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: A method for measuring the barrier properties of naturally occurring tissue, such as the skin. The method comprises the steps of providing a probe having a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other, a voltage generator capable of supplying an increasing voltage between said electrodes, and a voltage meter capable of indicating the voltage between said electrodes. The electrodes are placed in contact with the target surface. An increasing voltage from is supplied from the voltage generator to the electrodes until current between said electrodes reaches a predetermined value. The voltage, which occurs when the current reaches the predetermined value, is noted. In another embodiment the invention comprises a device for measuring the barrier properties of the skin. The device comprises a probe. The probe has a pair of spaced apart electrodes in electrical communication with each other.

Abstract: A method of detecting neuromuscular pathology in an individual is disclosed comprising the steps of placing a detector on the skin surface of the individual substantially adjacent to a skeletal muscle; obtaining signals from the detector; processing the signals; and determining neuromuscular status in response to the signals. A system for detecting neuromuscular disease in an individual is disclosed, the system comprising at least one means for recording a first signal from a skeletal muscle; a filter in communication with the recording means to generate a second signal consisting substantially of spontaneous myoelectrical activity; and a processor in communication with the filter, wherein the first signal from the skeletal muscle is filtered so as to generate spontaneous myoelectrical signals, and further wherein the processor calculates the power spectral density of the filtered signals and determines the neuromuscular status in response to the power spectral density of the filtered signals.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and kits for protecting body tissues which are adjacent to tissues undergoing thermal treatment. The methods, systems, and kits are useful for thermally ablating tumors which lie at or near the surface of an organ, such as the kidney, pancreas, stomach, spleen, and particularly the liver. In radiofrequency and electrosurgical treatment, electrodes may penetrate and heat may dissipate into surrounding tissues and into tissue adjacent to the target organ, thus causing unwanted tissue damage. These risks and others may be lessened or avoided with the use of an interface shield between the target region and adjacent body tissues to shield surrounding organs and tissue from treatment effects.

Abstract: The invention is a precordial pad for positioning EKG electrodes on a patient for anatomically correct and repeatable placement. Data can be transmitted from the EKG pad of the invention by wire or wireless means. The pad includes a sizing aid, and a positioning device. The invention is also a system for obtaining and sending EKG data.

Abstract: Disclosed is an animal health care system, comprising: a weight input unit; an impedance measurement unit; an inter-leg distance input unit; and a health assessment data calculation unit. According to the present invention said weight input unit enters weight value of an animal, and said impedance measurement unit includes impedance measurement electrodes each for contacting with a root of each leg of the animal and measures impedance between front and rear legs of the animal. Furthermore, said inter-leg distance input unit enters the distance between the roots of front and rear legs of the animal, and said health assessment data calculation unit calculates health assessment data, based on the weight value of the animal, the impedance between front and rear legs of the animal, and the distance between the roots of front and rear legs of the animal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode structure and a heart rate measuring arrangement for measuring an ECG signal on the skin of a person's chest. The electrode structure (100) comprises a band-like component (101) that is fitted against the skin (102) of the person's chest and that is made of soft and flexible material that follows the skin closely. At the ends of the electrode structure (100) there are electrodes (118, 122). The inner surface (116) of the electrode structure is an adhesive surface for attaching the electrode structure (100) on the skin (102) of the person's chest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor (42) placed on the skin, which can advantageously be integrated in a garment and has a contact layer in contact with the skin containing conductive fibres for receiving signals and a moisture retentive moisture layer (41) on top of the contact layer.

Abstract: The present invention involves an electrode sensor attachable to a substrate for sensing electrical activity of a patient. The electrode sensor comprises an elongated conductive body having first and second ends, wherein the first end is adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient. The second end is configured to conductively attach to the substrate. The elongated conductive body is greater than about 2 millimeters in length and is configured to extend from the substrate.

Abstract: A universal disposable ECG sensor positioning device and method for use with electrocardiogram diagnostic equipment in which the mask has six sensors, two of which are movable, to provide four different sizes to accommodate varying sized human torsos.

Abstract: A physiological-signal-analysis device including a lead set connected to a central unit. The lead set includes a plurality of electrodes connectable to a patient. Each electrode has a non-alphanumeric symbol that defines a placement of the electrode on the patient in relation to the other electrodes. The lead set further includes a plurality of lead wires. Each lead wire is connected to one of the electrodes, respectively, and has a symbol that defines the electrode connected to the lead wire. The electrodes may be provided to an attendant as an electrode pack.

Abstract: A system for detecting and analyzing electrical activity in the anatomy of an organism underlying an electrode array provides signals corresponding to electrical activity adjacent each electrode. Such signals are correlated to the underlying anatomy of the organism and representative outputs presented through various types of output devices. Such outputs may include variations in coloration or other qualities in correspondence with representations of underlying anatomical structures. The system includes novel electrode structures (200, 224, and 284) and methods for producing and attaching electrode arrays (240 and 280) to the organism. The exemplary form of the invention is used in connection with the diagnosis of muscle activity in the lower lumbar regions of humans. Levels of muscle activity detected are analyzed by correlation with the muscular structures underlying the electrode array. Forms of the invention may be used in other applications.

Abstract: A resonance system is provided for use on a subject having a biological pathology. The system includes a wave generator operably disposed adjacent a subject for generating a wave (which can be an electric wave) at a predetermined frequency, a resonant frequency sensor and generator operably disposed adjacent the subject for sensing a resonant frequency of a predetermined area of the subject in response to the predetermined frequency and generating a resonant frequency signal in response to said sensed resonant frequency, and a device (which is preferably computer based) operably associated with the sensor for receiving the resonant frequency signal and manipulating the resonant frequency signal in a manner to be displayed. A method of detecting a resonant frequency in a subject having a biological pathology and treating the pathology using the sensed resonant frequency are also provided.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (10) for connection to a patient's body comprising electrodes (20) and a transmitter (50) for operable connection to the electrode assembly (10) to receive the output therefrom and transmit these to a receiver associated with monitoring equipment.

Abstract: A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user/operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.

Abstract: A conductive composition for a biological electrode is capable of reducing the impedance between the electrode and the skin. A conductive gel composition for a biological electrode which is capable of electrically and physically connecting a living body to an electrode element and is composed of at least the following components: (1) a radical-polymerizable unsaturated compound; (2) a moisturizer serving as a plasticizer and functioning to supplementing and promoting the physiological humidifying function of the horny layer; (3) a polymerization initiator; and (4) a crosslinking agent. This moisturizer serves also as a plasticizer and, furthermore, elevates the moisture content in the horny layer at the application of this composition. The above-mentioned composition may further contain a plasticizer selected from among polyhydric alcohols, amines and ethers.

Abstract: A health monitoring garment which employs a means of conducting electricity from the surface of the skin, through the fibres of a fabric to another fabric which is removably attached to it and contains a microprocessor, telemetry and a power source to monitor and transmit EKG data of a person wearing the clothing, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Removability enables tile garment to be washed and the electronics to be kept separate from the washing and tumble drying process. The same system can be used in reverse to effect cardiac pacing or defibrillation or to deliver other forms of electronically conveyed healing such as tissue repair.

Abstract: A mapping catheter is positioned in a heart chamber, and active electrode sites are activated to impose an electric field within the chamber. The blood volume and wall motion modulates the electric field, which is detected by passive electrode sites on the preferred catheter. Electrophysiology measurements, as well as geometry measurements, are taken from the passive electrodes and used to display a map of intrinsic heart activity.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for determining the cardiac output of a living subject. The improved apparatus generally comprises one or more electrode assemblies or patches affixed to the skin of the subject in the vicinity of the thoracic cavity. The terminals of each electrode patch are in contact with an electrolytic gel, and are spaced a predetermined distance from one another within the patch. This predetermined spacing allows for more consistent measurements, and also allows for the detection of a loss of electrical continuity between the terminals of the patch and their associated electrical connectors in the clinical environment. The method generally comprises generating and passing a stimulation current through the terminals and the thoracic cavity of the subject, and measuring the impedance as a function of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acquiring and processing electrical signals produced by a patient's heart. The apparatus includes fewer than ten electrodes for attachment to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. The device includes a signal processor connected to the electrodes for acquiring electrical signals from the electrodes and generating a twelve-lead ECG from the electrical signals. The signal processor generates less than twelve of the leads mathematically. For the method of the invention, a plurality of less than ten electrodes are attached to the patient. Each electrode is attached in a respective one of the standard ten-electrode, twelve-lead ECG positions. Electrical signals are acquired from the electrodes and a twelve-lead ECG is generated from the acquired electrical signals. Not all twelve leads are generated mathematically.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an ECG electrode system that includes the use of electrodes adapted to attach to the body via suction. The invention includes a lightweight and compact air pump in combination with air connection hoses, a lightweight air distribution unit, associated electrode tubes, and respective electrodes adapted to be positioned by the Venturi principle, and corresponding electrical leads and recorders/monitors. The electrode leads can each be positioned within respective air connections hoses, e.g., in a manner that is concentric or coaxial with the axis of the connection hoses, in order to both protect the leads themselves and facilitate their positioning.

Abstract: A system and method for remote pregnancy monitoring of a pregnant woman is provided. The system includes an ultrasound transducer positioned on a pregnant woman having a processor, a transmitter and a receiver, and a personal digital assistant operatively connected to the ultrasound transducer via a communication link. The system also includes a patient computer system operatively connected to the personal digital assistant via a second communication link. The system further includes a healthcare provider computer system operatively connected to the patient computer system via an internet, and activation of the ultrasound transducer generates a data signal transmitted to the personal digital assistant via the communication link, and transmission of the signal to the healthcare provider computer system via the second communication link, for monitoring the pregnant woman by a healthcare provider.

Abstract: The invention relates to a screen (300), which is particularly intended for a functional unit measuring heart rate from a user's chest. Electrodes (304) of the functional unit and preferably also an electric circuit (306) are protected against extracorporeal interference by the screen (300), which closely follows the electrode (304) or a supporting structure (40, 50, 60, 70) at least at the electrode (104, 204, 304, 402, 502, 602, 702).

Abstract: Disposable electro-cardiogram (ECG) transmitter device and a facilitator for proper placement of electro-cardiogram electrode nodes on a body, such as a human body. The device includes a substrate, integral non-replaceable battery and encapsulated waterproof electronics, and at least one data relay conduit integrally disposed on the substrate and capable of operative contact with a human body. Another embodiment includes a human-shaped or other anatomically shaped substrate and at least one data relay conduit integrally disposed on the human-shaped substrate and capable of operative contact with said human body. In this way, data relay conduits may be more easily and properly placed on the human body by placing the conduits at locations corresponding to their human-shaped substrate locations.

Abstract: A disposal ECG Chest Electrode Template with built-in defibrillation electrodes has a location tab so that the template can be easily, quickly and correctly placed on the patient's chest during emergency situations. The template and its electrodes is transparent to x-ray allowing it to remain on the patient's chest throughout x-ray diagnosis and evaluation for so long as monitoring of the heart's electrical activity is required. The template carries ten electrodes, the standard six precardial electrodes and four limb electrodes. A pair of defibrillation electrodes are incorporated into the template are also correctly located on the patient when the template is placed on the chest by its location tab.

Abstract: A universal disposable ECG sensor positioning device and method for use with electrocardiogram diagnostic equipment in which the mask has ten sensors, six of which can be used at any one time to provide four different sizes to accommodate varying sized human torsos.

Abstract: A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user/operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bio-electic interface adapter with at least two large area defibrilation electrodes and sufficient smaller precordial electrodes present therein to allow standard twelve lead ECG monitoring. The defibrillation electrodes can be affixed to the bioelectric interface via perforations, or by a functionally similar approach, to allow easy detachment in use. The bioelectric interface adaptor preferably has an undulated outer edge geometry, and provides electrodes for forming limb leads, optionally allowing use of the defibrillation electrodes as Right Arm and Left Leg electrodes. Limb lead forming electrodes are preferable affixed via perforations, or by a functionally similar approach, to allow easy detachment and deployment to conventional limb electrode locations, in use.

Abstract: The present invention is to a method and apparatus to allow a portable patient data monitor to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG) for transmission, such as over the Internet. A small electrical conductive patch is added to a sensor which is currently placed in the ear. This patch is used as a “dry” electrode to sense one side of the electrocardiogram signal generated within the subject. A second electrical conductive patch is added to the enclosure of the patient data monitor or other instrumentation package attached or located in an area near the waist of the patient. Wires or wireless interconnections are used to connect these two patches to an electrocardiogram amplifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods, systems, and kits for protecting body tissues which are adjacent to tissues undergoing thermal treatment. Thermal treatment is often prescribed for tumors and other disease conditions within body organs and other tissue masses. The methods, systems, and kits are particularly useful for treating tumors which lie at or near the surface of an organ, such as the kidney, pancreas, stomach, spleen, and particularly the liver. One risk of treating such tumors is the possibility of mistargeting the tumor and penetrating a delivery cannula or portions of a treatment device beyond the surface into the adjacent tissues or organs. In the case of radiofrequency or electrosurgical treatment, healthy surrounding tissue may be directly ablated. An additional risk, present even when the tumor is correctly targeted, is the possibility of thermal damage to the surrounding, non-targeted tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation is positioned in a manner so that the vicinity of a site is available for palpation and is visible for visual inspection. Another embodiment of the apparatus improves the sensitivity of detection by positioning an energy source and a receiver between a first layer of a high dielectric material and a second lay of a low dielectric material. The apparatus may further include a third layer of a conductive material to shield the apparatus from stray capacitance. In addition, a system for detection of extravasation includes an array of sensors located at, adjacent to and/or remote from an injection site.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode placement with a series of electrodes disposed therein to be used for a one-step placement of electrodes. The device is shaped to allow it to be positioned and placed on a patient so that accurate placement of electrodes is achieved.

Abstract: A disposal ECG Chest Electrode Template with built-in defibrillation electrodes has a location tab so that the template can be easily, quickly and correctly placed on the patient's chest during emergency situations. The template and its electrodes is transparent to x-ray allowing it to remain on the patient's chest throughout x-ray diagnosis and evaluation for so long as monitoring of the heart's electrical activity is required. The template carries ten electrodes, the standard six precardial electrodes and four limb electrodes. A pair of defibrillation electrodes are incorporated into the template are also correctly located on the patient when the template is placed on the chest by its location tab.

Abstract: A dry electrode, which is a single-plate capacitor, is particularly adapted to be placed on a patient's scalp to detect brain waves in an EEG system. The electrode comprises a metal disk sandwiched between very thin and relatively thicker layers of ceramic. The metal disk is attached to a small disk printed circuit board that carries an amplifier to amplify the brain waves detected by the electrode. The quality of contact of the electrode with the patient is measured by applying a pulse or voltage step through the ground electrode.

Abstract: In a method and a device for suppressing stimulations in a living examination subject as a result of switched gradients during data scans for producing magnetic resonance images, at least two electrodes, which are connected to one another by at least one electrically conductive connection, are attached to the skin of the examination subject for bridging at least one region of the examination subject that is of lower electrical conductivity than the regions surrounding it.

Abstract: Disposable electrocardiogram (ECG) transmitter device and a facilitator for proper placement of electro-cardiogram electrode nodes on a body, such as a human body. The device includes a substrate, integral non-replaceable battery and encapsulated waterproof electronics, and at least one data relay conduit integrally disposed on the substrate and capable of operative contact with a human body. Another embodiment includes a human-shaped or other anatomically shaped substrate and at least one data relay conduit integrally disposed on the human-shaped substrate and capable of operative contact with said human body. In this way, data relay conduits may be more easily and properly placed on the human body by placing the conduits at locations corresponding to their human-shaped substrate locations.

Abstract: A skin patch includes first and second layers of material and a telesensor sandwiched between the first and second layers. The first layer has a coating of skin-compatible adhesive material on its face that is remote from the second layer.

Abstract: A system for thermometry-based breast assessment has an analog electronic sensor and an adjustable mechanical harness. In order to sample breast surface temperature, and to collect, store, and display data relating thereto, the system has remote data-logging control. The system allows breast temperatures to be measured, with great accuracy and reliability, for selected periods for up to seven days at any desired rational sampling rate. Collected breast surface temperature data may then be uploaded into a computer for elaboration using a dedicated computer program. Breast surface temperatures may be measured at a specific point during the menstrual cycle, determined by progesterone levels in the urine when the system is used to determine the risk of breast cancer occurring later in women who do not currently have the disease or it may be used at other times for other purposes.

Abstract: A flexible multiple electrode assembly includes at least one fixed electrode; at least one extendible electrode; and electrically conductive interconnections coupling the at least one fixed electrode and the at least one extendible electrode to a common connector. The at least one extendible electrode is adapted to be physically separable from the at least one fixed electrode while remaining electrically coupled to the common connector. In one embodiment, an array of fixed and extendible electrodes is configured for the acquisition of electrical pulses from a heart for transmission to an electrocardiograph (EKG or ECG) device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation is positioned in a manner so that the vicinity of a site is available for palpation and is visible for visual inspection. Another embodiment of the apparatus improves the sensitivity of detection by positioning an energy source and a receiver between a first layer of a high dielectric material and a second lay of a low dielectric material. The apparatus may further include a third layer of a conductive material to shield the apparatus from stray capacitance. In addition, a system for detection of extravasation includes an array of sensors located at, adjacent to and/or remote from an injection site.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide an EKG recording electrode device which can be easily and quickly fitted to a patient without giving uncomfortable bodily sensations to the patient even if it is difficult to change the position of the patient, making it possible to properly take an electrocardiogram. An EKG recording electrode device comprises an electrode holder made of a sheet material having flexibility and a size suited for placing on an upper front part of a human body, and a plurality of electrodes attached to the electrode holder, each electrode including a contact portion having a curved surface on the side which comes into contact with a human skin.

Abstract: An electrode plate includes a button made of conductive rubber and having an upper side on which there is a tubular protuberance having a closed upper end and an open lower end, a label having a center hole receiving the protuberance of the button and adhered to an upper side of the button, a circular adhesive member adhered to a lower side of the button, and an adhesive sheet adhered to a lower side of the label, whereby the improved electrode plate according to the present invention not only improves the complicated procedures for manufacturing electrode plates, but can also prevent spots on X-ray film, thereby ensuring the accuracy of X-ray film

Abstract: A patient-specific electrode positioning apparatus and method allow EKG testing and delivery of therapeutic electrical impulses to the heart to be performed in an accurate and consistent manner by eliminating individual positioning of precordial electrodes for all but the first EKG test on a particular patient. Each electrode is slidably mounted on a platform aligned on the torso of the patient. Each electrode is adjusted until it is properly positioned and then it is permanently fixed in place by a lock-down mechanism, leaving the electrodes permanently positioned on the platform so that, when the platform is aligned properly on the particular patient's torso utilizing an adjustable position indicator, the electrodes will be properly positioned for a repeat administration of the EKG test and for delivery of therapeutic electrical impulses.

Abstract: A universal disposable ECG sensor positioning device and method for use with electrocardiogram diagnostic equipment in which the mask has nine sensors, six of which can be used at any one time to provide three different sizes to accommodate varying sized human torsos.

Abstract: High frequency current application electrodes are brought into contact with both hands, both feet, etc., which are extreme parts of a body in order to apply current to the parts of the body to be measured. Potential difference measuring electrodes are brought into contact with the parts to be measured along the path of the high frequency current. High frequency current application electrodes and potential difference measuring electrodes are selected to select the path of the high frequency current and the path of the potential difference measurement in accordance with the purpose. Impedance on each of the parts of the body is measured and body composition is derived.

Abstract: A method to aid the treatment of sleeping disorders that are aggravated by an insomniac's underestimation of total sleep time and sleep efficiency, and overestimation of time necessary to fall asleep. The method includes an observation of the beginning of rest time and self-actuated measurement of the time necessary to fall asleep. The insomniac is made aware of the elapsed wake time and total sleep time upon wakening by further observing the time of awaking and the elapsed wake time as recorded on a wrist watch or other device. The apparatus can include a wrist mounted timer with a hand mounted actuator that stops timing when the insomniac falls asleep and disengages contact with the actuator.

Abstract: A physiological sensor device for attachment to a mammalian subject including first and second regions of sensors attachable to a subject in use, which first and second regions of sensors are separated by a flexible web adapted to enable variable separation of the first and second sensor regions from one another in use. The physiological sensor device is manufactured by forming a strip of electrically conductive material on a flexible electrically non-conductive substrate and cutting a slot through both the flexible substrate and conductive strip to define a pair of adjacent edges of conductive material separated by a non-conductive gap thereby also to define adjacent electrode sensors each having one of the pair of adjacent edges formed in the strip of conductive material. The physiological sensor device is attached to the subject for measurement of numerous physiological parameters for a period of time, such as 24 hours, and is then thrown away.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode placement with a series of electrodes disposed therein to be used for a one-step placement of electrodes. The device is shaped to allow it to be positioned and placed on a patient so that accurate placement of electrodes is achieved.

Abstract: In accordance with the apparatus and method of the present invention, a biopotential lesion sensor is placed directly over a lesion in a symptomatic breast and a reference sensor is located away from the symptomatic breast. A plurality of electropotential test measurements are taken during a test period with the lesion sensor and averaged to obtain a primary test potential. This primary test potential can be weighted to compensate for one or more biologic variables such as patient age, time in the patient menstrual cycle, and the time of day during which the measurement is taken. To provide noise enhancement of the primary test potential average measurement, the symptomatic breast is divided into four equal quadrants with one quadrant containing the lesion.

Abstract: The present invention involves an electrode sensor attachable to a substrate for sensing electrical activity of a patient. The electrode sensor comprises an elongated conductive body having first and second ends, wherein the first end is adapted to contact the patient for sensing electrical activity of the patient. The second end is configured to conductively attach to the substrate. The elongated conductive body is greater than about 2 millimeters in length and is configured to extend from the substrate.