Skin screw electrode

US8112139B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• University of Pittsburgh—Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education · US

Inventors

• Mingui Sun · Pittsburgh, US
• Robert Sclabassi · Gibsonia, US
• Wei Liang · South Burlington, US
• Joseph A. Marcanio · Cortland, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 4, 2008
• Grant date: Feb 7, 2012
• Expiry date: Nov 25, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N1/36017
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Electrodes providing excellent recording and physical stability. Electrodes that include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation are disclosed. The shallow and relatively long teeth preferably run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the teeth penetrate nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may house a diversity of electronic components to enable numerous experimental and medical implementations. The electrodes may also be used wirelessly without electrode leads. The electrodes may be fabricated using precision photo-chemical etching techniques that are well known in the art. An electrode installation device that preferably employs the electrodes is also disclosed.