EP1893281A2 - Electrode for a neuromuscular stimulator - Google Patents

Electrode for a neuromuscular stimulator

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Publication number
EP1893281A2
EP1893281A2 EP06744929A EP06744929A EP1893281A2 EP 1893281 A2 EP1893281 A2 EP 1893281A2 EP 06744929 A EP06744929 A EP 06744929A EP 06744929 A EP06744929 A EP 06744929A EP 1893281 A2 EP1893281 A2 EP 1893281A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resistive layer
electrode
impedance
skin
specific impedance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP06744929A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Félix Buhlmann
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Compex Medical SA
Original Assignee
Compex Medical SA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compex Medical SA filed Critical Compex Medical SA
Publication of EP1893281A2 publication Critical patent/EP1893281A2/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0456—Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0452—Specially adapted for transcutaneous muscle stimulation [TMS]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0472—Structure-related aspects
    • A61N1/0492—Patch electrodes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/0428—Specially adapted for iontophoresis, e.g. AC, DC or including drug reservoirs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/02—Details
    • A61N1/04—Electrodes
    • A61N1/0404—Electrodes for external use
    • A61N1/0408—Use-related aspects
    • A61N1/046—Specially adapted for shock therapy, e.g. defibrillation
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36003—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation of motor muscles, e.g. for walking assistance
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61N—ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY
    • A61N1/00—Electrotherapy; Circuits therefor
    • A61N1/18—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes
    • A61N1/32—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents
    • A61N1/36—Applying electric currents by contact electrodes alternating or intermittent currents for stimulation
    • A61N1/36014—External stimulators, e.g. with patch electrodes

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of neuromuscular stimulation and more particularly the electrodes used for this purpose.
  • Electrodes which can be used for neuromuscular stimulation.
  • the muscles or nerves are stimulated by a current that flows through a pair of stimulation electrodes.
  • electrodes of dimensions 5 ⁇ 5 cm 2 and a current of about 120 mA can be used.
  • it is necessary to apply a voltage of about 60 V to 150 V between the two electrodes knowing that there is a voltage drop of about 20 V to 30 V at the internal tissues.
  • the remainder, 30 V to 130 V is used by both electrode-skin systems. The voltage is therefore between 15 V and 65 V at each electrode-skin system.
  • the electrodes of the state of the art have the disadvantage of inducing feelings of discomfort for the user, or even burns in some cases (eg use of electrodes for cardiac defibrillation). These problems are caused by the fact that the current density is not uniform in the electrode-skin contact zone.
  • an object of the invention is to improve the known stimulation devices.
  • Another object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate the aforementioned problems due to the lack of uniformity of the current density.
  • Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electrode according to the invention placed on the skin of a patient.
  • the neuromuscular stimulator electrode comprises a conductive layer 1, eg of metal, disposed on a resistive layer 2, the lower face of the resistive layer 2 being intended to contact the skin of a user 3.
  • a muscle 4 to be stimulated.
  • the electrode according to the invention is characterized in that the specific impedance Z n of the resistive layer 2 is at least equal to half of the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer 2.
  • resistive layer must be understood as any layer that has a certain impedance.
  • the specific impedance Z r of the resistive layer 2 is at least equal to the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer 2.
  • the known electrodes of the state of the art have a specific impedance, typically of the order of 500 ⁇ cm 2 , which is well below the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer.
  • the use of a low impedance for the electrodes makes it possible to minimize the voltage source.
  • the electrodes of the state of the art only a small fraction of the voltage generated at the electrode-skin system is used on the electrodes, the largest fraction of voltage being found in the biological tissues.
  • the current distribution is largely determined by the specific impedance of the biological tissues. Since the latter varies from one point to another of the skin, in particular because of the presence of sweat ducts, the variation of its thickness, the intussusception around the hairs, its state of cleanliness, its moisture, perfusion and peripheral vasodilatation, it follows that the current density is not uniform at the electrode-skin system.
  • the term "specific average impedance Z u of the dermal portion" the specific impedance seen by the electrode at the electrode-skin interface. It can be evaluated by measuring the current density under a metal electrode of the same shape applied directly to the same location on the skin.
  • the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion is determined both by the geometry of the electrode-skin system and by the impedances of the different tissues.
  • the specific impedance Z r of the resistive layer is at least equal to 2000 ⁇ cm 2 for a system comprising electrodes of 25 cm 2 and which uses a voltage of 10 V at the electrode.
  • the current flowing through the electrode-skin interface is essentially imposed by the value of the specific impedance of the resistive layer Z n , which provides a relatively uniform current density at the electrode-skin system.
  • the thickness of the resistive layer of the electrode is less than 2 mm.
  • the choice of the specific impedance of the resistive layer may vary depending on the intended use (muscle stimulation for application of the field of sport, defibrillation, iontophoresis, etc.).
  • the impedance of the skin is influenced by the frequency of stimulation.
  • the skin In low frequency stimulation, the skin has a high average specific impedance, while in high frequency stimulation the average specific impedance of the skin is low.
  • the specific impedance of the resistive layer by applying the principles of the present invention, can be adapted to the specific impedance of the skin which itself depends on the intended pacing rate.
  • high frequency pulses are used, hence a low specific impedance of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer.
  • the principle of the invention makes it possible to effectively standardize the current density and to avoid such burns.
  • the electrode according to the invention can be used with all types of stimulators, for example that described in US Pat. No. 6,324,432 or with the stimulators of the range marketed under the name Compex® (called MI-SPORT, SPORT ELITE, ENERGY, MI-FITNESS, FITNESS, FITNESS, DUOFIT, VITALITY, BODY), incorporated by reference in the present application.
  • Compex® a stimulator of the range marketed under the name Compex® (called MI-SPORT, SPORT ELITE, ENERGY, MI-FITNESS, FITNESS, FITNESS, DUOFIT, VITALITY, BODY), incorporated by reference in the present application.
  • the resistive layer may be formed by a capacitive layer.

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrode for a neuromuscular stimulator comprising a conductive layer (1), e.g. made of metal, placed on a resistive layer (2), the lower surface of the resistive layer (2) intended for contacting the skin (3) of a user. The specific impedance Zr of the resistive layer is at least equal to half the mean specific impedance Zu of the portion of the dermis before contacting the lower surface of the resistive layer.

Description

Electrode pour stimulateur neuromusculaire Electrode for neuromuscular stimulator
Domaine de l'inventionField of the invention
La présente invention concerne le domaine de la stimulation neuromusculaire et plus particulièrement les électrodes utilisées à cet effet.The present invention relates to the field of neuromuscular stimulation and more particularly the electrodes used for this purpose.
Etat de la techniqueState of the art
On connaît divers types d'électrodes qui peuvent être utilisées pour la stimulation neuromusculaire. Les muscles ou les nerfs sont stimulés au moyen d'un courant qui transite à travers une paire d'électrodes de stimulation. A titre d'exemple, on peut utiliser des électrodes de dimensions 5 x 5 cm2 et un courant d'environ 120 mA. Pour obtenir ce courant, il faut appliquer une tension d'environ 60 V à 150 V entre les deux électrodes sachant que l'on observe une chute de tension d'environ 20 V à 30 V au niveau des tissus internes. Le reste, soit 30 V à 130 V, est utilisé par les deux systèmes électrode-peau. La tension se situe donc entre 15 V et 65 V au niveau de chaque système électrode-peau.Various types of electrodes are known which can be used for neuromuscular stimulation. The muscles or nerves are stimulated by a current that flows through a pair of stimulation electrodes. By way of example, electrodes of dimensions 5 × 5 cm 2 and a current of about 120 mA can be used. To obtain this current, it is necessary to apply a voltage of about 60 V to 150 V between the two electrodes knowing that there is a voltage drop of about 20 V to 30 V at the internal tissues. The remainder, 30 V to 130 V, is used by both electrode-skin systems. The voltage is therefore between 15 V and 65 V at each electrode-skin system.
Les électrodes de l'état de la technique présentent l'inconvénient d'induire des sensations d'inconfort pour l'utilisateur, voire même des brûlures dans certains cas (p.ex. utilisation d'électrodes pour la défibrillation cardiaque). Ces problèmes ont pour origine le fait que la densité de courant n'est pas uniforme dans la zone de contact électrode-peau.The electrodes of the state of the art have the disadvantage of inducing feelings of discomfort for the user, or even burns in some cases (eg use of electrodes for cardiac defibrillation). These problems are caused by the fact that the current density is not uniform in the electrode-skin contact zone.
II existe donc un besoin de pouvoir remédier à cette situation.There is therefore a need to be able to remedy this situation.
Résumé de l'inventionSummary of the invention
Ainsi, un but de l'invention est d'améliorer les dispositifs de stimulation connus.Thus, an object of the invention is to improve the known stimulation devices.
Un autre but de la présente invention vise à réduire, voire à éliminer, les problèmes précités dus à l'absence d'uniformité de la densité de courant. L'invention sera mieux comprise à l'aide de la description suivante de modes d'exécution de celle-ci et de figure schématique dans lesquellesAnother object of the present invention is to reduce or eliminate the aforementioned problems due to the lack of uniformity of the current density. The invention will be better understood with the aid of the following description of embodiments thereof and of a schematic figure in which
La figure 1 représente une vue en coupe d'une électrode selon l'invention posée sur la peau d'un patient.Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electrode according to the invention placed on the skin of a patient.
Ainsi l'électrode pour stimulateur neuromusculaire comprend une couche conductrice 1 , p.ex. en métal, disposée sur une couche résistive 2, la face inférieure de la couche résistive 2 étant destinée à contacter la peau d'un utilisateur 3. En dessous de l'électrode, on a encore représenté de façon schématique un muscle 4 destiné à être stimulé.Thus the neuromuscular stimulator electrode comprises a conductive layer 1, eg of metal, disposed on a resistive layer 2, the lower face of the resistive layer 2 being intended to contact the skin of a user 3. Below the electrode is further schematically shown a muscle 4 to be stimulated.
L'électrode selon l'invention se caractérise en ce que l'impédance spécifique Zn de la couche résistive 2 est au moins égale à la moitié de l'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive 2.The electrode according to the invention is characterized in that the specific impedance Z n of the resistive layer 2 is at least equal to half of the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer 2.
Dans la présente demande, la notion de "couche résistive" doit se comprendre comme toute couche qui présente une certaine impédance.In the present application, the concept of "resistive layer" must be understood as any layer that has a certain impedance.
On a en effet observé de manière surprenante qu'une densité de courant quasi uniforme au niveau de l'interface électrode-peau peut être observée si l'impédance spécifique de la couche résistive Zrest au moins égale à la moitié de l'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme.It has indeed been observed, surprisingly, that a quasi-uniform current density at the electrode-skin interface can be observed if the specific impedance of the resistive layer Z r is at least equal to half of the impedance specific average Z u of the dermis portion.
De préférence, l'impédance spécifique Zr de la couche résistive 2 est au moins égale à l'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive 2.Preferably, the specific impedance Z r of the resistive layer 2 is at least equal to the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer 2.
II convient de relever que les électrodes connues de l'état de la technique ont une impédance spécifique, typiquement de l'ordre de 500 Ω cm2, qui est bien inférieure à l'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive. L'utilisation d'une faible impédance pour les électrodes permet de minimiser la source de tension.It should be noted that the known electrodes of the state of the art have a specific impedance, typically of the order of 500 Ω cm 2 , which is well below the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer. The use of a low impedance for the electrodes makes it possible to minimize the voltage source.
Il en résulte qu'avec les électrodes de l'état de la technique, seule une petite fraction de la tension générée au niveau du système électrode-peau est utilisée sur les électrodes, la plus grande fraction de tension se retrouvant au niveau des tissus biologiques, ce qui a pour conséquence que la distribution de courant est en grande partie déterminée par l'impédance spécifique des tissus biologiques. Etant donné que cette dernière varie d'un point à l'autre de la peau, notamment à cause de la présence de canaux sudoripares, de la variation de son épaisseur, de l'invagination autour des poils, de son état de propreté, de son humidité, de la perfusion et de la vasodilatation périphérique, il en résulte que la densité de courant n'est pas uniforme au niveau du système électrode-peau.As a result, with the electrodes of the state of the art, only a small fraction of the voltage generated at the electrode-skin system is used on the electrodes, the largest fraction of voltage being found in the biological tissues. as a result of which the current distribution is largely determined by the specific impedance of the biological tissues. Since the latter varies from one point to another of the skin, in particular because of the presence of sweat ducts, the variation of its thickness, the intussusception around the hairs, its state of cleanliness, its moisture, perfusion and peripheral vasodilatation, it follows that the current density is not uniform at the electrode-skin system.
Dans le cadre de la présente invention, on entend par " impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme ", l'impédance spécifique vue par l'électrode au niveau de l'interface électrode-peau. Elle peut être évaluée en mesurant la densité de courant sous une électrode métallique de même forme appliquée directement au même endroit sur la peau. L'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme est déterminée aussi bien par la géométrie du système électrode-peau que par les impédances des différents tissus.In the context of the present invention, the term "specific average impedance Z u of the dermal portion", the specific impedance seen by the electrode at the electrode-skin interface. It can be evaluated by measuring the current density under a metal electrode of the same shape applied directly to the same location on the skin. The average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion is determined both by the geometry of the electrode-skin system and by the impedances of the different tissues.
De préférence, l'impédance spécifique Zr de la couche résistive est au moins égale à 2000 Ω cm2 pour un système comprenant des électrodes de 25 cm2 et qui utilise une tension de 10 V au niveau de l'électrode.Preferably, the specific impedance Z r of the resistive layer is at least equal to 2000 Ω cm 2 for a system comprising electrodes of 25 cm 2 and which uses a voltage of 10 V at the electrode.
En choisissant une valeur de l'impédance spécifique de la couche résistive Zr suffisamment élevée, le courant transitant au niveau de l'interface électrode-peau est essentiellement imposé par la valeur de l'impédance spécifique de la couche résistive Zn, ce qui permet d'obtenir une densité de courant relativement uniforme au niveau du système électrode-peau. En d'autres termes, plus l'impédance de la couche résistive sera "dominante" par rapport à l'impédance de la peau, plus la densité de courant sera uniforme au niveau du système électrode-peau. Avec une impédance spécifique de la couche résistive égale à la moitié de l'impédance spécifique moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive 2, l'effet d'uniformisation de la densité de courant est minimal, tandis que si le rapport est de l'ordre de 10, l'effet d'uniformisation est beaucoup plus important.By choosing a value of the specific impedance of the resistive layer Z r which is sufficiently high, the current flowing through the electrode-skin interface is essentially imposed by the value of the specific impedance of the resistive layer Z n , which provides a relatively uniform current density at the electrode-skin system. In other words, the more the impedance of the resistive layer will be "dominant" with respect to the impedance of the skin, the more the current density will be uniform at the electrode-skin system. With a specific impedance of the resistive layer equal to half of the average specific impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the underside of the resistive layer 2, the uniformity effect of the current density is minimal, while if the ratio is of the order of 10, the standardization effect is much larger.
En effet, lorsque le courant est essentiellement imposé par l'impédance de la couche résistive Zr, sa valeur est constante et la densité de courant uniforme car l'impédance de la couche résistive Zrest une constante. En revanche, si le courant était essentiellement imposé par l'impédance moyenne Zu de la portion de derme, comme c'est le cas avec les électrodes de l'état de la technique, sa valeur serait variable, et la densité de courant non-uniforme, car l'impédance moyenne Zu est variable. Plus précisément, chaque point du derme se situant sous l'électrode se caractérise par une impédance Zp qui lui est spécifique et qui le plus souvent diffère de l'impédance des points voisins. Ainsi, lorsque le courant est imposé par Zp (ou Zu), la densité de courant varie d'un point à l'autre de l'interface électrode-peau.Indeed, when the current is essentially imposed by the impedance of the resistive layer Z r , its value is constant and the uniform current density because the impedance of the resistive layer Z r is a constant. On the other hand, if the current was essentially imposed by the average impedance Z u of the dermal portion, as is the case with the electrodes of the state of the art, its value would be variable, and the current density not -uniform, because the average impedance Z u is variable. More precisely, each point of the dermis lying under the electrode is characterized by an impedance Z p which is specific to it and which most often differs from the impedance of the neighboring points. Thus, when the current is imposed by Z p (or Z u ), the current density varies from one point to another of the electrode-skin interface.
Selon un mode de réalisation particulièrement avantageux de l'invention, l'épaisseur de la couche résistive de l'électrode est inférieure à 2 mm.According to a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the resistive layer of the electrode is less than 2 mm.
Il va de soi que l'invention ne se limite pas aux exemples et valeurs précédemment exposés, le choix de l'impédance spécifique de la couche résistive pouvant varier en fonction de l'utilisation envisagée (stimulation musculaire pour application de le domaine du sport, défibrillation, iontophorèse, etc.).It goes without saying that the invention is not limited to the examples and values previously described, the choice of the specific impedance of the resistive layer may vary depending on the intended use (muscle stimulation for application of the field of sport, defibrillation, iontophoresis, etc.).
L'on sait effectivement que l'impédance de la peau est influencée par la fréquence de la stimulation. Lors d'une stimulation à basse fréquence, la peau présente une forte impédance spécifique moyenne tandis que lors d'une stimulation à haute fréquence, l'impédance spécifique moyenne de la peau est faible. En conséquence, l'on peut adapter l'impédance spécifique de la couche résistive, en appliquant les principes de la présente invention, à l'impédance spécifique de la peau qui elle-même dépend de la fréquence de stimulation prévue. A titre d'exemple, dans le cas de la défibrillation, on utilise des impulsions à haute fréquence, d'où une impédance spécifique faible de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive. Comme dans le cas de la défibrillation on observe souvent la présence de brûlures sur la zone de peau proche du bord de l'électrode, le principe de l'invention permet d'uniformiser effectivement la densité de courant et d'éviter de telles brûlures.It is known that the impedance of the skin is influenced by the frequency of stimulation. In low frequency stimulation, the skin has a high average specific impedance, while in high frequency stimulation the average specific impedance of the skin is low. Accordingly, the specific impedance of the resistive layer, by applying the principles of the present invention, can be adapted to the specific impedance of the skin which itself depends on the intended pacing rate. By way of example, in the case of defibrillation, high frequency pulses are used, hence a low specific impedance of the dermal portion to contact the lower face of the resistive layer. As in the case of defibrillation is often observed the presence of burns on the skin area near the edge of the electrode, the principle of the invention makes it possible to effectively standardize the current density and to avoid such burns.
Comme indiqué ci-dessus, l'électrode selon l'invention peut s'utiliser avec tous types de stimulateurs, comme par exemple celui décrit dans US 6,324,432 ou avec les stimulateurs de la gamme commercialisée sous le nom Compex ® (dénommés MI-SPORT, SPORT ELITE, ENERGY, MI-FITNESS, FULL FITNESS, FITNESS, DUOFIT, VITALITY, BODY), incorporés par référence dans la présente demande.As indicated above, the electrode according to the invention can be used with all types of stimulators, for example that described in US Pat. No. 6,324,432 or with the stimulators of the range marketed under the name Compex® (called MI-SPORT, SPORT ELITE, ENERGY, MI-FITNESS, FITNESS, FITNESS, DUOFIT, VITALITY, BODY), incorporated by reference in the present application.
En appliquant les principes de l'invention, on peut également envisager l'utilisation d'électrodes capacitives au lieu d'électrodes résistives. En effet, ce qui est important c'est que ce soit l'impédance de la couche résistive en contact avec la peau qui domine afin de dicter et uniformiser la densité de courant, que l'impédance dominante soit résistive ou capacitive. Ainsi, la couche résistive peut être réalisée par une couche capacitive. By applying the principles of the invention, one can also consider the use of capacitive electrodes instead of resistive electrodes. Indeed, what is important is that it is the impedance of the resistive layer in contact with the skin which dominates in order to dictate and standardize the current density, that the dominant impedance is resistive or capacitive. Thus, the resistive layer may be formed by a capacitive layer.

Claims

Revendications claims
1. Electrode pour stimulateur neuromusculaire comprenant une couche conductrice (1 ), p.ex. en métal, disposée sur une couche résistive (2), la face inférieure de la couche résistive étant destinée à contacter la peau (3) d'un utilisateur, caractérisée en ce que l'impédance spécifique Zn de la couche résistive (2) est au moins égale à la moitié de l'impédance moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive (2).Electrode for neuromuscular stimulator comprising a conductive layer (1), eg of metal, disposed on a resistive layer (2), the lower face of the resistive layer being adapted to contact the skin (3) of a user characterized in that the specific impedance Z n of the resistive layer (2) is at least half of the average impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the underside of the resistive layer (2).
2. Electrode selon la revendication précédente caractérisée en ce que l'impédance spécifique Zn de la couche résistive (2) est égale à l'impédance moyenne Zu de la portion de derme devant contacter la face inférieure de la couche résistive (2).2. Electrode according to the preceding claim characterized in that the specific impedance Z n of the resistive layer (2) is equal to the average impedance Z u of the dermal portion to contact the underside of the resistive layer (2) .
3. Electrode selon l'une des revendications précédentes caractérisée en ce que l'impédance spécifique Zr de la couche résistive (2) est au moins égale à 2000 Ω cm2 pour un système comprenant des électrodes de 25 cm2 et qui utilise une tension de 10 V au niveau de l'électrode.3. Electrode according to one of the preceding claims characterized in that the specific impedance Z r of the resistive layer (2) is at least equal to 2000 Ω cm 2 for a system comprising electrodes of 25 cm 2 and which uses a voltage of 10 V at the electrode.
4. Electrode selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3 caractérisée en ce que l'épaisseur de la couche résistive est égale ou inférieure à 2 mm.4. Electrode according to one of claims 1 to 3 characterized in that the thickness of the resistive layer is equal to or less than 2 mm.
5. Electrode selon la revendication 1 , dans laquelle la couche résistive est une couche capacitive.An electrode according to claim 1, wherein the resistive layer is a capacitive layer.
6. Stimulateur neuromusculaire comprenant au moins une électrode selon l'une des revendications précédentes. Neuromuscular stimulator comprising at least one electrode according to one of the preceding claims.
EP06744929A 2005-05-12 2006-05-12 Electrode for a neuromuscular stimulator Withdrawn EP1893281A2 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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CH8722005 2005-05-12
PCT/IB2006/051501 WO2006120647A2 (en) 2005-05-12 2006-05-12 Electrode for a neuromuscular stimulator

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CA2866025A1 (en) 2013-10-03 2015-04-03 Quiang Song Sensor unit for a functional electrical stimulation (fes) orthotic system
US9333345B2 (en) 2013-10-03 2016-05-10 Ensilver Canada Electrical stimulation for a functional electrical stimulation system
CA2866027A1 (en) 2013-10-03 2015-04-03 Farsad Kiani Controller unit for a functional electrical stimulation (fes) orthotic system
US9364657B2 (en) 2014-10-31 2016-06-14 Ensilver Canada Cuff unit for a functional electrical stimulation system

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GB2110935B (en) * 1981-11-23 1985-06-26 Ross Holman Zoll External noninvasive electric cardiac stimulation
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WO2006120647A2 (en) 2006-11-16
US20090240313A1 (en) 2009-09-24

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