| abstract |
A compound with topical anesthetic and plasticizing properties is dissolved in polymeric material. Extrusion, co-extrusion, and coating techniques to form endotracheal tubes (30), drainage tubes (16), and other medical devices with the material containing this topical anesthetic are disclosed. A hydrophobic anesthetic compound such as the base form of lidocaine is used which is more soluble in the polymeric wall material of the tube than in water. Prilocaine base and dibucaine base are also used in examples. A water soluble form of topical anesthetic, achievable by reacting anesthetic base dissolved in the polymer, is provided, e.g., at an exposed surface, to enable rapid onset of anesthesia. Balloons (21), films, and extruded cross sections are shown. Barrier and metering layers control the direction and rate of application of the anesthetic. A drug delivery system comprising lidocaine dissolved in resin such as PVC is also shown to be useful for anti-arrhythmia and anti-seizure medications. |