Electrodes apron for ECG

Details Electrodes apron for ECG Electrodes apron for ECG

1998-09-10

2001-03-20

Dvorak, Linda C. M. (Department: 3739)

Surgery

Diagnostic testing

Structure of body-contacting electrode or electrode inserted...

C600S382000, C600S390000, C600S393000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06205346

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of accessories used in devices for medical testing. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrodes apron for use in electrocardiogram (hereinafter called ECG) medical testing.
BACKGROUND ART
An ECG test is a test which is performed by means of an appropriate testing device. The device measures the potential differences between various selected points on the body of a person to be examined (hereinafter called “patient”). These potential differences mirror the electronic activities of the heart muscle. The measurement is done by way of attaching electrodes to the body of a patient in predetermined places. These electrodes then transfer the electronic information to the testing device. The electrodes are placed around the heart at points between the patient's ribs, known as points V1 to V5, two are attached on the patients arms and two are attached on the patient's legs.
In the present, well known ECG tests, 10 electrodes are attached to the patient's body. In order to attach the electrodes to the body of the patient, disposable electrodes are attached with special glue or with suction buttons which cause discomfort to the patient. Furthermore, a special gel is spread over the attachment points in order to improve electrical conductivity. When the patient is a male, it is sometimes necessary to shave off hair at the point of attachment.
The present situation in which ten separate electrodes are attached to the patient, is awkward because of the use of ten separate conductors, which have a tendency to interfere with each other, and because of the need to glue them to the body of the patient. Discomfort is also caused because of the need to use suction buttons, or to shave the hair prior to placing the conductors on the patients body.
The placement of the electrodes on the patients body requires experience and anatomical knowledge which is not always found among the medical staff. As a result, the electrodes are improperly positioned. When the attachment to the body is not accurate, electrical noise is caused together with disruptions of electrical conductivity. These occurrences cause difficulty in interpreting the data received.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an electrodes apron for ECG testing having two bracelets for attaching to the arms of the patient (hereinafter called electrode bracelet apron), so that when the arms of the patient are brought to their regular position parallel to the body, the apron is tightened over the chest of the patient. The electrodes apron for ECG testing of the present invention is comprised of an apron cast from flexible material to be placed over the chest of the patient, ten electrodes inlaid within the apron in predetermined places wherein six of the said electrodes are located at predetermined distances between the patient's ribs, two on each arm of the patient and two at both sides of the patient's stomach. Either curved or spiraled conductors are cast within flexible material and each conductor is connected to an electrode. A multiple-pronged cable feeds each of the conductors and includes a connector for connecting the apron to a measuring device. The two electrodes positioned on the two sides of the stomach are those placed on the legs in the prior art methods.
The apron of the present invention has several advantages. The electrode bracelets apron enables quick wearing of the apron, particularly in emergency situations, since there is no need to bring straps around the back or the neck. Attaching the bracelets to the arms of the patient and straightening the patient's arms so they are parallel with the patient's body, causes the apron to tighten over the patient's chest and the electrodes to be placed in the required spots. It is possible to immediately connect the connector to the testing device and to receive results.
Furthermore, it is possible to connect the electrodes bracelet apron without completely undressing the patient but by raising the patient's shirt and placing the apron under the shirt or bra.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
The bracelets can be made from metal, thus the bracelets are used as left and right arm electrodes positioning them most accurately on the arms.
The present invention is described in detail by
FIGS. 1 and 2
. These drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the invention and are solely for purposes of clarification and description.


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