Electrode and electrode positioning arrangement for abdominal fetal electrocardiogram detection

Abstract

The present invention relates to larger area electrodes suitable for use in fetal heart rate monitoring systems. The electrode comprises: a skin gel contact (10) for sensing a fetal electrocardiogram signal from a human pregnancy test subject; an electrical conductor (12) electrically connected to the gel contact (10) to define a first electrical contact a region; a connector (14) in electrical contact with the electrical conductor (12) for connection to the leads; and a base (16) for attachment to a human pregnancy test subject. The gel contact (10) and electrical conductor (12) are arranged on the substrate (16) to allow the contact surface (11) of the gel contact (10) to communicate electrically with the skin of a human pregnancy test subject to define the first Two electrical contact areas. The area of ​​the second electrical contact region is greater than 370 square millimeters. When arranged in the abdomen according to the predetermined electrode topology, the success rate of fetal heart rate detection can be significantly increased. This topology can be incorporated into a flat flexible cable, which provides a comfortable and reproducible electrode arrangement, allowing untrained personnel to apply a multi-electrode patch to the abdomen of a pregnant mother.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to the optimization of electrodes and electrode position arrangement for detecting abdominal fetal electrocardiogram (fECG) signals. Background technique [0002] In order to detect abdominal fetal ECG signals, electrical contact needs to be established between the fetal ECG monitoring device and the mother's abdomen. [0003] In the prior art, electrical contact is established using wet gel (which can be in "liquid" or "solid" form) ECG electrodes designed to detect adult ECG signals. Two such adult ECG wet gel electrodes are 3M 2271 (solid wet gel) and Ambu VLC-00-S (liquid wet gel). 3M 2271 has a circular electrode contact area with a diameter of 18 mm and an area of ​​approximately 255 mm2. The Ambu VLC-00S also has a circular electrode contact area, but with a diameter of 19 mm and an area of ​​approximately 284 mm2. [0004] The term "electrode contact area" as used herein includes the contact area between the sub...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0035] Leads 6 that connect electrodes 1, 2, and 3 to the fECG monitor (not shown) are inconvenient, unsightly, and uncomfortable for the subject during monitoring

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