Abstract

A pair of ECG cable sets are adhesively secured to disposable body electrodes, and also plug into a junction box which in turn is connected to an ECG machine. Each cable set is formed by printed circuit techniques. A pair of flat support sheets of insulating material are glued together. Signal leads formed of conductive ink are printed on the interior surface of one of the support sheets, and shielding layers also formed of conductive ink are printed on both exterior surfaces of the support sheets, thus forming a flat, flexible sandwich structure which resists entanglement. Entanglement is further minimized because the individual branch leads of each cable set merge into a common truck. The cable sets terminate in the printed circuit connectors which plug directly into the junction box, and the latter has clamping mechanisms to secure the connectors in place. A flexible housing surrounds the junction box terminal board, and permits the clamping mechanisms to be operated by squeezing the housing. A metal-free disposable body electrode is provided for connection to flat attachment pads located at the terminal ends of the cable set. Each electrode has an attachment ring surrounding a conductive sponge. An adhesive layer secures the attachment pad mechanically to the ring, and a conductive ink terminal centrally located on the attachment pad is pressed against the sponge for electrical communication therewith.

Other References

• Leask et al., "A Multi-Pole Printed Circuit Electrode", Lancet, #7432, May 16, 1974, p. 1082
• Marriott et al., "Improved ECG . . . Leads", J. Electrocardiography, 10(2) 1977, 119-122