Abstract: An electrode and connector are detachably connected to one another for use in defibrillating or pacing a patient's heart. The connector includes two jaw members which clamp over a tab portion of the electrode. The jaw members include electrical contacts which engage and contact the conductive sheet within the electrode. This provides electrical continuity from the electrode through the connector to a lead wire.

Abstract: An electrode package includes a pouch having pouch walls forming a sealed pouch enclosure. At least one electrode is within the pouch enclosure and includes an electrode wire having one end connected to the electrode within the pouch, an intermediate portion extending through the pouch walls, and a second end outside the pouch enclosure. A sealing joint is formed at the point where the intermediate portion of the wire extends through the pouch walls. The pouch walls have a plastic layer which surrounds and contacts the intermediate portion of the wire at the sealing joint to form an air tight seal. The invention also includes a method whereby heat and pressure are applied at the sealing joint to cause the plastic layer of the pouch walls to melt and fuse around the wires to create the seal.

Abstract: An external electrode for stimulating a person's heart is comprised of a first conductive layer having a first perimetric edge. A second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer and includes a protruding portion extending at least partially outwardly beyond the first perimetric edge of the first conductive layer. A third conductive layer is in electrical contact with both of the first conductive layer and the protruding portion of the second conductive layer. An electrical lead is connected to the first conductive layer.

Abstract: The pad assembly of the present invention is adapted to be used with a defibrillator paddle. The assembly includes a bottom sheet and a top sheet, with a flexible second sheet sandwiched therebetweeen. The second sheet is comprised of an electrically conductive polymer having the characteristic of being inherently adhesive on both of its upper and lower surfaces. The upper and lower surfaces are detachably adhered to the top and bottom sheet members. A tab is operatively attached to the second sheet member so as to permit manual grasping of the second sheet member without engaging the adhesive upper and lower surfaces of the second sheet member. The device is used by removing the bottom sheet member from the second sheet member, and by placing the second sheet member in covering relation over the electrodes of a defibrillator paddle. When the defibrillator is used on a patient, and top sheet member is removed and the tacky second sheet member is placed in contact with the patient's chest.