Emergency ECG Electrode Pad for Rapid Chest Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ECG devices are bulky, time-consuming, and prone to electrode placement errors, lead detachment, and lack reproducibility, especially in emergency and confined settings, which can delay critical medical decisions and treatments.
Innovation Solution
An emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device incorporating electrical conducting materials and elastic material into a pad for anatomically correct electrode placement, with a cable management system and wireless data transfer capabilities, allowing for rapid, reliable, and reproducible ECG acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional ECG devices are used, then ECG data can be obtained, but the system is bulky with many wires and cables, making it difficult to transport into confined areas and delaying acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ECG electrodes and conductive elements into a single integrated adhesive pad assembly, eliminating the need for separate wires and cables for each electrode. The pad incorporates all necessary electrical connections in one unified device that can be quickly applied to the patient's chest.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECG system is segmented into a portable adhesive pad component that can be independently applied to the patient, separating the electrode placement function from the bulkier monitoring equipment. This allows rapid deployment in confined spaces while the main device remains outside the immediate treatment area.
2Reliability
If traditional electrode placement methods are used, then ECG data can be acquired, but placement requires special training and is prone to errors, leading to lead detachment and lack of reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive pad is pre-configured with electrodes positioned at anatomically correct locations before application. The pad includes pre-marked alignment features and conductive pathways that guide proper placement, eliminating the need for technicians to manually measure and position each electrode during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive pad design allows the electrode placement system to self-align and self-position on the patient's chest through inherent anatomical landmarks and pad geometry. The device automatically ensures correct orientation and contact without requiring external guidance or adjustment by the operator.
3Reliability
If traditional ECG pads are used, then ECG measurements can be obtained, but the pads do not conform to diaphoretic or rapidly moving chest walls, leading to lead detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG pad is constructed from flexible adhesive material that can conform to the contours of the chest wall and maintain contact during patient movement. The thin film structure allows the pad to flex with breathing and body motion while the adhesive properties ensure continuous skin contact even under diaphoretic conditions.
4Area of stationary object
If traditional ECG devices are used, then ECG data can be acquired, but the large footprint obscures radiologic studies and prevents application of other support devices
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG electrode system is segmented into a compact pad design that concentrates all necessary electrodes and conductors in a small area. This segmented approach allows the pad to be positioned on specific chest regions without creating a large overall footprint that would interfere with radiologic imaging or other medical device application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device significantly reduces ECG acquisition time, eliminates placement errors, maintains skin contact through various physiologic responses, and ensures reproducible measurements across different body types and conditions, enhancing timely diagnosis and treatment in emergency settings.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer, and a backing layer attached to an adhesive surface of the adhesive layer
Implementation Method 2
each electrode of the plurality of electrodes is connected to the electrode connector cable through i) an electrical conducting elastic material incorporated into a top layer of the main layer
Data Source
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AI summary
An emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device (20) is disclosed herein. The emergency cardiac and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode placement device (20) incorporates electrical conducting materials and elastic material into a pad that is applied to a chest wall of a patient (15), which places multiple electrodes (50) in the appropriate anatomic locations on the patient (15) to quickly obtain an ECG (17) in a pre-hospital setting.