Abstract: An electrode system is provided that generates a current flow that envelops and permeates an entire wound site. The electrode system includes two electrodes that are shaped and oriented to cause the current to flow from one electrode through the wound to the other electrode. A first electrode is applied to the wound site and the second electrode encircles the first electrode and is applied to the skin surrounding the wound cite. The two electrodes may be mounted to an oxygen-permeable layer that provides support for the electrodes and allows the wound site to breathe. An electrically insulative element may be disposed between the two electrodes. A power supply, which may be local to or remote from the electrode system, is provided for applying a voltage potential across the electrodes. In another suitable embodiment, the two electrodes are comprised of oppositely charged polymers.

Abstract: A disposable medical electrode for delivering high-energy defibrillation or pacing stimulation and having energy dispersion characteristics. A fanned wire contacts the top of an electrode member for delivering energy to and transmitting energy from the electrode. A hydrogel is disposed on the bottom of the electrode member and an electrically conductive metal/metal chloride ink coating underlies the hydrogel. The ink coating has (a) a center with a first amount of ink, (b) an inner edge defining the terminus of the center and a step at which the ink content of the ink coating drops from the first amount of ink to a lesser second amount of ink, (c) an outer edge defining the terminus of the ink, and (d) a predetermined gradient disposed between the inner edge at which the ink coating has the second amount of ink and the outer edge at which the ink is substantially absent.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electrode for establishing electrical contact with the skin, comprising an electrically conductive layer and an electrically conductive gel, wherein a face of the electrically conductive layer is separated from a face of the electrically conductive gel by an intervening part to be removed before use of the electrode and the electrically conductive layer is provided with connecting means for establishing electrical communication with a suitable device or instrument. The invention impedes contact between said electrically conductive part and said electrically conductive gel until removal of the intervening layer.

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

Abstract: A single separable electrode that includes a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections.

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 method of treating a patient for ventricular tachycardia using a wearable defibrillator includes monitoring the patient for a predetermined condition via one or more electrodes on the defibrillator, sending a message to the patient in response to the predetermined condition, activating the defibrillator so that the defibrillator delivers defibrillation energy to the patient, and storing at least one of the results of the monitoring, sending and activating steps in a memory on the defibrillator. The method also includes downloading information stored in the memory of the defibrillator to a base station having an external interface, and transmitting the information downloaded from the memory of the base station to an external location via the external interface of the base station.

Abstract: Electrode assemblies are provided, in which a pair of electrodes is joined by a central member. In some implementations, the electrode assemblies are foldable, and are configured to facilitate correct placement on a patient's chest. Some electrode assemblies include a separable electrode, allowing the electrode assembly to be fitted to patients having particularly large chests.

Abstract: An electrode includes a conductive adhesive layer and a conductive foil layer having a void therein. One such electrode may be mounted in conjunction with another electrode upon a release liner having one or more openings therein to facilitate electrical signal exchange between electrodes. A release liner may include a moisture permeable and/or moisture absorbent membrane. A release liner may alternatively include a conductive backing layer. A release liner may also include an insulating swatch covering an opening. A release liner may be implemented as a foldable sheet, such that multiple electrodes may be mounted upon the same side of the foldable sheet. A medical device to which the mounted electrodes are coupled may characterize the electrical path between the electrodes. The medical device may perform a variety of electrical measurements, including real and/or complex impedance measurements.

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: An electrotherapy delivery device includes an upper member having a handle portion and a pediatric electrode mounted to the bottom surface of the upper member. A base member having an adult electrode is selectively attached to the upper member with a coupling mechanism to conceal the pediatric electrode. The upper member attaches to the base member across diametrically opposed corners of the base member to provide the user with a more ergonomic hand position when accessing the paddles from the defibrillator. The device further include a plurality of switches operable to deliver a charge and to select the level of charge to be delivered to the patient. The paddle is provided with a processing circuit that receives an output from separate energy level increase and decrease switches, processes the output from the switches, and outputs a signal to the defibrillator corresponding to the level of energy selected by the switches.

Abstract: A disposable medical electrode for delivering high-energy defibrillation or pacing stimulation and having energy dispersion characteristics. A fanned wire contacts the top of an electrode member for delivering energy to and transmitting energy from the electrode. A hydrogel is disposed on the bottom of the electrode member and an electrically conductive metal/metal chloride ink coating underlies the hydrogel. The ink coating has (a) a center with a first amount of ink, (b) an inner edge defining the terminus of the center and a step at which the ink content of the ink coating drops from the first amount of ink to a lesser second amount of ink, (c) an outer edge defining the terminus of the ink, and (d) a predetermined gradient disposed between the inner edge at which the ink coating has the second amount of ink and the outer edge at which the ink is substantially absent.

Abstract: A paddle for use with a defibrillator, the paddle being formed of an applicator attached to a pad portion. The applicator includes a flexible plate, a handle attached to a top of the flexible plate, and an applicator connector disposed on a bottom of the flexible plate. The pad portion is electrically connected to the applicator, and includes a flexible backing that is shaped by the flexible plate, a pad portion connector disposed on the flexible backing to form a connection to the applicator connector, a lid attached to the flexible backing, and an adhesive conductive medium attached to a bottom of the flexible backing and removably encased by the lid. An electrical contact is disposed on the lid and is electrically connected to the pad portion and is exposed while the conductive medium is removably encased by the lid.

Abstract: This invention relates to implantable heart sack that can be equipped with pacemaker leads and/or defibrillation leads for the treatment of cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, tachycardia, bradycardia, ventricular fibrillation, atrial fibrillation etc. The hear sack was prepared from biocompatible, biostable, implantable polyetherurethane, polycarbonateurethane, silicone, polysiloxaneurethane, polyfluoroethylene, or hydrogenated poly(styrene-butadiene) copolymer. The heart sack is equipped with attached sutures to make it easier to attach onto the heart. The heart sack can be made semipermeable or perforated to have numerous holes. The heart sack can be reinforce with fiber or filament. Ordinary pacemaker leads can be attached to the inner side of the heart sack.

Abstract: A garment made of a flexible elastic material fits snug to the body and is used in conjunction with an electrical muscle and/or nerve stimulation device. The garment is specifically structured to advantageously position electrode pads at predetermined positions on the body corresponding with different muscle or nerve groups. In one embodiment, wires connecting to the electrodes lead to an interface connector that connects to an external controller of the stimulation device. Alternatively, the entire stimulation device, including the controller, is carried on the garment. The controller enables the user to selectively direct stimulation signals to one or more of the electrode pads in order to target specific muscle or nerve groups of the body. The controller further permits selective adjustment of the duration and intensity of the signal and electrical pulse delivered to the specific muscle groups and/or nerve areas.

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

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use during the treatment of a victim undergoing cardiac arrest, to facilitate treatment by chest compression as well as by shocks from an automatic defribrillator. The apparatus includes a sheet of dielectric material that covers much of the victim to electrically isolate a rescuer who is performing chest compressions, from the victim to whom electric shocks are being delivered. Defribrillator electrodes are mounted on the lower face of the sheet and are connected to the defribillator. The sheet extends down along the sides of the victim to isolate the rescuer, who is either standing or kneeling beside the victim to apply chest compressions.

Abstract: A universally functional biomedical electrode is disclosed, where the electrode has a resistive element that reduces edge effect by a redistribution of current within the electrode and in mammalian tissue contacting the electrode. In one embodiment, the electrode has at its perimeter in one layer the resistive element that provides a cross-sectional area to reduce edge effect regardless of the type of biomedical instrumentation connected thereto. With the construction of other layers suitable for multifunctional electrode usage, this electrode can serve as a single item in inventory at health facilities.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for treatment of a victim to reverse cardiac arrest by chest compression and by electrical defibrillation through electrodes applied to the chest area of the victim. The apparatus includes a dielectric layer which is placed on the victim to electrically isolate the rescuer who is performing chest compressions. The protective sheet includes a layer of electrically conductive material sandwiched between two dielectric layers to electrically isolate the rescuer. The sandwiched conductive layer is connected to a location on the body of the victim that is spaced a plurality of inches from each of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for communication between sensors in training equipment and electrodes for a defibrillator (AED) or a defibrillator-trainer (AED-T) provides for determining electrode positioning and providing feedback to the user. The training equipment is provided with a non-conductive chest skin, and the communication is wireless and bi-directional. The information from the manikin is generated by a microprocessor with a digital-analog converter. The information signal is transmitted to the sensors in the manikin by use of drivers, which sensors each constitute one half of a non-galvanic coupling, in which the chest skin separates the halves, and the other halves of the non-galvanic couplings are formed by electrodes that are attached to the chest skin, the non-galvanic coupling being in the form of capacitors or coils.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical electrode systems. In particular, the electrodes of this invention are capable of delivering synchronized cardioversion energy pulses as well as defibrillation energy pulses to a patient. The electrodes of this invention are appropriate for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (“AED”) as well as defibrillators capable of cardioversion. At least one electrode in an electrode set has a substrate with an adhesive surface, and conductors in communication with the substrate. The electrode further has a plurality of conductive elements electrode elements disposed on a substrate wherein each electrode element is in a spatial relationship to each other and electrically connected to the conductors, further the spatial relationship of the conductors facilitates the determination of an overall electrode pad attachment quality. A method of using the electrodes of this invention is also described.

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: A medical electrode assembly includes a conductive electrode, an electrically insulative backing layer on one side of the electrode, an electrically conductive coupling agent in contact with another side of the electrode, an attachment mechanism rigidly connected to a center portion of the electrode, and an electrical conductor connected to the attachment mechanism. The combination of the electrode with the attachment mechanism is constructed with substantial circumferential uniformity such that electrical current provided to the center portion of the electrode through the low-profile attachment mechanism is distributed radially through the electrode in a substantially circumferentially uniform distribution. The electrode is constructed to perform defibrillation or cardioversion. The attachment mechanism is substantially flat and has a low profile. The electrical conductor has a substantially flat, strap-like configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to medical electrode systems and, in particular, to an independently deployable sealed defibrillator electrode for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). The invention also relates to the method of use thereof. More specifically, this invention relates to an electrode system comprising an electrode layer and a releasing layer which are hermetically sealed together. Each layer contains a pull-tab or gripper for allowing the user to deploy the electrode in one step by pulling apart the two layers. This invention is also directed to a method of using an electrode system of the invention wherein the electrode is deployed in one step by pulling the electrode layer and the releasing layer apart.

Abstract: A perforated biomedical electrode having a detachable portion which allows a clinician to remove a portion of the electrode to thereby reduce the effective contact size of the electrode, e.g., the effective surface area for adhering the electrode to the patient's skin and/or the effective surface area for establishing electrical contact or ground with the patient's skin depending on the particular application, e.g., for use on an adult or a child. The biomedical electrode includes a pad comprising a first portion and a predefined line of separation along which a second portion of the pad is detachable from the pad so that the pad initially comprises a first surface area for contacting a patient's skin and upon detaching the second portion from the pad, the pad comprises a second surface area for contacting the patient's skin. An electrode attaches to the first portion of the pad.

Abstract: An electrode and connector are detachably connected to one another for use in defibrillating or pacing a patient's heart. The connector includes two jaw members which clamp over a tab portion of the electrode. The jaw members include electrical contacts which engage and contact the conductive sheet within the electrode. This provides electrical continuity from the electrode through the connector to a lead wire.

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: An energy delivery system for use with an automatic external defibrillator (AED), the AED having a case containing a plurality of AED components, a battery electrically coupled to a control system, the control system communicatively coupled to a charge system, the charge system for generating a stored quantity of energy responsive to a communication from the control system, the control system selectively commanding a discharge of the stored energy to an electrical connector, the energy delivery system includes three electrodes, each electrode for making electrical contact with a skin surface of a patient, each electrode being in electrical contact with the electrical connector for communicating the stored energy to the patient.

Abstract: An electrode system includes a release liner separating a pair of electrodes. The release liner includes a first portion having electrically conductive and non-stick characteristics and a second portion having electrically non-conductive and non-stick characteristics. An electrically conductive portion of the electrode is disposed over the first portion while an adhesive only, electrically non-conductive portion of the electrode is disposed over the second portion. The release liner includes a pair of electrically non-conductive sheets and an electrically conductive sheet interposed between the non-conductive sheets. The non-conductive sheets include an aperture to expose a portion of the conductive sheet for providing electrical conductivity between the pair of electrodes.

Abstract: A defibrillator paddle set includes first and second paddles connected together with a Y-shaped cord set. The legs of the cord set are attached to the forward ends of each paddle, adjacent a defibrillator "firing" button. Improved manufacturing techniques and enhanced operator safety are realized.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly includes an electrically conductive electrode, an electrically conductive sacrificial element, and a layer of electrically conductive gel. The electrode has an electrical terminal to connect with external electrical circuitry. The sacrificial element is electrically connected with the electrode through an impedance element or a power supply. The layer of electrically conductive gel contacts both the electrode and the sacrificial element so as to form an anode-cathode cell in which the sacrificial element functions as a sacrificial anode that corrodes and the electrode functions as a cathode that is protected from corrosion.

Abstract: This invention relates to medical electrode systems and, in particular, to a defibrillator electrode system for use with an automatic or semi-automatic external defibrillator (AED). This invention provides a medical electrode system with two electrodes. Each electrode has a flexible substrate with an adhesive surface; a conductor disposed on the substrate; and an electrode disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the conductor. The electrode pads are each imprinted to show the proper placement of the electrode. Additionally, the medical electrode system may have the electrode pads adhered to a single removable releasing surface. The removable releasing surface may have a fold-line along a center axis between the two electrode pads, or alternatively may have perforations along the center axis. Ideally, the imprinting on each electrode pad can be interpreted by an AED operator without reviewing the imprinting of the other electrode pad.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode is disclosed, having a geometry of a perimeter of hydrophilic adhesive exceeding the perimeter of an area containing electrically conductive plate(s). The geometry unexpectedly causes a reduction in edge effect for dispersive electrodes and cardiac stimulation electrodes due the substantial equilibration of the conductive adhesive with epidermis of a patient the electrode contacts for a period of time sufficient to cause such substantial equilibration.

Abstract: An external electrode for stimulating a person's heart is comprised of a first conductive layer having a first perimetric edge. A second conductive layer is in electrical contact with the first conductive layer and includes a protruding portion extending at least partially outwardly beyond the first perimetric edge of the first conductive layer. A third conductive layer is in electrical contact with both of the first conductive layer and the protruding portion of the second conductive layer. An electrical lead is connected to the first conductive layer.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode having an electrically non-conductive backing and at least one, and preferably two, conductive plates contacting the electrically non-conductive backing. A field of lossy dielectric material is used between the electrically conductive plate(s) and the surface of the electrode applied to a patient. A field of conductive adhesive contacts both the conductive plate(s) and the field of lossy dielectric material. The electrode does not operate purely capacitively, nor does it operate purely resistively. Hot spots due to "edge effect" are substantially reduced. At the same time, the biomedical electrode functioning as a electrosurgical dispersive electrode has an impedance within the range expected by the contact monitoring safety circuits provided with many current electrosurgical generators. The biomedical electrode also can function as a cardiac stimulating electrode, such as a defibrillation, cardioversion, or pacing electrode.

Abstract: A disposable transcutaneous electrode comprising, in a first embodiment, a sheet electrode member of electrically conductive carbon filled polymer, an electrically conductive metal/metal coating on at least a major portion of the lower side of the electrode member. A pad of electrically conductive gel having an upper surface underlies the metal/metal chloride coating on the lower side of the electrode member. A current distributing mat conductively adhered to the upper side of the sheet electrode member has a perimeter spaced inwardly of the perimeter of the electrode member and includes an open mesh metallized carbon fiber web having a carbon impregnated pressure sensitive adhesive composition on upper and lower sides of the web. The mat is configured to be electrically conductive along the surfaces of the mat and transverse to the surfaces of the mat. Defibrillating energy is conducted to or from the upper side of the mat by, e.g.

Abstract: A circuit detectable arrangement of electrodes and a package thereof are provided so that the presence of a fresh package of electrodes can be detected by a device and can be distinguished from electrodes that have been used or tampered with. A first electrode is disposed on an electrically non-conductive liner, a second electrode is disposed on an electrically non-conductive liner, and an electrical connector is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode. An electrode package is also provided including the first and second electrodes therein. Within the package, the first and second electrodes are provided adjacent to one another with their backing layers generally parallel to one another and with a loop formed in the electrical connector.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode is disclosed, having a geometry of conductive plates along a longitudinal axis of the electrode such that interior edge(s) of the plate(s) adjoining the axis are curvilinear or otherwise non-parallel to the axis. The geometry permits the electrode to register an earlier detection of a CQM alarm condition if a portion of the electrode unpeels from contact with the body of a mammalian patient before the extent of unpeeling would otherwise cause a CQM alarm condition established by and issued from an electrosurgical generator.

Abstract: A disposable transcutaneous electrode comprising, a sheet electrode member of electrically conductive carbon filled polymer, an electrically conductive metal/metal coating on at least a major portion of the lower side of the electrode member. A pad of electrically conductive gel having an upper surface underlies the metal/metal chloride coating on the lower side of the electrode member. A current distributing mat conductively adhered to the upper side of the sheet electrode member has a perimeter spaced inwardly of the perimeter of the electrode member and includes an open mesh metallized carbon fiber web having a carbon impregnated pressure sensitive adhesive composition on upper and lower sides of the web. The mat is configured to be electrically conductive along the surfaces of the mat and transverse to the surfaces of the mat. Defibrillating energy is conducted to or from the upper side of the mat by, e.g., a sheathed electrical conductor, a conductive post stud, a metal tab conductor or similar element.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting combination electrodes to a defibrillator/monitor/pacer. The adapter isolates the pacer from the defibrillator when a defibrillation pulse is applied over the combination electrodes. In a first embodiment of the adapter, the pacer is conductively connected to the combination electrodes only when the pacer's power supply is turned on. In a second embodiment of the adapter, the pacer is normally connected to the combination electrodes, but is disconnected when the defibrillator/monitor/pacer is analyzing a patient's ECG or when the defibrillator is charging to enable it to deliver a defibrillation pulse. Also provided in the adapter is a contact assembly for connecting the adapter to defibrillation paddles from the defibrillator.

Abstract: A circuit detectable arrangement of a plurality of medical electrodes is provided with each electrode having an electrically nonconductive backing layer, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive disposed on the backing layer and a lead wire extending therefrom and electrically connected with the conductive adhesive. More specifically, a first electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, a second electrode is disposed on an electrically nonconductive liner, and an electrical connector is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode. Preferably, the backing layers of the first and second electrodes each include a conductor portion, and the electrical connector is connected between the conductor portion of the backing layer of the first electrode and the conductor portion of the backing layer of the second electrode.

Abstract: A package of defibrillator electrodes having a date indication element and a circuit for determining a date of manufacture of medical electrodes within the package is provided. Specifically, by the circuit and package design of the present invention, the presence of a fresh package of electrodes can be detected. A circuit detectable package of medical electrodes is provided including first and second electrodes within the package. An electrical interconnection means is provided between the first and second electrodes for electrically completing a circuit connecting the lead wire of the first electrode to the lead wire of the second electrode, and includes a date identification element which when subjected to an applied voltage by way of the lead wires generates a measurable affect representative of the manufacturing period of the defibrillator electrodes. The date identification element may comprise a passive element, a value of which represents a date and can be measured.

Abstract: A portable defibrillator device has a housing including a disposable power pack and a main electronic unit. Treatment, ground pad and ECG electrodes are also included. One or more non-rechargeable batteries are positioned in the power pack, with each battery including battery contacts. An ECG detection circuit provides a control signal representative of heart activity. A defibrillation circuit is responsive to the control signal and is connected to the treatment electrode to deliver a discharge to the patient. In another embodiment, the portable defibrillator's housing includes a removable power pack and a main electronic unit. Disposed within the power pack are one or more batteries. A treatment electrode is capable of delivering a defibrillation shock and also measure ECG activity of a patient. A ground pad electrode is also included. An ECG detection circuit provides the control circuit, and a defibrillation circuit receives the control signal and delivers a treatment shock when appropriate.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for facilitating coronary surgery on the beating heart wherein the vagal nerve is electrically stimulated to temporarily stop or substantially reduce the beating of the heart. Such temporary stoppage or substantial reduction of the beating of the heart facilitates procedures such as suturing of an anastomosis which would otherwise be more difficult because of the motion induced by the beating heart.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator which automatically performs self-tests on a daily and weekly basis. Tested functions include the presence and interconnection of defibrillator electrodes, battery charge state and the operability of the high voltage circuit. Visual and audible indicators are actuated to alert an operator if faults are identified. A record of each self-test is stored in memory, and can be subsequently retrieved through a communications port.

Abstract: A device for performing active compression/decompression cardiopulmonary resuscitation includes an applicator body with an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface includes provisions for detachably securing to the patient's chest, such as a vacuum cup or an adhesive layer. For manual resuscitation, the upper surface will include a strap or other structure for securing a performer's hand thereto. In an exemplary device, a disc-shaped handle is attached to the upper surface of a vacuum cup applicator by a short connecting stem structure. A pressure gauge mounted to the handle permits the performer to monitor how much force is being applied in both the compression and decompression phases. For automatic applications, a mechanical drive member will be secured to the upper surface. By alternately pressing and lifting on the applicator device, the patient's chest can be compressed and expanded to improve induced ventilation and circulation.

Abstract: A defibrillator and electrode system that gives the user a visible and/or audible indication of the condition of the electrodes and other parts of the defibrillator system prior to deployment of the electrodes and use of the defibrillator. In a preferred embodiment of the method of this invention, a patient simulation and analyze circuit within the defibrillator periodically tests the condition of the system and provides the user with a visual indication of the system's condition.

Abstract: A disposable transcutaneous electrode comprising, a sheet electrode member of electrically conductive carbon filled polymer, an electrically conductive silver/silver chloride coating on at least a major portion of the lower side of the electrode member, a pad of electrically conductive gel having an upper surface underlying the silver/silver chloride coating on the lower side of the electrode member, a current distributing mat having a perimeter spaced inwardly of the perimeter of the electrode member, the mat including an open mesh metallized carbon fiber web having a carbon impregnated pressure sensitive adhesive composition on upper and lower sides of the web, the mat being configured to be electrically conductive along the surfaces of the mat and transverse to the surfaces of the mat and being conductively adhered to the upper side of the sheet electrode member, an electrical conductor sheathed in an electrical insulating material and having an unsheathed end portion conductively adhered to the mat for co

Abstract: A medical electrode for use with a power supply for providing a more uniform current distribution for contacting an exposed surface of skin of a living body comprising a flexible carrier layer formed of an insulating material. A layer of conductive material is carried by the carrier layer. The layer of conductive material is separated into at least two segments with a space therebetween so that the two segments are electrically isolated from each other. A continuous layer of hydrogel material overlies the segments and is disposed in said space. The hydrogel material has a resistivity greater than the resistivity of the skin of the patient. A connector is adapted to be connected to the source of power whereby substantially equal current flow can be achieved from each segment through the skin of the patient without sharp transitions in current flow between the segments and the space between the segments.

Abstract: A device usable as a cardiac pacing electrode and as a cardiac defibrillation electrode has first and second substantially parallel electrodes (1,4), a first gel pad (3) located between the first and second electrodes, and a second gel pad (5) located on the second electrode. The first electrode (1) and the first and second gel pads (3, 5) may function as a cardiac pacing electrode and the second electrode (4) and the second gel pad (5) may function as a cardiac defibrillation electrode.