JPS583699B2 - Red-backed oak tree - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to infant and neonatal care, and more particularly to a novel electrode assembly and method for use in monitoring infant breathing and cardiac function.

In the care of a baby, it is often necessary to continuously monitor the baby's breathing and cardiac function, often in conjunction with incubator treatment.

Traditional methods of respiratory and ECG monitoring have used adhesive electrodes.

A typical example of this type of electrode in use is described in US Pat. No. 3,713,435.

This type of electrode is a central male snap fastener assembly with a peripheral disk of flexible material.

The male element of this snap fastener assembly provides a connection terminal for the conductor of the monitoring instrument.

Both sides of the male snap fastener assembly become containers for conductive paste or electrolyte gel.

A pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the surface of the flexible disc to maintain contact between the electrolyte gel and the skin.

For operation, normally place 3
A number of such electrodes can be attached.

Although such electrodes allow for reliable monitoring,
In order to ensure this reliability, great care is required from the supervising adult.

As is well known, conductor pastes or electrolyte gels have the property of irritating and stinging the skin.

Similarly, areas of skin that have been exposed to pressure-sensitive adhesives often become sore or sore.

Although this kind of effect is immediately understandable as pain for adults, it is a serious problem for newborns and babies.

Such drawbacks have a significant impact, especially when performing X-ray fluoroscopy on a baby undergoing treatment.

The electrodes placed on the baby's chest contain some metal components, so during X-ray fluoroscopy, these three electrodes are placed on the baby's skin each time in order to eliminate interference with the X-ray image caused by such metals. It must be removed from the body and reattached after fluoroscopy has been completed.

This removal and reinstallation of the electrodes further irritates the baby's fibrous skin.

Therefore, there is a need for a reliable electrode system that eliminates the drawbacks associated with direct contact of electrode gels and adhesives with the skin in fluoroscopy, and that facilitates electrode removal and reinstallation. .

It is an object of the present invention to provide a reliable electrode system and method of use thereof for use in infant breathing and cardiac function monitoring, which eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art and satisfies the above-mentioned needs.

This object of the invention consists of polyvinyl chloride containing carbon powder, with dimensions and arrangement such that the weight of the baby placed in the incubator maintains maximum possible contact with the skin of the baby's back. This is accomplished by a plurality of flexible sheet-shaped electrodes.

Flexible sheet electrodes provide a large contact area and low electrical resistance, allowing reliable electrical connections without the use of conductive pastes or electrolyte gels.

Also, using the baby's back as the connecting surface has many advantages.

First, it makes use of a skin surface that is always in contact with another source in the normal position of the baby in the incubator.

Therefore, skin surfaces that are not normally touched, such as the lower back, are always open.

Second, there is some pressure contact due to the baby's weight.

Third, the use of non-metallic electrodes that extend over the entire back allows E
X
There is no metal on the body that would interfere with line-of-sight.

Flexible sheet electrodes that eliminate the need for conductive paste or electrolyte gel have been previously introduced, for example, in Louvain Patent No. 1,973,911, dated September 18, 1934.

The single electrode of the Louvain patent includes an adhesive for attachment to the skin, and such adhesives irritate the skin and are particularly unsuitable for babies.

There are also methods for attaching flexible sheet electrodes to the skin without using adhesives.

For example, in the electrotherapy device described in U.S. Pat.
The patient is secured to the treatment table by coupling the strap to the flexible wall of the treatment table and the electrodes are placed on the upward facing skin surface.

Bronner's device uses electrical stimulation with electrodes to selectively contract a patient's muscles.

Another specific example is in Roman US Pat. No. 3,534,727, dated October 20, 1970.

Roman's invention is aimed at getting patients to exercise and monitoring them.

For this purpose, a plurality of flexible sheet-shaped electrodes are brought into contact with the skin by means of a tightly fitted elastic garment.

Boldak U.S. Patent No. 3, dated November 25, 1970,
No. 720,209, a plurality of flexible sheet-shaped electrodes are mounted on the upper surface of a flat flexible plate-like base, and the electrodes mounted on the base are used to conduct ECG between a patient and a treatment table.
It is assumed that this will be carried out.

In order to meet the above-mentioned special requirements in infant care, the present invention not only uses a plurality of flexible sheet-shaped electrodes, but in combination with these electrodes, an adhesive agent, which is particularly necessary for infants, is provided. Provides a mounting structure that does not require

The mounting structure and its function of the present invention differs from the prior art mounting structure and its principles in that it uses no straps to be connected to the treatment table, no tightly-fitted elastic garments, and no flat plate-like base. Make it completely different.

Although these conventional structures have advantages for specific applications, they are unsuitable for use in the treatment of infants.

While it is necessary to strap the patient to the treatment table when administering electroshock therapy to adults, it is not desirable for babies.

Similarly, wearing elastic clothing is not appropriate for babies.

Also, adults would have to remain still on a flat base for a long time during an ECG test, but this cannot be expected of a baby.

According to the principles of the invention, a plurality of flexible sheet electrodes can be placed on a baby's back without strapping the baby to an incubator, wearing tight elastic clothing, or keeping the baby still for long periods of time. Provided is a mounting structure that can be reliably kept in contact with the device for a long period of time without using an adhesive.

This mounting structure is preferably about 6.35 mm (1/4'
´) Consisting of a pad of soft bendable material such as a thick micro-open pore foamed polyurethane sheet, the pad measures approximately 41/2" x 114.3m.
m back support area and a portion converging outward from the back support area.

A plurality of flexible sheet-shaped electrodes are mounted on substantially the entire surface of the back support area.

The converging portions extend below the baby's axilla and along the lower edge of the thorax when attached to either side of the baby's torso.

A soft bendable quick-bond release strap, preferably made integral with the padding material, is attached to the converging portion;
The straps hold the convergent portions on either side of the baby and thereby hold the electrode-carrying back area against the baby's back.

A soft bendable strap extends across the chest above the abdomen and is secured by a soft bendable fastener that does not restrict any respiratory movements of the abdomen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a disposable, clean, simple and economical electrode assembly that is reliable for long-term monitoring of babies.

These advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments according to the invention.

The disposable electrode assembly of the present invention, shown generally at 10 in FIGS. 1-4, is particularly suitable for use in monitoring respiratory and cardiac function in infants or newborns.

As best seen in FIG.
A sheet pad 12 of soft bendable non-conductive material is provided having a baby back receiving area 14 measuring 4-1/2" x 114.3 mm.

A plurality of individual flexible sheet-shaped electrodes 16, 18, 20, 22 of plastic material containing conductive particles are arranged on the pad 12 and on the surface.
It is attached so that it extends substantially over the entire backrest area in a surface-engaging manner.

The pad 12 also includes integral portions 24 that converge outwardly from either side of the back support area 14 and extend along the lower thoracic border under the armpits when held on either side of the baby.

The converging portion 24 is held on either side of the baby by a pair of integral straps 26.

Strap 26 is provided with Velcro fastener strips 28, 30 for retaining it around the baby's chest.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4, pad 12 also extends outwardly from area 14 toward and beyond the baby's head with the baby's back against backrest area 14. An extending baby head rest and terminal carrying portion 32 is provided.

Electrode assembly 10 also includes each electrode 16, 18, 20, 22
Equipped with terminal equipment that allows the terminal to be disconnected from the lead wire of the monitoring equipment and electrically connected at will.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 4, the terminal equipment is
6, 18, 20, 22 and extending from the edges thereof.

These strips are connected to holes 42 and 4 in pad 12, respectively.
4, 46, 48, is secured in flush engagement with the outer surface of the pad, and extends parallel to portion 32.

The terminal equipment also includes male snap fastener elements 50, 52, 54, 56 secured to the free ends and pad portions of the strips 34, 36, 38, 40.

Pad 12 may be constructed of any soft, bendable, non-conductive material, but is preferably approximately 1/4" thick.
The pore size made of polyurethane with fine pores is 1.
00PPI is preferred.

The back support area 14 measures 114.3 mm (4-1/2")
) It is of course possible to use a surface other than a corner, and the basic idea is to make the electrical contact surface as thick as possible and therefore minimize the electrical resistance. It is also desirable to make it as small as possible.

In this context, area 14 has dimensions of 101.6
mm (4") x 76.2 mm (3") is also suitable.

Therefore, "approximately" means exactly 114.3mm (4-
This includes dimensions somewhat larger or smaller than 1/4") x 114.3 mm.

Furthermore, in order to ensure the function of the convergence portion 24 is sufficient, the variation in the back width dimension should be considered in more detail than the back dimension.

The electrodes may be made of any electrically conductive flexible material, but a preferred material is polyvinyl chloride with carbon powder.

Although Velcro fasteners 28, 30 are preferred for securing strap 26, other fastening elements may be used.

Similarly, metal male snap fasteners are preferred as terminals, but other types of terminals such as simple wires may also be used.

The electrodes are thin, preferably 0.030 inches thick.

Although the shape and number of electrodes can be changed as needed,
Preferably, the size is such that it is as wide as possible in the backrest area 14 and occupies at least 50% of it.

In the preferred embodiment shown, approximately 7
Four approximately square electrodes occupying 0% [for example,
114.3mm (41/2") x 114.3mm (41")
50.8mm (2″) for back support area of /2″)
×49.2mm (115/16″) electrode, 101.6
38.1mm (11/2") x 38.1m for a backrest area of mm (4") x 88.9mm (31/2")
m (11/2″) electrode] is used.

"Soft bendable pad" in the previous explanation
It should be understood that the term "flexible sheet electrode" is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but also includes other configurations.

For example, such pads and electrodes may be made of a woven or knitted fabric with a conductive system (eg, a carbon-containing resin or metallization system) woven into the backrest area.

Other configurations will also readily occur to those skilled in the art.

According to the method of the present invention, electrode assembly 10 is first laid generally flat as shown in FIG.
, 22 is placed on top of the incubator with the side facing upward.

The conductor of the monitoring instrument is then connected to the snap fastener terminal element 50.
, 52, 54, and 56.

Then the baby placed its back on the electrodes 16, 18, 20, 22.
on top and with the head above the pad portion 32,
placed in an incubator.

Strap 26 is then passed around the baby's chest and Velcro fasteners 28, 30 are secured.

FIG. 2 shows the assembly 10 thus attached to the baby.

In summary, the method of the present invention involves flexibly engaging a plurality of generally coplanar flexible sheet-shaped electrodes to the baby's dorsal skin and placing light flexible electrodes on either side between the baby's axilla and the lower thoracic border. The skin engagement between the baby's back skin and the electrodes is maintained by applying flexural pressure, and the skin engagement creates a complete circuit for the electrical signals sent to the monitoring device.

The monitoring device may be of any known construction capable of displaying the baby's respiratory function or ECG by electrical signals sent by the circuit.

Although skin engagement with the electrode is usually done in a dry state, a small amount (one or more drops) of water may be applied to the skin-engaging surface of the electrode before engaging the back skin.

This water is preferably sterilized water since it does not cause any irritation.

In the illustrated four-electrode assembly, one of the electrodes is
It will be appreciated that, for example, electrode 22 can be a ground electrode.

Usually only two of the other three electrodes are used in a single operation, along with the ground electrode.

The four electrodes allow for three operating combinations.

That is, the ground electrode is always 22, and the electrodes 16 and 18
, 18 and 20, and 16 and 20.

The electrical signals captured through the use of the electrode assembly 10 of the present invention can be utilized for monitoring respiratory function and/or cardiac function.

According to known methods, the signal suitable for respiratory monitoring is the electrical depression of the thoracic cavity due to breathing, and the signal suitable for ECG monitoring is the electrical signal caused by the beating of the heart.

Circuits suitable for each type of signal are also well known.

The provision of the headrest and terminal carrying pad portion 32 has the advantage that the terminals connected to the monitoring equipment leads can be located away from the baby.

According to this configuration, the lead wire of the instrument can be kept away from the baby, and since there is no metal material in the assembly 10 that would obstruct X-ray fluoroscopy, X-ray fluoroscopy can be performed while the assembly 10 is attached to the baby. can be done.

However, it is within the scope of the present invention to omit portion 32 from pad 12.

Figures 5 and 6 show this variation.

Since this variation merely eliminates the pad portion 32 and the associated terminal type from the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4, the elements of the first embodiment are replaced in FIGS. Corresponding element numbers are indicated with a dash.

Therefore, the electrodes 16', 18', 20' of the electrode assembly 10'
, 22' are integral triangular parts 58, 60, which are fixed as terminal equipment in flush engagement with the converging side part 24 of the pad.
6264.

These terminal electrode portions are each fixedly attached to a small snap fastener element 66, 68, 70, 72.
Equipped with

As seen in FIG. 6, the pad 12' is provided with holes 74 near each snap fastener element into which the conductor connections are inserted.

In this embodiment, electrical insulation is provided on the outer surface of each snap fastener element on the electrode side of the pad to avoid metal-to-baby skin contact.

Such insulation may be provided by electrical tape, plastic coating (FIG. 6), or the like.

Although the objects of the present invention are thus fully and effectively achieved, the specific embodiments herein are merely illustrative of the functional and structural principles of the present invention, and are not intended to be understood from the principles of the present invention. It must be recognized that many variations are possible without departing.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode assembly of the present invention attached to a baby, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electrode assembly attached to a baby,
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the electrode assembly laid flat; FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a plan view of a modified electrode assembly according to the present invention; FIG. is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 5. 10... Electrode assembly, 12... Pad, 14... Back support area, 16, 18, 20, 2
2... Electrode, 24... Convergence part, 26
...Strap, 28, 30 ... Velcro fastener, 32 ... Head holder and terminal holding part, 34, 36, 38, 40 ... Terminal equipment Strip, 42, 44, 46, 48... hole,
50, 52, 54, 56... terminal snap fastener, 58, 60, 62, 64... electrode triangular part, 66, 68, 70, 72... terminal Snap fastener, 74... hole.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Approximately 114.3
mm of the baby's back support area and converging outwardly from the baby's back support area on both sides of the baby's back support area and generally below the baby's axilla and at the lower edge of the thorax when worn on both sides of the baby's torso. a sheet-like pad of soft, bendable, non-conducting material having portions extending along the back-receiving area of the pad, a plurality extending substantially over the entire back-receiving area of the pad for intimate contact with the skin of the baby's back applied to the back-receiving area of the pad; flexible sheet-shaped electrodes, a strap of soft bendable material placed in the centerline of the converging section and placed around the baby's thorax, so that the baby can move from its normal dorsal support position to either side. Alternatively, the baby may be placed in a position such that there is no relative in-plane movement between the flexible sheet electrode and the baby's back when moved to the front support position so that the electrode is maintained in contact with the skin of the baby's back. Provision for removably and adjustably fastening said strap, which is passed around the baby's thorax to hold said converging portion against each side of the torso, and for releasably electrically connecting said electrode to a lead of a monitoring instrument. Electrode assembly with terminal equipment.