MEDICAL DEVICES FOR GENERATING HEAT AND METHODS OF TREATMENT USING SAME

摘要

A device comprising a heat-generating component that comprises an alkali metal is provided. The alkali metal in the presence of water at a point of contact of the device undergoes an exothermic reaction to generate heat in situ. The amount of heat generated is proportional to and/or limited by the amount (or moles) of water at the point of contact, and the heat generated is sufficient to achieve an increase in temperature at the point of contact to achieve a therapeutic or beneficial result. In one embodiment, the device is used for reducing sweat production in a subject suffering from excessive sweating or hyperhidrosis. In other embodiments, the device is used to substantially sterilize a surface or render a surface substantially aseptic.

主权项

1. A device, comprising:
a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, and an alkali metal in contact with the substrate, the alkali metal selected from sodium and potassium and present in an amount sufficient to generate an amount of heat in situ when the substrate contacts a surface to bring the alkali metal in contact with water at a point of contact between the alkali metal and the surface.