Abstract: A method is disclosed for greatly reducing pacing polarization of a porous platinum bioelectrical stimulation electrode substrate by applying an oscillating current to the electrode substrate while it is immersed in an electrolyte such as a sodium sulfate solution to electrochemically cause the formation of a thick, highly porous platinum hydrous oxide surface layer on the substrate. The surface layer is then slowly reduced to platinum, while maintaining an increased surface area structure therein, using a similar electrochemical process employing much lower levels of current. This method does not alter the electrode characteristics other than to increase the microsurface area. The reduced polarization follows from the known inverse relationship between microsurface area and polarization. An electrode made by the foregoing method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrochemical reference electrode having improved potential stability is provided, such reference electrode being suitable for use as a second-order or half-cell component within a system for measuring the ion concentration of body liquids. The reference electrode includes an electrode of the metal/metal cation type in association with an electrolyte that includes a soluble salt of the metal cation of the electrode, which soluble salt is present within the electrolyte in an amount sufficient to have metal cation present in the electrolyte at its saturation concentration.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor and method of monitoring the oxygen content of blood or other body fluids are provided, which oxygen sensor and method achieve monitoring of enhanced accuracy that is not substantially effected by the presence of an anaesthetic within the fluid being monitored. The electrolyte used in connection with this invention includes a preferential adsorption component that exhibits adsorption to the cathode of the sensor which is in preference to adsorption of the anaesthetic to the cathode of the sensor.