EMG electrode apparatus and positioning system
First Claim
1. A method for positioning an electrode array comprising the steps of:
- a) placing a patient in a neutral upright position;
b) locating the fourth lumbar vertebrae of the patient;
c) marking the fourth lumbar vertebrae;
d) locating the seventh thoracic vertebrae;
e) measuring a first distance between the fourth lumbar vertebrae and the seventh thoracic vertebrae;
f) locating the left superior iliac crest at its most lateral point;
g) measuring a second distance between the most lateral aspect of the left iliac crest to the fourth lumbar vertebrae;
h) positioning an array of electrodes on the patient by aligning one of the electrodes in the electrode array over the marking of the fourth lumbar vertebrae; and
i) correlating each of the electrodes in the electrode array to the underlying anatomical structures of the patient using the measured first and second distances and the dimensions of the electrode array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for detecting and analyzing electrical activity in the anatomy of an organism underlying an electrode array provides signals corresponding to electrical activity adjacent each electrode. Such signals are correlated to the underlying anatomy of the organism and representative outputs presented through various types of output devices. Such outputs may include variations in coloration or other qualities in correspondence with representations of underlying anatomical structures. The system includes novel electrode structures (200, 224, and 284) and methods for producing and attaching electrode arrays (240 and 280) to the organism. The exemplary form of the invention is used in connection with the diagnosis of muscle activity in the lower lumbar regions of humans. Levels of muscle activity detected are analyzed by correlation with the muscular structures underlying the electrode array. Forms of the invention may be used in other applications.
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Citations
9 Claims
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1. A method for positioning an electrode array comprising the steps of:
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a) placing a patient in a neutral upright position;
b) locating the fourth lumbar vertebrae of the patient;
c) marking the fourth lumbar vertebrae;
d) locating the seventh thoracic vertebrae;
e) measuring a first distance between the fourth lumbar vertebrae and the seventh thoracic vertebrae;
f) locating the left superior iliac crest at its most lateral point;
g) measuring a second distance between the most lateral aspect of the left iliac crest to the fourth lumbar vertebrae;
h) positioning an array of electrodes on the patient by aligning one of the electrodes in the electrode array over the marking of the fourth lumbar vertebrae; and
i) correlating each of the electrodes in the electrode array to the underlying anatomical structures of the patient using the measured first and second distances and the dimensions of the electrode array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for positioning an electrode array comprising the steps of:
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a) locating a first predetermined vertebrae of the patient;
b) placing a mark adjacent the first predetermined vertebrae;
c) locating a second predetermined vertebrae of the patient;
d) measuring a first distance between the first predetermined vertebrae and the second predetermined vertebrae;
e) locating a predetermined portion of a superior iliac crest of the patient;
f) measuring a second distance between the predetermined portion of the iliac crest and either the first or the second predetermined vertebrae;
g) positioning an array of electrodes on the patient by aligning one of the electrodes in the electrode array adjacent the marking adjacent the first predetermined vertebrae; and
h) correlating each of the electrodes in the electrode array to underlying anatomical structures of the patient using the measured first and second distances and dimensions of the electrode array. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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Specification