Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode clamp (10; 100) for making contact with a film electrode and a snap electrode, the electrode clamp (10; 100) having a first part (12; 112) and a second part (14; 114), as well as a contact element (60; 160), and, for clamping a film electrode, the two parts (12, 14; 112, 114) being able to be pivoted toward one another, characterized in that in an initial state of the electrode clamp (10; 100), the first part (12; 112) and the second part (14; 114) have an offset (36; 136) to one another which can be reduced by relative movement of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) to such an extent that the snap electrode can be inserted into the electrode clamp, and that by a reset motion of the second part (14; 114) relative to the first part (12; 112) in the direction of the initial state, the snap electrode can be clamped against the contact element (60; 160) and thus contact can be made with the snap electrode and the electrode clamp (10; 100) can be con

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided. The electrode connector includes a jacketed housing having an internal cavity with an electrical contact material adapted for electrical coupling relation with an electrical lead wire. The jacketed housing includes a lower member positionable adjacent the electrode and having internal surface portions defining a keyhole slot therein.

Abstract: According to this technique of packaging a sensor device implantable in a living body so as to provide protection of the sensor device and to the living body itself, an electrical conductor of the sensor device is sealed in an insulating substrate extending between proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to an external sensor on the sensor device and the proximal end of the electrical conductor is externally connected to a distal end of a lead wire extending proximally to a pulse generator and these connections are embedded in an insulative sheath. The external sensor, substrate, and insulative sheath are encapsulated in a thin film of hermetic material without interference with the lead wire. In another embodiment, a layer of insulating material may underlie the hermetic material to encapsulate the external sensor and the substrate.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: A medical snap electrode having a conductive tape portion disposed between the cover material and conduction layer of the electrode. The conductive tape portion becomes part of an electrical connection from a top snap, positioned above the cover material, to the conductive tape then to the conductive layer. The conductive tape includes conductive adhesive on at least one of its surfaces and thereby provides a more robust electrical connection from a top snap to a conductive layer in the electrode and ultimately to a subject's skin. Viewing of the snap through the conductive film layer is prevented. The conductive tape thus provides an improved conduction path for distributing electrical current from the top snap to a subject's skin in addition to the conduction path through bottom snap. The improved conduction path can prevent heating or apprehension of potential heating by a subject or clinician.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided which includes an electrosurgical energy source; a return pad including a conductive surface; and a return pad cable connector selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The return pad cable connector includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough, the conductive wire have a first end which connects to the electrosurgical energy source; and a connector operatively coupled to the cord. The connector includes a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad and is in electrical contact with a second end of the conductive wire, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon; and a non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad.

Abstract: An arrangement for preventing lead wires on a patient monitoring or treatment device from becoming tangled. The arrangement comprises a plurality of electrically conductive lead wires, each having a fixed end and a free end, the fixed end being electrically coupled to the patient monitoring or treatment device. A mating connector is coupled to the free end of each of the plurality of electrically conductive lead wires. Each mating connector is electrically mateable with an electrode and also mateable with another mating connector to attach the free ends of at least two of the plurality of electrically conductive lead wires together. In one embodiment, a mounting member is provided that includes means for releasably connecting the mating connectors to store the mating connectors during periods of non-use.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system is provided which includes an electrosurgical energy source; a return pad including a conductive surface; and a return pad cable connector selectively connectable to the electrosurgical generator. The return pad cable connector includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough, the conductive wire have a first end which connects to the electrosurgical energy source; and a connector operatively coupled to the cord. The connector includes a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad and is in electrical contact with a second end of the conductive wire, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon; and a non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed about the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode-connector protecting cap for ambulatory physiological signal measurement comprising a hemisphere cap, a wing positioned at a periphery of the hemisphere cap and having a contact surface connected to the electrode-connector; and an opening for a wire to be passed through and formed in the hemisphere cap, and an electrode-connector including the same, whereby a connection between the electrode and the connector can be protected and the noise occurrence can be prevented.

Abstract: A return pad cable connector, in accordance with the present disclosure, for use with a disposable return pad, includes a cord having a conductive wire disposed therethrough which conductive wire interconnects the return pad cable connector to an electrosurgical energy source. The return pad clamp further includes a connector operatively coupled to the cord, the connector having a conductive surface which is selectively engageable with a corresponding conductive surface disposed on the return pad, the conductive surface of the connector including a conductive adhesive disposed thereon and a non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the connector for engagement with a corresponding non-conductive adhesive disposed above the periphery of the conductive surface of the return pad. The connector can include a magnet for magnetically coupling the connector to the conductive surface disposed on the return pad.

Abstract: A medical electrode includes a conductive flexible member having a top side and a bottom side with a non-conductive flexible sheet covering the conductive flexible member top side. A connector in contact with the conductive flexible member bottom side is provided for establishing electrical contact with an external electrical apparatus. A conductive adhesive adhered to the conductive flexible member bottom side provides electrical conduction to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a flexible elongate member having a sensor mounted thereon to a physiology monitor includes a housing, an electrical contact member disposed within the housing, the electrical contact member having a plurality of axially spaced contact members, a cable having a plurality of conductors being electrically connected to respective axially spaced contact members, and a sleeve having an Opening therein which communicates with an internal passage of the housing. The sleeve is moveable between an open position and a closed position. An interlock mechanism may also be provided to prevent the sleeve from moving from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: A system for connecting a flexible elongate member having mounted thereon an electrically operable sensor to a physiology monitor is provided. The system includes a connector arranged on an end of a flexible cable for receiving an end of the flexible elongate member. The connector includes a housing having an internal passage therein and a contact member supported in the internal passage of the housing and electrically connected to the conductor in the flexible cable. The contact member is movable between an engaged position wherein the contact member is positioned to electrically contact the end of the flexible elongate member received in the connector and a disengaged position. A nosepiece which has an opening therein that communicates with the internal passage in the housing is supported on the housing for movement between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to connect to an electrode is claimed. The apparatus includes a first mating member and a second mating member having first and second openings. A resilient body portion connects the first and second mating members.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode comprises a connector stud (1) anchored in a patch of adhesive-coated backing material (7) which is used to secure the electrode to the skin of a patient. The connector stud (1), which is located in a pierced opening in the backing material (7), has a head portion (2) to which an electrical lead of an electromedical monitoring/diagnostic system can be attached, and an electrode plate (3) which, when the biomedical electrode is in use, is placed in electrical communication with the skin of the patient. A strip of ionically-conductive adhesive (9) extends across the backing material and over the electrode plate (3) and a strip of scrim material (17) is located adjacent the adhesive coating on the backing material, underneath the adhesive strip (9). The two strips (9, 17) are displaced, relative to the electrode plate (3), towards a tab (13) which is used for removing the electrode from the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A gel layer retained in a retaining member 15, such as non-woven fabric, is placed on one side of an electrode element 1. The electrode element 1 is held by a flexible and extendable tape 11, and the tape 11 adheres to a biological surface tissue. When being plastered onto the biological surface tissue, the tape 11 is covered with cover films 12 and 13, thereby preventing occurrence of a kink in the tape 11. After the tape 11 has been attached to the biological surface tissue, a butt-joined portion between two sub-divisions constituting a cover film 12 is exfoliated to the outside, thus preventing removal of the tape 11.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device for introduction into a patient's body, in particular into the patient's blood vessel, for measuring a physiological parameter. The medical device comprises means for coding the site of an application of the medical device in the patient's body and/or means for coding the effect of the site of an application of the medical device in the patient's body on the measurement of the physiological parameter.

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: 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: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode array (i.e., "sensor") and a method for separating near and far-field signals. In one embodiment a horizontal array is used, and in an alternate embodiment a vertical array is used. The electrode array consists of two well-separated pairs of closely spaced electrodes (and a separate ground element). In a typical application of collecting a channel of EEG, "sensing" electrodes are placed in standard locations (e.g., R and Ctr) with a ground electrode placed elsewhere on the head. The voltage measured between the well-separated sensing electrodes is the far-field dominant (i.e., EEG-dominant) channel. Additional electrodes are placed near each of the two sensing electrodes. (The additional electrodes are immediately lateral to the existing electrodes in the horizontal array, and are immediately above the existing electrodes in the vertical array.) The voltages measured between the pairs of closely spaced electrodes are near-field dominant (i.e., EMG/EOG-dominant) channels.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode for an electrocardiograph or similar device is provided. The biomedical electrode includes a disposable electrode having an electrically conductive gel layer and a smooth layer film. The disposable electrode interfaces with a reusable leadwire connector having the relatively expensive metallic conductive material. The reusable leadwire adapter includes a vinyl top layer which attaches to the smooth layer film of the disposable electrode through surface attraction. The reusable leadwire adapter may include a suction cup which attaches to the disposable electrode through a partial vacuum. The reusable leadwire also includes a stud member which snaps into a standard leadwire connector.

Abstract: The connection element for an outer end piece of a surgical electrode is provided for application for the surface of the body of a heart patient. It provides a mechanical and an electrical connection between the outer end piece and a connection socket. It is advantageous to use one or a plurality of electrodes for the temporary monitoring and/or stimulation of the heart activity. One indifferent electrode arranged on the surface of the body, which is preferably mounted on a baseplate of the connection element, is associated with the or each unipolar electrode.

Abstract: A precordial overlay is configured for precise electrode placement on a patient as part of an electrocardiographic test. It is especially useful by emergency medical personnel who are often called upon to obtain an ECG. The precordial overlay has an elongated band having a first generally rectangular-shaped section, a second generally rectangular-shaped and an intermediate section connecting the first and second sections. Electrodes are slidably mounted in the three sections to allow for limited but quick movement from an approximate chest area location to a precise chest area location for a reliable electrocardiographic test.

Abstract: A skin-mounted physiological recording electrode assembly has a foam pad having a front surface having a central recess and mounted to the skin, and a rear surface. A pad passage extends from the central recess to the rear surface. An electrode in the pad passage has a sensing end in the central recess and a connector end to which a clip attaches. The clip attaches to a lead wire connecting to a monitoring device. At least one deformation gauge is coupled to the rear surface of the foam pad, and may be a strain gauge, a bending sensor, or a combination of both. The electrode assembly may be used in a patient monitoring system having an electrode signal processor, sensor signal processors, a multiplexer, an A-to-D convertor, and a microprocessor programmed with an adaptive noise canceling algorithm.

Abstract: An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: An electrode patch used in tests of physical health conditions such as an electrocardiograph (ECG) electrode patch having marking means which leaves a position mark in the test site on a person being tested to permit accurate location of the site for accurate placement of electrode patches in subsequent tests in a series of test procedures on the site.

Abstract: An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: A conductive medical electrode formed from a moldable, conductive material such as carbon-filled plastic. In one embodiment, the electrode is an integral, conductive electrode including a stud adapted to detachably couple the electrode to a lead wire and a body integral with the stud. The body has a face disposed opposite the stud, for contacting a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein. The grooved pattern increases the surface area of the electrode in contact with a conductive adhesive and increases the conductivity between the patient and the electrode. A second embodiment features a two-piece, conductive electrode including an electrically conductive stud and an electrically conductive substrate having an opening formed therein and attached to the stud. The opening formed in the body creates a cavity which aids in retaining the conductive adhesive. The substrate has a face disposed opposite the stud, adapted to contact a patient, which has a grooved pattern formed therein.