Skin screw electrodes

US9504424B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

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

Inventors

• Wenyan Jia · Wexford, US
• Mingui Sun · Pittsburgh, US
• Robert Sclabassi · Gibsonia, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 6, 2012
• Grant date: Nov 29, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 28, 2032

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 are disclosed that may include a plurality of small teeth that possess a novel design shape and orientation. The shallow and relatively long teeth run parallel to the rim of the electrode that presses against the patient's skin. When the electrode is twisted onto skin, the tiny teeth penetrate the stratum corneum and move nearly horizontally under the stratum corneum, thus anchoring the electrode securely to the skin. The electrodes cause minimal discomfort to the patient since the small teeth do not extend to the pain fibers which are located in deeper layers of the skin. The electrodes may be fabricated in a variety of geometries including cylindrical, disk, and blunt bullet or top shapes. In some instances, the electrodes may be connected to detachable leads having magnetic properties.