Electrode cap

Abstract

The utility model provides an electrode cap which comprises an elastic cap main body, a head containing area is arranged in the cap main body, a plurality of electrodes are distributed on the cap main body at intervals, a plurality of probes arranged in a comb-shaped array are arranged on the electrodes, the tail ends of the probes are blunt ends, and the tail ends of the probes are blunt ends. The tail end of the probe extends into the head containing area, the section size of the probe in the radial direction is gradually reduced in the mode of being close to the center of the head containing area, and the elasticity of the cap body is gradually increased in the mode of being close to the electrode. According to the electrode cap, the electrode is arranged on the elastic cap main body, and the elasticity of the cap main body is limited, so that after a user is matched with the cap main body, the electrode can be automatically adjusted to a proper position, the shape of a probe is further limited, and the probe can effectively comb hair to be in contact with the scalp; meanwhile, the tail end of the probe on the electrode is arranged to be a blunt end, so that the wearing comfort is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a reusable electrode cap for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, stimulation and recording. Background Technology

[0002] Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring utilizes neurophysiological techniques to monitor nerve electrical activity in real time during surgery to assess the status and integrity of the nervous system function in dangerous situations. Its main functions include: 1. Detecting and identifying surgically caused nerve damage as early as possible and quickly correcting the cause to avoid permanent nerve damage; 2. Recognizing that changes in monitored waveforms can be caused not only by direct nerve injury but also by factors such as hypoxia, hypotension, and anemia, thus enabling rapid detection of systemic changes during surgery; 3. Assisting surgeons in identifying unclear tissues, especially nerve fibers that pass through or surround tissues or tumors; 4. Assisting surgeons in identifying the location and segment of nerve damage; 5. Assisting surgeons in determining whether ongoing surgical steps will cause partial or complete nerve damage. Commonly used neurophysiological monitoring parameters include somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) and motor evoked potentials (MAPs). Electromyography (EMG) and other methods are used, with SEP monitoring assessing ischemia of the cortex and subcortical sensory tracts, and MEP monitoring motor function impairment, especially motor function impairment caused by subcortical ischemia. Intraoperative combined monitoring of MEP and SEP can improve the sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative monitoring. The placement of SEP scalp recording electrodes is based on the 10-20 international EEG electrode placement system. The scalp electrode recording points for the upper limbs are C3′ (2 cm posterior to C3) and C4′ (2 cm posterior to C4); the scalp electrode recording point for the lower limbs is Cz. The Fz point is selected as the reference electrode for the scalp electrode. The MEP stimulation electrode is placed on the scalp of the upper limbs (C3, C4) and lower limbs (2 cm anterior to Cz) in the precentral gyrus of the cerebral cortex. The anode is the stimulation electrode, placed on the opposite side of the recording site. The electrodes are inserted into the corresponding positions of the scalp using spiral electrodes or needle electrodes.

[0003] The existing technical solutions described above have the following drawbacks:

[0004] 1. As a disposable product, the electrode has a high economic cost; the needle electrode needs to be inserted into the skin to reach the vicinity of muscles or nerves, which may cause local bleeding, discomfort or pain in patients after surgery; the insertion of the needle electrode may damage nerves or blood vessels, especially in areas with complex anatomical structures, and this invasive operation can increase the risk of local or even systemic infection.

[0005] 2. Electrode positioning needs to be performed quickly before the procedure. Operators need to learn for a long time and accumulate enough experience before they can master the correct placement.

[0006] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, this utility model proposes an electrode cap that is reusable, avoids the discomfort and infection risk caused by the electrode piercing the skin, and is easy to operate. Utility Model Content

[0007] To address the problems existing in the use of the aforementioned electrodes, this invention provides an electrode cap.

[0008] According to one objective of this utility model, this utility model provides an electrode cap, including an elastic cap body, a head receiving area disposed within the cap body, a plurality of electrodes spaced apart on the cap body, a plurality of probes arranged in a comb-like array on the electrodes, the tips of the probes being blunt, the tips of the probes extending into the head receiving area, the cross-sectional dimension of the probes in the radial direction gradually decreasing towards the center of the head receiving area, and the elasticity of the cap body gradually increasing towards the electrodes.

[0009] Preferably, the cap body is formed by cutting and sewing spandex fabric.

[0010] Preferably, the lower part of the cap body is provided with an opening for putting on and taking off, which connects the inside and outside of the head receiving area. The two sides of the opening in the horizontal direction are the front side and the back side, respectively. The two ends of the front side extend downward to form a front fixing strap, and the two ends of the back side extend downward and tilt towards the front side to form a back fixing strap. The ends of the front fixing strap and the ends of the back fixing strap are connected. The front fixing strap forms a face opening, and the back fixing strap forms a neck opening. An ear opening is reserved between the front fixing strap and the back fixing strap.

[0011] Preferably, the front fixing straps located at both ends of the front side of the donning / removing opening are a first front fixing strap and a second front fixing strap, and the first front fixing strap and the second front fixing strap are detachably connected by a positioning member.

[0012] Preferably, the positioning element includes a first positioning element and a second positioning element. The first positioning element is provided on the first front fixing belt, and the second positioning element is provided on the second front fixing belt. The first positioning element and the second positioning element are matched, and the first positioning element is arranged along the length direction of the first front fixing belt.

[0013] Preferably, the electrodes are distributed on the cap body according to the internationally accepted 10-20 system electrode placement method, and the electrodes correspond to the C3, C4, C3′, C4′Cz and Fz recording points specified in the 10-20 system electrode placement method.

[0014] Preferably, the probe is a conical probe with a spherical end.

[0015] Preferably, the electrode is provided with an electrocardiogram (ECG) connector, which extends outward toward the outer side of the cap body, and the ECG connector is connected to an electrophysiological monitoring machine via an ECG lead.

[0016] Preferably, the cap body has a mounting hole that connects the inside and outside of the head receiving area. A connector is provided between the electrocardiogram connector and the electrode. The electrocardiogram connector, the connector, and the electrode are connected sequentially along the length direction. The radial dimensions of the electrode and the electrocardiogram connector are both larger than the radial dimension of the connector. The connector is located inside the mounting hole. The radially outer side of the connector is attached to the inner wall of the mounting hole. The opposite sides of the electrocardiogram connector and the electrode are respectively attached to the inner and outer sides of the cap body.

[0017] Preferably, the electrode is a conductive polymer electrode, and the surface of the electrode is uniformly coated with silver chloride; the probe has a length of 5 mm within the head receiving area, and the ECG connector extends 4 mm to the outside of the cap body.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0019] This electrode cap, by placing electrodes on a flexible cap body and limiting the elasticity of the cap body, allows the electrodes to automatically adjust to the appropriate position after the user aligns with the cap body. It further limits the shape of the probe to ensure that the probe can effectively comb through the hair and contact the scalp. At the same time, the probe tip on the electrode is set to a blunt tip to improve wearing comfort.

[0020] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram from one perspective of the electrode cap described in this utility model;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram from another perspective of the electrode cap described in this utility model;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection between the electrode and the cap body of the electrode cap described in this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The following description is intended to provide a detailed account of the present invention so that those skilled in the art can implement it. The preferred embodiments described below are merely examples, and other obvious variations will occur to those skilled in the art. The basic principles of the present invention defined in the following description can be applied to other embodiments, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and other technical solutions that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0025] Please see Figure 1-3 This utility model provides a technical solution: an electrode cap, comprising:

[0026] The cap body 100 is elastic, and a head receiving area 101 is provided inside the cap body 100. A plurality of electrodes 200 are distributed at intervals on the cap body 100. A plurality of probes 201 arranged in a comb-like array are provided on the electrodes 200. The ends of the probes 201 are blunt and extend into the head receiving area 101. The cross-sectional dimension of the probes 201 in the radial direction gradually decreases as they approach the center of the head receiving area 101.

[0027] Furthermore, the elasticity of the cap body 100 gradually increases as it approaches the electrode 200. This allows the cap body 100 to apply greater force to the electrode 200 and probe 201 during wear.

[0028] By setting the electrode 200 on the elastic cap body 100 and limiting the elasticity of the cap body 100, the electrode 200 can automatically adjust to a suitable position after the user mates with the cap body 100. Furthermore, the shape of the probe 201 is limited to ensure that the probe 201 can effectively comb through the hair and contact the scalp. At the same time, the end of the probe 201 on the electrode 200 is set to a blunt tip to improve wearing comfort.

[0029] Furthermore, the cap body 100 is formed by cutting and sewing spandex fabric. The cap body 100 is made of spandex fabric, which is an elastic fiber with strong elasticity, an elongation of up to 600%, and the ability to return to its original shape. It is stronger, more breathable, and more wear-resistant than rubber. Spandex is not prone to pilling and does not accumulate static electricity. Utilizing the elastic properties of spandex, the cap body 100 can be roughly elongated to more closely match different head shapes. The electrode 200 positioning will automatically adjust to the appropriate position to ensure correct electrode 200 positioning on various head sizes and shapes.

[0030] Furthermore, the lower part of the cap body 100 is provided with an opening 1011 for putting on and taking off, connecting the inside and outside of the head receiving area 101. The two sides of the opening 1011 in the horizontal direction are a front side 1011a and a rear side 1011b, respectively. The two ends of the front side 1011a extend downwards to form a front fixing strap 102, and the two ends of the rear side 1011b extend downwards and slope towards the front side 1011a to form a rear fixing strap 103. The ends of the front fixing strap 102 and the rear fixing strap 103 are connected. The front fixing strap 102 forms a face opening 1021, and the rear fixing strap 103 forms a neck opening 1031. An ear opening 1032 is reserved between the front fixing strap 102 and the rear fixing strap 103. In one embodiment of this utility model, the cap body 100 is a cap similar in shape to a pilot's cap, and the lower part of the front fixing strap 102 is fixed to the wearer's chin to prevent displacement of the cap body 100. The cap body 100 can be made in several typical sizes based on the average human head size, so that it can be selected as needed for application.

[0031] Furthermore, the front fixing straps 102 located at both ends of the front side 1011a of the donning and doffing opening 1011 are respectively the first front fixing strap 1022 and the second front fixing strap 1023, and the first front fixing strap 1022 and the second front fixing strap 1023 are detachably connected by a positioning member 1024.

[0032] Furthermore, the positioning member 1024 is configured to adjust the cross-sectional dimensions of the face opening 1021. Specifically, the positioning member 1024 includes a first positioning member and a second positioning member. The first positioning member is provided on the front first fixing strap 1022, and the second positioning member is provided on the front second fixing strap 1023. The first positioning member and the second positioning member are matched, and the first positioning member is arranged along the length direction of the front first fixing strap 1022. Optionally, the positioning member 1024 is a Velcro closure, and the first positioning member and the second positioning member are both Velcro closures.

[0033] Regarding the distribution of electrodes 200 on the cap body 100, the distribution of electrodes 200 on the cap body 100 adopts the internationally accepted 10-20 system electrode placement method. The electrodes 200 correspond to the C3, C4, C3′, C4′Cz, and Fz recording points specified in the 10-20 system electrode placement method. The electrodes 200 are conductive polymer electrodes, and their surfaces are uniformly coated with silver chloride.

[0034] To prevent the wearer's hair from interfering with the contact between the probe 201 on the electrode 200 and the scalp, the probe 201 is further designed to be conical with a spherical tip. Compared to a columnar structure, the conical structure and arrayed arrangement of the probe 201 make it easier to comb through the wearer's hair during installation because the tapered tip is thinner and can more easily penetrate between hair strands. Combined with the elastic cap body 100 applying a force towards the scalp to the electrode 200, this ensures stable contact between the probe 201 and the wearer's scalp, providing excellent signal quality and preventing electrical isolation caused by hair pressing between the electrode 200 and the scalp.

[0035] Furthermore, the probe 201 has a length of 5 mm within the head receiving area 101. This ensures that the probe 201 is inserted deep enough into the wearer's hair and contacts the wearer's scalp.

[0036] Furthermore, an electrocardiogram connector 300 is provided on the electrode 200, the electrocardiogram connector 300 extends toward the outside of the cap body 100, and the electrocardiogram connector 300 is configured to be electrically connected to an electrophysiological monitoring machine.

[0037] The electrocardiogram connector 300 is connected to the electrophysiological monitoring machine via an electrocardiogram lead. Specifically, one end of the electrocardiogram lead is connected to the electrocardiogram connector 300, and the other end of the electrocardiogram lead is provided with a plug. The plug is compatible with the electrophysiological monitoring machine. Preferably, the plug is a 1.5mm plug.

[0038] To facilitate wiring the ECG connector 300 and to allow the operator to determine the position of the electrode 200 on the cap body 100 via the exposed ECG connector 300, the ECG connector 300 extends 4 mm beyond the outer side of the cap body 100.

[0039] Specifically, regarding the connection between the electrode 200 and the cap body 100, the cap body 100 has a mounting hole 100a that connects the inside and outside of the head receiving area 101. A connector 400 is provided between the electrocardiogram connector 300 and the electrode 200. The electrocardiogram connector 300, the connector 400, and the electrode 200 are connected sequentially along the length direction. The radial dimensions of the electrode 200 and the electrocardiogram connector 300 are both larger than the radial dimension of the connector 400. The connector 400 is located inside the mounting hole 100a. The radially outer side of the connector 400 is attached to the inner wall of the mounting hole 100a. The opposite sides of the electrocardiogram connector 300 and the electrode 200 are respectively attached to the inner and outer sides of the cap body 100.

[0040] In summary, the tip of the probe 201 on the electrode 200 is blunt to provide long-term comfort and wear resistance. The extended probe 201 can accommodate longer hair. The comb-like probe 201, combined with the elastic cap body 100, makes it easier to comb the hair and avoids the hair being pressed between the electrode 200 and the scalp, which would cause electrical isolation. This ensures stable contact between the electrode 200 and the scalp and provides excellent signal quality. The device has the advantages of simple and quick installation and does not have the problem of dehydration.

[0041] This device has the following advantages:

[0042] 1. Non-invasive, non-surgical, and with no risk of infection;

[0043] 2. Electrode 200 does not require repeated sterilization, reducing consumable costs and is reusable;

[0044] 3. Easy to position, using elastic materials such as spandex, it can adapt to different head sizes;

[0045] 4. Shorten preoperative preparation time: Electrodes 200 can be placed in the ward or while the patient is awake before anesthesia, and stimulation can be performed to determine the accuracy of the positioning, thereby shortening the preparation time for surgery.

[0046] The embodiments described above are only used to illustrate the technical ideas and features of this utility model. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of this utility model and implement it accordingly. The scope of patent application of this utility model should not be limited by these embodiments. That is, any equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit disclosed in this utility model still fall within the patent scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An electrode cap, characterized in that The utility model provides a head cap, including the hat body (100) with elasticity, be provided with head containing area (101) in the hat body (100), a plurality of electrodes (200) are distributed at the hat body (100) interval, a plurality of probes (201) are arranged on the electrode (200) and are arranged in the comb array, the end of probe (201) is blunt, the probe (201) end extends to the head containing area (101) in, the cross -sectional dimension of probe (201) gradually reduces in radial, the elasticity of hat body (100) gradually increases close to the electrode (200).

2. An electrode cap according to claim 1, wherein The hat body (100) is a hat body (100) cut and sewn from spandex fabric.

3. An electrode cap according to claim 1, wherein The lower part of the hat body (100) is provided with a put-on and take-off opening (1011) communicating inside and outside of the head containing area (101), the two sides of the put-on and take-off opening (1011) in the horizontal direction are front side (1011a) and back side (1011b) respectively, the two ends of the front side (1011a) extend downward to form a front fixing band (102), the two ends of the back side (1011b) extend downward and tilt towards the front side (1011a) to form a back fixing band (103), the end of the front fixing band (102) is connected with the end of the back fixing band (103), the front fixing band (102) encloses a face opening (1021), the back fixing band (103) encloses a neck opening (1031), and an ear opening (1032) is reserved between the front fixing band (102) and the back fixing band (103).

4. An electrode cap according to claim 3, wherein The front fixing band (102) located at the two ends of the front side (1011a) of the put-on and take-off opening (1011) is a front first fixing band (1022) and a front second fixing band (1023) respectively, the front first fixing band (1022) and the front second fixing band (1023) are detachably connected through a positioning member (1024).

5. An electrode cap according to claim 4, wherein The positioning member (1024) includes a first positioning member and a second positioning member, the first positioning member is arranged on the front first fixing band (1022), the second positioning member is arranged on the front second fixing band (1023), the first positioning member and the second positioning member are matched, and the first positioning member is arranged along the length direction of the front first fixing band (1022).

6. An electrode cap according to claim 1, wherein The electrodes (200) are distributed on the hat body (100) according to the international 10-20 system electrode placement method, and the electrodes (200) correspond to the standard C3, C4, C3', C4' Cz and Fz recording points in the 10-20 system electrode placement method.

7. An electrode cap according to claim 1, wherein The probe (201) is a conical probe, and the end of the probe (201) is spherical.

8. An electrode cap according to claim 1, wherein An electrocardiogram connector (300) is arranged on the electrode (200), the electrocardiogram connector (300) extends towards the outside of the hat body (100), and the electrocardiogram connector (300) is connected to an electrophysiological monitoring machine through an electrocardiogram lead.

9. An electrode cap according to claim 8, wherein The cap body (100) has a mounting hole (100a) that connects the inside and outside of the head receiving area (101). A connector (400) is provided between the electrocardiogram connector (300) and the electrode (200). The electrocardiogram connector (300), the connector (400) and the electrode (200) are connected sequentially along the length direction. The radial dimension of the electrode (200) and the radial dimension of the electrocardiogram connector (300) are both larger than the radial dimension of the connector (400). The connector (400) is located inside the mounting hole (100a). The radially outer side of the connector (400) is attached to the inner wall of the mounting hole (100a). The opposite sides of the electrocardiogram connector (300) and the electrode (200) are respectively attached to the inner and outer sides of the cap body (100).

10. An electrode cap according to claim 8, wherein The electrode (200) is a conductive polymer electrode (200), and the surface of the electrode (200) is uniformly coated with silver chloride; the probe (201) is located in the head receiving area (101) with a length of 5 mm, and the electrocardiogram connector (300) extends to the outside of the cap body (100) with a length of 4 mm.

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