ECG Electrode Package

Abstract

An electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system having a warmer and at least one ECG electrode. The warmer has an exothermic warming composition. The at least one ECG electrode is configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals and is thermally connected to the warmer. An insert may be disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer. The at least one ECG electrode may be removably connected to the insert, and the warmer may be attached to the insert with an adhesive. A barrier may be configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from the reactive composition. The barrier is breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition. Contact between the reactive composition and the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 294,739, entitled “Electrocardiogram Electrodes Packaging,” filed December 29, 2021, to Lance Cromwell, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes, and more specifically, to packaging for ECG electrodes. [Background technology]

[0003] When undergoing a medical procedure, patients often experience anxiety and discomfort before or during the procedure. This anxiety and discomfort is exacerbated by conditions that adversely affect the patient's body. For example, if a patient finds cold uncomfortable, this will affect the patient's feelings about the procedure.

[0004] One common cause of discomfort and shock occurs when medical personnel attach electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes to a patient. Because operating rooms and other areas in hospitals are maintained at around 68 degrees, ECG electrodes tend to be very cold and the unexpected change in temperature on contact can make a patient nervous. This can increase the patient's anxiety, discomfort, and worry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An embodiment of the present specification relates to an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system comprising: a warmer having an exothermic warming composition; at least one ECG electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals and thermally connected to the warmer; an insert disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer, to which the at least one ECG electrode is removably connected and to which the warmer is adhesively attached; and a barrier configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from a reactive composition, the barrier being breakable by a user to bring the reactive composition into contact with the exothermic warming composition, where contact between the reactive composition and the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

[0006] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The warmer may be configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature within 5 minutes and maintain the at least one ECG electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes. The selected temperature may be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The exothermic warming composition may be packaged within a fabric having a weight of 50 grams per square meter or greater.

[0007] Aspects of the present specification relate to an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system comprising a warmer having an exothermic warming composition, at least one ECG electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals and thermally connected to the warmer, and a barrier configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from a reactive composition, the barrier being breakable by a user to bring the reactive composition into contact with the exothermic warming composition, where contact between the reactive composition and the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

[0008] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The warming system may further include an insert disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer, the at least one ECG electrode being removably connected to the insert. The warmer may be adhered to the insert. The warmer may be adhered to the insert with an adhesive. The barrier may be an envelope configured to enclose the warmer, and the reactive composition may be ambient air. The warmer may be configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature within 5 minutes and maintain the at least one ECG electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes. The selected temperature may be 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The exothermic warming composition may be packaged within a fabric having a weight of 50 grams or more per square meter.

[0009] An embodiment of the present specification relates to an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system comprising a warmer having an exothermic warming composition and at least one ECG electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals and detachably and thermally connected to the warmer.

[0010] Certain embodiments may include one or more of the following features: The exothermic warming composition may be air activated. The ECG electrode warming system may further include a barrier configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from the reactive composition, the barrier being breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition. The barrier may be an envelope configured to enclose the warmer, and the reactive composition may be ambient air. Upon contact of the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition, the exothermic warming composition may release heat. The ECG electrode warming system further includes an insert disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer, the at least one ECG electrode removably connected to the insert, and the warmer adhered to the insert. The warmer may be configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature within 5 minutes. The warmer may be configured to maintain the at least one ECG electrode at or above a selected temperature for at least 45 minutes.

[0011] These and other aspects, features, applications, and advantages will be apparent to one skilled in the art from the specification, drawings, and claims. Unless otherwise stated, it is intended that the words and phrases in this specification and claims be given their plain and ordinary accustomed meaning to one skilled in the applicable technical field. The inventors well understand that they can be lexicographers themselves if they wish. As their lexicographer, the inventors expressly choose to use the plain and ordinary meaning of terms in this specification and claims unless expressly stated otherwise, and further expressly provide a "special" definition of the term and explain how it differs from the plain and ordinary meaning. Absent an explicit indication of an intent to apply a "special" definition, it is the intention and desire of the inventors that the plain, plain, and ordinary meaning of the term be applied in interpreting this specification and claims.

[0012] The inventors also understand the normal rules of English grammar. Thus, where a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be further characterized, specified, or limited in any way, such noun, term, or phrase expressly includes additional adjectives, descriptive terms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal rules of English grammar. In the absence of such adjectives, descriptive terms, or modifiers, such noun, term, or phrase is intended to be given its plain and ordinary English meaning to one of ordinary skill in the art as described above.

[0013] Furthermore, the inventor is familiar with the criteria and application of the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of the words "function", "means", or "step" in the detailed description, brief description of the drawings, and claims is not intended to indicate in any way an intention to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) to define the invention. Conversely, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are intended to be invoked to define the invention, the claims will specifically and clearly recite the precise phrase "means for" or "step for" and will also recite the word "function" (i.e., recite "means for performing the function of [insert function]") without reciting any structure, material, or operation that supports the function in such phrase. Thus, even if a claim recites "means for performing the function of . . . " or "steps for performing the function of . . . ," it is the express intent of the inventors not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) if any structure, material, or act supporting the means or step or performing the recited function is recited in the claim. Furthermore, even if 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) is invoked to define claimed aspects, these aspects are not intended to be limited to only the specific structures, materials, or acts described in the preferred embodiments, but additionally to include any and all structures, materials, or acts that perform the claimed function as described in alternative embodiments or aspects of the disclosure, or any and all structures, materials, or acts that are known existing or hereafter developed equivalent structures, materials, or acts for performing the claimed function.

[0014] These and other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0015] Implementations are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective view of a heater, an insertion section, and electrodes of the ECG electrode warming system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the ECG electrode warming system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the electrodes of the ECG electrode warming system shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of the electrode shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a method for heating an ECG electrode using the system shown in FIGS. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a process diagram showing a method for assembling the ECG electrode warming system shown in FIGS. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to improve understanding of the implementation.

[0018] The present disclosure, its aspects, and implementations are not limited to the specific material types, components, methods, or other examples disclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods, and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with specific implementations from the present disclosure. Thus, for example, while specific implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementation components may comprise any components, models, types, materials, versions, quantities, etc., as known in the art for such systems and implementation components consistent with the intended operation.

[0019] The words "exemplary," "example," or various forms thereof, are used herein to mean serving as an example, illustration, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Moreover, examples are provided merely for purposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit or restrict in any way the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of the present disclosure. It should be recognized that numerous additional or alternative examples of varying scope could have been presented, but have been omitted for brevity.

[0020] While the disclosure includes numerous implementations described in many different forms, specific implementations have been shown in the drawings and are described in detail herein, with the understanding that the disclosure should be considered as an illustration of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems and is not intended to limit the broad aspects of the disclosed concepts to the illustrated implementations.

[0021] In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of this specification and which exemplarily show possible implementations. It should be understood that other implementations may be used and structural and procedural changes may be made without departing from the scope of this specification. For convenience, various components are described using typical materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, etc. However, this specification is not limited to the examples described, and other configurations are possible and are within the scope of the teachings of this disclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the function and / or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosed typical implementations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system 100. The warming system 100 includes an integrally packaged warmer 102 and ECG electrodes 104, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Any number of ECG electrodes 104 may be included in the system 100. For example, the warming system 100 may have at least one ECG electrode 104, at least two ECG electrodes 104, or multiple ECG electrodes 104. In a particular implementation, the warming system 100 has six ECG electrodes 104. The ECG electrodes 104 are configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals. For example, the ECG electrodes 104 may be used to detect electrical signals generated by the patient's heart or brain.

[0023] The warming system 100 is designed and configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 before they are applied to the patient's body. This promotes patient health by maintaining the patient's comfort without shocking the patient's body with cold electrodes 104. This improves the outcome of the medical procedure. For example, ECGs are affected by patient movement, even slight movements such as shivering. The more still the patient is, the more accurate the ECG results will be. By relaxing and warming the patient, the heated ECG electrodes 104 increase the accuracy of the ECG results.

[0024] The ECG electrodes 104 may be detachably and / or thermally connected to the warmer 102. This allows the ECG electrodes 104 to be easily removed from the warmer 102 for application to the patient's body, yet still maintain the ECG electrodes 104 in proximity to the warmer 102 so that the warmer 102 effectively heats the ECG electrodes 104. Each ECG electrode 104 may have an adhesive pad 106, a sponge 108, and a snap 110, as shown in FIGS. 4-5. The adhesive pad 106 may have a cavity in the center, and the sponge 108 may be disposed within the cavity of the adhesive pad 106 and may be soaked in a conductive gel, such as silver chloride gel. In some embodiments, the ECG electrodes 104 may not have a sponge 108, and instead the cavity may be filled with gel. The snap 110 is conductive and is in contact with the sponge 108 or gel. The snap 110 also has a protrusion 112 that extends away from the cavity. An external snap, such as on the end of a wire (not shown), may mate with the protrusion 112 and convey the signal entering the electrode 102 through the sponge 108 or gel away from the electrode 104 being measured.

[0025] Returning to FIG. 3, the warmer 102 comprises an exothermic warming composition 114. The exothermic warming composition 114 may be any composition that undergoes an exothermic process that releases heat to warm the surroundings. To control when the heat is released, the warming composition 114 may be separated or isolated from a reactive composition 116 that is configured to initiate and perpetuate the exothermic process. For example, the warming composition 114 may be air activated and the reactive composition 116 may be ambient air. By isolating the air activated warming composition 114 from the ambient air, the exothermic process that the warming composition 114 undergoes may be stopped until desired.

[0026] The warming system 100 may include a barrier 118 to separate the warming composition 114 from the reactive composition 116. In some embodiments, the barrier 118 is breakable by a user. When broken, the barrier 118 no longer separates the warming composition 114 from the reactive composition 116, allowing contact between the reactive composition 116 and the warming composition 114. As described above, this causes an exothermic process to occur, releasing heat from the warming composition 114.

[0027] The barrier 118 may have any shape. For example, the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116 may be packaged together with the barrier 118 extending between them as a sheet. When the sheet is broken, the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116 can mix within the package and the exothermic process is initiated. As another example, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the barrier 118 may itself be a package, such as an envelope that encloses the warmer 102 and the warming composition 114. The reactive composition 116 may be disposed outside the barrier 118 such that when the envelope is opened, the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116 can mix. In embodiments in which the warming composition 114 is air-activated, when the envelope is opened, ambient air contacts the warming composition 114 and the exothermic process is initiated.

[0028] The heat generating process may be an oxidation process. Thus, the warming composition 114 may oxidize and release heat to warm the ECG electrodes 104. The warming composition 114 may include materials such as iron, salt, water, activated charcoal, vermiculite, and / or sawdust. The warming composition 114 may be encapsulated in an outer layer formed of a material that is permeable to the reactive composition 116. The warming composition 114 may also be encapsulated in an outer layer formed of a material that prevents the warming composition 114 from passing through the outer layer. A heavy fabric may prevent the warming composition 114 from passing through the outer layer while remaining permeable to the reactive composition 116. Thus, the warming composition 114 may be packaged in an outer layer formed of a fabric having a weight of 50 grams per square meter (GSM) or more. In some embodiments, the fabric may have a weight of at least 60 GSM, 70 GSM, 75 GSM, or 80 GSM. In certain embodiments, the warming composition 114 is packaged within a polypropylene cloth. Other materials may also be implemented.

[0029] Some embodiments of the warming system 100 include an insert 120. The insert 120 provides a surface to which the ECG electrodes 104 can be removably attached. The insert 120 is formed of a clear plastic material and may be a thin sheet of material. The insert 120 has a first side and a second side opposite the first side. The ECG electrodes 104 are attached to the first side. In some embodiments, the warmer 102 may be glued to the second side of the insert 120. This may maintain thermal contact of the warmer 102 with the ECG electrodes 104. In some embodiments, an adhesive is used to glue the warmer 102 to the insert 120. The adhesive may be any adhesive known in the art and may be spun onto the insert 120 or sprayed onto the insert 120. Other methods of applying the adhesive may also be implemented. In some embodiments, the adhesive is a polymer adhesive, an acrylic adhesive, a hot melt adhesive, or a resin adhesive. In certain embodiments, the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive. Other methods of adhering the warmer 102 to the insert 120 may also be implemented, such as using tape, double-sided tape, clips, rivets, staples, etc.

[0030] The warming system 100 is configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to a comfortable temperature so that the ECG electrodes 104 are not cold or uncomfortable when attached to a patient's body. The warmer 102 may be configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to a selected temperature within a first period of time. The warmer 102 may also be configured to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for a second period of time. These two periods allow the user to know that the ECG electrodes 104 will be sufficiently warmed during a particular period of time and provide the user with flexibility when the exact moment the electrodes 104 will be attached is unknown.

[0031] For some embodiments, the first time period is 5 minutes and the warmer 102 is configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 5 minutes. For some embodiments, the first time period is 10 minutes and the warmer 102 is configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 10 minutes. Other time periods may be selected for the first time period. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 45 minutes and the warmer 102 is configured to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 90 minutes and the warmer 102 is configured to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 90 minutes. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 120 minutes and the warmer 102 is configured to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 120 minutes. Other time periods may be selected for the second time period. The selected temperature may be 110° F., 120° F., 130° F., 140° F., or any other temperature. The selected temperature is desirably high enough that the ECG electrodes 104 are warm to the touch for the patient.

[0032] In a particular embodiment of the warming system 100, if the ECG electrodes 104 start at 70° F., the warmer 102 is configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to 85° F. within 1 minute, 100° F. within 2 minutes, 110° F. within 3 minutes, 120° F. within 4 minutes, 130° F. within 5 minutes, 135° F. within 6 minutes, 140° F. within 7 minutes, 145° F. within 8 minutes, and / or 150° F. within 9 minutes. The warmer 102 may be configured to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to 145° F. within 10 minutes, 150° F. within 11 minutes, and / or 155° F. within 12 minutes.

[0033] The warming system 100 may be assembled as a kit. In such an embodiment, the individual components of the warming system 100 may be packaged together, but not assembled to the same extent as described above. For example, a kit may include at least one ECG electrode 104 and a warmer 102 as described above, the kit may include at least one ECG electrode 104, a warmer 102, and an insert 120, or the kit may include at least one ECG electrode 104, a warmer 102, an insert 120, and an adhesive, but these components may not be coupled together in the kit. Instead, the components of the kit are available to a user in bulk, who can then use the components as needed to warm the ECG electrodes. For example, adhesive may be used to adhere the warmer 102 to the insert 120, and the ECG electrodes 104 may be removably connected to the insert 120, such that the warmer 102 can warm the ECG electrodes 104.

[0034] The present disclosure also relates to a method 200 of warming electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes 104, shown in FIG. 6. The method 200 comprises providing an ECG electrode 104 as described above and thermally connecting the ECG electrode 104 to a warmer 102 as described above. The method 200 may further comprise warming the provided ECG electrode 104. The method 200 may be used to warm any number of ECG electrodes 104, including at least one ECG electrode 104, at least two ECG electrodes 104, multiple ECG electrodes 104, or six ECG electrodes 104, depending on the number of ECG electrodes 104 provided. The method 200 may further comprise removing the ECG electrode 104 from the warmer 102 and / or attaching the ECG electrode 104 to the patient's body. Thus, the method 200 may include providing the ECG electrodes 104 and the warmer 102, warming the ECG electrodes 104 with the warmer 102, removing the ECG electrodes 104 from the warmer 102, and / or attaching the ECG electrodes 104 to the patient.

[0035] As discussed above, the warmer 102 comprises an exothermic warming composition 114. The method 200 may further comprise exposing the warming composition 114 to the reactive composition 116 to release heat, as discussed above, and may comprise using the heat from contact between the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116 to warm the ECG electrodes 104. The method 200 may also comprise separating the warming composition 114 from the reactive composition 116 by a barrier 118, as discussed in detail above. The method 200 may also comprise breaking the barrier 118 to allow contact between the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the warming composition 114 is air activated, and the reactive composition 116 is ambient air. In such embodiments, the method 200 may also comprise oxidizing the warming composition 114.

[0036] The method 200 may comprise providing a warmer 102 enclosed in an envelope, or providing both the warmer 102 and the ECG electrodes 104 enclosed in an envelope. The ECG electrodes 104 may be physically connected to the warmer 102 directly or via an insert 120 as described above. The method 200 may also comprise warming the ECG electrodes 104 to a selected temperature, as described in detail above. By warming the ECG electrodes 104 to a comfortable temperature, the ECG electrodes 104 are not cold or uncomfortable when attached to the patient's body. The method 200 may comprise warming the ECG electrodes 104 to a selected temperature within a first period of time and maintaining the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for a second period of time. As described above, the first and second time periods provide flexibility to the user by allowing the user to prepare the ECG electrodes 104 when needed, knowing that the electrodes 104 will warm up within a reasonable amount of time (the first time period), or prepare the ECG electrodes 104 before they are needed, knowing that the electrodes 104 will remain warm for a certain amount of time (the second time period).

[0037] For some embodiments, the first time period is 5 minutes and the method 200 comprises warming the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 5 minutes. For some embodiments, the first time period is 10 minutes and the method 200 comprises warming the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 10 minutes. Other time periods may be selected for the first time period. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 45 minutes and the method 200 comprises maintaining the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 90 minutes and the method 200 comprises maintaining the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 90 minutes. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 120 minutes and the method 200 comprises maintaining the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 120 minutes. Other time periods may be selected for the second time period. The selected temperature may be 110° F., 120° F., 130° F., 140° F., or any other temperature. The selected temperature is desirably high enough that the ECG electrodes 104 are warm to the touch for the patient.

[0038] The present disclosure also relates to a method 300 of assembling an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming system or kit 100, as shown in Figure 7. The method 300 comprises providing at least one ECG electrode 104 as disclosed above and a warmer 102 as disclosed above, and co-packaging the at least one ECG electrode 104 and the warmer 102. Depending on the number of ECG electrodes 104 provided, the method 300 may include any number of ECG electrodes 104, including at least one ECG electrode 104, at least two ECG electrodes 104, multiple ECG electrodes 104, or six ECG electrodes 104. The method 300 may comprise additional components. For example, the method 300 may comprise removably connecting the ECG electrodes 104 to the warmer 102, separating the warming composition 114 of the warmer 102 from the reactive composition 116, and / or disposing a barrier 118 between the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116. As described above, the barrier 118 may be breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition 116 with the warming composition 114, which may cause the warming composition 114 to release heat. The warming composition 114 may be air activated, and the reactive composition 116 may be ambient air. The method 300 may also include configuring the warmer 102 to warm the ECG electrodes 104 when the barrier 118 is broken, enclosing the warmer 102 in an envelope configured to separate the warmer 102 from ambient air, enclosing the ECG electrodes 104 along with the warmer 102 in the envelope, and / or preventing oxidation of the warming composition 114 by isolating the warming composition 114 from ambient air.

[0039] The method 300 may also include positioning the insert 120 between the ECG electrodes 104 and the warmer 102 and / or removably connecting the ECG electrodes 104 to the insert 120. The method 300 may also include adhering the warmer 102 to the insert 120. Adhering the warmer 102 to the insert 120 may include applying an adhesive to the warmer 102 or the insert 120, and applying an adhesive to the warmer 120 or the insert 120 may include rolling the adhesive onto the warmer 102 or the insert 120 or spraying the adhesive onto the warmer 102 or the insert 120. As discussed above, the adhesive may be a polyurethane adhesive.

[0040] The method 300 may also comprise packaging the warming composition 114 in a material permeable to the reactive composition 116 to facilitate contact between the warming composition 114 and the reactive composition 116 once the barrier 118 is removed or destroyed. The material used may be selected to prevent the warming composition 114 from passing through the material while remaining permeable to the reactive composition 116. In this regard, heavy fabrics may be useful, so the method 300 may comprise packaging the warming composition 114 in a fabric having a weight of 50 grams per square meter (GSM) or more, at least 60 GSM, 70 GSM, 75 GSM, or 80 GSM. The fabric may be a polypropylene fabric. Other materials and weights may also be implemented.

[0041] The method 300 may also comprise configuring the warmer 102 to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to a selected temperature, as described in detail above. By warming the ECG electrodes 104 to a comfortable temperature, the ECG electrodes 104 are not cold or uncomfortable when attached to the patient's body. The method 300 may comprise configuring the warmer 102 to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to a selected temperature within a first time period and may comprise configuring the warmer 102 to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for a second time period. As described above, the first and second time periods provide flexibility to the user by allowing the user to prepare the ECG electrodes 104 when needed, knowing that the electrodes 104 will warm up within a reasonable amount of time (the first time period), or prepare the ECG electrodes 104 before they are needed, knowing that the electrodes 104 will remain warm for a certain amount of time (the second time period). The selected temperature, first period, and second period all depend on the formulation of the warming composition 114 and / or the reactive composition 116. Thus, the method 300 may also comprise selecting the ratios and amounts of the components of the warming composition 114 and / or the reactive composition 116.

[0042] For some embodiments, the first time period is 5 minutes and the method 300 comprises configuring the warmer 102 to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 5 minutes. For some embodiments, the first time period is 10 minutes and the method 300 comprises configuring the warmer 102 to warm the ECG electrodes 104 to the selected temperature within 10 minutes. Other time periods may be selected for the first time period. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 45 minutes and the method 300 comprises configuring the warmer 102 to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes. For some embodiments, the second time period is at least 90 minutes and the method 300 comprises configuring the warmer 102 to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 90 minutes. For some embodiments, the second period of time is at least 120 minutes, and the method 300 comprises configuring the warmer 102 to maintain the ECG electrodes 104 at or above the selected temperature for at least 120 minutes. Other periods of time may be selected for the second period of time. The selected temperature may be 110° F., 120° F., 130° F., 140° F., or any other temperature. The selected temperature is desirably high enough that the ECG electrodes 104 are warm to the touch for the patient.

[0043] It is understood that implementations of the ECG electrode warming package are not limited to the specific assemblies, devices, and components disclosed herein, and that substantially any assemblies, devices, and components consistent with the intended operation of the ECG electrode warming package may be used. Thus, for example, while specific ECG electrode warming packages and other assemblies, devices, and components are disclosed, they may include any shape, size, style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration, material, weight, quantity, etc., consistent with the intended operation of the ECG electrode warming package. Implementations are not limited to the use of any specific assemblies, devices, and components, provided that the selected assemblies, devices, and components are consistent with the intended operation of the ECG electrode warming package.

[0044] Thus, the components defining any ECG electrode warming package may be formed from any one or combination of many different types of materials that can be readily formed into a shaped object, provided that the materials selected are consistent with the intended operation of the ECG electrode warming package. For example, the components may be formed of polymers such as, for example, thermoplastics (ABS, fluoropolymers, polyacetal, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, polysulfone, etc.), thermosets (epoxy, phenolic, polyimide, polyurethane, silicone, etc.), any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; glass (such as fused silica), carbon fiber, aramid fiber, any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; composite materials and / or other like materials; metals such as, for example, zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper, lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, steel alloys, tool steel, stainless steel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum, aluminum alloys, any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; alloys such as, for example, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys, magnesium alloys, copper alloys, any combination thereof, and / or other like materials; any other suitable material; and / or any combination of the above. In instances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by a standard, regulation, code, or other requirement, the part may be manufactured to conform to or comply with such standard, regulation, code, or other requirement.

[0045] A variety of ECG electrode warming packages may be manufactured using conventional procedures supplemented and improved by the procedures described herein. Some components that define an ECG electrode warming package may be manufactured simultaneously or integrally joined together, while other components may be purchased or manufactured separately prior to manufacture and then assembled with the integral components. A variety of implementations may be manufactured using conventional procedures supplemented and improved by the procedures described herein.

[0046] Thus, separate or simultaneous fabrication of these components may include extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming, injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting, forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding, stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting, punching, plating, etc. When any of the components are fabricated separately, they may then be attached to one another in any manner, such as, for example, adhesives, welding, fasteners (e.g., bolts, nuts, screws, nails, rivets, pins, etc.), wiring, any combination thereof, etc., depending on considerations such as, among others, the particular materials from which the components are formed.

[0047] It is understood that the method for manufacturing or assembling an ECG electrode warming package is not limited to the particular sequence of steps as disclosed herein. Because a variety of assembly processes and sequences of steps may be used to assemble an ECG electrode warming package, any step or sequence of steps of the assembly of an ECG electrode warming package shown herein is provided as an example of a possible step or sequence of steps and not as a limitation.

[0048] The implementations of the ECG electrode warming package are exemplary or illustrative, and not limiting, rather, any above related descriptions are intended to be examples of the present disclosure, and the implementations may be used with similar results in connection with a variety of other applications that utilize an ECG electrode warming package.

Claims

1. A warmer comprising an exothermic heating composition; at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals; wherein the at least one ECG electrode is removably and thermally connected to the warmer.

2. 10. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 1, further comprising a barrier configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from a reactive composition.

3. 3. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 2, wherein the barrier is breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition.

4. 4. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 2, wherein contact between the reactive composition and the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

5. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the warmer is configured to warm at least one ECG electrode when the barrier is destroyed.

6. An ECG electrode warming system according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the reactive composition is the ambient air surrounding the system.

7. The ECG electrode warming system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the barrier is an envelope and the warmer is enclosed within the envelope.

8. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 7 , wherein the at least one ECG electrode is enclosed within the envelope.

9. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the exothermic warming composition is air activated.

10. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the exothermic warming composition is oxidized to warm the at least one ECG electrode.

11. The ECG electrode warming system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising an insert disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer, the at least one ECG electrode being removably connected to the insert.

12. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 11 , wherein the heater is attached to the insert.

13. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 11 , wherein the heater is attached to the insert with an adhesive.

14. 14. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 13, wherein the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive.

15. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises iron.

16. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises a salt.

17. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises water.

18. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises activated charcoal.

19. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises vermiculite.

20. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises sawdust.

21. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged within a polypropylene cloth.

22. 22. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged within a fabric having a weight of 50 grams or more per square meter.

23. 23. The ECG electrode warming system of any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature within 5 minutes and to maintain the at least one ECG electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes.

24. 24. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 23, wherein the selected temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

25. 24. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 23, wherein the selected temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

26. 24. The ECG electrode warming system of claim 23, wherein the selected temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

27. The ECG electrode warming system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is a plurality of ECG electrodes.

28. The ECG electrode warming system according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is at least two ECG electrodes.

29. A warmer comprising an exothermic heating composition; at least one electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals; An ECG electrode warming kit comprising:

30. 30. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 29, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is removably thermally connected to the warmer.

31. 31. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 and 30, further comprising a barrier configured to separate the exothermic warming composition from a reactive composition.

32. 32. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 31, wherein the barrier is breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition.

33. 33. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 31 and 32, wherein contact between the reactive composition and the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

34. 34. An ECG electrode warming kit according to any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the warmer is configured to warm at least one ECG electrode when the barrier is disrupted.

35. An ECG electrode warming kit according to any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the reactive composition is the ambient air surrounding the kit.

36. 36. An ECG electrode warming kit according to any one of claims 31 to 35, wherein the barrier is an envelope and the warmer is enclosed within the envelope.

37. 37. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 36, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is enclosed within the envelope.

38. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the exothermic warming composition is air activated.

39. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 38, wherein the exothermic warming composition oxidizes to warm the at least one ECG electrode.

40. 40. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 39, further comprising an insert configured to be positioned between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer.

41. 41. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 40, wherein the warmer is adhered to the insert.

42. 41. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 40, further comprising an adhesive configured to adhere the warmer to the insert.

43. 43. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 42, wherein the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive.

44. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises iron.

45. The ECG electrode warming kit according to any one of claims 29 to 44, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises a salt.

46. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 45, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises water.

47. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 46, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises activated charcoal.

48. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 47, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises vermiculite.

49. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 47, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises sawdust.

50. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 49, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged in a polypropylene cloth.

51. 51. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 50, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged in a fabric having a weight of 50 grams or more per square meter.

52. 52. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 51, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature within 5 minutes and maintain the at least one ECG electrode above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes.

53. 53. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 52, wherein the selected temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

54. 53. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 52, wherein the selected temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

55. 53. The ECG electrode warming kit of claim 52, wherein the selected temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

56. 56. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 55, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is a plurality of ECG electrodes.

57. 56. The ECG electrode warming kit of any one of claims 29 to 55, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is at least two ECG electrodes.

58. 1. A method of heating an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode, comprising: providing at least one ECG electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body for detecting electrical signals; thermally connecting said at least one ECG electrode to a warmer comprising an exothermic warming composition; A method for providing the above.

59. 60. The method of claim 58, further comprising heating the at least one ECG electrode.

60. 60. The method of any one of claims 58 and 59, further comprising removing the at least one ECG electrode from the warmer.

61. 61. The method of any one of claims 58 to 60, further comprising attaching the at least one ECG electrode to the patient's body.

62. 62. The method of any one of claims 58-61, further comprising contacting the exothermic warming composition with a reactive composition configured to cause the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

63. 63. The method of claim 62, further comprising separating the exothermic warming composition from the reactive composition by a barrier.

64. 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising disrupting the barrier to allow the exothermic warming composition and the reactive composition to contact.

65. 65. The method of any one of claims 62-64, further comprising heating the at least one ECG electrode using heat from contact between the exothermic warming composition and the reactive composition.

66. The method of any one of claims 62 to 65, wherein the reactive composition is ambient air.

67. 67. The method of any one of claims 58-66, wherein the exothermic warming composition is air activated.

68. 68. The method of any one of claims 58-67, further comprising oxidizing the exothermic warming composition.

69. 69. The method of any one of claims 58 to 68, further comprising providing the warmer enclosed within an envelope.

70. 70. The method of claim 69, further comprising providing the at least one ECG electrode enclosed within the envelope with the warmer.

71. The method of any one of claims 58 to 70, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is physically connected to the warmer.

72. 72. The method of any one of claims 58 to 71, wherein an insert is disposed between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer.

73. 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the heater is adhered to the insert.

74. 73. The method of claim 72, wherein the warmer is attached to the insert with an adhesive.

75. 75. The method of claim 74, wherein the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive.

76. 76. The method of any one of claims 58 to 75, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises iron.

77. 77. The method of any one of claims 58 to 76, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises a salt.

78. 78. The method of any one of claims 58 to 77, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises water.

79. The method of any one of claims 58 to 78, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises activated charcoal.

80. 80. The method of any one of claims 58 to 79, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises vermiculite.

81. The method of any one of claims 58 to 80, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises sawdust.

82. The method of any one of claims 58 to 81, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged within a polypropylene fabric.

83. 83. The method of any one of claims 58 to 82, wherein the exothermic warming composition is packaged within a fabric having a weight of 50 grams per square meter or greater.

84. 84. The method of any one of claims 58 to 83, further comprising warming the at least one ECG electrode to at least a selected temperature.

85. 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the warming of the at least one ECG electrode to the selected temperature occurs in less than five minutes.

86. 85. The method of claim 84, wherein the warming of the at least one ECG electrode to the selected temperature occurs in less than 10 minutes.

87. 87. The method of any one of claims 58 to 86, further comprising maintaining the at least one electrode at or above a selected temperature.

88. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein maintaining the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature occurs for at least 45 minutes.

89. 90. The method of claim 87, wherein maintaining the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature occurs for at least 90 minutes.

90. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein maintaining the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature occurs for at least 120 minutes.

91. The method of any one of claims 84 to 90, wherein the selected temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

92. The method of any one of claims 84 to 90, wherein the selected temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

93. The method of any one of claims 84 to 90, wherein the selected temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

94. A method according to any one of claims 58 to 93, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is a plurality of ECG electrodes.

95. A method according to any one of claims 58 to 93, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is at least two ECG electrodes.

96. 1. A method for assembling an electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode warming kit, comprising: providing at least one ECG electrode configured to be attached to a patient's body to detect electrical signals; and a warmer comprising an exothermic warming composition; packaging said at least one ECG electrode and said warmer together; A method for providing the above.

97. 97. The method of claim 96, further comprising removably connecting the at least one ECG electrode to the warmer.

98. 98. The method of any one of claims 96 and 97, further comprising separating the exothermic warming composition from the reaction composition.

99. 100. The method of claim 98, further comprising disposing a barrier between the exothermic warming composition and a reactive composition.

100. 100. The method of claim 99, wherein the barrier is breakable by a user to contact the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition.

101. 101. The method of any one of claims 99 and 100, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one ECG electrode when the barrier is disrupted.

102. 102. The method of any one of claims 98-101, wherein contact of the reactive composition with the exothermic warming composition causes the exothermic warming composition to release heat.

103. The method of any one of claims 98 to 102, wherein the reactive composition is ambient air.

104. 104. The method of any one of claims 96-103, further comprising enclosing the warmer in an envelope configured to isolate the warmer from ambient air.

105. 105. The method of claim 104, further comprising enclosing the at least one ECG electrode along with the warmer in the envelope.

106. 106. The method of any one of claims 96-105, wherein the exothermic warming composition is air activated.

107. 107. The method of any one of claims 96-106, further comprising preventing oxidation of the exothermic warming composition by isolating the exothermic warming composition from ambient air.

108. 108. The method of any one of claims 96-107, further comprising placing an insert between the at least one ECG electrode and the warmer.

109. 109. The method of claim 108, further comprising adhering the warmer to the insert.

110. 110. The method of claim 109, wherein adhering the warmer to the insert comprises applying an adhesive to the warmer or the insert.

111. 111. The method of claim 110, wherein the adhesive is a polyurethane adhesive.

112. 111. The method of claim 110, wherein applying the adhesive comprises spin-coating the adhesive on the warmer or insert.

113. 111. The method of claim 110, wherein applying the adhesive comprises spraying the adhesive onto the warmer or the insert.

114. 114. The method of any one of claims 96-113, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises iron.

115. The method of any one of claims 96 to 114, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises a salt.

116. 116. The method of any one of claims 96-115, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises water.

117. 117. The method of any one of claims 96 to 116, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises activated charcoal.

118. The method of any one of claims 96 to 117, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises vermiculite.

119. The method of any one of claims 96 to 118, wherein the exothermic warming composition comprises sawdust.

120. 120. The method of any one of claims 96-119, further comprising packaging the exothermic warming composition in a polypropylene fabric.

121. 121. The method of any one of claims 96-120, further comprising packaging the exothermic warming composition in a fabric having a weight of 50 grams per square meter or greater.

122. 122. The method of any one of claims 96 to 121, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one electrode to at least a selected temperature.

123. 123. The method of claim 122, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one electrode to at least the selected temperature within 5 minutes.

124. 123. The method of claim 122, wherein the warmer is configured to warm the at least one electrode to at least the selected temperature within 10 minutes.

125. 125. The method of any one of claims 96 to 124, wherein the warmer is configured to maintain the at least one electrode at or above a selected temperature.

126. 126. The method of claim 125, wherein the warmer is configured to maintain the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 45 minutes.

127. 126. The method of claim 125, wherein the warmer is configured to maintain the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 90 minutes.

128. 126. The method of claim 125, wherein the warmer is configured to maintain the at least one electrode at or above the selected temperature for at least 120 minutes.

129. The method of any one of claims 96 to 128, wherein the selected temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

130. The method of any one of claims 96 to 128, wherein the selected temperature is 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

131. The method of any one of claims 96 to 128, wherein the selected temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

132. A method according to any one of claims 96 to 131, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is a plurality of ECG electrodes.

133. A method according to any one of claims 96 to 131, wherein the at least one ECG electrode is at least two ECG electrodes.

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