Electromyography measurement sensing pad and electromyography measurement tube structure comprising same

Abstract

An electromyography measurement sensing pad according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: an electrode pad including a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other; and a wire pad including a wire connected to the plurality of electrodes, wherein a small angle among the angles between the electrode pad and the wire pad satisfies 45 to 90 degrees. The sensing pad for electromyography measurement of the present invention can improve the feeling of irritation of a patient, minimize damage to the esophagus or airways that may occur when inserted into the trachea, have dramatically reduced thickness, and improve signal noise.

Description

Sensing pad for electromyography measurement and tube structure for electromyography including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensing pad for electromyography measurement and a tube structure for electromyography measurement including the same.

[0002] The electromyographic tube structure enables EMG monitoring of the vocal cords during surgery when connected to a monitoring device, and includes electrodes designed to contact the patient's vocal cords for this purpose.

[0003] In particular, the electromyography tube structure provides an open airway for patient ventilation and can monitor the EMG activation of the unique laryngeal muscular system when connected to an appropriate EMG monitor. The electromyography tube structure can continuously monitor the nerves supplying the laryngeal muscular system during surgical procedures.

[0004] At this time, nerve monitoring systems are being technologically developed as a method to induce a stimulus response and to classify tissue types for the purpose of preventing nerve and muscle damage within the surgical field.

[0005] Here, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is one of the most serious complications of thyroid surgery, and an electromyography tube structure is designed to prevent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. To this end, the electromyography tube structure can monitor the nerve in the patient's endogenous laryngeal muscles.

[0006] As the electromyography tube structure has electrodes formed on the outer surface to monitor nerves, it can cause damage to the esophagus and trachea during endotracheal intubation and surgery, and to prevent this, improvements such as a structure, shape, and minimization of steps that are advantageous for intubation are required.

[0007] In addition, the tube structure for electromyography is a product inserted into the human body, and accordingly, the insulating layer and electrodes used in the tube structure for electromyography must be composed of materials that are highly biocompatible and have minimal change.

[0008] In addition, since the tube structure for electromyography measurement is inserted into the human body, it is used in a wet environment, and accordingly, a method to improve the adhesion between the tube and the substrate is required.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a sensing pad for electromyography measurement and a tube structure for electromyography measurement including the same.

[0010] To solve the above technical problem, the sensing pad for measuring electromyography according to the present embodiment includes an electrode pad comprising a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other; and a wire pad comprising a wire connected to the plurality of electrodes, wherein the smaller angle among the angles between the electrode pad and the wire pad satisfies 45 to 90 degrees.

[0011] The length of the first direction of the electrode pad may be greater than the length of the first direction of the wire pad.

[0012] The plurality of electrodes of the electrode pad can be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0013] The plurality of electrodes of the electrode pad can be formed in a parallelogram.

[0014] The electrode pad includes an open area where the plurality of electrodes are exposed, and the wire pad may include an insulating layer disposed on the wire.

[0015] To solve the above technical problem, the tube structure for measuring electromyography according to the present embodiment includes a tube; a sensing pad for measuring electromyography disposed on the tube, wherein the sensing pad for measuring electromyography includes an electrode pad comprising a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other; and a wire pad comprising a wire connected to the plurality of electrodes, and the smaller of the angles between the electrode pad and the wire pad satisfies 45 to 90 degrees.

[0016] The electrode pad may be positioned to wrap around a portion of the tube along the circumferential direction, and the wire pad may be positioned to wrap diagonally along the length of the tube.

[0017] The length of the first direction of the electrode pad may be greater than the length of the first direction of the wire pad.

[0018] The plurality of electrodes of the electrode pad can be formed in a parallelogram.

[0019] The plurality of electrodes of the electrode pad can be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0020] According to the embodiments, the patient's foreign body sensation can be improved, and damage to the esophagus or airway that may occur when inserted into the trachea can be minimized.

[0021] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a tube structure for electromyography measurement that can improve signal noise by implementing a low resistance value.

[0022] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a tube structure for electromyography measurement with improved adhesion between the tube and the substrate.

[0023] In addition, the present embodiment can provide a tube structure for electromyography measurement that can drastically reduce thickness.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an electromyography measurement monitoring system according to the present embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining a sensing pad for electromyography measurement according to the present embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 3 illustrates a sensing pad for measuring electromyography according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a sensing pad for measuring electromyography according to the second embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 5 illustrates a sensing pad for measuring electromyography according to the third embodiment.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to some of the described embodiments but can be implemented in various different forms, and within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention, one or more of the components among the embodiments may be selectively combined or substituted.

[0031] In addition, terms used in this embodiment (including technical and scientific terms) may be interpreted in a sense that is generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this embodiment belongs, unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. Terms that are commonly used, such as terms defined in advance, may be interpreted in consideration of their meaning in the context of the relevant technology.

[0032] Furthermore, the terms used in this embodiment are for the purpose of describing the embodiment and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0033] In this specification, the singular form may include the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text, and when described as "at least one of A and B and C (or more than one)," it may include one or more of all combinations that can be formed from A, B, and C.

[0034] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the present embodiment. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components and are not intended to limit the essence, order, or sequence of the components.

[0035] And, where it is stated that a component is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to another component, this may include not only cases where the component is directly 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' to the other component, but also cases where it is 'connected', 'combined', or 'connected' due to another component located between the component and the other component.

[0036] Furthermore, when described as being formed or placed "above" or "below" each component, "above" or "below" includes not only cases where two components are in direct contact with each other, but also cases where one or more other components are formed or placed between the two components. Additionally, when expressed as "above" or "below," it may include the meaning of a downward direction as well as an upward direction relative to a single component.

[0037]

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an electromyography measurement monitoring system according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a drawing for explaining an electromyography measurement sensing pad according to the present embodiment, FIG. 3 shows an electromyography measurement sensing pad according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 shows an electromyography measurement sensing pad according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 5 shows an electromyography measurement sensing pad according to the third embodiment.

[0039] The electromyography measurement monitoring system includes an electromyography measurement tube structure, a cable (300), a connector (400), and a nerve integrity monitor (NIM) (500).

[0040] The electromyography tube structure can be inserted into the patient's trachea (11). For example, the electromyography tube structure can be inserted into the trachea (11) through the patient's mouth or nose. Here, "trachea (11)" may refer collectively to the respiratory organs of arthropods or vertebrates. The electromyography tube structure can be positioned to contact the vocal cords (12). The vocal cords (12) may be located on both the left and right sides inside the trachea (11). The electromyography tube structure can contact the vocal cords (12) to monitor the electromyography (EMG) signals of the patient's laryngeal muscles during surgery.

[0041] The cable (300) can be electrically connected to the tube structure for electromyography measurement. Additionally, the cable (300) can be electrically connected to the nerve integrity monitor (500). For example, the cable (300) can electrically connect the tube structure for electromyography measurement and the nerve integrity monitor (500). The cable (300) can provide an electrical signal to the tube structure for electromyography measurement or to the nerve integrity monitor (500). For example, the cable (300) can transmit a stimulation signal or a control signal to the tube structure for electromyography measurement. Additionally, the cable (300) can transmit an electromyography measurement signal measured through the tube structure for electromyography measurement to the nerve integrity monitor (500).

[0042] A connector (400) may be positioned between one end of a cable (300) and an electromyography tube structure. For example, the electromyography tube structure may include a connecting electrode (not shown) that is fitted into the connector (400). The electromyography tube structure may include a connecting electrode provided in an area adjacent to the connector (400), and the connecting electrode of the electromyography tube structure may be fitted into the connector (400). Through this, the cable (300) and the electromyography tube structure may be electrically coupled to each other through the connector (400).

[0043] The nerve integrity monitor (500) can be electrically connected to an electromyography tube structure via a cable (300). The nerve integrity monitor (500) can receive electromyography signals acquired by the electromyography tube structure inserted into the patient's trachea via the cable (300). Additionally, the nerve integrity monitor (500) can process and display the received electromyography signals.

[0044]

[0045] The tube structure for measuring electromyography according to the present embodiment may include a tube (200) and a sensing pad (100) for measuring electromyography.

[0046] The tube (200) may be a structure inserted into the patient's trachea. The tube (200) may be a tube shape with a hollow internal passage formed to allow the patient to breathe.

[0047] The tube (200) may be formed from silicone, water-resistant polyurethane, soft polyurethane, nylon, pressure-resistant nylon, or soft nylon material. That is, the tube (200) is not limited to this material as long as it is made of a material that is flexible or elastic enough to prevent damage or bleeding to the inner wall of the trachea when inserted into the patient's trachea. Preferably, the tube (200) may be a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tube.

[0048] At this time, the tube (200) may have various sizes. Here, the size of the tube (200) may refer to the diameter of the tube (200). That is, the tube (200) may have a diameter corresponding to the size of the organ according to the patient's age, gender, etc., and accordingly, the tube (200) may have a diameter corresponding to the size of the organ according to the patient's age and gender, etc.

[0049] For example, the diameter of the tube (200) may have a range between 5 mm and 9 mm. Preferably, the diameter of the tube (200) may have a range between 5.5 mm and 8.5 mm. More preferably, the diameter of the tube (200) may have a range between 6 mm and 8 mm.

[0050] If the diameter of the tube (200) is less than 5 mm, a stable air passage may not be secured through the tube (200) inserted into the trachea. Additionally, if the diameter of the tube (200) is less than 5 mm, the adhesion with the electromyography measurement sensing pad (100) may not be secured due to the small curvature of the tube (200). Furthermore, if the diameter of the tube (200) exceeds 9 mm, the size of the electromyography measurement tube structure increases, and consequently, it may be difficult to stably insert it into the patient's trachea, or there may be a problem of damage to the esophagus or airway due to the increased thickness of the electromyography measurement tube structure. Accordingly, the tube (200) can perform a ventilation function by being inserted into the patient's trachea to allow air to enter through the internal passage.

[0051]

[0052] An electromyogram measuring sensing pad (100) may be placed on a tube (200). An electromyogram measuring sensing pad (100) may be coupled to the tube (200). An electromyogram measuring sensing pad (100) may be placed to wrap around the tube (200). The electromyogram measuring sensing pad (100) may include an insulating layer, an electrode layer formed on the insulating layer, and a protective layer formed on the electrode layer. The electromyogram measuring sensing pad (100) may include an adhesive layer between the tube (200) and the insulating layer to ensure close contact with the tube (200).

[0053] The protective layer may have a symmetrical structure with respect to the insulating layer with respect to the electrode layer. Here, the symmetrical structure may refer to the insulating material constituting the insulating layer and the protective layer, and may refer to the stacking thickness of each of the insulating layer and the protective layer. Below, the description of the protective layer is omitted as it overlaps with the description of the insulating layer.

[0054] The insulating layer may be a substrate for forming an electrode layer. The insulating layer may include an insulating material suitable for the human body. The insulating layer may have flexibility to adhere closely to the tube (200). For example, the insulating layer may include any one of liquid crystal polymer (LCP), polyimide (PI), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0055] A sensing pad (100) for electromyography measurement may include an electrode pad (110) and a wire pad (120). The electrode pad (110) may include a plurality of electrodes (111) spaced apart from each other. The wire pad (120) may include a wire (121) connected to the plurality of electrodes (111). Here, the plurality of electrodes (111) and the wire (121) may refer to the electrode layer of the sensing pad (100) for electromyography measurement, and the plurality of electrodes (111) and the wire (121) may be distinguished according to their shape and use.

[0056] A plurality of electrodes (111) and wires (121) may include a metallic material. For example, a plurality of electrodes (111) and wires (121) may include a metallic material capable of transmitting electrical signals and being applicable to the human body. A plurality of electrodes (111) and wires (121) may be made of any one of copper (Cu), silver (Ag), silver chloride (AgCl), and carbon paste. A plurality of electrodes (111) and wires (121) may be formed through a patterning process comprising at least one of coating, exposure, development, and etching processes.

[0057] The electrode pad (110) may include an open area in which a protective layer is partially removed so that a plurality of electrodes are exposed within the patient's trachea. A cover layer may be disposed on the electrode layer exposed to the outside by the open area of ​​the electrode pad (110). The cover layer may be a surface treatment layer disposed on the electrode layer. The cover layer may include at least one of gold (Au), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), platinum (Pt), and platinum-iridium.

[0058] The electrode pad (110) may have a plurality of electrodes (111) spaced apart. The plurality of electrodes (111) may include electrode patterns having various shapes. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of electrodes (111) of the electrode pad (110) may be formed in a rectangular shape. Accordingly, the overall shape of the electrode pad (110) may be formed in a rectangular shape.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of electrodes (111) of the electrode pad (110) may be formed in a parallelogram. A plurality of electrodes (111) may be formed by extending in a diagonal direction. Accordingly, the overall shape of the electrode pad (110) may be formed in a parallelogram. The electrode pad (110) and the plurality of electrodes (111) may be formed diagonally in the circumferential or longitudinal direction of the tube (200).

[0060] Here, the longitudinal direction may be a direction defined along the longest axis of the configuration or object. The transverse direction may be a direction defined along the smallest axis of the configuration or object. The diagonal direction may be a direction that forms an angle between two axes (e.g., the longitudinal direction and the transverse direction, the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction).

[0061] When the electrode pad (110) and the plurality of electrodes (111) are formed in a parallelogram, the contact area between the trachea (11) or vocal cords (12) and the plurality of electrodes (111) can be increased, thereby increasing the signal recognition rate. It is obvious that the shape of the electrode pad (110) and the plurality of electrodes (111) is not limited thereto and can be modified in various ways.

[0062] The length of the first direction (x-axis direction) of the electrode pad (110) may be greater than the length of the first direction of the wire pad (120). One wire of the wire pad (120) may be connected to one electrode of the electrode pad (110). The wire pad (120) may be formed by extending from one area of ​​the electrode pad (110).

[0063] Referring to FIG. 3, the length of the second direction (y-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction of the electrode pad (110) may be smaller than the length of the length direction (diagonal direction from the first direction) of the wire pad (120). Referring to FIG. 4, the length of the second direction of the electrode pad (110) may be smaller than the length of the second direction of the wire pad (120). Referring to FIG. 5, the length of the first direction and diagonal direction of the electrode pad (110) may be smaller than the length direction (first direction and diagonal direction) of the wire pad (120).

[0064] The electrode pad (110) may be positioned to wrap around the circumferential direction of one area of ​​the tube (200). The wire pad (120) may be positioned to wrap around the longitudinal direction of the tube (200). The wire pad (120) may be positioned to wrap diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the tube (200).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the electrode pad (110) and the wire pad (120) can form an acute angle. Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode pad (110) and the wire pad (120) can form a right angle. Specifically, the smaller of the angles between the electrode pad (110) and the wire pad (120) (a in FIG. 3 and b in FIG. 5) can satisfy 45 to 90 degrees.

[0066] If this is satisfied, the length of the wire pad (120) wrapping around the tube (200) or the length of the wire pad (120) wrapping around the tube (200) between the area where the electrode pad (110) is placed and the connector (400) can be reduced, thereby reducing noise. If the angle between the electrode pad (110) and the wire pad (120) is less than 45 degrees, the number of times and the length of the wire pad (120) wrapping around the tube (200) increase, which causes a problem of increased noise.

[0067] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment may be combined or modified and implemented in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, details regarding such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0068] Those skilled in the art related to the embodiments will understand that the above-described embodiments may be implemented in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the description. Therefore, the disclosed methods should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of equivalence should be interpreted as being included in the invention.

Claims

1. An electrode pad comprising a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other; and It includes a wire pad comprising wires connected to the plurality of electrodes, and A sensing pad for electromyography measurement in which the smaller angle between the electrode pad and the wire pad satisfies 45 to 90 degrees.

2. In Paragraph 1, A sensing pad for electromyography measurement in which the length of the first direction of the electrode pad is greater than the length of the first direction of the wire pad.

3. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of electrodes of the above electrode pad are formed in a rectangular shape and are a sensing pad for electromyography measurement.

4. In Paragraph 1, The plurality of electrodes of the above electrode pad are a sensing pad for electromyography measurement formed in a parallelogram.

5. In Paragraph 1, The electrode pad includes an open area where the plurality of electrodes are exposed, and The above wire pad is a sensing pad for electromyography measurement comprising an insulating layer disposed on a wire.

6. Tube; and It includes a sensing pad for electromyography measurement disposed on the above tube, and The above-mentioned electromyography measurement sensing pad is An electrode pad comprising a plurality of electrodes spaced apart from each other; and It includes a wire pad comprising wires connected to the plurality of electrodes, and A tube structure for measuring electromyography in which the smaller of the angles between the electrode pad and the wire pad satisfies 45 to 90 degrees.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above electrode pad is positioned to wrap around a portion of the tube along the circumferential direction, and The above-mentioned wire pad is an electromyography measuring tube structure arranged to wrap diagonally along the longitudinal direction of the tube.

8. In Paragraph 6, A tube structure for measuring electromyography in which the length of the first direction of the electrode pad is greater than the length of the first direction of the wire pad.

9. In Paragraph 6, The plurality of electrodes of the above electrode pad are a tube structure for measuring electromyography formed in a parallelogram.

10. In Paragraph 6, The plurality of electrodes of the above electrode pad are formed as a rectangular tube structure for electromyography measurement.

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