Abstract: An electrode structure containing plural electrode elements each comprising an electrode and an electrolyte layer laminated thereon, the electrode of each electrode element being connected to a power supply and the electrolyte layer to be in contact with the skin, wherein the plural electrode elements are insulated from each other and the electrode of each element is electrically connected to a resistor that limits the current flowing through this electrode, the resistor having a resistance that is ⅕-5 times the resistance of the skin. The present invention provides an electrode structure capable of making the density of the current flowing to the skin constant, irrespective of the electrification method, and capable of reducing irritation due to the electrification.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioelectric interface containing at least two electrodes and which is characterized as a support sheet with such attributes as an undulated outer edge, and/or with holes therethrough which allow access to a subject's ski in use, and/or with perforations therein which allow easy detaching and deployment of electrodes therefrom is disclosed. The preferred version has all electrodes necessary to perform twelve lead ECG monitoring. The bioelectric interface includes an adhesive sheet in functional combination with the support sheet, which adhesive sheet simultaneously presents with, preferably, scrim and/or slit effected essentially anisotropic specific impedance properties in combination with essentially isotropic mechanical pliability and adhesion properties. The electrodes are affixed to the support sheet in a manner such that their relative positions with respect to one another are essentially fixed. The present invention also provides for spring-loaded electrode contact improving access.

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: The EEG electrode and EEG electrode locator assembly may be used in combination with an EEG electrode locator headgear including a plurality of locator straps connectable to one or more of the EEG electrode locators that form an electrode locator assembly with the EEG electrode, for accurately positioning one or more of the EEG electrodes relative to the user's scalp, and for biasing the plurality of electrodes toward the user's scalp. The EEG electrode is adapted to be received in and cooperate with an EEG electrode locator ring, to form the electrode locator assembly. The EEG electrode includes a dispenser assembly adapted to dispense an electrically conductive gel onto the user's scalp to prepare the user's scalp.

Abstract: A system for long-term remote medical monitoring is especially suitable for the medical supervision of astronauts onboard a space station. The system includes at least one autonomous sensor unit (SU) with a sensor (1) and transmit/receive electrodes (2) connected to a microchip (3) and mounted on a carrier (4) in the form of an adhesive bandage that can easily be applied to the skin of the subject astronaut (11). The system further includes a body transceiver (10) that is worn on the body of the subject and acts as a centralized transmitting and receiving unit, and a portable data logger (12). Medical data such as the pulse rate and the like, as well as environmental data such as the ambient surrounding air temperature, are sensed by respective allocated sensor units (SU) and transmitted from the sensor units as electrical signals via the skin and other body tissues of the subject (11) to the body transceiver (10).

Abstract: An electrode assembly adapted to be attached to the skin over selected facial muscle groups picks up signals to be analyzed by an anesthesia adequacy monitor that measures the level of awareness of a living animal, typically a human being. The electrode assembly also includes a stimulator that stimulates a facial nerve to determine the level of paralysis, or neuro muscular block, of the facial muscles. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly by printing a pattern of electrically conductive material through a silk-screen or an ink type process onto a flexible layer, and then coating the result with a non-conducting adhesive except at points corresponding to sensing points for the desired muscle groups. Finally, a method for using such sensing and stimulating devices is shown in determining and maintaining an appropriate level of patient awareness, muscle paralysis, and analgesia under anesthesia.

Abstract: A disposable and noninvasive intrauterine fetal monitoring electrode assembly for monitoring fetal heart rate comprises an electrode strip for insertion into the uterus of a woman in active labor, between and in contact with the tissue of the uterine wall and the baby, and an interconnect cable for connecting the assembly to fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip comprises a flexible two-sided insulating strip having one or more electrodes disposed on each side of the strip. An electrical connector cable containing electrical leads provides electrical connectivity between each electrode and a separate electrical lead disposed within the connector cable to the fetal monitoring equipment. The electrode strip of the assembly includes a grip feature by which the electrode strip may be engaged to facilitate its positioning in the uterus.

Abstract: This invention defines a system for monitoring the brain activity of a human patient under anesthesia in order to determine the patient's level of consciousness. The system uses a plurality of receptors which are mounted in predetermined anatomical positions on the patient's head. The receptors are secured by adhesive foam patches. The appliance fits snugly to the head with the aid of self-adjusting strip that carry imbedded electrical circuitry for the receptors. Electrical connectivity in locations where scalp hair is most likely to be present is improved by the use of braille-tip electrodes fitted with large gel reservoirs.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation apparatus comprises an electrode system for measuring local electrical impedance. The electrode system includes a multitude of electrode pads and a counter electrode held at a reference voltage. The electrode pads and the counter electrode are assembled in an electrode unit. A particular embodiment of the electro-stimulation apparatus comprises an electronic circuit including a source group of electrode pads and a sink group of electrode pads and a source conductor for applying a first electrical quantity to electrode pads of the source group. The electronic circuit also includes a sink conductor for receiving a second electrical quantity from electrode pads of the sink group. Switching elements couple individual electrode pads of the source group to the source conductor. Other switching elements couple individual electrode pads of the sink group to the sink conductor.

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: This invention provides a needle with electrodes for delivery of nucleic acid or therapeutic agents for medical use in gene therapy. This invention also provides an apparatus which has one injection needle in the middle and two electrode needles on each side of the injection needle. Finally, this invention provides methods for delivering the nucleic acid using said needle or apparatus.

Abstract: A body electrode and connector for a fetal electrode has an electrically insulated substrate with an electrical contact strip on the lower surface and two electrical contact strips on the upper surface. An electrically conductive hydrogel layer extends beneath the lower contact strip and adheres to the mother's skin and makes electrical contact with the lower strip, forming a body electrode. Two parallel, but non-engaging, regions of electrically conductive adhesive are disposed over the two upper surface contact strips. The adhesive regions are, in turn, covered by resilient foam strips. Prior to use, the front portions of the electrically conductive adhesive regions are kept from adhesive engagement with the foam strips by removable release liners. The device is deployed by removing a hydrogel-covering release liner and attaching the device to the inner thigh or lower abdomen of the mother.

Abstract: A self-contained remotely interrogated biomedical sensor (10) includes an on-board regenerative power source (52/54), data processing capability (42) and data transmission capability (42). The sensor (10) is adapted to be secured to a subject and interrogated remotely using radio-frequency technology. The present invention is applicable for use with any sensing device (76) that is capable of providing a signal in response to being placed in thermal, electrical, chemical, acoustical or otherwise in contact with the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connecting arrangement between an electrode belt and a circumferential band at a heart rate monitor, the arrangement comprising the electrode belt for measuring heartbeat at a person's chest, which electrode belt comprises one or more electrodes and one or more sockets, provided with an opening and one or more supporting structures, the connecting arrangement further comprising the circumferential band provided with one or more connecting heads for keeping the electrode belt on the person's chest, the electrode belt and the circumferential band being connectable to each other by using one or more connections of the connecting arrangement, which connection can be provided by placing a connecting head in a socket.

Abstract: A double balloon endrotrachael tube has a hose section (1) and at least two adjacent balloons (3; 6) that may be independently inflated. Atraumatic sensors for monitoring the motor larynx nerves are associates to the upper balloon (3). For that purpose, electric and/or electromagnetic sensors (4) are arranged on the surface of said balloon.

Abstract: An implantable substrate sensor has electronic circuitry and electrodes formed on opposite sides of a substrate. A protective coating covers the substrate, effectively hermetically sealing the electronic circuitry under the coating. Exposed areas of the electrodes are selectively left uncovered by the protective coating, thereby allowing such electrodes to be exposed to body tissue and fluids when the sensor is implanted in living tissue. The substrate on which the electronic circuitry and electrodes are formed is the same substrate or “chip” on which an integrated circuit (IC) is formed, which integrated circuit contains the desired electronic circuitry. Such approach eliminates the need for an hermetically sealed lid or cover to cover hybrid electronic circuitry, and allows the sensor to be made much thinner than would otherwise be possible. In one embodiment, two such substrate sensors may be placed back-to-back, with the electrodes facing outward.

Abstract: An electro-dermal connector device includes a flexible non-conductive sheet and electrode sensors V1 to V6 disposed on the non-conductive sheet in a dimensional array and adapted for electrical connection with the skin for receiving and transmitting electrical impulses. On the non-conductive sheet the distance between electrodes V1 and V2 is 2.00 inches ±0.56 inches, and the distance between V2 and V4 is about 3.5 inches ±1.00 inch, with V3 located substantially midway between V2 and V4 and V5 is generally equidistant between V4 and V6.

Abstract: A disposable electrodeless electro-dermal connector device includes a flexible non-conductive sheet having a fixed array of electrical conductor strips affixed thereon and positioned in a specific size configuration appropriate for electrocardiographic recording. The connector strips have a receptor pad end adapted for electrical connection with the skin for receiving electrical impulses and a terminal connection end which is adapted for connection with an electrocardiological measuring apparatus. Receptor pads V1 and V2 are attached approximately over the sternum at the fourth intercostal space and receptor pads V3 and V4 are attached over the ribs, with the distance between V1 and V2 being 2.00 inches±0.56 inches, the distance between V2 and V4 being 3.5 inches±1.00 inch.

Abstract: A bi-directional catheter comprises an elongated body, a tip section and a control handle. The body has at least one lumen extending therethrough. The tip section is mounted at the distal end of the catheter body and has at least two diametrically-opposed off-axis lumens. The first off-axis lumen is smaller than the second off-axis lumen. The control handle is mounted at the proximal end of the catheter body and comprises at least two moveable members longitudinally movable between first and second positions. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires. The proximal end of each puller wire is connected to an associated movable member of the control handle. Each puller wire extends from the control handle through a lumen of the catheter body. The first puller wire extends into the first lumen in the tip section, and the second puller wire extends into the second lumen in the tip section. The distal end of each puller wire is anchored to the tip section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrodes apron for ECG which is comprised of an apron cast from flexible material to be placed over the chest of the patient, ten electrodes inlaid within the apron in predetermined places wherein six of the said electrodes are located at predetermined distances between the ribs, two under each shoulder and two at both sides of the stomach. Either curved or spiraled conductors are cast within flexible material and each conductor is connected to an electrode. A multiple-pronged cable feeds each of the conductors and includes a connector for connecting the apron to any standard ECG measuring device. The apron also has straps and a belt for tightening the apron on the body of the patient, locating the electrodes of the apron in their required locations for ECG tests. Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is an electrodes apron having two bracelets for attaching to the arms of the patient.

Abstract: An electrode for measuring a biomedical signal has: thin foil electrodes 11a to 11c which are formed into a square shape; lead wires 12a to 12c which are connected to the electrodes 11a to 11c, respectively; and a support section 13 which is made of a flexible material such as rubber or plastic, formed into a slender thin plate-like shape, and supports the electrodes 11a to 11c in a straight line and at constant intervals. The lead wires 12a to 12c are twisted.

Abstract: A device for noninvasively measuring energy emissions in the human chest. This device includes first and second spaced longitudinal flexible supports. At least one transverse support means extends between the said first and second spaced longitudinal supports. A plurality of sensor means positioned in a spaced transverse array on the transverse support. This device is an array based measurement system that minimizes the effect of rib interaction on the space-time field of the human thorax. This array-based measurement system is noninvasive so there is almost no patient risk.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a medical electrode system having a flexible substrate with two electrodes in electrical communication disposed at either end along its length. The electrode system also has one or more sensors for detecting the rate and pressure at which CPR is administered. The electrode is adjustable in length and protects the user from the potential of incidental shock when using the electrode in conjunction with a defibrillator.

Abstract: A positioning device for the accurate placement of biomedical sensors. The positioning device has a template frame and one or more template arms. The template frame is able to be referenced to at least one anatomical site upon the human body, such as the sternal notch or the navel. Template arms extend from the template frame to the electrode positioning site. The length and angle of the template arms corresponds to the distance from the template frame to the electrode positioning site. The template arms reference the electrode positioning sites with respect to the template frame. The template frame references the template arms with respect to anatomical sites upon the human body.

Abstract: The EEG electrode locator headgear allows the user to locate and apply disposable EEG electrodes accurately according to the International 10/20 System without technical assistance, to allow the acquisition of high quality EEG signals. The headgear includes a front forehead pad, a base strap assembly connected to the front forehead pad, a plurality of EEG electrode locators for receiving EEG electrodes, and a plurality of locator straps connected to the front pad of material, the base strap assembly, and to the plurality of EEG electrode locators for accurately positioning the plurality of EEG electrode locators positioned relative to the scalp of a user. A visor can be attached to the front pad of material, and the base strap assembly may include an occipital locator device. A plunger assembly with spreadable fingers for parting the hair of the scalp of the user is also provided that is inserted in the electrode locators to prepare the scalp of the user and to seat the electrodes.

Abstract: A template has a flexible sheet with a fixed dimensional array V.sub.1 -V.sub.6 positioned in a specific size configuration appropriate for standard electrocardiographic recording. The distance between V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 is 2.00 inches.+-.0.56 inches, and the distance between V.sub.2 and V.sub.4 is 3.5 inches.+-.1.00 inch, with V.sub.3 located substantially midway between V.sub.2 and V.sub.4, and V.sub.5 is equidistant between V.sub.4 and V.sub.6.

Abstract: A headset and system for taking EEG measurements on the head of a test subject. The headset has a plurality of electrode sensors in predetermined anatomical positions on the head of a subject to take EEG measurements, for example of the subject's response to certain stimuli. The electrode sensors are formed of dry conductive foam rubber pads attached to conductor elements. An individual shielded cable is attached to each sensor to carry the detected signal to a signal processor. The sensors may be formed of a carbon impregnated foam rubber pad that offers high conductivity. The sensors do not require wetting agent, and thus can be used in a very time efficient manner, and can be easily replaced for sanitary considerations.

Abstract: A surgical device including a relatively short shaft, a bendable spline assembly associated with the distal end of the shaft and having a predetermined configuration, the spline assembly being adapted to collapse in response to an application of an external force and to expand to the predetermined configuration in response to a withdrawal of the external force, and an operative element associated with the bendable spline assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible electrode catheter assembly (10) having a delivery system (12) for controlling a catheter guide tube (16) having a catheter distal end assembly (22) thereon. The catheter distal end assembly (22) has an electrode structure (28) on an expanding assembly (34) for enlarging the electrode structure (28) in an expanded condition. A balloon structure (48) is used to expand and contract the expanding assembly (34) when an inflation medium (64) is alternately introduced into and withdrawn from the balloon structure (48).

Abstract: Electrode assemblies are particularly used with a precordial overlay to obtain a quick and accurate positioning of electrodes for an electrocardiographic test. Each electrode assembly comprises an electrode to receive a lead wire, an underlying non-conductive pad secured to the electrode, and an overlying plastic sheet secured to the electrode in a manner whereby its peripheral areas are unattached. Preferably, the electrode assembly also has an underlying adhesive layer secured to the non-conductive pad and a removable backing strip. The precordial overlay has a set of slots in which the electrode assemblies are slidably mounted. The underlying non-conductive pad and the overlying plastic sheet of the assemblies effectively trap the electrode assemblies in the slots to allow sliding electrode movement. The sliding movement of the electrodes allows for limited but quick movement from an approximate chest area location to a precise chest area location for a reliable electrocardiographic test.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for application to a patient's skin comprises an electrically insulating substrate 13 bearing at least two spaced apart electrodes 18, and an electrically conductive layer 14 on the substrate which covers the electrodes and which in use of the assembly is applied to the patient's skin. The electrical impedence of the region of the layer 14 overlying each electrode 18 is less than the electrical impedence between the electrodes laterally through the layer.

Abstract: An electrode catheter for cardiac electrophysiology is provided. An elongated body suitable for intravascular insertion and forming an axial lumen is provided. A tip electrode defines an axial hole extending inward from a distal end of the tip electrode and is directly mounted to a distal end of the elongated body on a proximal end of the tip electrode. An eye electrode is located within the axial hole substantially concentric to and electrically insulated from the tip electrode. Electrode lead wires run through the axial lumen. One of the electrode lead wires is electrically connected to the eye electrode and another of the electrode lead wires is electrically connected to the tip electrode.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode including a flexible pad having a top surface and a bottom surface; an asymmetrical, linearly aligned array of signal contacts retained by the flexible pad and each having a contact surface projecting from the bottom surface and a coupling surface projecting above the top surface; and a connector including a plurality of connector contacts each being shaped and arranged for electrical connection to a different one of the coupling surfaces. The asymmetrical array of signal contacts facilitates proper positioning of the electrode on the skin.

Abstract: This invention defines a system for monitoring the brain activity of a human patient in order to monitor a patient's brain electrical activity. The system uses a plurality of receptors which are mounted in predetermined anatomical positions on the patient's head. The receptors are secured by adhesive foam patches. The appliance fits snugly to the head with the aid of self-adjusting strap that carry imbedded electrical circuitry for the receptors. Electrical connectivity in locations where scalp hair is most likely to be present is improved by the use of braille-tip electrodes fitted with large gel reservoirs.

Abstract: A distal tip for securing a plurality of spline elements to form a catheter basket assembly is formed from a flexible, resilient material, such as silicone. The distal tip includes a plurality of passages extending radially therethrough for receiving individual spline elements, the passages intersecting an axis and spaced apart circumferentially and axially from one another with respect to the axis. The distal tip may be formed by wrapping the spline elements around a tool, such that their midpoints intersect within a cavity in the tool. An uncured material is introduced into the cavity, and then cured to form the plurality of spline passages directly around the spline elements. During use, the spline elements may be directed between contracted and expanded conditions, with the distal tip resiliently yielding and thereby minimizing stress in the spline elements.

Abstract: A patient-specific electrode positioning apparatus and method allow the standard twelve-lead EKG test to be performed in an accurate and consistent manner by eliminating individual positioning of the six precordial electrodes for all but the first test on a particular patient. Each electrode is slidably mounted on a platform aligned on the torso of the patient. The mount containing each electrode is adjusted until the electrode is properly positioned for the test and then the mount 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 a pre-adjusted index marker, the electrodes will be properly positioned for a repeat administration of the EKG test. In one embodiment, the platform is flexible plastic with a "reversed S" shape and embedded wires accessible at one end of the platform for connection to the EKG machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving stress on a heart muscle tissue in a wall of a heart having a chamber. A plurality of biocompatible and implantable elongate strips are configured to be connected to the heart wall and disposed about the chamber such that the elongate strips are arranged in spaced relation to one another. The elongate strips are bendable and are sufficiently resistant to elongation such that natural stretching of the heart wall does not cause elongation of the plurality of strips.

Abstract: Electrodes arrays for monitoring in vivo electrical activity are disclosed. The arrays include a plurality of electrode contact pads in a predetermined spatial orientation held together by a structural matrix material that is preferably bioresorbable. The electrode pads are connected via lead wires to monitoring, analysis, and recording apparatus. The electrode arrays can be individually prepared, and configured (e.g., by irregular spacing between the electrode contact pads) to conform to the region undergoing analysis. Because the matrix material is substantially resorbed in the course of the protocol, the individual electrode cables will no long be attached to each other (or in the case of branching electrodes, the branches will no longer be fixed in position). In either instance, the electrode cables (or trunk and branches) can be removed without a second major operation.

Abstract: A plurality of locally sensitive, far-field immune sensors are mounted in mutually spaced relation on the exterior of the body of a subject to detect electrical signals associated with voluntary skeletal muscle activity in the immediate physical vicinity of the sensors. The detected signals are used to determine which, if any, of a predetermined series of voluntary skeletal muscle maneuvers is performed by the subject. A signal bearing a predetermined relationship to the maneuver is then transmitted to a device to be controlled based on which maneuver the subject has performed. Also disclosed are a novel sensor and a method of making same.

Abstract: A skin-contact type medical apparatus is formed of a first element for forming a pedestal, a protective resistance element attached to the first element, and a second element formed of an n-type semiconductor element and attached on one end of the protective resistance element away from the first element. The first element has a skin-contacting surface and a concave portion opened at a side of the skin-contacting surface to receive the protective resistance element. The protective resistance element has an elongated shape and a voltage controlling function. When the apparatus contacts the skin, the first and second elements serve as positive and negative electrodes, respectively, and the second element is electrically connected to the first element through the protective resistance element.

Abstract: A single-pass endocardial lead electrode is adapted for implantation within a single chamber of the heart. The lead includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are placed within the same chamber of the heart. In one embodiment, two electrodes are placed on a curved distal end of the lead. In another embodiment, the lead includes multiple legs, each leg carrying an electrode. The lead is attached to a pulse generator for producing pulses to the multiple sites within the heart.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for mapping an interior surface of a section of a body lumen comprising a catheter having a plurality of elements circumferentially disposed around its distal end that contact the interior surface of a body lumen and provide output signals corresponding to the local diameter of the lumen. In a preferred embodiment, the contacts are of an electrical-mechanical type, such that an output signal may be generated which is proportional to the degree of deflection of the contact caused by the local diameter of the body lumen. The distal end of the catheter is translated through the body lumen for a predetermined distance, while the output signals are reproduced on either an analog recorder or as a digital three-dimensional display. A drive system for translating the catheter, and methods of use, are also provided.

Abstract: In a support garment for a patient-worn energy delivery apparatus, a vest-type garment holds an electrode belt in contact with a wearer's ribcage. The garment includes a flap with button holes to permit buttoning in of energy transfer electrodes, thus constituting a wearable electrode system. Additionally, a holster contains the components of a wearable cardioverter defibrillator that are not in contact with the skin. The holster has an adjustment for waist, girth and vertical position of the defibrillator according to the personal preferences of the wearer. The support garment includes a vest-like chest garment and an inner layer which provides support for the defibrillator electrodes. A removable electrode harness is attachable to the support garment in order to accurately position the sensing electrodes on the body of the wearer and energy delivery electrodes for transfer of an electrode therapy pulse to the wearer of the garment.

Abstract: A disposable electrodeless electro-dermal connector device includes a flexible non-conductive sheet having a fixed array of electrical conductor strips affixed thereon and positioned in a specific size configuration appropriate for electrocardiographic recording. The connector strips have a receptor pad end adapted for electrical connection with the skin for receiving electrical impulses and a terminal connection end which is adapted for connection with an electrocardiological measuring apparatus. Receptor pads V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 are attached approximately over the sternum at the fourth intercostal space and receptor pads V.sub.3 and V.sub.4 are attached over the ribs, with the distance between V.sub.1 and V.sub.2 being 2.00 inches .+-.0.56 inches, the distance between V.sub.2 and V.sub.4 being 3.5 inches .+-.1.00 inch.

Abstract: A catheter for ablating and/or mapping tissue on the inner wall of a blood vessel, including a body portion and a tip portion having a proximal section and a distal section, the proximal section including a proximal ablation electrode and a proximal mapping electrode and the distal section including a distal ablation electrode and a distal mapping electrode, wherein the tip portion is deflectable from a first, generally straight, configuration in which the proximal and distal sections are substantially co-linear to a second, J-shaped, configuration in which the proximal and distal sections are generally parallel with a separation therebetween substantially corresponding to the inside diameter of the blood vessel.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring bioelectric data from the thoracic region of a human body and/or for inducing stimulating signals to said region comprises a plurality of finger-like substrate portions of a flexible dielectric material. The substrate portions are releasably attachable to the thoracic region of a human body and the lateral spacing between the substrate portions is adjustable in accordance with the physiology of the body. A plurality of electrodes are provided on each substrate portion each having a respective lead connectable to an apparatus for inducing stimulating signals to, and/or receiving physiological signals from the electrodes. Indicia or other positioning elements are provided on at least one substrate portion for indicating the correct position of the assembly in use.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrode supports at least one conductive contact having a rounded protrusion adapted for contacting a treatment site of a patient in use and an edge portion bordering at least a portion of the rounded protrusion. The electrode includes a first flexible insulating layer and a second flexible insulating layer having at least one aperture. In assembly, the conductive contact is positioned between the first and second insulating layers with the rounded protrusion of the contact aligned with, and extending into the aperture. In one embodiment, the rounded protrusion extends through the aperture to terminate at an apex beyond the second insulating layer.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a sheath, which includes a side wall enclosing an interior bore, and a distal region. The assembly also has a bendable catheter tube, which is carried for sliding movement in the interior bore. A pull wire also runs through the interior bore of the sheath, preferably within a lumen. The catheter tube has a distal portion with a coupling which joins the distal portion of the catheter tube and the distal portion of the pull wire. Relative movement of the pull wire and the sheath causes bending of the catheter tube outwardly through the opening, in response to sliding movement of the catheter tube within the interior bore toward the distal region of the sheath.

Abstract: An electrode for collecting surface electromyographic (EMG) signals consists of a generally bolt-shaped structure having a circular signal-gathering head and an integral shaft for support purposes and for transmission of electrical signals. The head of the electrode is configured as a disc having a plurality of pyramids distributed substantially evenly over the signal gathering surface with the tips of the pyramids projecting outwardly of the head for contact with the skin of a patient. Preferably, the electrode consists entirely of 316L stainless steel, the pyramids are formed by grinding or electromachining and the shaft is threaded for receipt of a clamp nut. The electrode is adapted for mounting in a hole in a thin, flexible support member by means of the shaft to maintain spacing among adjacent electrodes and to assure proper contact with the patient.

Abstract: A skin-contact type medical treatment apparatus includes a first element serving as a positive electrode and a second element serving as a negative electrode, which are electrically connected to each other through a resistance element when being in contact with the skin. The first and second elements are opposed to each other across the resistance element so as to be connected to the terminal ends of resistance element. The first and second elements and resistance element are formed flat on a substrate formed of a membrane of ceramic and placed in a fitting concave formed in a pedestal of synthetic resin.