Multifunction electrode

Abstract

A disposable transcutaneous electrode comprising, in a first embodiment, a sheet electrode member of electrically conductive carbon filled polymer, an electrically conductive metal/metal coating on at least a major portion of the lower side of the electrode member. A pad of electrically conductive gel having an upper surface underlies the metal/metal chloride coating on the lower side of the electrode member. A current distributing mat conductively adhered to the upper side of the sheet electrode member has a perimeter spaced inwardly of the perimeter of the electrode member and includes an open mesh metallized carbon fiber web having a carbon impregnated pressure sensitive adhesive composition on upper and lower sides of the web. The mat is configured to be electrically conductive along the surfaces of the mat and transverse to the surfaces of the mat. Defibrillating energy is conducted to or from the upper side of the mat by, e.g., a sheathed electrical conductor, a conductive post stud, a metal tab conductor or similar element. The sheet electrode member and the current distributing mat are configured to be X-ray transparent and capable of conducting energy at levels sufficient for defibrillation. In an alternate embodiment, the current distributing mat comprises a metal foil coated with a conductive polymer adhesive.