The Dupel Iontophoresis device has been preferred by more clinicians than any other.

Introduced in 1992, the Dupel system contributed to the growth in iontophoresis use for physical rehabilitation. More recent areas where iontophoresis has been used include sports medicine and anesthesiology. An easy-to-use alternative to injections, the system can be administered by trained ancillary staff under the direction of a physician.

The Dupel system consists of a patented device that produces a controlled, direct current stimulus, and a patented active (drug delivery) electrode set. The clinician fills the reservoir of the conductive, active electrode with the drug to be administered.

EMPI ADVANTAGES

Dupel device: A microprocessor-controlled, two-channel device, Dupel offers ease-of-use and flexibility in treatment options. Two channels allow the clinician to treat two different sites or use drug solutions of different polarities at the same time. The microprocessor design allows the clinician sets the dosage and current amplitude, and the device does the rest. The current is automatically ramped up so it is more comfortable for the patient and the device calculates the time needed to deliver the selected dosage. If adjustments are made (for example, the current is lowered or paused), the device will automatically recalculate the time needed to deliver the dosage. The device will also alert the user if circumstances exist that impede the delivery program. Dupel is compact and portable and runs on a single 9 volt alkaline battery. Its durability is backed by a three-year limited warranty.

Dupel buffered electrodes. The Empi family of buffered iontophoresis electrodes offers significant improvements in iontophoretic drug delivery. Using a patented design, the treatment electrode (active) employs a unique buffering system that lends both efficiency and comfort to iontophoresis. Without an effective buffering method, pH changes can result in skin blisters and burns. Empi's ion-exchange buffering technology neutralizes acidic H+ and basic OH- ions produced during iontophoresis. This method reduces risks without compromising drug delivery efficiency. As opposed to other methods, Empi's buffering method produces no competing ions and the current drives the drug ions more efficiently. Empi's buffered electrodes are available in a variety of easy-to-fill sizes.