Separate ECG and Defibrillation Circuits in Electrode Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biomedical electrodes face issues with electrode peeling due to pulling forces from leadwire weight and patient movement, leading to distorted signals and the need for separate circuits for ECG tracing and defibrillation to prevent interference.
Innovation Solution
A defibrillation pad with a separate ECG tracing circuit, both composed of conductive ink, featuring a foam base layer, a defibrillation conductive layer, a less conductive ECG tracing layer, and a hydrogel layer for adhesion and signal transmission, with an electrical connector for voltage provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the ECG trace and defibrillation current are part of one electrical circuit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ECG trace is affected by the high voltage and current utilized for defibrillation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad divides the electrical circuit into two separate circuits: one for ECG tracing and another for defibrillation. This segmentation allows each circuit to function independently, preventing defibrillation high voltage and current from interfering with the ECG trace, thereby maintaining signal quality while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECG tracing circuit is extracted from the defibrillation circuit, creating a dedicated separate pathway for ECG signals. This extraction ensures that the sensitive ECG trace is isolated from the high-power defibrillation current, eliminating signal degradation while preserving the integrated electrode design.
2Reliability
If leadwire weight and patient movement exert pulling force on the electrode, then the electrode may peal from the skin, but using stronger adhesive may cause skin damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad structure segments the adhesive function into a dedicated hydrogel layer that is optimized for gentle skin adhesion. This separate adhesive layer works in conjunction with the conductive layers, allowing the use of a milder adhesive that reduces skin damage risk while maintaining reliable electrode attachment through the hydrogel's adhesive properties.
3Reliability
If the electrode is partially pealed off, then distorted signals occur, but re-anchoring the electrode is not capable
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode pad is designed as a disposable single-use device, optimized for reliable initial adhesion through the hydrogel layer. Rather than attempting to enable re-anchoring, the design accepts single-use operation, ensuring that each electrode provides optimal signal quality from first application without the complexity of re-anchoring mechanisms.
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 solution ensures stable electrode adhesion, reduces signal distortion by isolating ECG tracing from defibrillation currents, and facilitates quicker recovery of ECG tracing after defibrillation, providing clearer signals and improved patient monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogel layer covering the first and second conductive layers on the first side of the base layer
Implementation Method 2
The second conductive layer is configured to receive an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode pad with a defibrillation circuit and a separate ECG tracing circuit. The electrode pad includes a foam base layer, first and second conductive layers, and a hydrogel layer. The foam base layer has a first side and the first conductive layer is centrally located on the base layer. The first conductive layer has a first circuit configured to provide a defibrillation current. The second conductive layer extends at least partially around the first conductive layer on the first side of the base layer. The second conductive layer has a separate second circuit configured to receive an electrical signal. The hydrogel layer covers the first and second conductive layers on the first side of the base layer. The electrode pad additionally includes an electrical connector attached to the first and second conductive layers. The electrical connector is configured for providing a voltage to the first and second conductive layers.