Surgery: light – thermal – and electrical application – Light – thermal – and electrical application – Electrical energy applicator
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-09
2001-04-24
Schaetzle, Kennedy (Department: 3762)
Surgery: light, thermal, and electrical application
Light, thermal, and electrical application
Electrical energy applicator
C439S909000, C607S152000, C600S372000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06223088
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrode and connector assembly and method for using same.
More particularly the present invention relates to electrodes used for external pacing, defibrillation, and monitoring of the heart. Often these electrodes have multiple functions. Some are used for defibrillation, pacing, and monitoring. Others are used for pacing only. Still others are used for defibrillation and monitoring. These electrodes are usually substantially larger than other types of electrodes, such as electrodes used solely for monitoring. The larger size is necessary because of the need to spread large electrical charges used for defibrillating or pacing over a larger surface than would be needed for an electrode used solely for monitoring.
In the defibrillation process a charge of electricity is introduced to the patient through the external electrode for stimulating the heart and for correcting heart fibrillation. For pacing a charge is introduced to the patient through the electrode for pacing the heartbeat.
Electrodes used only for monitoring receive small quantities of electrical energy generated when the patient's heart beats. These small quantities of electricity are transmitted through the electrode to a console which is capable of analyzing and charting the patient's heartbeat.
Electrodes used for the above purposes are often disposable. They are placed on the patient's skin during use and then discarded. These disposable electrodes usually include electrical connectors or wires which are connected permanently to the electrode and which lead to a console or machine for performing the various functions intended. Disposal of these electrodes also results in the disposal of the connectors or the wires because the connectors or wires are usually permanently connected to the electrode.
The connectors and the wires are the most expensive components of prior art defibrillation and pacing electrodes. Disposal of the connectors and/or the wires with the electrodes results in wasted cost.
One solution to this waste problem is to provide a defibrillation or pacing electrode that can be detached from the connector and wire before disposal. There are several problems however in providing a detachable connector to an electrode used for defibrillation or pacing. The connector must provide positive and reliable contact with the electrode so as to minimize arcing, failure, or any form of open circuit to the electrode during the defibrillation or pacing process.
The detachable connector must also be fail-safe. Paramedics or other medical personnel applying the electrodes to a patient are often doing so under conditions of emergency. Because of this, the connector must be one which can be attached quickly and easily with a minimum of confusion. The structure of the connector should be such that even under these confusing circumstances the medical personnel can attach the connector to the electrode in a reliable manner.
The connector must provide a strong connection to the electrode because often the conditions under which the electrode is being used are conducive to jostling, moving, and other forms of physical movement between the connector and the electrode. The strength of the connection is therefore important to maintaining proper electrical continuity.
Therefore, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of an improved electrode and connector assembly and method for using same.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrode that can be used for defibrillation or pacing but which does not have a connector or wire permanently attached to the electrode.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrode and connector assembly for use in defibrillation or pacing and which permits the electrode to be disposable without having to dispose of the connector or the wire.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved electrode and connector assembly for use in defibrillation or pacing and which provides detachable connection between the connector and the electrode.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrode and connector assembly which provides detachable, but also very strong and reliable connection between the connector and the electrode.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved electrode and connector assembly which will function even if the medical personnel attach the connector in a reverse position from its intended connection.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an electrode and connector assembly which includes a connector that can be quickly and easily attached during confusing circumstances often encountered in a medical emergency.
A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved electrode and connector assembly which is economical to manufacture, durable in use, and efficient in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The foregoing objects may be achieved by a combination of an electrode for defibrillation or pacing and a detachable connector. The electrode includes a dielectric backing layer, a conductive sheet layer, and a conductive gel layer. The conductive sheet layer includes a tab portion. An electrically conductive wire includes first and second opposite ends and a connector connected to the first end of the wire. The connector is detachably connected to the tab portion of the conductive sheet layer on the electrode. The connector has a first electrical contact providing electrical continuity between the tab portion of the conductive layer of the electrode and the conductor wire.
The tab portion of the conductive layer includes a hole extending therethrough and the connector includes a post protruding through the hole in the tab portion.
The electrode itself contains no connector or wire. This substantially reduces the cost of the electrode and consequently makes disposal of the electrode less expensive. The connector and wire may be used over and over again with different electrodes.
The connector includes first and second jaw members embracing the tab portion of the conductive sheet layer therebetween, and a post extends from the first of these members. The second member includes a hole extending therethrough and the post protrudes at least partially through the hole in the second member.
In use, the jaw members of the connector are positioned over the tab portion of the electrode. The jaws are clamped together over the tab potion of the electrode, with the post of one of the jaw members protruding through the hole in the tab portion and also through the hole in the other jaw member. A latch latches the two jaw members together in a clamped position over the tab portion of the electrode. In this position the connector is tightly secured to the tab portion and cannot be removed due to the post extending through the hole in the tab portion.
Each of the jaw members includes its own respective electrical contact leading to the wire, so that the connector can be attached over the tab portion of the electrode in a reverse position from its usual intended position, and still function as a proper connector to the wire. The connector and electrode assembly are very reliable and provide strong structural and electrical connection between the wire and the electrode. After use, the connector can be detached from the tab portion of the electrode and the electrode may be thrown away.
The present invention is preferred for use in defibrillating or pacing, but may have application for use in other types of electrode functions.
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patent: 5520683 (1996-0
Heard II William L.
Scharnberg Lorne C.
Todd, Jr. William A.
Walters Warren R.
Katecho, Incorporated
Schaetzle Kennedy
Zarley McKee Thomte Voorhees & Sease
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