Apparatus and method for consistent patient-specific EKG electrode positioning

• US 6,115,623 A
• Filed: 08/14/1997
• Issued: 09/05/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 08/14/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robin Beverly Mcfee
• Original Assignee: Robin Beverly Mcfee
• Inventors: McFee, Robin Beverly
• Primary Examiner(s): Dvorak, Linda C. M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ruddy, David M.
• Application Number:
  US08/911,390
• Time in Patent Office: 1,118 Days
• Field of Search: 607/152, 600/372-394
• US Class Current: 600/372
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/411 Detecting or monitoring allergy or intolerance reactions to an allergenic agent or substance

Abstract

A patient-specific electrode positioning apparatus and method allow the standard twelve-lead EKG test to be performed in an accurate and consistent manner by eliminating individual positioning of the six precordial electrodes for all but the first test on a particular patient. Each electrode is slidably mounted on a platform aligned on the torso of the patient. The mount containing each electrode is adjusted until the electrode is properly positioned for the test and then the mount is permanently fixed in place by a lock-down mechanism, leaving the electrodes permanently positioned on the platform so that, when the platform is aligned properly on the particular patient'"'"'s torso utilizing a pre-adjusted index marker, the electrodes will be properly positioned for a repeat administration of the EKG test. In one embodiment, the platform is flexible plastic with a "reversed S" shape and embedded wires accessible at one end of the platform for connection to the EKG machine. The electrodes are mounted on plastic electrical connectors extending around the precordial electrode platform in a manner allowing each electrode to be initially freely moveable along the length of the platform. Once each electrode is properly positioned, the connector on which it is mounted is activated by compressing the plastic connector body around the platform, simultaneously fixing the electrode in place and making an electrical connection between the electrode and one of the embedded wires. Limb electrodes in any of the standard implementations may be used, as may standard telemetry devices. This embodiment may also be configured for use in a right-sided EKG test by reversing the platform horizontally and flipping over the connectors. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the platform has multiple articulating arms particularly adapted for folding the device. The device may further be combined in a carrying case with various optional devices and medical information.

Claims

1. A patient-specific apparatus for consistent EKG electrode positioning, comprising, in combination:

a precordial electrode platform;

a plurality of precordial electrodes, each precordial electrode being attached to said precordial electrode platform in a manner initially non-fixed with respect to said precordial electrode platform and each other;

means for permanently retaining the position of each of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform after proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

means for transmitting the signals received via said precordial electrodes to an EKG machine; and

an adjustable position indicator for initial proper positioning of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of precordial electrodes comprises six standard precordial electrodes commonly used for an EKG test.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for initially guiding proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on said particular patient.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for initially guiding proper positioning of said electrodes comprises marked areas on said precordial electrode platform.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said adjustable position indicator is an adjustable measurement strip attached to said precordial electrode platform.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said measurement strip is initially aligned to the jugular notch of said particular patient, said measurement strip being permanently adjustable at first placement of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient so that subsequent alignment of said measurement strip to said jugular notch will instantly properly position said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said measurement strip is initially aligned to the angle of Louis of said particular patient, said measurement strip being permanently adjustable at first placement of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient so that subsequent alignment of said measurement strip to said angle of Louis will instantly properly position said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said measurement strip is initially aligned to the xiphoid process of said particular patient, said measurement strip being permanently adjustable at first placement of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient so that subsequent alignment of said measurement strip to said xiphoid process will instantly properly position said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for maintaining contact between said precordial electrode platform and said particular patient after proper positioning of said platform on said patient.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said means for maintaining contact is a water-resistant reusable adhesive disposed on the underside of said platform.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for transmitting signals are wire leads.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further including a plurality of individual limb electrodes attached via additional ones of said wire leads.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said wire leads are at least partially embedded in said precordial electrode platform.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for transmitting signals are telemetry devices.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, further including a plurality of individual limb electrodes having additional ones of said telemetry devices.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, further including adaptive means for the connection of telemetric devices.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, further including telemetry means for transmitting measurements obtained via said precordial electrodes to an additional measurement device.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said precordial electrode platform is flexible plastic.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said wire leads are at least partially embedded in said flexible plastic precordial electrode platform.

20. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said precordial electrode platform is comprised of a plurality of articulating pieces.

21. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus may be alternatively configured for either right- or left-sided EKG measurements by flipping the orientation of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform.

22. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising:

means for maintaining contact between said precordial electrode platform and said particular patient after proper positioning of said platform on said patient.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, further including telemetry means for transmitting measurements obtained via said precordial electrodes to said EKG machine or an additional measurement device.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, further including means for adjusting and permanently maintaining the physical dimensions of said precordial electrode platform in order to allow proper positioning of said precordial electrodes.

25. The apparatus of claim 1, further including separate tool means for deliberately unlocking one or more of said precordial electrodes from said precordial electrode platform when necessary.

26. The apparatus of claim 1, further including means for adjusting and permanently maintaining the physical dimensions of said precordial electrode platform in order to allow proper positioning of said precordial electrodes.

27. A patient-specific EKG electrode platform, comprising, in combination:

a flexible electrode platform, said flexible electrode platform further having embedded wires, said embedded wires being individually connectable to an EKG machine,

a set of precordial EKG electrodes, each precordial electrode slidably attached along said flexible electrode platform in an initially non-fixed manner;

means for permanently connecting each one of said precordial electrodes to a pre-specified one of said embedded wires, such that each of said precordial electrodes will be attached to the one of said embedded wires that is connectable to the EKG machine input configured to receive signals from said electrode;

means for permanently fixing and maintaining the position of each of said precordial electrodes on said flexible electrode platform after proper initial positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

an adjustable position indicator for proper positioning of said flexible electrode platform on said particular patient;

means for guiding proper initial positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on said particular patient; and

means for maintaining contact between said flexible electrode platform and said particular patient after proper positioning of said flexible electrode platform on said patient in order to ensure proper contact between said precordial electrodes and said patient.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said adjustable position indicator works by alignment to a pre-specified and easily recognizable site on the body of said patient.

29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said embedded wires emerge from said flexible electrode platform in close proximity to each other and are bundled into a cabling means stretching between said flexible electrode platform and said EKG machine.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, further including a plurality of individual limb electrodes bundled via additional ones of said wire leads into said cabling means.

31. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said flexible electrode platform further includes means for adjusting and permanently maintaining the physical dimensions of said flexible electrode platform in order to allow proper positioning of said precordial electrodes.

32. The apparatus of claim 27, further including telemetry means for transmitting signals obtained via said precordial electrodes to said EKG machine or other measurement device.

33. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein said precordial electrodes may be slidably removed and reversed in orientation on said flexible electrode platform before being permanently fixed, and said flexible electrode platform may then be attached to said patient in a horizontally flipped orientation, in order to allow an EKG test to be performed on the opposite side of the chest of said patient from the initial orientation of said apparatus.

34. A patient-specific EKG electrode platform, comprising, in combination. an electrode platform, said electrode platform being articulating or telescoping to allow folding or collapsing for storage;

a set of precordial EKG electrodes, each precordial electrode slidably attached along said electrode platform in an initially non-fixed manner, said precordial electrodes further being individually connectable to an EKG machine via wires or telemetry devices, such that each of said precordial electrodes is connectable to the EKG machine input configured to receive signals from said electrode;

means for permanently fixing and maintaining the position of each of said precordial electrodes on said electrode platform after proper initial positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

an adjustable position indicator for proper positioning of said electrode platform on said particular patient;

means for guiding proper initial positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on said particular patient; and

means for maintaining contact between said electrode platform and said particular patient after proper positioning of said electrode platform on said patient in order to ensure proper contact between said precordial electrodes and said patient.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the physical dimensions of said electrode platform are adjustable in order to allow proper positioning of said precordial EKG electrodes.

36. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein said adjustable position indicator works by alignment to a pre-specified and easily recognizable site on the body of said patient.

37. The apparatus of claim 34, further including a plurality of individual limb electrodes with wire leads attached to said apparatus at said electrode platform or by being bundled along with said precordial electrode wire leads into a cabling means stretching between said electrode platform and said EKG machine.

38. The apparatus of claim 34, further including a plurality of individual limb electrodes having telemetry means for transmitting signals obtained via said limb electrodes to said EKG machine or other measurement device.

39. A method for consistent EKG electrode positioning, comprising, in combination, the steps of:

movably pre-attaching a plurality of precordial electrodes to a precordial electrode platform;

properly positioning said precordial electrode platform on a particular patient with an adjustable position indicator provided on said platform;

properly positioning each of said precordial electrodes on said patient by sliding each of said precordial electrodes along said precordial electrode platform;

permanently fixing and maintaining the position of each of said properly positioned precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform;

maintaining proper constant contact between said precordial electrode platform and said patient at all times after proper positioning of said platform on said patient; and

transmitting the signals received from said precordial electrodes to an EKG machine.

40. The method of claim 39, further including the step of adjusting and permanently maintaining the physical dimensions of said precordial electrode platform in order to allow proper positioning of said precordial electrodes.

41. The method of claim 39, further including the step of reusing said precordial electrode platform to perform at least one additional EKG test on said particular patient after said precordial electrode platform has first been removed from and then replaced on said patient.

42. The method of claim 39, further including the step of utilizing an electrode placement guide means provided on said precordial electrode platform for proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes.

43. The method claim of claim 39, wherein said adjustable position indicator uses the jugular notch of said patient as a reference.

44. The method claim of claim 39, wherein said adjustable position indicator uses the angle of Louis of said patient as a reference.

45. The method of claim 39, wherein the step of maintaining proper constant contact between said precordial electrode platform and said patient is performed by utilizing a water-resistant reusable adhesive.

46. The method of claim 45, further including the steps, in combination, of:

attaching limb electrodes to each limb of said patient; and

transmitting the signals received from said limb electrodes to said EKG machine.

47. The method of claim 46, further including the step of transmitting via telemetry the signals received from said precordial electrodes and said limb electrodes to said EKG machine or other measurement device.

48. The method of claim 45, further including the steps, in combination, of:

attaching limb electrodes to each limb of said patient; and

transmitting the signals received from said limb electrodes to said EKG machine.

49. The method of claim 45, further including the steps, in combination, of:

reversing the orientation of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform before said precordial electrodes have been permanently fixed to said platform; and

reversing the orientation of said platform on said patient in order to obtain an opposite-sided EKG tracing.

50. A patient-specific apparatus capable of properly and permanently positioning electrodes for either left- or right-sided EKG tests, comprising, in combination:

a precordial electrode platform;

a plurality of precordial electrodes, each precordial electrode being attached to said precordial electrode platform in a manner initially non-fixed with respect to said precordial electrode platform and each other;

means for permanently retaining the position of each of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform after proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

means for slidably removing and reversing the orientation of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform before the position of said precordial electrodes is permanently fixed;

means for attaching said flexible electrode platform to said patient in a horizontally flipped orientation in order to allow the EKG test to be performed on the opposite side of the chest of said patient from the initial orientation of said apparatus;

means for transmitting the signals received via said precordial electrodes to an EKG machine; and

an adjustable position indicator for initial proper positioning of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, further including a plurality of individual extremity electrodes attached via wire leads.

52. A patient-specific kit for consistent EKG electrode positioning, comprising, in combination:

a precordial electrode platform, said precordial electrode platform comprising, in combination;

a flexible platform;

a plurality of precordial electrodes, each precordial electrode being attached to said flexible platform in a manner initially non-fixed with respect to said flexible platform and each other;

means for permanently retaining the position of each of said precordial electrodes on said flexible platform after proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

means for transmitting the signals received via said precordial electrodes to an EKG machine;

an adjustable position indicator for initial proper positioning of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient, and

a carrying case, said carrying case having one or more internal wells to receive said precordial electrode platform and any accessories.

53. The kit of claim 52, wherein said accessories include a plurality of individual extremity electrodes attached via wire leads.

54. The kit of claim 53, wherein said accessories include a cabling device for attachment of said precordial electrode platform to said EKG machine.

55. The kit of claim 52, further including one or more holders for informational materials.

56. The kit of claim 55, further including a Patient Information card.

57. The kit of claim 55, wherein said holders include a holder for a base-line EKG tracing taken on said particular patient using said precordial electrode platform.

58. A patient-specific apparatus for consistent EKG electrode positioning, comprising, in combination:

a precordial electrode platform;

a plurality of precordial electrodes, each precordial electrode being attached to said precordial electrode platform in a manner initially non-fixed with respect to said precordial electrode platform and each other,

a plurality of clamping members, each clamping member for permanently retaining the position of one of said precordial electrodes on said precordial electrode platform after proper positioning of each of said precordial electrodes on a particular patient for EKG testing;

a signal transmitter for transmitting the signals received via said precordial electrodes to an EKG machine; and

an adjustable position indicator for initial proper positioning of said precordial electrode platform on said particular patient.