Directional Electric Field for Charged Agent Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for administering therapeutic agents, such as neurotoxins and dermal fillers, face challenges in preventing unwanted dissipation away from the intended treatment site, leading to complications and reduced efficacy.

Innovation Solution

A device and method utilizing a directional electric field generated by electrodes placed on the skin to selectively direct the dissipation of charged active agents, ensuring they move towards desired treatment areas while avoiding unwanted regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If injection method is used to administer therapeutic agents, then the precision of delivery to target site is improved, but the risk of unwanted dissipation to adjacent areas increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of deliveryVSAvoidunwanted dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies an electric field before and during injection to proactively direct the charged therapeutic agent toward the target site, preventing unwanted dissipation before it occurs. The electric field is established in advance to guide the agent's movement, ensuring controlled distribution rather than passive diffusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces passive mechanical injection with an active electromagnetic guidance system. By substituting the purely mechanical injection process with one that incorporates electric field guidance, the system achieves both precise delivery and controlled dissipation, resolving the contradiction between precision and unwanted spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If iontophoresis is used to deliver molecules across skin barrier, then the control over material distribution is improved, but the precision of delivery compared to injection is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over material distributionVSAvoidprecision of delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the advantages of both injection and iontophoresis by combining the precision of needle-based delivery with the controlled electric field guidance. The through-gap electrode design allows injection while maintaining electric field control, creating a hybrid approach that achieves both precision and ease of control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts electric field parameters (voltage, current density, field direction) to optimize both precision and control. By changing these parameters during the procedure, the system can achieve precise delivery when needed while maintaining ease of operation for broader distribution control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If larger doses are injected to ensure adequate treatment coverage, then the therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the risk of dissipation to unwanted areas and side effects increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoidside effects from dissipation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates real-time monitoring and adjustment of the electric field to track the distribution of the charged therapeutic agent. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to ensure adequate coverage at the target site while preventing excessive dissipation to adjacent areas, thereby maintaining efficacy while reducing side effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The electric field guidance system effectively extracts or redirects the therapeutic agent from potential unwanted dissipation paths and concentrates it at the target site. This selective extraction approach ensures sufficient dosage for efficacy while preventing harmful accumulation in adjacent tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves the safety and efficacy of therapeutic treatments by reducing complications, enhancing the uniformity and longevity of the treatment effect, and minimizing the number of injections required.

Implementation Method 1

devices that direct dissipation of active agents away from regions that are likely to cause complications and towards regions that improve the intended therapeutic treatment... apply electromagnetic forces such as magnetism, electric charge, electric field, and/or electric current to the skin... charged compositions or active agents can be selectively moved

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrophoresis: Electrophoresis

Data Source

PatentUS20240189577A1Methods and devices for directing dissipation of a charged active agent after administration

Publication Date: 2024.06.13 REGRESAR MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Devices and their use for directing dissipation of a charged active agent after injection, the device having two electrodes spaced apart from one another and configured to be applied to the skin surface so that a directional electric field can be generated between the two electrodes within the dermal and/or subcutaneous layer, the flexible substrate having either a through gap sized for permitting passage of an injection device and optionally positioned between the two electrodes; or includes a tearaway portion forming a through gap for permitting passage of an injection device and optionally between the two electrodes.