Abstract: A circuit for connecting a monitor/defibrillator to a patient and a method for monitoring the condition of the heart and for selectively applying a pulse of energy to the patient for defibrillation. A first and a second electrode are adhesively secured to the patient. The electrodes form an assembly which is coupled to a connection circuit leading to the monitor/defibrillator. A switch module is mounted on the connection circuit and is positioned remotely from the patient. The switch module has a plurality of operator-actuated switches which, when depressed, cause the monitor/defibrillator to provide a pulse of energy to the electrodes for defibrillation. The switches are arranged so that both hands of the operator are required to simultaneously close them, thereby assuring that the ends of the operator are remote from the patient during defibrillation.

Abstract: A dual element electrical connector for body contact has a flexible base with first and second electrodes secured thereto. A cover secured to the base has an aperture which exposes the electrodes. A sponge pad overlies the electrodes and is impregnated with a conductive gel. The cover is secured to the patient, compressing the sponge pad against him for good body contact. A cable and connection circuit couple the first and second electrodes to an electrical treatment apparatus having two terminals each providing or receiving a similar voltage (or ground) to or from the first and second electrodes. The cable and connection circuit are so constructed that if the treatment apparatus is provided with a device to sense the conductivity between the two terminals and the cable becomes disconnected from either the treatment apparatus or the dual element electrical connector, that condition can be detected.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a cable and an electrode assembly having a resilient electrical conducting wire with two ends and an expandable polygonal loop therebetween with the ends of the conducting wire embedded in a handle assembly composed of two handles with a loop circumscribing hinge therebetween. An electrically conducting cable is connected with one of the conductor wire ends within one of the handles and has a plug on the other end for insertion into a monitoring instrument jack. The connection of the cable to the electrode is accomplished by movement of the handles of the electrical connector toward one another which expands the loop so as to fit over the electrode and release of the handles causing the loop to contract and engage the electrode.