Used for Pacemakers

United States Patent 6,482,309
Green , et al. November 19, 2002
Electrolytic generation of nascent Iodine as a method of treatment and for the prevention of infections associated with medical implant devices

Abstract
An anti-infective device generally comprising an oxidant generating formulation contained within at least a section of the device configured to electrolytically generate an anti-infective oxidant. The device has at least one of a cathode member and an anode member in the section of the device, configured to electrolyze the oxidant generating formulation to electrolytically generate the anti-infective oxidant. A power source is electrically connected to the cathode and anode members such that current passes between the cathode and anode members. In one embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises a solid dispersed in a polymeric wall of the device. In a presently preferred embodiment, the cathode and anode members are completely embedded within the polymeric wall of the device, although in some embodiments they may be partially embedded within the polymeric wall of the device. In another embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises a solution contained within a chamber in the device. The cathode and anode members are located within the chamber in contact with the solution. The electrolytically generated anti-infective substance is preferably elemental iodine. In one embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises an iodide, which is oxidized at the anode member. In another embodiment, the oxidant generating formulation comprises an iodate which is reduced at the cathode member. Preferably, a proton donor is also present in the iodate containing oxidant generating formulation.
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