Multi-pad, multi-function electrode

Abstract

An electrode having multiple conductive polymer pads for performing multiple, electrical physiological functions from a single set of electrodes with respect to a patient at or about the same time, such as defibrillating, pacing, and monitoring of that patient's heart, is described. The electrode is advantageously integrated into a cardiac system having stimulating means coupled to the electrode for delivering electrical impulses to the electrode to be used to stimulate the patient's heart, and monitoring means also coupled to the electrode for receiving and displaying electrical impulses produced by the patient's heart. The conductive polymers which comprise the pads are optionally inherently adhesive, so that the pads will adhere to a patient's body over their entire surface area. Moveover, they are rubber-based, will not smear or leave a residue on a patient's skin, have lower impedance, and depolarize faster compared with present saline-based gels, further contributing to the multi-functional capability. Also, the lower impedance enables the voltage generator in the cardiac system of which the electrode is a part to deliver a particular current pulse with less voltage, enabling the voltage generator, and the cardiac system in general, to be smaller, more compact, and less costly.