Abstract: An improved external medical electrode demonstrates uniform current distribution across its face, improved recovery time after delivering a defibrillation charge and improved ability to deliver pacing charges over extended periods. An ellipsoid, metal charge spreading layer is connected to a hydrogel layer by a carbon-containing polymer layer having on its hydrogel-contacting surface at least two layers of silver chloride-coated silver. A hyper-hydrosis inducing agent applied to the hydrogel layer on surface for contacting skin can substantially decrease skin impedance for improved operation.

Abstract: An electrode having an extremely low profile and suitable for disposable use includes a base sheet constructed of a flexible conductive polymer. A tab is laminated to the top of the base sheet to form a pocket between the tab and the base sheet extending along the base sheet for receiving a hook connector. The hook connector has a bill and shank joined by a bend, the bill fitting between the pocket and the shank lying on top of the tab when the bill is so engaged to allow a low profile connection to the electrode. The elimination of rigid parts from the electrode improves its comfort and functionality.

Abstract: A miniature probe for simultaneously sensing ion concentrations and partial pressures of gases in a sample comprises plural sensing electrode systems at least one of which is surrounded by an electrolyte and a gas permeable or ion permeable diffusion barrier. The systems are united structurally to form a probe. Various potentials are measured between components of the electrode systems which potentials are indicative of ion and gas concentrations in the sample in which the probe is inserted. Potentials between certain of the internal probe electrodes and external electrodes are indicative of other ions or gases. Partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide gases and concentrations of hydrogen, bicarbonate ions and other cations and anions are typical constituents of a sample that can be determined with the probe.