Electrode assembly with thread electrode
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10624548-B2
Publication Date
2020-04-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
An electrode assembly includes a needle and a conductive thread electrode carried in a slot on the surface of the needle. The needle pushes the thread electrode into the body and leaves it in place when the needle is removed. The needle is secured in a housing in a retracted position and moved to an extended position by a latch. In the extended position, one end of the needle remains in the housing and the other end extends from the housing. The needle is attached to a spring inside the housing and is moved by the latch against the urging of the spring to the extended position and locked in place. A protective cover is applied over the needle while extended and removed to insert the needle into the body of a patient.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an electrode assembly for neurological monitoring that includes a housing with an interior and an opening, and a needle carried within the housing. The needle has a retracted position and an extended position, and the first end extends through the opening and is outside the housing while the second end is near the opening in the interior. A thread electrode is carried by the needle and has a first end and a second end.
The needle carries the first end of the thread electrode when the needle moves from the retracted position to the extended position. The needle yields up the thread electrode when the first end of the thread electrode has been inserted into the body of a patient and then moves to the retracted position from the extended position. The arrangement delivers the thread electrode into the patient body and then leaves the thread electrode in place as the needle retracts.
The disclosed construction includes mechanisms within the housing that control needle movement between the retracted and extended positions and a protective cover to prevent needle-stick. The thread electrode includes conductive coatings over a non-conductive substrate, and the non-conductive substrate can be a polymer or natural fiber. The disclosure states a design aim of reducing copper usage for improved CT scans and MRI compatibility, and it further mentions an optional connector for connecting to an amplifier.
Claims Coverage
The provided material identifies one independent claim. The independent claim covers a housing with an interior and opening, a retractable needle with retracted and extended positions, and delivery and yielding behavior of a thread electrode as the needle moves.
Retractable needle-delivered thread electrode
An electrode assembly having a housing with an interior and an opening, and a needle within the housing having a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the needle carries a thread electrode so that the needle carries a first end of the thread electrode when moving to the extended position and yields up the thread electrode when the first end of the thread electrode has been inserted into the body of a patient and then moves to the retracted position.
The claim coverage centers on the delivery and yielding of a thread electrode from a retractable needle within a housing having an opening, defined by the retracted and extended positions of the needle.
Stated Advantages
Improved CT scans and MRI compatibility, stated in connection with reducing copper usage.
Reduction of needle-stick injury via a protective cover.
Documented Applications
Neurological monitoring.
Use in contexts requiring CT scans and MRI compatibility (as stated in the document).
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