Patent ID: 6689380
Filing Date: 2004-02-10
Classification: A61B,A61M,A61N

Abstract:
A system for controlling and increasing the rate of delivery of a pharmaceutical to a subject, comprising:a patch topically positioned in relation to said subject, said patch comprising: said pharmaceutical; an electrode in direct contact with the patch, said electrode transmitting radiofrequency energy or microwave energy into the patch thereby distributing said radiofrequency or microwave energy to said pharmaceutical, to said subject or to both said pharmaceutical and said subject, wherein said radiofrequency energy or said microwave energy creates a pressure wave to propel said pharmaceutical through one or more tissues in said subject or alters permeability of said tissue(s) to said pharmaceutical in said subject or, in combination, propels said pharmaceutical across said altered tissues, a microprocessor, said microprocessor positioned externally to the patch but in contact with said electrode such that said electrode is in direct contact with both the patch and a controller in said microprocessor, said controller regulating transmission of said radiofrequency or microwave energy through said electrode via local transmission or via remote transmission of a signal to said microprocessor; and a communication means to monitor and/or to interrogate said microprocessor, further comprising a means to transmit said signal to said microprocessor; wherein integration of said electrode and of said microprocessor into the patch provides controlled and increased rate of drug delivery to the subject wearing the patch while the subject is ambulatory and, optionally, geographically remote from the communication means.