Preparation for transmission and reception of electrical signals

Abstract

The invention provides a convenient and non-invasive means to prepare cells, tissues, and organs for electrical transmission and reception. In an embodiment of the invention, a control method comprises the use of at least one skin electrode, as a reference electrode, and an electrical sensor to measure periodically or continuously the skin's electrical conductance at the site of preparation. The dynamic change in the conductance through the skin is measured while the ultrasound is applied. Signal processing is performed on the measurement and the level of skin impedance change is controlled by performing a mathematical analysis and using the results of such analysis to control the application of ultrasonic energy. A desired level of skin impedance can be set at a predetermined value or based on a chosen level of skin integrity, subject's sensation of discomfort, or duration of the ultrasound application.

1 - 15 . (cancelled)  
   
   
       16 . A tissue interface receptacle comprising: 
 a top surface, wherein said top surface is configured to receive an ultrasound applicator;    a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface is configured to be affixed to a tissue site; and    a passageway extending through said top and bottom surfaces, wherein said passageway allows ultrasound to pass from said ultrasound applicator to said tissue site.    
   
   
       17 . The tissue interface receptacle of  claim 16 , wherein said tissue interface receptacle is constructed from a rigid material.  
   
   
       18 . The tissue interface receptacle of  claim 16 , wherein said tissue interface receptacle is constructed from a semi-rigid material.  
   
   
       19 . The tissue interface receptacle of  claim 19 , wherein said tissue interface receptacle conforms to a surface contour of said tissue site.  
   
   
       20 . The tissue interface receptacle of  claim 16 , wherein said top and bottom surfaces forms a fluid tight cavity between said ultrasound applicator and said tissue site when said ultrasound applicator is held against said tissue interface receptacle affixed to said tissue site.  
   
   
       21 . The tissue interface receptacle of  claim 16 , wherein said top surface is further configured to receive an electrode.  
   
   
       22 . A tissue preparation and sensing system comprising: 
 an ultrasound applicator for applying ultrasound to a tissue site;    a tissue interface receptacle, wherein said tissue interface receptacle interface is configured to couple said ultrasound applicator to said tissue site; and    an electrode, wherein said tissue interface receptacle is further configured to receive said electrode.    
   
   
       23 . The tissue preparation system of  claim 22 , further comprising 
 a first electrical lead, wherein said first electrical lead may be affixed to said tissue site;    a second electrical lead, wherein said second electrical lead may be affixed to another tissue site; and    an electrical potential generator electrically coupled to said first and second electrical leads.    
   
   
       24 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein said electrical potential generator generates an alternating current potential.  
   
   
       25 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising 
 a current measurement device, wherein said current measurement device measures a current flowing between said first and second electrical leads.    
   
   
       26 . The system of  claim 22 , further comprising 
 an impedance measurement device, wherein said impedance measurement device measures an impedance value at said tissue site.    
   
   
       27 . The system of  claim 24 , further comprising mathematical analysis logic, wherein said mathematical analysis logic performs a mathematical analysis of said measured current.  
   
   
       28 . The system of  claim 22 , wherein said electrode comprises 
 a biosensor.    
   
   
       29 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein said biosensor is disposable.  
   
   
       30 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein said biosensor further comprises 
 a layer of hydrogel for establishing electrical contact with said tissue site.    
   
   
       31 . The system of  claim 28 , wherein said electrode is coupled to a diagnostic machine.  
   
   
       32 . The system of  claim 31 , wherein said diagnostic machine is selected from the group consisting of: 
 EEG, ECG, EKG, EMG, ERP, SEMG, electrosomnographic device, electroretinograph, electrosurgical unit, nasopharyngeal device, Holter instrument, EIT device, MFEIT device, cardioscope, polygraph, TENS device, EMS device, NMES device, pacemaker and difibrilator.    
   
   
       33 . An electrode device comprising: 
 an electrical lead, wherein said electrical lead has a variable impedance setting; and    a biosensor.    
   
   
       34 . The electrode device of  claim 33 , wherein said electrical lead is  35  configured for attachment to a tissue interface receptacle.  
   
   
       35 . The electrode device of  claim 33 , wherein said electrical lead comprises a slot to receive said biosensor.  
   
   
       36 . The electrode device of  claim 33 , wherein said biosensor is disposable.  
   
   
       37 . The electrode device of  claim 33 , wherein said biosensor comprises: 
 an insulating member,    a conducting surface disposed on said insulating member, and    a hydrogel layer disposed onto said insulating member and covering a portion of said conducting surface.    
   
   
       38 . The electrode device of  claim 37 , wherein said hydrogel layer further comprises a chemical agent.  
   
   
       39 . The electrode device of  claim 33 , wherein said electrical lead further comprises an electronic circuit having a programmable impedance.  
   
   
       40 . The electrode device of  claim 39 , wherein said electrical lead further comprises a connector for electrically coupling said electrode device to an electrical signal analyzer or source.  
   
   
       41 - 47 . (cancelled)