Electrode for evaluating cardiac functions via esophagus
US6438400B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 22, 2000 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 22, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2205/3368
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrode useful for generating or receiving electrical signals generally comprises a base and more than one dome-like protuberance on an exterior surface of the base. The electrodes can be utilized in connection with various probe applications. For example, the electrodes can be utilized with an esophageal probe for invasively monitoring cardiac functions, including the ECG or cardiac output of a patient. To further minimize the differences in voltage potential as may be caused by electrolytes present at the point of contact, a gold-plated layer may be provided on the outer surface of the electrodes. An exemplary probe generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac monitor. The probe also includes an electrode assembly comprising the dome-like protuberances and configured to generate or receive electrical signals that are indicative of the cardiac functions of the patient. The probe may further include a deployment device attached to the chassis for stabilizing the probe within the esophagus. The probe may also be configured to inclu…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.