Abstract:
Disclosed is a disposable self-prepping electrode (10) which utilizes an array or mat of flexile tines (24) which serve to part the high impendance outer layers of skin to expose the low impendance, blood enriched layers without scratching or abrading. The tines (24) are preferably imbedded in a conductive gel layer (14). In an alternate embodiment, a self-prepping layer of flexile tines (24) embedded in gel (14) may be a single disposable self-prepping layer that is mounted over a permanent electrode (22).
Abstract:
An electrode system for use in administering an EKG test, provided as a chair (10) with a flexible strap (20) having electrodes (18) embedded therein. The flexible strap (20) is attached to the chair back rest (16) and is tightened around the chest when the patient is seated in the chair (10). Electrodes (22, 24) fitted in the lower portion (34) of the chair (20) and the armrest (14) make connection, respectively, to the legs and arms, thereby completing the test set-up procedure in a short time period. The electrodes (18) embedded in the flexible strap (20) are adjustable horizontally, and the strap (20) itself is adjustable vertically, so that particular locations on the chest are reachable, making the strap (10) suitable for all size patients. The chair (10) is designed to become a bed to increase patient comfort. A set of exercise accessories (28) is removably attachable to the chair, to permit EKG measurements during physical exertion.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for use in procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart, such as identifying or evaluating the electrical activity of the heart, diagnosing and/or treating conditions associated with the electrophysiology of the heart. An apparatus having thermocouple elements (48, 50) of different electromotive potential conductively connected at a junction (56) is introduced into the interior of the heart and a section of heart tissue is contacted with the junction (56). An electrical current is passed through the thermocouple elements (48, 50) to reduce the temperature of the junction (56) in accordance with the Peltier effect and thereby cool the contacted heart tissue. The effect of the cooling may be monitored and, if desired, the section of heart tissue may be treated.
Abstract:
The invention provides a device for unrestrainedly and unconsciously taking in a biological signal from a patient in an everyday life environment to analyze and diagnose the same for health management and recuperative management after an illness. Pieces of silver plated copper foil, of which rear surfaces are coated with an adhesive, are applied on a surface of a seat (1) of a western style stool at shaded portions (2a, 2b, 2c) as shown, to provide conductivity thereon. These pieces are used as different electrodes and an indifferent electrode to take in electrocardiographic signals, and after these signals are suitably amplified, they are analyzed and evaluated through an analytical evaluation process according to or similar to a first induction among standard twelve inductions.
Abstract:
A small-sized wearable system and method for heart protecting is provided, wherein ECG recording means is mounted on a necklace with a pendant for sampling and storing ECG signals at any time and for providing indications after the ECG signals are analyzed to show whether or not the ECG signals are normal. The system also comprises means for transmitting signals stored in the recording means and means for automatically analyzing the ECG signals which can provide analysis reports of the ECG signals and various index when necessary. The system can be used to capture ECG signals of a patient when the patient has heart attack and to replay the ECG signals whenever necessary.
Abstract:
A cardiac probe (12) employs a dynamic mounting element (230) that supports one or more electrodes at its distal end in relatively constant surface contact against the expanding and contact endocardial surface.
Abstract:
A method of obtaining a twelve-lead electrocardiogram and a heart monitoring device (10) including a portable electrode support (12) having an array of six non-adhesive precordial electrodes (V1-V6) fixed thereon at positions corresponding to the Wilson precordial leads of an individual, a right arm electrode (RA), a left arm electrode (LA), a left leg electrode (LL), and circuitry (28) capable of producing a twelve-lead electrocardiogram. The method steps include applying the right arm, left arm, and left leg electrodes at the individual locations to obtain leads I, II, III, AVR, AVL, and AVF therefrom, engaging the array of six precordial electrodes with the individual's chest, and operating the circuitry for a time sufficient to obtain an electrocardiogram representative of leads I, II, III, AVR, AVL, AVF, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6.
Abstract:
In a method of filtering an analog ECG signal, ECG complexes are located by means of a template which is evaluated and given a quality mark depending on how well it performs its function of achieving a correct heart rate value and triggering of the ECG complexes.
Abstract:
An electrocardiographic monitoring system in which the heart-signal sensing electrodes (10-16 and 82-84) are each coupled to the heart-signal monitor/recorder by respective wireless transmitters (22, 30, 38) and corresponding respective receiving wireless receivers (44, 52, 58, 88 and 96) in a base unit, each transmitter-receiver combination operating (in the absence of an encoding system) at a separate radio frequency, a zero or reference signal being developed at the base unit and being used to modulate a signal transmitter at the base unit, such modulated signal being received and demodulated by a receiver carried by a right-leg electrode (14) carried by the right leg of the patient, this result being achieved by ten wireless electrode assemblies to generate a standard complete twelve-lead electrocardiogram. Further reduction of the number of wireless electrode assemblies to nine, five, four or three assemblies generates the same standard twelve-lead electrocardiogram.
Abstract:
A cardiac ablation apparatus including a solenoidal antenna (50) monitoring electrodes (47, 56), and a coupling network at a distal end of a catheter transmission line, and another coupling network at the proximal end of the catheter transmission line to connect the catheter to the source of radiofrequency (RF) power (4) and to an intracardiac electrogram monitor (59). Solenoidal antenna design includes single and multiple windings with varying geometrical features. Plated plastic tri-axial design of a transmission line offers unitary fabrication. A catheter with variable impedance electrode and gap coatings has features useful for both ablation and for hyperthermia applications.