Electrode Connector Design to Aid in Correct Placement

• US 20140275927A1
• Filed: 03/13/2014
• Published: 09/18/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kpr U.S., LLC (Cardinal Health, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Simpson, Robert
• Granted Patent: US 9,693,701 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/382
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/0215 Silver or silver chloride containing
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2562/17 Comprising radiolucent components
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/273 Connection of cords, cables or leads to electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/274 using snap or button fasteners
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/28 for electrocardiography [ECG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence

Abstract

An electrode connector includes a housing, an electrically conductive contact plate, a lead wire terminal electrically connected to the contact plate and an electrically conductive member. The housing defines a first opening configured to receive at least a portion of an electrode therethrough. The contact plate defines a bore aligned with the first opening. The bore is configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the electrode therein. The electrically conductive member is electrically coupled to the lead wire terminal. The electrically conductive member is supported on the housing and is spaced apart from the first opening.

Claims

1. An electrode connector comprising:

a housing defining a first opening configured to receive at least a portion of an electrode therethrough;

an electrically conductive contact plate defining a bore aligned with the first opening, the bore configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of the electrode therein;

a lead wire terminal electrically connected to the contact plate; and

an electrically conductive member electrically coupled to the lead wire terminal, the electrically conductive member being supported on the housing and being spaced apart from the first opening.

2. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member has a hemispherical shape.

3. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member is hingedly supported within the housing.

4. The electrode connector according to claim 2, wherein the electrically conductive member includes a biasing member to bias the electrically conductive member away from the housing.

5. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the housing defines a chamber configured and dimensioned to receive the electrically conductive member therein.

6. The electrode connector according to claim 5, wherein the chamber includes an opening through which the electrically conductive member extends.

7. The electrode connector according to claim 6, wherein the chamber includes a slidable member movable between open and closed positions to open and close the opening of the chamber.

8. The electrode connector according to claim 7, wherein the slidable member is made of an electrically insulative material.

9. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member is made of plastic and includes a conductive filler.

10. The electrode connector according to claim 9, wherein the electrically conductive member is made of conductive polymers.

11. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member is disposed in a second opening defined in the housing, the first and second openings are defined in opposing sides of the housing.

12. The electrode connector according to claim 1, wherein the electrically conductive member protrudes from the housing.

13. The electrode connector according to claim 1, further comprising a lever pivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is pivotable between a first position in which at least a portion of the lever extends across the bore of the contact plate to secure at least a portion of the electrode therein and a second position in which the lever is positioned such that the bore is unobstructed.

14. The electrode connector according to claim 13, wherein the lever further includes a biasing member to bias the lever toward the first position.

15. The electrode connector according to claim 13, wherein the lever further includes a finger configured and adapted to engage the electrode to secure the electrode within the bore of the contact plate when the lever is in the first position.

16. A method of monitoring ECG data, the method comprising the steps of:

providing an electrode connector including;

an electrically conductive contact plate defining a bore configured and dimensioned to receive at least a portion of an electrode therein;

a lead wire terminal electrically connected to the contact plate; and

an electrically conductive member electrically coupled to the lead wire terminal;

electrically connecting the electrode connector to an ECG monitoring system to be used;

contacting the electrically conductive member of the electrode connector against a patient;

moving the electrode connector, while the electrically conductive member is in contact with the patient, to a location on the patient providing a strong trace signal on the ECG system; and

placing an electrode on the patient at the location providing the strong trace signal.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of connecting the electrode connector to the electrode.

18. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the step of measuring biopotential signals from the electrode with the ECG system.

19. The method according to claim 16, wherein the electrode connector defines a chamber configured and dimensioned to receive the electrically conductive member therein, the electrically conductive member movable between a retracted position in which the electrically conductive member is disposed within the chamber and an extended position in which the member at least partially extends out of the chamber.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising placing the electrically conductive member in the retracted position prior to placing an electrode on the patient.