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 multi-electrode applicator includes a carrier with recesses formed in pre-selected locations on one side. Each recess carries an electrode, and optionally both an applicator and an electrode, so that, when that side of the carrier is applied to a surface, the electrodes engage the surface in their pre-selected locations. An adhesive is applied to the underside of the carrier to cause the carrier to stick to the skin surface. A release paper may be applied over the adhesive so that, when the paper is removed, the adhesive is exposed and the carrier can then be stuck to the skin. The carrier may be flat or curved, and the electrodes may be self-embedding electrodes, a stimulating- or recording-type electrode, or a ground electrode-reference electrode pair. Electrical conductor connects the electrode to a monitor directly or via a multi-pin connector.

Abstract: A cable management system is used in neurological monitoring and imaging procedures, particularly MRI. The system enables quickly disconnecting and quickly and accurately reconnecting the patient to the neurological monitoring equipment. The cable management system uses plural color-coded, two-part, cable pairs that include an electrode cable and an extension cable in each pair. The electrode and the short electrode cable remain attached to the patent during monitoring while the extension cable is disconnected and removed. A plug and socket combination that connects in a preselected orientation that enables the two parts to be quickly and accurately disconnected and reconnected. Metal is minimized in the electrode and electrode conductor in part by its short length, it thinness, the use of metal coating on plastic electrodes, and the use of alternative conductive materials.

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: 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.