Radial electrode array

• US 7,925,323 B2
• Filed: 10/01/2009
• Issued: 04/12/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 05/08/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Kpr U.S., LLC (Cardinal Health, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Meyer, Peter F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cohen; Lee S
• Application Number:
  US12/571,907
• Publication Number:
  US 20100022865A1
• Time in Patent Office: 558 Days
• Field of Search: 600/383, 600391-393
• US Class Current: 600/383
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/282 Holders for multiple electrodes for introduction into the body A61B5/287
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/288 for foetal cardiography, e.g. scalp electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/296 for electromyography [EMG]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/391 of genito-urinary organs

Abstract

A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a first flexible substrate defining a central focal point and a second flexible substrate associated with the central focal point. A plurality of medical electrodes are disposed on the periphery of the first flexible substrate and a reference electrode is disposed on the second flexible substrate. A connector is in electrical communication with the medical electrodes and the reference electrode and adapted to connect to an electronic system. Bio-electric information is monitored between one of the medical electrodes and the reference electrode.

Claims

1. A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals, which comprises:

a first flexible substrate defining a central focal point;

a plurality of medical electrodes disposed on the periphery of the first flexible substrate;

a second flexible substrate associated with the central focal point;

a reference electrode disposed on the second flexible substrate;

at least one connector in electrical communication with the medical electrodes and the reference electrode, the at least one connector adapted to connect to an electronic system,

wherein bio-electric information is monitored between at least one of the medical electrodes and the reference electrode.

2. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first flexible substrate generally define a shape selected from a group consisting of a circle, triangle, square, rectangle, polygon, or oval.

3. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the medical electrodes are disposed at substantially equal predetermined radial distances with respect to the central focal point.

4. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the medical electrodes are generally symmetrically arranged on the first flexible substrate about an axis of symmetry whereby a medical electrode on one side of the axis of symmetry has a corresponding medical electrode on the opposite side of the axis of symmetry.

5. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the reference electrode defines at least one reference aperture formed in the second flexible substrate wherein the at least one reference aperture is dimensioned to partially encapsulate a body tissue.

6. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the reference electrode extends around the inner perimeter of the at least one reference aperture.

7. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the plurality of medical electrodes are each spaced at substantially equal distances with respect to the reference electrode.

8. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are in mechanical communication.

9. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the first flexible substrate and the second flexible substrate are in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other.

10. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the reference electrode extends around the inner perimeter of the reference aperture and the reference electrode and each of the plurality of medical electrodes are adapted to be along the skin of a patient during use,

wherein each of the plurality of medical electrodes are a predetermined distance along the skin relative to the reference electrode, whereby the predetermined distance for each electrode is substantially the same.

11. The sensor array apparatus according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the plurality of medical electrodes further includes:

at least one monopolar medical electrode in a unipolar arrangement wherein bio-electric information is monitored between at least one of the unipolar electrodes and the reference electrode.