Abstract: The present invention relates to a neural implant comprising a biomaterial having an outer surface with a stochastic nanoroughness (Rq), and the application of said stochastic nanoroughness in the diagnosis and/or treatment of a neurological disorder, such as, for example, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, glioblastoma and/or for disrupting, and/or preventing glial scars in the context of mammalian mechanosensing ion channels selected from the family of PIEZO-1 and PIEZO-2 ion channels.

Abstract: Devices associated with on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. These devices include any of packaging and/or loading systems, applicators and elements of the on-body sensor units themselves. Also, various approaches to connecting electrochemical analyte sensors to and/or within associated on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. The connector approaches variously involve the use of unique sensor and ancillary element arrangements to facilitate assembly of separate electronics assemblies and sensor elements that are kept apart until the end user brings them together.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a plurality of electrodes selectively connectable to a touch sensor or one or more biometric sensors; and a processor configured to receive a user input through the plurality of electrodes in a state in which the touch sensor and the plurality of electrodes are connected; perform an operation relating to the touch sensor when where the user input satisfies a first condition; connect the plurality of electrodes to the one or more biometric sensors when where the user input satisfies a second condition; and obtain a plurality of pieces of biometric information according to a pre-determined sequence through the plurality of electrodes connected with the one or more biometric sensors.

Abstract: The disclosed human computer interface (HCI) system may include (1) at least one processor, (2) a plurality of sensors that detect one or more neuromuscular signals from a forearm or wrist of a user, and (3) memory that stores (A) one or more trained inferential models that determine an amount of force associated with the one or more neuromuscular signals and (B) computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to (I) identify the amount of force determined by the one or more trained inferential models, (II) determine that the amount of force satisfies a threshold force value, and in accordance with the determination that the amount of force satisfies the threshold force value, (III) generate a first input command for the HCI system. Various other devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for creating a mother wavelet function. The method includes preparing a plurality of vectors, extracting a kernel from the plurality of vectors, and extracting the mother wavelet function from the kernel. The kernel includes a mode value of a vector of the plurality of vectors.

Abstract: A swallowing sensor that is attached to a person's pharyngeal portion and that measures the person's swallowing ability includes: a film-shaped detector that detects vibration based on displacement and sound of the pharyngeal portion; an adhesive layer that is provided on one of two main sides of the detector and that attaches the detector to the pharyngeal portion; and a sensing film arranged on the detector to cover entirety of the other main side of the detector, wherein a main side of the sensing film that contacts the detector contains an adhesive component, the sensing film is attachable to the pharyngeal portion around the detector using the adhesive component, and the sensing film conveys vibration to the detector. Accordingly, the swallowing ability can be more accurately measured.

Abstract: An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.

Abstract: A device of and a method for obtaining thermal images of a living mammal body section. The device comprises a thermal energy storage surface structure for contacting the body section. In a calibration mode of operation, the thermal energy storage surface structure is brought at a reference temperature by transferring thermal energy to the thermal energy storage surface structure from a thermal energy transfer module that is controlled by a control circuit for restraining thermal energy transfer by the thermal energy transfer module in the presence of the body section at the thermal energy storage surface structure. In a registration mode of operation, by a thermal sensor, thermal images reflecting thermal energy storage over at least a portion of the thermal energy storage surface structure are obtained, with the body section contacting the thermal energy storage surface structure.

Abstract: A monitor recorder optimized for electrocardiography and respiratory data acquisition and processing is provided.

Abstract: A sensor can be manufactured by printing a working electrode onto a substrate using aerosol jet printing. Sensing chemistry (e.g., enzyme-based ink that including detection chemistry) also can be printed onto the working electrode using aerosol jet printing. A reference electrode also can be printed on the substrate at a position spaced along the substrate from the working electrode. In certain examples, the substrate can be positioned within a lumen of a skin piercing member of a sensor module.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to electrophysiology catheters for cardiac medical procedures. More specifically, the instant disclosure relates to an ablation catheter for treating cardiac arrhythmias by ablating tissue, and having one or more subelectrodes internally fixed within the ablation catheter tip to capture electrophysiology characteristics of myocardial tissue in proximity to the one or more subelectrodes.

Abstract: An extended wear electrocardiography and physiological sensor monitor is provided. An electrode patch includes an integrated flexible circuit having a single piece of material that includes a longitudinal midsection between upper and lower ends and a mirror image shape of the upper end extending from at least a portion of one side of the upper end that runs substantially parallel to the midsection and folds over the upper end. A receptacle is adhered on an outward surface of the mirror image when the integrated circuit is folded over the upper end. One electrode is positioned on a contact surface of the integrated circuit on the upper end and another electrode is positioned on the contact surface on the lower end. A battery is directly adhered to the outward surface of the mirror image and positioned under the receptacle. A monitor is configured to be removably secured in the receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating a physiological monitoring system that comprises a distributed algorithm. The physiological monitoring system ma comprise a sensor and a physiological monitor that may be communicatively coupled with the sensor. The sensor may store a first executable code segment and the physiological monitor may store a second executable code segment. The physiological monitor may be configured to receive the first executable code segment and execute the first and second executable code segments to determine at least one physiological parameter of a subject based on physiological signal provided by the sensor. The physiological monitor may be configured to delete or deactivate the first executable code segment. The physiological monitor may also store a configurable algorithm stage that may be configured based on algorithm configuration data received from the sensor.

Abstract: An Electrocardiography (ECG) system configured to produce an ECG output signal of a patient includes a plurality of electrodes, a monitoring circuit, a drive circuit, a lead circuit, and a control module. The electrodes form a plurality of leads. The monitoring circuit is configured to monitor a voltage differential on the leads and produce the ECG output signal. The drive circuit is configured to deliver a current to the electrodes based on a measured voltage at the electrodes. The lead fault detection system comprises one or more current sources configured to produce a current to deliver to the electrodes. The control module is configured to vary the current produced by the current sources based on a measured parameter at one or more of the electrodes.

Abstract: A training apparatus 1000 using a method of decoding nerve activity includes: a brain activity detecting device 108 for detecting brain activity at a prescribed area within a brain of a subject; and an output device 130 for presenting neurofeedback information (presentation information) to the subject. A processing device 102 decodes a pattern of cranial nerve activity, generates a reward value based on a degree of similarity of the decoded pattern with respect to a target activation pattern obtained in advance for the event as the object of training, and generates presentation information corresponding to the reward value.

Abstract: Bandage apparatus, methods, and antimicrobial bandages for facilitating wound healing by providing an antimicrobial functionality. A bandage apparatus includes a substrate with a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface. An attachment mechanism and a nanostructure film are provided on the first surface. The attachment mechanism facilitates removably attaching the substrate to a part of a body comprising a wound. The nanostructure film includes a plurality of nanostructures that contact the wound without puncturing the wound when the substrate is attached to the part of the body comprising the wound.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for delivering electromagnetic energy to a patient's tissue with a reduction in the pain experienced by the patient. Electromagnetic energy is delivered from a treatment electrode through the skin surface to the tissue at a plurality of power levels over a treatment time. During the energy delivery, a portion of the treatment electrode is in a contacting relationship with the skin surface. A tip frame may be disposed between the treatment electrode and the skin surface when the electromagnetic energy is delivered.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: Implementations are disclosed for monitoring a state or change in state of a physiological parameter based on measured impedance data. In certain implementations, no images are reconstructed from the impedance data. In certain implementations, a metric (e.g., distinguishability, likelihood ratios, and so forth) may be computed and compared to reference metrics or thresholds, such as for changes over time or in comparison to a standard to determine the presence or absence of a physiological state of interest or of a change in such state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for installing a cuff around a target biological structure. The method may include inserting a guidewire through an incision in a patient underneath an exterior surface of a target biological structure, guiding a ramp device over the guidewire to a position underneath the target biological structure such that the target biological structure is partly supported by the ramp device, guiding a cuff deployment tool over the guidewire to the ramp device, the cuff deployment tool comprising an interior volume and a cuff positioned within the interior volume, and causing the cuff from the cuff deployment tool to deploy such that the cuff moves from within the interior volume to an extended position. At least part of the cuff is positioned between the ramp device and the target biological structure in the extended position.

Abstract: Present embodiments include a lithium ion battery module having a lineup of prismatic lithium ion battery cells positioned within a cell receptacle area of a housing of the lithium ion battery module. The prismatic battery cells of the lineup are spaced apart from one another in a spaced arrangement by fixed protrusions extending from internal surfaces of the housing forming the cell receptacle area, and the fixed protrusions extend inwardly to form a plurality of discontinuous slots across a width of the cell receptacle area.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for peripheral nerve stimulation, particularly for treating tremor. The nerve stimulation may be accomplished by a wearable nerve stimulation device, such as a band configured to be worn on the wrist or other body part. The device can accomplish targeted nerve stimulation using circumferentially spaced electrodes. In some embodiments, the device may use only the same number of electrodes as the number of nerves that are to be stimulated. A biphasic charge-balanced waveform may be used to selectively stimulate a nerve near one of the activated electrodes but not to stimulate the nerve near the other activated electrode. The device may use dry electrodes for long-term, repeated use. The dry electrodes may include a conductive base layer and a polymeric, plastic or rubber skin contact layer comprising a conductive filler. The filler may be a powder, fiber, conductive coating, etc.

Abstract: An extended wear electrocardiography patch is provided. A flexible backing includes an elongated strip of stretchable material. An electrocardiographic electrode is respectively affixed to and conductively exposed on each end of the elongated strip. A flexible circuit is affixed on each end to the elongated strip and includes a pair of circuit traces each originating within one of the ends of the elongated strip and coupled to one of the electrocardiographic electrodes. A non-conductive receptacle securely adhered on the one end of the elongated strip and includes electrode terminals aligned to interface the pair of circuit traces to an electrocardiography monitor to obtain electrocardiographic signals through the electrocardiographic electrodes.

Abstract: A brain computer interface system interprets an individual's neural signals to predict specific phonemes, words, or sentences, thereby enabling the individual to communicate with others through unspoken methods. Specifically, a brain computer interface system captures neural signals from an individual at mesoscopic resolutions using optical neuroimaging techniques. The system applies the captured neural signals to multiple predictive models that have been trained on neural signals captured from previous individuals. The predictive models output predictions as to a phoneme or word that corresponds to the captured neural signals. Therefore, the individual can communicate through the brain computer interface system by only providing neural signals without using verbal, expressive, or physical means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for measuring skin conductivity and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein the sensor includes: a base board made of a flexible material; an electrode provided on a surface of the base board, and transmitting an electrical signal; and an uneven structure provided on the electrode, and configured to increase an electrical contact area with skin via sweat secreted onto a surface of skin.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for implementing frequency domain adaptive motion cancellation filters. An example method includes receiving an optical signal representative of a physiological function. The example method further includes receiving a motion signal from an accelerometer. From the motion signal, a known motion spectrum is expressed as a sum of a product of coefficients for each component of the motion spectrum, wherein the coefficients are representative of the strength of the coupling between the motion signal and the optical signal. The example method may further include determining the coefficients of the motion spectrum using gradient descent and generating a decontaminated optical signal based on the optical signal and the motion model spectrum. Other systems, apparatuses, and methods are described.

Abstract: To provide a biomedical electrode which is capable of restraining displacement or release of the electrode even if a living body takes a hard action, and which is mountable without an occurrence of discomfort. This biomedical electrode has conductive gels 11, 11, retaining members 12, 12 to retain the conductive gels 11, 11, and an adhesive surface 31a, and comprises a sheet-shaped adhesive member 30 to adhere the conductive gels 11, 11 to a living body surface S via the retaining members 12, 12, and further, the adhesive member 30 is formed in an enough size to cover substantially all regions of the retaining members 12, 12, and is configured to have liquid through holes 30b to 30b, 30c, 30c to discharge sweat which is accumulated in internal spaces R, R formed between the living body surface S and the retaining members 12, 12.

Abstract: An electrode cap contains at least one electrode array and is to be applied to a subject's head. The electrode array contains an insulating layer, two electrodes disposed opposite one another on the insulating layer, namely a first measurement electrode facing toward the subject's head and a reference electrode facing away from the subject's head. A conductive body abuts the reference electrode and is in electrical contact therewith, and is arranged on the side of the reference electrode that faces away from the subject's head. The individual conductive bodies of all the electrode arrays are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: Certain medical devices, such as auditory prostheses, have an implantable portion and an external portion. The implantable portion and external portion each include a transmission/receiver coil that communicates signals between the two portions. The implanted coil is implanted about the ear canal while the external coil is disposed about the pinna or in the ear canal itself. The proximity of the two coils allows for signal transmission between the implantable and external portions.

Abstract: A data collection device can determine that a connection is unavailable between the data collection device and a data processing platform. The data collection device can obtain, after the connection is unavailable, a plurality of readings. The data collection device can determine, based on determining that the connection is unavailable, to discard one or more readings from the plurality of readings to form a set of readings. The data collection device can store, based on determining that the connection is unavailable, the set of readings without storing the one or more readings. The data collection device can determine, after storing the set of readings, that the connection is available. The data collection device can transmit, based on determining that the connection is available, the set of readings to the data processing platform.

Abstract: A method is described for determining biological tissue type based on a complex impedance spectra obtained from a probe with a conducting part adjacent a tissue region of interest, wherein the impedance spectra includes data from a number of frequencies. The method may include: obtaining, from the complex impedance spectra, a first data set representative of impedance modulus values, or equivalent admittance values, at one or more frequencies, obtaining, from the complex impedance spectra, a second data set representative of impedance phase angle values, or equivalent admittance values, at one or more different frequencies, applying a first discrimination criterion to the first data set, applying a second discrimination criterion to the second data set, and thereby determining if the tissue region of interest is a tissue type characterised by the discrimination criteria.

Abstract: A closed loop, neural activity triggered rehabilitation device and method are provided for facilitating recovery of a patient from the effects of a sensory motor disability. The device includes a sensor system positionable adjacent the brain of the patient. The sensor system detects neural signals. A functional stimulation component is operatively connectable to at least one body part, such as a muscle or a nerve. The functional stimulation component stimulates the at least one body part in response to the neural signals detected. A sensory stimulation module is operatively connected to the patient to provide sensory feedback thereto.

Abstract: Provided are a medical insertion apparatus includes a screw body to be inserted into a body, and an electrode provided in the screw body and including an externally exposed portion, wherein a through-hole may be provided in the screw body or the electrode, and a medical insertion apparatus includes a screw body to be inserted into a body, and an electrode provided in the screw body and exposed to an outside of the screw body, wherein the screw body and the electrode may be provided in a connectable or separable structure.

Abstract: The disclosed wearable apparatus may include wearable apparatus includes a (1) device dimensioned to fit about a body part of a user, (2) a tensioning mechanism that harnesses to the device in a manner that is relative to the fit of the device about the body part of the user, and (3) an actuator couples to the tensioning mechanism that, when actuated, causes substantially tangential movement of the tensioning mechanism relative to a surface of the body part to produce substantially orthogonal movement of the device relative to the surface of the body part. Various other methods, systems, and/or computer-readable media are also disclosed.

Abstract: An integrated adhesive sensor array includes an adhesive a patch, a sensor hub, and a detachable sensor pod packaged as a unit. The patch may include a docking area for the detachable sensor pod. The detachable sensor pod may include at least one sensor and may be configured to be detached from the patch and applied to various locations on a body. The detachable sensor pod may send sensor data to the sensor hub via a wired link when on the patch and via a wireless link when detached from the patch. The sensor hub receives sensor data from the various sensors, and relays the data to a receiver. The sensor hub and detachable sensor pod may include indicators for communicating information. The sensor hub may include a power source for powering the sensor hub and a detachable sensor pod attached to the main sensor unit or patch.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bacterial counting method, comprising the following steps, S1: preparing a polyaniline/bacterial composite film on the surface of a glassy carbon electrode by electric polymerization; S2: drawing the standard curve of the polyaniline/bacterial composite film modified electrode; and S3: determining the bacterial concentration of the bacteria solution sample to be tested according to the standard curve obtained in step S2. The method does not require the cultivation of the bacteria in the implementation process, such that same takes a short time and is easy to operate; the method uses aniline as the main reagent, and the consumption of the solution to be tested is small, such that the testing cost is low and the equipment is simple; the method has the advantages of a good repeatability and a wide detection linear range; and the method is an easy to operate, short time-consuming, and low cost bacterial counting method.

Abstract: A system for performing at least one impedance measurement on a biological subject, the system including a measuring device having a first housing including spaced pairs of foot drive and sense electrodes provided in electrical contact with feet of the subject in use, a second housing including spaced pairs of hand drive and sense electrodes provided in electrical contact with hands of the subject in use, at least one signal generator electrically connected to at least one of the drive electrodes to apply a drive signal to the subject, at least one sensor electrically connected to at least one of the sense electrodes to measure a response signal in the subject and a measuring device processor that at least in part controls the at least one signal generator, receives an indication of a measured response signal from the at least one sensor and generates measurement data indicative of at least one measured impedance value and a client device in communication with the measuring device, the client device being ada

Abstract: Devices and systems described herein relate to a sensing device that includes an output area and an electrode area. The output area includes an output circuit comprising an integrator adapted to integrate a received current so as to generate an output voltage corresponding to the received current. The electrode area includes an electrode comprising an exposed, electrically conductive, surface area and electrode circuitry connected to the exposed surface area. The electrode circuitry comprises a voltage-to-current transducer adapted to produce a wire current corresponding to a voltage present at the exposed surface area. The sensing device also includes a connecting wire electrically connecting the electrode circuitry to the output circuit, wherein the current received by the output circuit is the wire current.

Abstract: A great device (10) processes and visualizes electrical impedance tomography (EIT) data (3) of at least one region of the lungs for determining and visualizing regional properties of the lungs of a living being. The EIT data (3) are obtained from an electrical impedance tomography apparatus (30). The device makes it possible to visualize regional properties of the lungs or of regions of the lungs in terms of hyperdistension or collapse.

Abstract: A system for diagnosis or treatment of tissue in a body is provided. The system includes an ablation catheter having a deformable, elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends. The catheter further includes an ablation delivery member disposed proximate the distal end of the shaft and configured to deliver ablation energy to ablate the tissue. In one embodiment, the ablation delivery member comprises an ablation electrode and may also be configured to generate a signal indicative of electrical activity in the tissue. The catheter further includes one or more sensing electrodes disposed proximate the ablation delivery member. The sensing electrodes are configured to generate signals indicative of electrical activity in the tissue. The system further includes an electronic control unit configured to control delivery of ablation energy from the ablation delivery member responsive to one or more of the generated signals indicative of electrical activity in the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implantable quadripolar electrode for sequential neurostimulation of the phrenic nerve. A matrix is provided with two branches each consisting of a hook designed to come in contact with the phrenic nerve without totally encircling it and an extension (112, 122), or strip, designed to cross the corresponding incision arranged in the pleura and fix the same on the pericardium, each hook having an orifice allowing the phrenic nerve to pass; The hooks are connected with a bridge designed to keep them at a fixed distance from each other on the longitudinal plane of said phrenic nerve and to allow the rotation of the branches in relation to one another to position the hooks around the phrenic nerve via their respective openings.

Abstract: System for capacitively recording electrical bio-signals from a bio-signal source, wherein the system has at least one capacitive measuring electrode and at least one electronic evaluation unit which is coupled to the measuring electrode and is intended to evaluate the electrical signals from the measuring electrode, and wherein the system also has means for monitoring the quality of the capacitive coupling between the measuring electrode and the bio-signal source, characterized in that the means for monitoring the quality of the capacitive coupling have, in addition to the measuring electrode(s), at least two injection electrodes which are electrically separated from one another and are intended to feed injection signals into the at least one measuring electrode via the bio-signal source, wherein the system has signal generators for generating a first injection signal and a second injection signal which differs from the first injection signal, which signals are fed into the measuring electrode by means of th

Abstract: Methods for sensing or stimulating electrical activity of brain tissue from within an animal vessel by placement of an intravascular device within an animal vessel to control an external device, the intravascular device being adapted to at least one of sense and stimulate activity of brain tissue located outside the vessel proximate the intravascular device.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a lightweight wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a reusable monitor recorder that removably snaps into a receptacle on the electrode patch. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline, with its unique narrow “hourglass”-like shape, significantly improves the ability of the wearable monitor to cutaneously sense cardiac electrical potential signals, particularly the P-wave and the QRS interval signals indicating ventricular activity in the ECG waveforms. In particular, the ECG electrodes on the electrode patch are tailored to be positioned axially along the midline of the sternum for capturing action potential propagation in an orientation that corresponds to the aVF lead used in a conventional 12-lead ECG that is used to sense positive or upright P-waves.

Abstract: A compensation circuit has a predetermined, known complex impedance and is located in a handle of a catheter or in a distal end of a cable that connects to the catheter. The compensation circuit is probed with a pilot signal produced by a compensation control. The compensation control measures the complex impedance, which is the combination of the circuit's known impedance as well as that of the cable and then determines the difference between the measured and the known complex impedances which represents that which is attributable to the cable, and is used to cancel out such cable-related contributions to complex impedance in other electrical connections in the same cable. In another aspect, an unknown tissue is identified as one of a plurality of possible tissue types such as regular myocardium, scar and fat based on the measured phase angle of the complex impedance of the unknown tissue.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed comprising, in at least one embodiment an electrode, a track and an electrical connector, wherein, the track is comprising an electrically conductive flexible and elastic material that comprises an electrically conductive material that is non-contiguous that when stretched is able to transmit an electrical signal from an electrode to an electrical connector and from an electrical connector to an electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses an array substrate, a display panel and a display device. The array substrate includes a peripheral circuit area in which a plurality of first wire grooves, a plurality of second wire grooves, a plurality of first lead wires and a plurality of second lead wires are arranged, wherein each first lead wire is arranged corresponding to one of the first wire grooves, and laid out on a bottom and sidewalls of a corresponding first wire groove; and each second lead wire is arranged corresponding to one of the second wire grooves, and a plurality of recesses and protrusions are arranged alternately on a bottom surface of each second wire groove along an extension direction of the each second wire groove, wherein each second lead wire is laid out on surfaces of recesses and protrusions on a bottom surface of a corresponding second wire groove.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor for monitoring the depth of consciousness of a patient. The sensor includes a plurality of light sources, light detectors, and in some embodiments, electrodes. In an embodiment, the sensor includes reusable and disposable portions.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes apparatus and methods for sensing electrical activity in tissue of a person in a manner which is substantially limits or eliminates interference from noise in a surrounding environment.

Abstract: Electrodes for use in electroencephalographic recording, including consciousness and seizure monitoring applications, have novel features that speed, facilitate or enforce proper placement of the electrodes, including any of alignment indicators, tabs and juts, color coding, and an insulating bridge between reference and ground electrodes which ensures a safe application distance between the conductive regions of the two electrodes in the event of cardiac defibrillation. A method of using a set of at least four such electrodes is also disclosed.