46. Of note, in the one embodiment the stroke ofplunger16 is chosen so that, when fully depressed,material treatment module40 may come into close proximity of thesecond end26 of thebarrel18, but without actually coming into contact therewith.
• As used throughout the specification, treated material may be material that has been altered or modified in any way by operation of thedevice10. Thus, the terms precursor material and treated material refer to material at different stages of a single operation of thedevice10. Using the example above, where the precursor material is oxygen and thematerial treatment module40 is an ozone generator, activation of thedevice10 will create a treated material consisting of a mixture of ozone and oxygen. If this mixture were stored and later charged into the device for a second application, this treated mixture would then be the precursor material for the second application of thedevice10.
• The treated material is the therapeutic agent desired to be delivered to a patient. The treated material may include without limitation, ozone, oxygen, nitric oxide(s), chlorine, fluorine, chlorine dioxide, iodine, carbon dioxide, bromine, bromine dioxide, oxygen radicals; hydroxyl radicals; ionic oxygen; oxygen treated with energy and combinations thereof. At least a portion of the treated material may also include precursor material. The treated material may also include inert gases which can include, but are not limited to, nitrogen, helium, carbon dioxide, and/or combinations thereof.
• Referring now toFIG. 6a, another embodiment of thedevice310 is illustrated. Thedevice310 includes aplunger316 and abarrel318 that define achamber314 for holding precursor material. Theplunger316 has afirst end320 and asecond end322. Thebarrel318 has afirst end324 that is open for receiving thefirst end320 of theplunger316 such that theplunger316 movably engages thebarrel318. Thebarrel318 also includes asecond end326. Thesecond end326 of thebarrel318 may be configured with anoutlet346 that serves as theoutlet346 for thechamber314. Aneedle348 may include afirst end382 and asecond end384. Thesecond end384 of theneedle348 may be attached to theoutlet346 using a Luer or other mechanical connection or fitting.
• In this embodiment, thematerial treatment module40 is within theneedle348 or is theneedle348 itself. As can best be seen inFIG. 6b, a cross sectional view ofFIG. 6ataken along line A-A, andFIG. 7c, a blown up view of area B, theneedle348 utilizes a flow-through electrochemical cell to create treated material in the form of a therapeutic agent. Theelectrochemical cell needle348 includes ananode370 and acathode372. Electric current is delivered to theanode370 andcathode372 bywires376 attached to apower source380. Thechamber314 is charged with precursor material or precursor or electrolyte374. As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the electrochemical reaction between the material treatment module340 and the precursor material can be controlled by the selection of electrode or electrolyte material. Theelectrodes370 and372 affect the electrochemical kinetics of the electroxidation/electroreduction reaction at theelectrode370 and372.
• The power source is initiated to polarize theanode370 andcathode372 which generates therapeutic agent by electrooxidizing or electroreducing the precursor material as it is plunged out thechamber314 and into theneedle348. In another embodiment, theanode370 is the metallic wall of the needle. Theanode370 andcathode372 may be reversed for all embodiments. As discussed above, the timing and control of the applied voltage and/or current power source control the amount of beneficial agent that is produced by thematerial treatment module40, and may be manual or automatic (i.e. programmable microprocessor controlled).
• It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that for ease of operations, the wires can be conductors that are printed on the inside of thechamber314. In one embodiment thewires376 are insulated and theelectrodes370 and372 are conductive and selective for the desired beneficial agent. For gas precursors, theelectrodes370 and372 may be tungsten, platinum, stainless steel, nichrome, or aluminum configured in theneedle348. It will be appreciated that thematerial treatment module40 in theneedle348 configuration may also be set up as corona discharge device in a manner similar to a traditional gap-discharge, corona discharge devices. In this configuration, the needle would be a gas treating module that utilize a glass dielectric on the high-voltage electrode and would be powered by low-frequency, high-voltage power. For liquid precursors, similar electrodes are used, however they are powered by low voltages, and do not require a dielectric like the high voltage electrodes.
• Referring now toFIG. 7a, another embodiment of thedevice410 according to the present invention is shown. Thedevice410 includes aplunger416 and abarrel418 that define achamber414 for holding precursor material. Theplunger416 has a first end420 and a second end422. Thebarrel418 has a first end424 that is open for receiving the first end420 of theplunger416 such that theplunger416 movably engages thebarrel418. Thebarrel418 also includes a second end426. The second end426 of thebarrel418 may be configured with anoutlet446 that serves as theoutlet446 for thechamber414. Aneedle448 may include afirst end482 and asecond end484. Thesecond end484 of theneedle448 may be attached to theoutlet446 using a Luer or other mechanical connection or fitting.
• In this embodiment, thematerial treatment module40 is theneedle448. As can best be seen inFIG. 7b, a cross sectional view ofFIG. 7ataken along line A-A, andFIG. 7c, a magnified view of area B, theneedle448 utilizes a flow-through electrochemical cell to create treated material in the form of a therapeutic agent. Theelectrochemical cell needle448 includes ananode470 and acathode472. Electric current is delivered to theanode470 andcathode472 bywires476 attached to apower source480. Thechamber414 is charged with precursor material or precursor or electrolyte374.
• In this embodiment, theneedle448houses electrodes470 and472 that are used to produce a beneficial agent in situ, or in other words, within the body. In this embodiment, additional electrolyte may or may not be supplied inchamber414. Theelectrodes470 and472 extend beyond theopening486 to have greater access to body fluid for generating in situ treated material which can be a beneficial agent. It will be appreciated that theplunger416/barrel418 configuration is not necessary for this application because the treated material is generated beyond theend486 of theneedle448. However, the syringe-type configuration may be desirable to provide additional saline solution or other liquid precursors by plunging of theplunger416 into thebarrel418 for patients that are dehydrated or to areas of the body that don't have much material. Thefirst end482 of the needle may have a protective shield or shroud (not shown) that protects theelectrodes470 and472 from being damaged upon insertion.
• FIG. 8ais a diagrammatic sectional view of anelectrochemical probe512 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Theelectrochemical probe512 has aneedle515 that is shown supported in ahandle518. Thehandle518 simulates a syringe with athumb plate521 and a pair of oppositefinger engaging grips524,525 to facilitate manipulation. Although (not shown inFIG. 8a), thehandle518 may include a syringe for additionally supplying a precursor material and/or a beneficial agent, as described above. Alternatively, thehandle518 could be replaced by any of thedevices10,310, and410 described with regard to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1-7cabove. As such, theneedle515 could be supported in fluid communication with any of theoutlets46,346, and446. Apower source528, which may include a battery or other DC output, is shown supported in thehandle518. Thehandle518 may further have electronics for controlling functions of theprobe512 similar to the electronics described above with regard to the devices ofFIGS. 1-7c.
• Theneedle515 shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 8ahas afirst end531 with ahead534 for connection with thehandle518 by a Luer or other connection mechanism. Thehandle518 may have asocket529 that receives the needle in a friction fit, threaded engagement, or other connection mechanism. Alternatively, thehead534 may serve as a handle when the probe is manipulated without thehandle518. In any case, first and second lines orwires537,538 may be insulated wires that extend from thepower source528 or a separate power source to the needle. The first wire527 connects one terminal of the power source to the needle to provide a first electrode of a pair of electrodes. Thesecond wire538 connects another terminal of the power source to asecond electrode541. Thesecond electrode541 is insulated from the first electrode (needle515) by one ormore insulators544. As shown, thesecond electrode541 is disposed in a hollow interior of theneedle515, and theinsulators544 have throughopenings547 that receive and space the second electrode from an inner walls of theneedle515.
• Theneedle515 has asecond end550 that includes atip553. In the embodiment ofFIG. 8a, amaterial treatment module556 is located in thetip553. Thematerial treatment module556 is adapted to facilitate placement of an electrolyte between the first electrode (needle515) and thesecond electrode541. The material treatment module may be charged with a precursor by any of a number of mechanisms. For example, theneedle515 may be dipped to draw a fluid into thetip553 by capillary action. Alternatively or additionally, an absorbent membrane ormaterial559 may be placed between the first andsecond electrodes515,541 to help draw the precursor material into thematerial treatment module556. Other mechanisms may include suction provided by a plunger in order to draw the precursor material in through thetip553. Alternatively, a precursor material may be fed under pressure or gravity through thefirst end531 similar to the precursor materials described with regard to the embodiments set forth above.
• FIG. 8bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 8a. Theabsorbent material559 may take any of a variety of forms. However, inFIG. 8b, the absorbent material is shown bent and supported in a friction or resiliently bent fitting relationship between the first andsecond electrodes515,541. Other configurations could be implemented without limitation. For example, the second electrode could be centered within theneedle515 and the absorbent material could form a tubular wick that spans a gap between substantially an entire circumference of each of the first andsecond electrodes515,541.
• In one embodiment, the electrolyte is fluid. The fluid may be water from within the tissue or from a source outside the tissue. The water is split to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas. In the case where thefirst electrode515 is the cathode, hydrogen is formed at an interface of theabsorbent material559 and thefirst electrode515. Oxygen and ozone gases are formed at the anode at an interface between theabsorbent material559 and thesecond electrode541. Alternatively, if thefirst electrode515 is the anode, the oxygen and ozone gases are permitted to escape out amain opening562 andauxiliary openings565 through a sidewall of theneedle515 and into a target tissue. In this configuration, with the second electrode as the cathode, the hydrogen gas can escape axially toward thefirst end531 of theneedle515 and throughopenings568 in theinsulators544. Additional openings similar toauxiliary openings565 may be provided along a length of theneedle515 to facilitate escape of the hydrogen gas. The electrolyte may also be an organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isoproponal, or other alcohols, glycols, and the like.
• FIG. 9ais a diagrammatic sectional view of anelectrochemical probe571 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Theprobe571 may include aneedle574 and thehandle518. Alternatively, theneedle574 could be utilized with another handle or no handle, as described with regard toFIG. 8aabove. Thehandle518 has thethumb plate521 and finger grips524,525. Thehandle518 may house thepower source528 and any electronics. Thehandle518 may form thesocket529 for receiving ahead534 of theneedle574. The handle may include a syringe with a plunger and barrel, or may serve primarily as a handle for facilitating manipulation of theprobe571 during use.
• Theneedle574 ofFIG. 9adiffers from theneedle515 ofFIGS. 8aand8bin that theneedle574 is not one of the electrodes. Rather, theneedle574 ofFIG. 9ahas afirst electrode577 and asecond electrode578 that are both disposed on an interior of theneedle574.Wires537,538 connect respective terminals of thepower source528 to the first andsecond electrodes577,578. One ormore insulators581 receive the first andsecond electrodes577,578 and inhibit them from contacting each other and an inner wall of theneedle574. Structurally theneedle574 may be substantially the same as theneedle515 described above. Alternatively, theneedle574 may have structural differences to accommodate the first andsecond electrodes577,578. Theinsulators581 may be similar to the insulators shown and described with regard toFIG. 8a. As shown, theinsulators581 havepassageways584 that permit the escape of gases axially along a length of theneedle574.
• As shown inFIG. 9a, theneedle574 may have thefirst end531 and thesecond end550 that are functionally and structurally similar to those described in the same terms with regard toFIG. 8a. Thesecond end550 may include atip587 that is configured differently by virtue of the placement of the first andsecond electrodes577,578 therein. However, thetip587 ofFIG. 9amay have theprimary opening562 out through an axial end andauxiliary openings590 similar to those ofFIG. 8a.
• As with theneedle515 ofFIG. 8a, theneedle tip587 ofFIG. 9ahouses amaterial treatment module593 that can be charged with an electrolyte in any number of ways. An absorbent membrane ormaterial596 may be placed between the first andsecond electrodes577,578 to help retain the electrolyte and to provide increased surface area over which electrolysis may take place at an interface between theabsorbent material596 and theelectrodes577,578. Thus, the absorbent membrane ormaterial596 that forms the interface facilitates and/or enhances electrolysis for at least some electrolytes and some electrochemical reactions.
• FIG. 9bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 9a. As shown, theabsorbent material596 may have a friction fit or a resilient fit by virtue of the resiliency of the membrane ormaterial596, and thus is retained between the first andsecond electrodes577,578 such that the absorbent material does not inadvertently fall out of thematerial treatment module593. Also, theelectrodes577,578 may have a flat configuration that provides a larger interface with theabsorbent material596 and/or electrolyte than would rod electrodes.
• While theelectrodes577,578 have been shown as separate elements disposed on an interior of theneedle574, it is to be understood that one or both of the electrodes could be disposed exteriorly of theneedle574 and/or may be integrated with structure of the needle. For example, the electrodes could be printed onto the inner and/or outer surface(s) of theneedle574. The electrodes in this case could be insulated from each other by insulator layers or by providing the needle itself of an insulator material. In either embodiment, an insulator material within the needle or the needle itself an insulator material, the insulator material insulates the electrical conductor from the needle. The electrochemical probe may include a channel within the insulator material. A channel may also be located within the needle. The channels serve to permit passage of electrolysis products through the needle and/or insulator material and out of the electrochemical probe. The needle may also include a plurality of apertures to allow a fluid to communicate with the tissue and the needle.
• FIG. 10ais a diagrammatic sectional view of anelectrochemical probe602 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention with similar elements labeled similarly to the embodiments described above. For example, thehandle518 with itsthumb plate521 and finger grips524,525 may be the same as those ofFIGS. 8aand9a. Thepower source528 may be similarly housed in thehandle518. However, the lines orwires537,538 may be longer and extend along most of the length of aneedle605. Theneedle605 is configured differently from the needles of the embodiments ofFIGS. 8aand9a. In the embodiment ofFIG. 10a, first andsecond electrodes608,609 are located and supported on asubstrate612 that may be integral with theneedle605. Alternatively, thesubstrate612 may be formed separately and mounted in atip615 at a second end618 of theneedle605. In this way, thesubstrate612 may help to form a material treatment module618. One or more openings (not shown) similar to openings through the insulators described above may be formed through thesubstrate612 to facilitate escape of gases and/or liquids during electrolysis. These openings may be placed to selectively encourage escape of one electrochemical product while causing accumulation of another electrochemical product in the material treatment module618. A treated material such as a gas may be delivered to a target tissue through theprimary opening562 orauxiliary openings621. An absorbent membrane ormaterial624 may be placed between theelectrodes608,609 similarly to the embodiments described above.
• FIG. 10bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 10a. Theabsorbent material624 may be retained between theelectrodes608,609 by a friction fit or by the resiliency of the material of the absorbent membrane ormaterial624. The electrolysis is facilitated similarly to the embodiments described above.
• FIG. 11ais a partial diagrammatic sectional view of a portion (corresponding to an alternative embodiment for region B outlined by a dashed line inFIG. 10a) of an electrochemical probe in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11a, aneedle627 supports asubstrate630 at or near adistal end633 of theneedle627. Thus, a material treatment module becomes very small or does not exist in this embodiment. Rather, in the embodiment ofFIG. 11a, first andsecond electrodes636,637 are supported in thesubstrate630. Thesubstrate630 has a face at or near thedistal end633, and theelectrodes636,637 protrude only slightly from the face and theneedle627. In this configuration, the electrolysis is caused to occur substantially within a target tissue itself. Otherwise, the embodiment ofFIG. 11amay be similar to the embodiment ofFIG. 10a.
• FIG. 11bis a diagrammatic cross sectional view taken along section A-A ofFIG. 11a. Thus, theelectrodes636,637 are shown in spaced relation without any absorbent material disposed between them.
• FIGS. 12a-12care diagrammatic cross sectional views of further alternative embodiments that may be substituted for any of the embodiments shown inFIGS. 8a-11b.Any of a variety of configurations for the electrodes may be implemented. For example,FIG. 12ashows a firsttubular electrode640 and asecond rod electrode641 with therod electrode641 disposed concentrically inside thetubular electrode640. Anabsorbent material644 may be formed in a tubular configuration to facilitate retention of an electrolyte between theelectrodes640,641.FIG. 12bshows a configuration with an arcuate outerfirst electrode647 and an inner rodsecond electrode648.FIG. 12cshows arectangular needle651 having a U-channelfirst electrode654 and a flat platesecond electrode655. Any of these configurations may accommodate absorbent membranes or materials. The configurations shown inFIGS. 12a-12cmay be applied all or in part in any combination to the embodiments ofFIGS. 8a-11bwithout limitation.
• Although certain functionality is described herein with respect to each of the operations of the method of delivering a beneficial agent to a tissue, other embodiments of the method may implement similar functionality using fewer or more operations. Additionally, some embodiments of the method may implement more or less functionality than is described herein. The method may be implemented with other systems that may have components that are different from those described herein. Therefore, the description of the embodiment of the method below is an example, and the described elements need not correspond to those described with regard to the systems and apparatuses above.
• With regard to use of the apparatuses ofFIGS. 1-7cand similar devices, a method of dispensing a material using a handheld dispensing apparatus is disclosed. A dispensing apparatus ordevice10,310,410, as discussed above may be used to dispense the material. The method includes collecting a precursor material in thechamber14,314,414. Thematerial treatment module40,340,440 is activated. The precursor material collected in thechamber14,314,414 is treated by the material treatment module to create a treated material. Theneedle48,348,448 is positioned within a body. The treated material is then dispensed out of thedevice10,310,410 or chamber into the body through the needle. A method for using theprobes512,571, and602 of the embodiments ofFIGS. 8a-12cmay be substantially similar except for an operation of collecting may be omitted.
• In one embodiment, the precursor material may include, without limitation, air, oxygen, water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, bromine, iodine, flourine and combinations thereof. It may also include a salt solution, either alone or in combination with the foregoing. For example, the salt solution may include NaI, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, and the like. The salt may also be formed of at least one monovalent or divalent cations including without limitation, cations of H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Sr⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the precursor material comprises a salt consisting of at least one monovalent or divalent anions, including without limitation, F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃²⁻, CO₃²⁻, O²⁻, S²⁻CH₃COO⁻ (acetate) and combinations thereof.
• It will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the term salt solution includes compounds formed when the hydrogen of an acid is replaced by a metal.
• In some embodiments, the method includes applying a low frequency voltage to a pair of electrodes. For this disclosure, low frequency refers to frequencies in a range from zero to two hundred kHz inclusive. Low frequency is considered to include DC voltages. The optimal frequency is driven by the resistance-capacitance (R-C) time constants of the electrochemical probe and the waveform type. In some embodiments, the frequency is between 0.05 and 5 kHz. Waveform types may be simple unipolar square, triangular, sine or more complex bipolar waveforms. The method also includes causing in situ electrolysis within a tissue in a body by applying the low frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes. Some embodiments of the method include placing anabsorbent membrane559,596,624 between the electrodes to help retain electrolyte in this position.
• In accordance with some embodiments of the method, a beneficial effect is imparted to the tissue by forming at least one of oxygen, ozone, and oxygen ions. Alternatively or additionally, embodiments of the method may include causing at least one of electro-oxidation and electro-reduction of a material of the target tissue. This electro-oxidation and electro-reduction may be the direct result of causing the in situ electrolysis. Alternatively, the oxidation or reduction may be caused indirectly by products of the electrolysis. In accordance with some embodiments, causing in situ electrolysis of the material of the tissue includes causing at least one of electro-oxidation and electro-reduction of proteoglycans or any other component of the tissue. The oxidation and/or reduction of components of the target tissue can have the effect of creating gases or other products that are more easily dissipated or otherwise removed from the target tissue. This can have the benefit of reducing a volume and an associated pressure in an inflamed region associated with the target tissue.
• In some of the embodiments of the method, the absorbent membrane ormaterial559,596,624 is at least partially filled with fluid from the target tissue such as water. Some tissues tend to give up moisture more readily than others. Therefore, in some applications, the tissue may need to be ablated prior to filling theabsorbent membrane559,596,624. Higher voltages and/or high frequency voltages may be implemented as described above for ablating tissue for the purpose of facilitating extraction of water. Alternatively, theabsorbent membranes559,596,624 may be filled, at least in part, with fluid from a source external to the tissue. That is, water from outside the body or from another part of the body may be supplied for water splitting in thematerial treatment modules556,593,618 and/or in the target tissue itself. Theabsorbent membranes559,596,624 may also be filled, at least in part, with a organic solvent such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, or other alcohols, glycols, and the like.
• In some embodiments, applying a low frequency voltage includes applying a voltage in a range from one to thirty volts. In other embodiments, the method includes applying a voltage in a range from one to six volts. In still other embodiments, the method includes applying a low frequency voltage in a range from six to twelve volts. It is to be understood that the voltages for dehydrating and for causing oxidation/reduction may be low frequency or DC voltages without limitation. For example, applying a low frequency voltage may include applying a voltage having a frequency in a range from greater than or equal to 0 kHz to 200 kHz. In some embodiments a low frequency voltage is applied at a range between about 0 kHz and about 50 kHz. In some embodiments the frequency range is between about 0.05 kHz and about 5 kHz inclusive. In other embodiments, the frequency ranges between 0.1 kHz and 1 kHz inclusive.
• For the embodiments ofFIG. 1-7c,activating thematerial treatment module40 includes engaging a switch to allow power from a power source to be delivered to the material treatment module. The method may also include deactivating the material treatment module, either manually or automatically. The method may also include detecting an amount of material treated by the material treatment module to determine when to shut off themodule40 ordevice10. This may be accomplished by monitoring a display. Similar activation may be accomplished by engaging a switch (not shown) for theprobes512,571, and602 ofFIGS. 8a-12c.Similar monitoring may also be implemented with theprobes512,571, and602. Furthermore, one ormore sensors658,659 may be placed at interfaces between the electrodes and the electrolyte for detecting an amount of treated material. For example, an ozone and or oxygen sensor may be used to detect and send signals for analysis of weight percentages in electronics of the probes. The sensors may be placed at other locations without limitation.
• In the application involving water splitting, these parameters may be varied to control the generation of oxygen, ozone, and/or ions of oxygen. As mentioned above, the percentage of ozone can also be monitored by one ormore sensors658,659 at or near the anode, for example. Thesensors658,659 may be coupled to or include an analyzer that determines weight percent. The pressure may be measured by a pressure sensor or barometer. One or more temperature measuring devices may take the form of wire thermocouples, thin or thick film thermocouples, resistors, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), or another type of temperature measurement device. Signals from the sensors or measurement devices may be connected with an electronic controller that utilizes predetermined logic in circuitry or in computer readable media to adjust the voltage or some other parameter in order to control the ozone generation level.
• In embodiments, where the housing is a syringe configuration with aplunger16,316,416 movably engaged within abarrel18,318,418, dispensing the material may include moving the plunger relative to the barrel such that treated material is delivered through the needle into the body.
• While many of the described embodiments are adapted to cause electrolysis in situ in a tissue, the effects of the electrolysis may vary among the different embodiments and with adjustments that are made during use. Additionally, some embodiments of a system and apparatus may include all or part of the apparatuses described herein, and may further include other components. Similarly, embodiments of the method may utilize any combination of elements among the devices and probes described. For example, depending on the level of automation and portability of a given embodiment, a controller, computer readable media, and/or a separate power source may or may not be included.
• Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that the described feature, operation, structure, or characteristic may be implemented in at least one embodiment. Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar phrases throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
• Furthermore, the described features, operations, structures, or characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. Hence, the numerous details provided here, such as examples of electrode configurations, housing configurations, substrate configurations, channel configurations, catalyst configurations, and so forth, provide an understanding of several embodiments of the invention. For example, thesubstrates612,630 ofFIGS. 10a-11bmay be formed as an electronic chip having one or more materials from the group comprising silica, alumina, or other known chip materials. However, some embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other features operations, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in at least some of the figures for the sake of brevity and clarity.
• Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described and illustrated, the invention is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangements of parts so described and illustrated. The scope of the invention is to be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
• Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to utilize the present disclosure to its fullest extent. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as merely illustrative and not a limitation of the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It will be apparent to those having skill in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the disclosure provided herein. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the embodiments specifically disclosed in the description above are within the scope of the appended claims. The scope of the invention is therefore defined by the following claims.

Claims (21)

1. A method of treating a tissue, the method comprising:

inserting a pair of electrodes into the tissue in a body;

applying a low frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes; and

causing in situ electrolysis within the tissue in the body by applying the low frequency voltage to the pair of electrodes.

2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing the in situ electrolysis comprises dehydrating the tissue by forming at least one of hydrogen and hydrogen ions, and forming at least one of oxygen, ozone, and oxygen ions.

3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing the in situ electrolysis comprises causing electro-oxidation of a material of the tissue.

4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing the in situ electrolysis comprises causing electro-reduction of a material of the tissue.

5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein causing the in situ electrolysis of the material of the tissue comprises causing at least one of electro-oxidation and electro-reduction of proteoglycans.

6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

placing an absorbent membrane between the pair of electrodes;

at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with fluid; and

electrolyzing the fluid in the absorbent membrane.

7. The method ofclaim 6, wherein at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with the fluid comprises at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with the water from the tissue.

8. The method ofclaim 6, wherein at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with the fluid comprises at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with the water from a source external to the tissue.

9. The method ofclaim 6, wherein at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with the fluid comprises at least partially filling the absorbent membrane with an organic solvent.

10. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising:

placing a precursor material between the pair of electrodes; and

electrolyzing the precursor material to form a beneficial agent or a beneficial agent constituent.

11. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the precursor material comprises a material chosen from at least one of air, oxygen, water, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, chlorine, bromine, and combinations thereof.

12. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the precursor material comprises a salt solution chosen from NaI, NaF, NaCl, NaBr, and combinations thereof.

13. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the precursor material comprises a salt having at least one cation chosen from H⁺, Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺, Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Sr⁺⁺, Ba⁺⁺, and combinations thereof.

14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the precursor material comprises a salt having at least one anion chosen from F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃²⁻, CO₃²⁻, O²⁻, S²⁻CH₃COO⁻ and combinations thereof.

15. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the precursor material is in the form of a gas, liquid, gel, solid or combinations thereof.

16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein applying the low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage in a range from about one to thirty volts.

17. The method ofclaim 1, wherein applying the low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage in a range from about one to six volts.

18. The method ofclaim 1, wherein applying the low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage in a range from about six to twelve volts.

19. The method ofclaim 1, wherein applying a low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage having a frequency less than about 200 kHz.

20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein applying a low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage having a frequency between about 0 kHz and about 50 kHz.

21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein applying a low frequency voltage comprises applying a voltage having a frequency between about 0.1 and about 1 kHz.

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