Catheter needle for ionophoresic injection into physiological joints - with superficial internal electrodes and leads in a non-conductive body

摘要

A needle for ionophoresic injection into physiological joints incorporates a perforated tubular coaxial lining in a catheter head having exposed electrodes set flush into the lining walls and connected to a remote potential source. The electrodes may comprise places offset circumferentially or annular electrodes offset longitudinally. Pref. the electrodes are linked to a common (socket) terminal on a lateral tab integral with the head of the catheter. Used to promote ionically assisted diffusion of e.g. antibiotics or corticoid reagents (such as dexamethasone) within injected, inflamed or degenerative cartilage tissues, etc. The catheter body is made of a conventional, electrically insulating material such as a polyolefin.