Abstract: Optical adhesives that also diffuse visible light include a blend of an adhesive matrix which is an optical adhesive and a block copolymer. The adhesive may be a pressure sensitive adhesive and contains either acid or basic functionality. The block copolymer, which may be a diblock copolymer, contains a high Tg block and a functional block, the functionality of the functional block is complimentary to the functionality of the adhesive matrix to form an acid-base interaction. The adhesive may also contain a crosslinking agent.

Abstract: A medical dispenser for storing and dispensing electrodes includes a housing having a front member and a back member, at least one electrode strip disposed between the front member and the back member of the housing and an actuator mounted to the front member of the housing and adapted to engage the at least one electrode strip. The electrode strip includes a strip member and a plurality of electrodes mounted to the strip member. The actuator is movable relative to the front member such that movement of the actuator results in corresponding movement of the at least one electrode strip to dispense an electrode from the housing. The actuator may be adapted to engage an electrode of the at least one electrode strip. In one embodiment, the actuator is adapted to engage a male terminal of the electrode.

Abstract: An adhesive hydrogel contains: a polymer matrix of a copolymer of a monofunctional monomer and a crosslinking monomer (a); another polymer component; water; and a polyhydric alcohol, wherein: either a structural unit derived from the monofunctional monomer contained in the polymer matrix or the other polymer component or both contain a structural unit derived from at least one compound (b) selected from the group consisting of ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids, ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid salts, and ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid derivatives having a hydroxyl group, an acid group, a salt thereof, an amino group, and/or an ammonium group; and the other polymer component contains a polymer compound (c) with a side chain having an oxyalkylene group or a polyoxyalkylene group.

Abstract: An external defibrillator is provided including (a) a pair of disposable electrodes configured to be adhered to the skin of a patient, each electrode including an electrically conductive layer comprising a metal that is polarized during a defibrillating pulse, and (b) a control unit configured to deliver a defibrillating pulse to the patient through the electrodes. The waveform is configured to substantially depolarize the metal, and may be, for example, a biphasic waveform. Method of defibrillation and defibrillation electrodes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a physiological recording electrode, and, more particularly, to an EEG (electroencephalography) recording electrode that can be used without the need for numerous steps in preparing the subject's skin and the electrode itself. The invention further relates to a surface feature or penetrator with a size and shape which that will not bend or break, which limits the depth of application, and/or anchors the electrode or other device during normal application; and a packaging system comprising a well and electrolytic fluid for maintaining a coating of said electrolytic fluid on the surface feature or penetrator.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for reducing noise in health monitoring including monitoring systems, methods and/or devices receiving a health signal and/or having at least one electrode or sensor for health monitoring.

Abstract: An electrode, a biosignal detecting device and a method of measuring a biosignal are provided. The electrode includes an ion conductive member configured to be attached to a body surface, a nonconductive member including a through hole and disposed on the ion conductive member, a conductive member disposed on the nonconductive member, and a nonpolarizable conductive member configured to electrically couple the ion conductive member to the conductive member.

Abstract: A cable for use in biopotential measurements in a magnetic resonance (MR) environment comprises a flexible plastic or polymer sheet (32, 40) extending as a single unitary structure from a first end to an opposite second end, and an electrically conductive trace (38, 58) disposed on the flexible plastic or polymer sheet and running from the first end to the opposite second end. The electrically conductive trace has sheet resistance of one ohm/square or higher, and may have a hatching or checkerboard pattern. The cable may further include an electrically insulating protective layer (50, 70) disposed on the substrate and covering the electrically conductive trace, an electrode (30) disposed on the electrically conductive trace at the second end, an edge connector (74) at the first end, or various combinations of such features.

Abstract: An electrode patch (34) for use in biopotential measurements in a magnetic resonance (MR) environment includes: a plastic or polymer sheet (32); an electrically conductive trace (58) disposed on the plastic or polymer sheet, the electrically conductive trace having sheet resistance of one ohm/square or higher; and an electrode (30) disposed on the electrically conductive trace and configured for attachment to human skin. In some embodiments the electrically conductive trace is a carbon-based electrically conductive trace. The electrode may comprise a silver or other electrically conductive layer disposed on the electrically conductive trace and an electrolyte layer or other adhesive layer, such as a silver chloride-based electrolyte layer, disposed on the silver or other electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A body-worn physiological sensor includes a computation-communication module, and a flexible circuit layer configured to be coupled to a skin surface of a subject to measure physiological signals. An adhesive covers at least a portion of the flexible circuit layer and a protective covering protects the adhesive. The computation-communication module can be releasably attached to the sensor using electrical traces provided on the flexible circuit layer.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the respiration rate of a patient includes attaching a plurality of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes and a pressure sensor to a patient, producing a first respiration signal based on variations detected in signals provided by the ECG electrodes attached to the patient, and producing a second respiration signal based on pressure variations detected in the pressure sensor secured to the patient. The method also includes selecting at least one of the first respiration signal and the second respiration signal based on respective signal qualities and producing a respiration rate from the selected signal. The method also includes providing indicia of the respiration rate. The method may also include displaying ECG signals with the indicia of the respiration rate.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to devices and methods for monitoring, identifying, and determining risk of congestive heart failure (CHF) hospitalization. Methods include determining physiological values of a patient by electrocardiogram (ECG), bioimpedance, and 3-axis accelerometer, filtering the physiological values, comparing physiological values to baseline parameters and determining CHF risk. Devices include a 3-axis accelerometers, bioimpedance sensors, and an electrocardiogram, each capable of measuring patient physiological values, and one or more processors to receive the measured physiological values.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detachable biological signal measuring pad that may conveniently measure biological signals such as a pulse or body temperature. The biological signal measuring pad includes an adhesive pad main body detachably adhered to a body, a biological signal detecting electrode provided on an adhesive surface of the main body adhered to the body, and a module chip including a memory card mounted on the main body so as to be connected with the electrode and storing biological signals measured in the electrode, and provided on a surface opposite to the adhesive surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus combine patient measurement data with demographic or physiological data of the patient to determine an output that can be used to diagnose and treat the patient. A customized output can be determined based the demographics of the patient, physiological data of the patient, and data of a population of patients. In another aspect, patient measurement data is used to predict an impending cardiac event, such as acute decompensated heart failure. At least one personalized value is determined for the patient, and a patient event prediction output is generated based at least in part on the personalized value and the measurement data. For example, bioimpedance data may be used to establish a baseline impedance specific to the patient, and the patient event prediction output generated based in part on the relationship of ongoing impedance measurements to the baseline impedance. Multivariate prediction models may enhance prediction accuracy.

Abstract: A modular holder or patch is described that may be used with or as part of a wireless physiological sensing device. The wireless physiological sensing device may include a holder or patch, first and second electrodes, and an electronics package that may be removably coupled with the holder or patch and which may be in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes. The electronics package may include a housing, a wireless transceiver and electronic circuitry configured to process signals received via the first and second electrodes and the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: A modular holder or patch is described that may be used with or as part of a wireless physiological sensing device. The wireless physiological sensing device may include a holder or patch, first and second electrodes, and an electronics package that may be removably coupled with the holder or patch and which may be in electrical contact with the first and second electrodes. The electronics package may include a housing, a wireless transceiver and electronic circuitry configured to process signals received via the first and second electrodes and the wireless transceiver.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a patch for bio-electrical signal processing. The patch for bio-electrical signal processing includes a patch main body, a set of electrodes, and a lead signal generator. The patch main body has a folded state and an unfolded state. In each of the folded state and the unfolded state the patch main body is configured to be adhered to a living subject. The set of electrodes is disposed on the patch main body, and is configured to collect a set of skin voltages from the living subject. The lead signal generator is coupled to the set of electrodes, housed in the patch main body, and configured to receive the set of skin voltages from the set of electrodes and to generate a set of lead signals.

Abstract: An electrocardiographic system, the electrocardiographic system includes a first part that includes: a first housing that comprises of a first bottom layer that is elastic and has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a first set of electrodes that is located within the first housing; wherein the first set of electrodes comprises at least one first electrode; a second part that comprises: a second housing that comprises a second bottom layer that has an underside provided with an adhesive material; a second set of electrodes that are located within the second housing; wherein the second set of electrodes comprises at least one second electrode; a mechanical adaptor that is arranged to be detachably connected to a electrocardiographic device that comprises a processor and a wireless transmitter; and an electrical connector that is detachably is arranged to be detachably connected to the electrocardiographic device and to electrically couple the electrocardiographic device to conductors that convey s

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally (in the midline) 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 (or immediately to either side of the sternum) benefits extended wear by removing the requirement that ECG electrodes be continually placed in the same spots on the skin throughout the monitoring period. Instead, the patient can place an electrode patch anywhere within the general region of the sternum. Power is provided through a battery provided on the electrode patch, which avoids having to open the monitor recorder's housing for battery replacement.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. A pair of flexile wires is interlaced or sewn into a flexible backing, serving as electrode signal pickup and electrode circuit traces. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum, which significantly improves the ability to sense cutaneously cardiac electric signals, particularly those generated by the atrium. The electrode patch is shaped to fit comfortably and conformal to the contours of the chest approximately centered on the sternal midline. To counter the dislodgment due to compressional and torsional forces, non-irritating adhesive is provided on the underside, or contact, surface of the electrode patch, but only on the distal and proximal ends. Interlacing the flexile wires into the flexile backing also provides structural support and malleability against compressional, tensile and torsional forces.

Abstract: Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally on the patient's chest along the sternum, which significantly improves the ability to sense cutaneously cardiac electric signals, particularly those generated by the atrium. The electrode patch is shaped to fit comfortably and conformal to the contours of the chest approximately centered on the sternal midline. To counter the dislodgment due to compressional and torsional forces, non-irritating adhesive is provided on the underside, or contact, surface of the electrode patch, but only on the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A disposable, low profile sensor overlay covering for use with biomedical sensors and which includes a framework of flexible component layers supporting an arrangement of electrostatic shielding, insulating, cushioning, and electrically conductive adhesive substrate components configured to form a protective covering encasing the sensor. The combination of component layers provides a means to stabilize the relative position of the sensor with respect to the skin and reduce the potential for sensor dislodgment. The mechanical and electrical configurations act in synergy to shield the sensor from external electrical fields and suppress movement artifact.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring and/or treating patients comprise a switch to automatically start-up the device when the device contacts tissue. By automatically starting up the device, the device may be installed without the clinician and/or user turning on the device, such that the device can be easy to use. In many embodiments, the device comprises startup circuitry with very low current and/or power consumption, for example less than 100 pA. The startup circuitry can detect tissue contact and turn on circuitry that is used to monitor or treat the patient.

Abstract: A sensor system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plane member a plurality of electrodes within the plane member adapted to contact a human body to detect and monitor human generated voltages. The sensor can be applied to monitor a variety of applications relating to health disease progression fitness and wellness. Some of the specific applications include the monitoring of ECG EEG EMG glucose electrolytes body hydration dehydration tissue state and wounds. Various aspects of the invent aspects of the invention are shown by illustrating certain embodiments. Many other embodiments can be used to implement the invented schemes.

Abstract: A device to measure tissue impedance comprises drive circuitry coupled to calibration circuitry, such that a calibration signal from the calibration circuitry corresponds to the current delivered through the tissue. Measurement circuitry can be coupled to measurement electrodes and the calibration circuitry, such that the tissue impedance can be determined in response to the measured calibration signal from the calibration circuitry and the measured tissue impedance signal from the measurement electrodes. Processor circuitry comprising a tangible medium can be configured to determine a complex tissue impedance in response to the calibration signal and the tissue impedance signal. The processor can be configured to select a frequency for the drive current, and the amount of drive current at increased frequencies may exceed a safety threshold for the drive current at lower frequencies.

Abstract: A disposable, low profile biomedical sensor for detecting electrical signals from muscles and which consists of a framework of malleable and flexible component layers supporting an arrangement of conductor leads embedded within electrically conductive, adhesive, cross-linked hydrophilic polymer gel components configured to form signal detection and reference electrode contacts. The combination of component layers provides a sensor and lead cable that is flexible and can be contoured to conform to the underlying musculature. The mechanical and electrical configurations act in synergy to shield the sensor and lead cable from external electrical fields and suppress movement artifact.

Abstract: The system for displaying muscle force data includes a wearable patch and a remote visual display. The wearable patch carries electrodes suitable for sensing electromyographic signals on the skin of the patient. The patch carries circuitry which converts the detected electromyographic signal to a digital output which can be transmitted to the remote visual display. The circuitry relies on filtering to produce a usable digital signal at very low power consumption. The transmitted signal can be used to drive a variety of visual displays, including a conventional hand-held personal communicators and entertainment devices which had been programmed to suitably process the visual display.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning an electrode for cardiotherapy of atrial arrhythmia are described. Signals from patient electrical activity for a plurality of electrode locations on a patient are analyzed. An electrode can be repositioned to different locations on the patient to obtain signals from patient electrical activity therefrom. A human perceptible output indicative of the quality of the signals for the plurality of locations is generated and a final electrode location on the patient for placement of the electrode for cardiotherapy is identified based on the human perceptible output.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, devices, and systems for wireless physiological sensor patches and systems which incorporate these patches. The systems and methods utilize a structure where the processing is distributed asymmetrically on the two or more types of ASIC chips that are designed to work together. The invention also relates to systems comprising two or more ASIC chips designed for use in physiological sensing wherein the ASIC chips are designed to work together to achieve high wireless link reliability/security, low power dissipation, compactness, low cost and support a variety of sensors for sensing various physiological parameters.

Abstract: An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape.

Abstract: It is recognized that, because of its unique properties, graphene can serve as an interface with biological cells that communicate by an electrical impulse, or action potential. Responding to a sensed signal can be accomplished by coupling a graphene sensor to a low power digital electronic switch that is activatable by the sensed low power electrical signals. It is further recognized that low power devices such as tunneling diodes and TFETs are suitable for use in such biological applications in conjunction with graphene sensors. While tunneling diodes can be used in diagnostic applications, TFETs, which are three-terminal devices, further permit controlling the voltage on one cell according to signals received by other cells. Thus, by the use of a biological sensor system that includes graphene nanowire sensors coupled to a TFET, charge can be redistributed among different biological cells, potentially with therapeutic effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting an impending cardiac decompensation of a patient measure at least two of an electrocardiogram signal of the patient, a hydration signal of the patient, a respiration signal of the patient or an activity signal of the patient. The at least two of the electrocardiogram signal, the hydration signal, the respiration signal or the activity signal are combined with an algorithm to detect the impending cardiac decompensation.

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.

Abstract: According to at least one example, an ambulatory medical device is provided. The device includes a plurality of electrodes disposed at spaced apart positions about a patient's body and a control unit. The control unit includes a sensor interface, a memory and a processor. The sensor interface is coupled to the plurality of electrodes and configured to receive a first ECG signal from a first pairing of the plurality of electrodes and to receive a second ECG signal from a second pairing of the plurality of electrodes. The memory stores information indicating a preferred pairing, the preferred pairing being either the first pairing or the second pairing. The processor is coupled to the sensor interface and the memory and is configured to resolve conflicts between interpretations of first ECG signal and the second ECG signal in favor of the preferred pairing.

Abstract: A medical electrode demonstrates a superior adhesiveness to a patient's skin during medical data acquisition or treatment procedure yet attaining painless electrode removal from the skin when needed. The subject medical electrode is designed with adhesive neutralizer (or remover) solvent fully enveloped in one or several compartments embedded in an adhesive layer of the medical electrode unit. The compartments have a contact with the patient's skin when the electrode is attached thereto. When compressed by a medical personnel, the compartment releases the adhesive remover solvent directly to the skin-adhesive interface, thereby neutralizing (or removing) the adhesive material, thereby easing the electrode removal. The adhesive layer is made from PEO, sodium chloride, and water. The adhesive remover solvent contains isopropyl alcohol. A method of manufacturing the medical electrode is presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitor and monitoring system suitable for attachment to the skin of a mammal, including a human. The monitor and monitoring system are designed for continuous wireless real-time measurement of physiological signals and transmission of the measurements to a remote computer or mobile device.

Abstract: A non-invasive fetal monitoring system includes a plurality of contact elements, each of the contact elements comprising a plurality of electrodes configured in a unique pattern. The plurality of contact elements are configured for attachment to an external skin surface of a pregnant female for detecting fetal and/or maternal electrical activity.

Abstract: The invention relates to large area electrodes suitable for use in a fetal heart rate monitoring systems. The electrode comprises: a cutaneous gel contact (10) for sensing fetal electrocardiogram signals from a human pregnant subject; an electrical conductor (12) electrically connected to the gel contact (10) so as to define a first electrical contact region; a connector (14) in electrical contact with the electrical conductor (12) for connection to a lead wire; and a substructure (16) for attachment to a human pregnant subject. The gel contact (10) and the electrical conductor (12) are arranged on the substructure (16) to allow a contact surface (11) of the gel contact (10) to be in electrical communication with the skin of a human pregnant subject to define a second electrical contact region. The second electrical contact region has an area greater than 370 square millimeters.

Abstract: An electrode pad includes: a conductor layer; and an adhesive gel layer which is stacked on one surface of the conductor layer, the adhesive gel layer which contains 0.1 wt % or more of SnCl2.2H2O, and which has a pH of 3 to 6. The conductor layer may a conductive metal layer. The conductor layer may include a tin foil.

Abstract: A portable bioelectric impedance monitor for monitoring extracellular fluid levels includes a tetrapolar electrode array lead with four electrodes arranged sequentially and axially along the lead, and circuitry coupled with the at least four electrodes configured to measure bioelectric impedance extracellular fluid in a human subject at a frequency of less than 15 kHz. The electrodes are adhered to a human subject/patient on the patient's torso or one of the patient's limbs. One embodiment includes a Tetrapolar Analog Front End Patient Interface circuit configured to convert two electrode operation of a commercial Impedance Converter, Network Analyzer into a tetrapolar operation for excitation and impedance measurement of the human subject.

Abstract: Devices and methods of treating a targeted body tissue by stimulating the body tissue with an electric current. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an electrode carrier configured to be removably coupled to an interior surface of an orthosis. The electrode carrier includes a recess configured to matingly receive a portion of an electrode. The electrode carrier is electrically coupled to the electrode when the portion of the electrode is disposed within the recess. A connection member is electrically coupled to the electrode carrier and is configured to be releasably coupled to a surface of the orthosis. The electrode carrier is electrically coupled to the orthosis when the connection member is coupled to the orthosis. In some embodiments, the electrode carrier is configured to be removably coupled to the interior surface of the orthosis. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the electrode is constructed of an absorptive material.

Abstract: An electrode member for a body is provided. The electrode member includes a first sheet member having at least one hole formed therein, at least one second sheet member respectively disposed in the at least one hole, at least one metal contact point disposed on the first sheet member, and at least one electrode respectively disposed on the at least one second sheet member.

Abstract: A biomedical sensor system is disclosed that includes a plurality of electrodes and a contiguous adhesive material that is in contact with each of the plurality of electrodes. In certain embodiments a method is provided that includes the step of applying a first surface of adhesive material to a patient wherein the adhesive material includes at least two electrodes on second surface thereof that is opposite the first surface. The method also includes the step of receiving a time varying signal a first electrode of the at least two electrodes at a first location such that the time varying signal is not received at a second electrode of the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: There is provided a biological-information acquisition apparatus including a plurality of flexible attachment devices each provided with an electrode that is attached to a body and that is configured to acquire biological information, and a connector configured to connect the plurality of attachment devices.

Abstract: A respiratory monitoring system is provided. A measuring system is provided that includes, (i) an adherent device configured to be coupled to a patient, the adherent device including a plurality of sensors that monitor respiratory status, at least one of the sensors configured to monitor the patient's respiration, and (ii) a wireless communication device coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to transfer patient data directly or indirectly from the plurality of sensors to a remote monitoring system. A remote monitoring system is coupled to the wireless communication device.

Abstract: A medical electrode which mechanically isolates a conductive interface between the electrode and a patient's skin from forces applied to the lead wires or a lead wire connector is described.

Abstract: A system and method for health monitoring are disclosed. The system includes a patch device and an electronic module coupled to the patch device. The method includes providing a patch device, coupling an electronic module to the patch device to provide a wearable device, and monitoring health of a user using the wearable device.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring biosignals is provided. The sensor comprises at least one electrode comprising: a substrate comprising a flexible non-conductive material; a conductive layer configured to transfer electrical signals; a gel layer configured to transfer electrical signals; and a barrier layer configured to protect the conductive layer and transfer electrical signals, wherein the barrier layer deposited on the substrate, the gel layer is deposited on the barrier layer so that the gel layer covers only a part of the barrier layer, and the conductive layer is deposited over an area of the barrier layer which is outside of an area of the barrier layer on which the gel layer is deposited.

Abstract: An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape.

Abstract: An electrode patch monitoring device that enables fast and accurate application is described. According to some embodiments, the electrode patch monitoring device comprises an array of electrodes for monitoring bioelectrical data that are formed on a flexible substrate. The electrode patch monitoring device may be available in a plurality of sizes, and various methods are provided for selecting an appropriate size according to the physiology of a patient. Methods for applying the electrode patch monitoring device to the patient's body are also provided.