Quick press on EEG electrode with bendable legs
Inventors
Wilson, Scott B. • Scheuer, Mark • Johnson, Dale • Clear, Scott
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-8428681-B2
Publication Date
2013-04-23
Expiration Date
Abstract
Embodiments relate to methods and systems for monitoring bioelectric potentials. In some instances, an electrode is applied to a patient's skin. The electrode may be at least partly inserted into the patient's skin, such as by inserting at least part of one or more teeth underneath the skin.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a biopotential recording system for recording biopotentials using a headpiece comprising a support structure and a plurality of electrodes. Each electrode includes a main portion defining a plane, with a first leg and a second leg extending away from the main portion, and a plurality of protrusions extending from an end of each leg opposite the main portion.
In an initial configuration, the legs and the protrusions lie in the plane. The legs are configured to bend away from the plane upon application of a force to the electrode to an attack configuration in which the legs do not lie in the plane, and to return towards the initial configuration upon release of the force. When the electrode is placed against skin of a patient, the protrusions insert into the skin upon the electrode returning from the attack configuration to the initial configuration to secure the electrode to the skin.
The electrode comprises shape memory material, and the document also describes an alternative electrode configuration that is expandable or compressible. The invention further includes a wearable headpiece with wiring, power, indicators, optional wireless transmitter and receiver, and a removal tool for detaching electrodes from skin.
A recording system is described in terms of electrode placement against skin, biopotential signal amplification, filtering, A/D conversion, and computer/software analysis of the recorded biopotential signals. Imaging compatibility is described, including CT and MR.
Claims Coverage
The partial content includes two independent claims: one directed to a biopotential recording system and one directed to a standalone electrode. The claims contain four inventive features centered on the coplanar electrode geometry, attack configuration, patient securement via protrusion insertion, and electrode material.
Self-anchoring electrode geometry with initial-plane and attack configuration
Each electrode has a main portion defining a plane, first and second legs extending away from the main portion, and protrusions on ends of the legs, where the legs and protrusions lie in the plane in an initial configuration, bend away from the plane into an attack configuration upon application of force, and return toward the initial configuration upon release of force.
Securement by protrusion insertion into patient skin upon return from attack configuration
When the electrode is placed against skin of a patient, the protrusions insert into the skin upon the electrode returning from the attack configuration to the initial configuration, whereby the protrusions secure the electrode to the skin of the patient.
Shape memory material electrode
The electrode comprises shape memory material.
Stainless steel electrode material
The electrode comprises a stainless steel material.
Across the independent claims, the central inventive theme is a coplanar electrode geometry whose legs bend into an attack configuration under force and return to the initial configuration so the protrusions insert into patient skin to secure the electrode, with the electrode implemented using shape memory material in the system claim and stainless steel in the electrode claim.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
CT and MR imaging compatibility is documented for the electrode/system.
Biopotential recording, including EEG, is documented as a use case for the recording system.
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