Abstract: Disclosed is an electrode (10, 60) for placement upon the skin of a patient (12) to deliver electrical pulses from medical electronic equipment (16) to the patient. The electrode includes (10, 60) an electrically conductive layer (24, 74) having a skin-facing side and an upper side. An impedance-decreasing layer (32, 82) is adjacent a substantial portion of the skin-facing side of the conductive layer (24, 74). A substantially electrically nonconductive backing layer (18, 68) is adjacent the upper surface of the conductive layer (24, 74), the backing layer (18, 68) being substantially impermeable to the impedance-decreasing layer (32, 82). A gas-permeable layer (20, 70) is between the backing layer (18, 68) and the conductive layer (24, 74). Finally, a vent (22, 72) is provided for venting gas formed between the impedance-decreasing layer (32, 82) and the conductive layer (24, 74) to the environment.

Abstract: A method for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation employs an applicator device having a 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 means for securing a performer's hand thereto. 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 non-invasive radiolucent electrode for stimulating the heart is disclosed. The electrode is configured to include at least one pad having a first surface adapted to contact the patient's skin, and a conductive mesh backing substantially covering a second surface of the pad and configured to be radiolucent.

Abstract: A non-invasive radiolucent electrode configured to include at least one skin-contacting pad is provided, characterized in that the pad, in an exemplary embodiment, is configured with an expanded foil backing. In addition, a non-invasive radiolucent electrode suitable for cardiac stimulation and RF grounding applications through the same skin-contacting pad is also provided.

Abstract: An electrode for transcutaneously delivering defibrillation pulses to a patient's heart. The electrode comprises an insulating substrate, a conducting plate which is positioned on the substrate and which has an electrical terminal for making a connection to an external source of electrical current, and a layer of electrolytic gel covering the entire top surface of the conducting plate. This gel contacts a patient's skin when the electrode is positioned on the skin to prevent the conducting plate from contacting the skin. The gel comprises a concentration of an electrolyte such that the combination series resistance of two of the electrodes, when measured with the electrodes configured in a series circuit with a 50 .OMEGA. resistance, and with the electrolytic gel layer of each electrode in contact with that of the other electrode, is greater than 1 .OMEGA. when a 200 Joule defibrillation pulse is discharged into the series circuit.

Abstract: Large surface area electrode for use with a power supply having a more uniform current density distribution for contacting the exposed surface of a living body having a contour. The electrode comprises a layer of flexible conductive material of a predetermined geometrical shape and having first and second surfaces. The layer is normally relatively flat and is capable of assuming contours of the skin of the body when the electrode is placed in contact with the body with the first surface of the layer engaging the exposed surface of the body. The layer of conductive material has a central portion and a surrounding ring portion. The central portion and the surrounding ring portion have outer margins with edges. A flexible carrier layer is provided which is secured to the second surface of the layer of flexible conductive material and serves to support the central portion and the said surrounding portion so that the surrounding portion is spaced from and insulated from the central portion.