Abstract: An electrode system includes an electrode, a connector, and a cable with an in-line radio-frequency filter module comprising resistors and inductors without any deliberately added capacitance. The resistors are arranged in an alternating series of resistors and inductors, preferably with resistors at both outer ends, and connected electrically in series. The in-line module is located at a specific location along the wire, chosen through computer modeling and real-world testing for minimum transfer of received RF energy to a patient's skin, such as between 100 cm and 150 cm from the electrode end of a 240 centimeter cable. The total resistance of the resistors plus cable, connectors and solder is 1000 ohms or less; while the total inductance is roughly 1560 nanohenries. The inductors do not include ferrite or other magnetic material and are, together with the resistors, stock components thereby simplifying manufacture and reducing cost.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a needle and a conductive thread electrode carried in a slot on the surface of the needle. The needle pushes the thread electrode into the body and leaves it in place when the needle is removed. The needle is secured in a housing in a retracted position and moved to an extended position by a latch. In the extended position, one end of the needle remains in the housing and the other end extends from the housing. The needle is attached to a spring inside the housing and is moved by the latch against the urging of the spring to the extended position and locked in place. A protective cover is applied over the needle while extended and removed to insert the needle into the body of a patient.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for use in computer tomographic (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures include lead wires of 40 gauge copper electrical conductors, free of tin, in PVC insulation attached to electrodes. The electrodes, which may also be made of silver, gold or silver chloride or be made of metal-filled or metal-coated plastic, are attached to lead wires by any of the following (1) crimping using copper or polymer crimps; (2) shrink-wrap connections or ties, (3) radio frequency welding or heat staking; or (4) using conductive adhesives. The present electrode assembly reduces artifacts in the resulting images during CT scans and MRI procedures and thereby results in clearer images.

Abstract: A system for inserting a series of subdermal electrodes into the skin of a patient for neurological monitoring includes a magazine with an interior, a first end and an opposing second end. The first end has an opening. A row of applicators are carried in the interior of the magazine, parallel the its major axis. The first applicator presents itself at the opening in the first end and is followed in turn by a subsequent applicator. Each applicator carries an electrode that is ejected from that applicator when an applicator is pressed against the skin of a patient. The magazine has an actuator that advances each applicator in sequence toward the opening of the magazine to expel them one at a time after each ejects its electrode.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a handle, holder, and electrode with an electrical conductor. The electrode is loaded into the holder with its attached conductor. The holder includes a protective cap, a resilient button with a flange, an alignment ring, two plungers each with a spring, and a retention ring. The flange and retention ring both have plural holes in registration and with posts depending from the alignment ring in order to hold the retention ring in place. Inside the button are two plungers, one on top of the other, and each with its own spring resisting downward pressure. Once the cap is removed from the button, the holder is placed against the skin of a patient, and the button is pressed, the top plunger pushes the bottom plunger against the skin of the patient and then the electrode from the protection ring, thereby ejecting the electrode.

Abstract: An electrode attached to the straps of and use with a template cap in making neurophysiological measurements. The electrode is configured to allow the user to quickly and accurately slide an electrode needle at a shallow adjustable angle into the scalp of the patient. The base of each electrode attaches to the cap at locations where measurements are to be made. The base supports a ramp that may be snapped into a clip on the base for storage and then springs resiliently from the clip when released. The electrode needle is carried by a slidable holder secured to the ramp at its slot and is slid forward following that slot when driving the needle down and through a small hole in the base of the electrode to insert it into the patient's scalp at the appropriate depth and angle.

Abstract: A probe system for use with a neuro-monitoring device includes a wire probe, a cable and a handle. The cable has an adaptor at one end that is pressed from the side of the handle into an adaptor-shaped portion of a channel formed in the handle. The channel runs the length of the handle. The wire probe has a probe tip on one end and is in electrical connection with the adaptor on the other end when that adaptor end is inserted into the channel of the handle and seated in the adaptor held by the handle. The sensor tip on the end of the wire probe is a conducting, smooth, hemisphere just beyond the end of the insulation covering wire probe and conducts signals between the tissue through which the probe passes and the cable. The handle has ribs formed thereon for giving the user better purchase on the probe for applying the requisite force and control, and windows formed along the sides of the handle to allow the user to confirm that the wire probe is fully seated in the adaptor.