Patent ID: 7904146

Claim:
A transdermal system for the sustained delivery of an anesthetic agent directly to a selected site of an open skin wound by iontophoresis comprising: a transdermal skin-worn patch that is configured to include when applied to an open skin wound: (a) a donor chamber containing a donor electrode and a medium for containing an amount of anesthetic agent in a form suitable for transdermal delivery by iontophoresis in electrical communication with said donor electrode and a return electrode; (b) a source configured to supply a low-level electric current in said patch that exhibits a low current density as applied to injured skin suitable for safe transdermal delivery of a desired dosage of said anesthetic agent through injured skin for a sustained duration, said source being connected in a circuit with said donor and return electrodes; (c) wherein said donor electrode chamber further includes a provision for absorbing a quantity of fluid associated with weepage from adjacent injured skin tissue; and (d) wherein said system is configured to deliver medication over a period of at least six hours.