MAGNETICALLY CONNECTED ELECTRODE FOR MEASURING PHYSIOLOGICAL SIGNALS

• US 20140213883A1
• Filed: 01/29/2014
• Published: 07/31/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 01/29/2013
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Tosense Inc (Baxter International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Perminova Inc. (Baxter International Inc.)
• Inventors: Banet, Matt, Pede, Susan, Dhillon, Marshal, Terry, Drew
• Application Number:
  US14/167,478
• Publication Number:
  US 20140213883A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/395
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02 Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/053 Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/25 Bioelectric electrodes therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/256 Wearable electrodes, e.g. having straps or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/265 containing silver or silver chloride
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/266 containing electrolytes, conductive gels or pastes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/274 using snap or button fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/28 for electrocardiography [ECG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6802 Sensor mounted on worn items
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6822 Neck

Abstract

The invention provides an electrode and associated electrode holder that are used for physiological measurements, e.g. measurements of signals that can be processed to generate ECG and TBI waveforms. The electrode and electrode holder connect to each other using a magnetic interface. In embodiments, for example, the magnetic interface includes oppositely polled magnets integrated in both the electrode and electrode holder. The magnets are typically rare earth magnets coated with a thin, electrically conductive metal film. This way, when the magnets come in contact with each other, the metal films touch to form both a mechanical and electrical connection. Thus the magnetic interface can replace conventional mechanisms used to connect rivet-based electrodes to leads, which are typically used to secure electrodes for physiological measurements.

Claims

1. An electrode for measuring bioimpedance signals, comprising:

a first electrode region comprising;

i) a first conductive gel;

ii) a first Ag/AgCl film comprising Ag/AgCl in electrical contact with the first conductive gel;

iii) a first metal film in electrical contact with the first Ag/AgCl film; and

iv) a first magnet in electrical contact with the first metal film, the first electrode region further comprising an electrical connection to a first electrical circuit that injects an electrical current through the first electrode region; and

a second electrode region comprising;

i) a second conductive gel;

ii) a second Ag/AgCl film comprising Ag/AgCl in electrical contact with the second conductive gel;

iii) a second metal film in electrical contact with the second Ag/AgCl film; and

iv) a second magnet in electrical contact with the second metal film, the second electrode region further comprising an electrical connection to a second electrical circuit that measures a voltage related to the electrical current injected through the first electrode region.