Abstract: Electrodes are provided, for example including: (a) a first electrode component including a conductive skin-contacting element, and (b) a second electrode component including a thin electrical conductor. The first and second electrode components may be positioned during storage of the electrode so that the conductive skin-contacting element is not in contact with the thin electrical conductor, and configured so that they can be brought into contact prior to use of the electrode with a surface of the conductive skin-contacting element in contact with a surface of the thin electrical conductor.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies are provided, in which a pair of electrodes is joined by a central member. In some implementations, the electrode assemblies are foldable, and are configured to facilitate correct placement on a patient's chest. Some electrode assemblies include a separable electrode, allowing the electrode assembly to be fitted to patients having particularly large chests.

Abstract: Medical electrodes are provided for use in applications that require long shelf life and/or shelf life at high temperatures. Some electrodes include high temperature adhesives and/or foams and an encapsulated electrolyte.

Abstract: A defibrillator in which electrodes with a limited shelf life are stored largely out of view from the exterior of the unit, but the expiration date or other marking indicative of expiration or failure is positioned so as to be visible from the exterior of the defibrillation unit. A fracturable member is attached to the defibrillation unit so that opening the defibrillation unit requires fracturing the member, thereby providing an indication of whether the unit has been opened. Electrodes are releasably attached to the inside of the cover of a defibrillator, so that when the cover is removed the electrodes remain with the cover.

Abstract: Medical electrodes are provided for use in applications that require long shelf life and/or shelf life at high temperatures. Some electrodes include high temperature adhesives and/or foams and an encapsulated electrolyte.

Abstract: A defibrillator in which electrodes with a limited shelf life are stored largely out of view from the exterior of the unit, but the expiration date or other marking indicative of expiration or failure is positioned so as to be visible from the exterior of the defibrillation unit. A fracturable member is attached to the defibrillation unit so that opening the defibrillation unit requires fracturing the member, thereby providing an indication of whether the unit has been opened. Electrodes are releasably attached to the inside of the cover of a defibrillator, so that when the cover is removed the electrodes remain with the cover.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies are provided, in which a pair of electrodes is joined by a central member. In some implementations, the electrode assemblies are foldable, and are configured to facilitate correct placement on a patient's chest. Some electrode assemblies include a separable electrode, allowing the electrode assembly to be fitted to patients having particularly large chests.

Abstract: Skin-applied electrodes are provided that are suitable for use in medical applications such as pacing and defibrillation. The electrodes have a release sheet that is configured to allow the electrode to be accurately positioned on a patient.

Abstract: External defibrillators are provided that include a pulse sensor. These defibrillators may be used to treat a patient showing signs of possible cardiac arrest.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly includes a conductive electrode, an electrically insulative backing layer on one side of the electrode, an electrically conductive coupling agent in contact with another side of the electrode, an attachment mechanism rigidly connected to a center portion of the electrode, and an electrical conductor connected to the attachment mechanism. The combination of the electrode with the attachment mechanism is constructed with substantial circumferential uniformity such that electrical current provided to the center portion of the electrode through the low-profile attachment mechanism is distributed radially through the electrode in a substantially circumferentially uniform distribution. The electrode is constructed to perform defibrillation or cardioversion. The attachment mechanism is substantially flat and has a low profile. The electrical conductor has a substantially flat, strap-like configuration.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly includes a conductive electrode, an electrically insulative backing layer on one side of the electrode, an electrically conductive coupling agent in contact with another side of the electrode, an attachment mechanism rigidly connected to a center portion of the electrode, and an electrical conductor connected to the attachment mechanism. The combination of the electrode with the attachment mechanism is constructed with substantial circumferential uniformity such that electrical current provided to the center portion of the electrode through the low-profile attachment mechanism is distributed radially through the electrode in a substantially circumferentially uniform distribution. The electrode is constructed to perform defibrillation or cardioversion. The attachment mechanism is substantially flat and has a low profile. The electrical conductor has a substantially flat, strap-like configuration.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically conductive sacrificial element, and a layer of electrically conductive gel. The electrode has an electrical terminal to connect with external electrical circuitry. The sacrificial element is electrically connected with the electrode through an impedance element or a power supply. The layer of electrically conductive gel contacts both the electrode and the sacrificial element so as to form an anode-cathode cell in which the sacrificial element functions as a sacrificial anode that corrodes and the electrode functions as a cathode that is protected from corrosion.