Reducing skin damage in use of medical electrodes

US6453205B1 · kind B1 · utility

Inventors

• Michael R. Dupelle · Attleboro, US
• Sheldon S. White · Brookline, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 12, 2000
• Grant date: Sep 17, 2002
• Expiry date: Oct 12, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/046
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

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. A layer of material, which is co-extensive with substantially the entire area of the conductive electrode, causes the insulative backing layer to form a dome while the electrode assembly adheres to a patient's body. In certain embodiments a container surrounds t…