Venturi ECG electrode system

Abstract

The present invention provides for an ECG electrode system that includes the use of electrodes adapted to attach to the body via suction. The invention includes a lightweight and compact air pump in combination with air connection hoses, a lightweight air distribution unit, associated electrode tubes, and respective electrodes adapted to be positioned by the Venturi principle, and corresponding electrical leads and recorders/monitors. The electrode leads can each be positioned within respective air connections hoses, e.g., in a manner that is concentric or coaxial with the axis of the connection hoses, in order to both protect the leads themselves and facilitate their positioning.

1 . An ECG electrode system comprising: 
 (a) an air pump for providing positively pressurized air through an exit orifice,    (b) a flexible air connection hose having first and second ends, the first end of the hose being operably and detachably connected, or connectable, to the exit orifice of the pump,    (c) an air distribution unit comprising a plurality of exit apertures and associated connectors, and an intake aperture and associated connector, the intake connector being detachably connected, or connectable, to the second end of the connection hose in order to controllably route pressurized air received from the pump, through the connection hose, and to the exit apertures,    (d) a plurality of electrode tubes each comprising first and second ends, the first ends of each being operably and detachably connected, or connectable, to a corresponding distribution unit exit aperture,    (e) a plurality of Venturi electrodes, each being operably and detachably connected, or connectable, to the second ends of the electrode tubes receiving compressed air from the electrode tubes, and    (f) a plurality of electrical leads adapted to sense and relay electrical charges occurring within the body by means of a centralized universal electrical connector which is connectively compatible with one or more ECG recorders and monitors.    
   
   
       2 . A system according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode leads are each positioned within respective air connections hoses, in a manner sufficient to both protect the leads themselves and facilitate their positioning.  
   
   
       3 . A system according to  claim 2  wherein the housing includes a charging aperture adapted to receive a battery-charging unit.  
   
   
       4 . A system according to  claim 3  wherein the housing includes at least one LED to indicate the charge remaining in the battery.  
   
   
       5 . A system according to  claim 4  wherein the housing has at least one LED to indicate the status of the battery during charging of the battery.  
   
   
       6 . A system according to  claim 4  wherein the charging aperture is detachably connectable to a charging plug attached to the battery-charger.  
   
   
       7 . A system according to  claim 7  wherein the battery-charger provides a charge to the battery when the battery charger is detachably connected to a power supply.  
   
   
       8 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the connection hose is detachably connected to a combination plug having at least two prongs, including a first prong detachably connectable to the pump and a second prong detachably connectable to a remote aperture to provide remote activation of the pump when initiated by a remote switch located on the distribution box.  
   
   
       9 . A system according to  claim 1  wherein the system further comprises a secondary electrode stabilization component adapted to stabilize the electrodes in the course of stress testing.  
   
   
       10 . A system according to  claim 9  wherein the secondary component comprises a lightweight mesh vest.  
   
   
       11 . A method of performing ECG monitoring, the method comprising the steps of providing a system according to  claim 1  and attaching the electrodes to the body of a patient.  
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11 , wherein the electrode leads are each positioned within respective air connections hoses, in a manner sufficient to both protect the leads themselves and facilitate their positioning.  
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 12  wherein the housing includes a charging aperture adapted to receive a battery-charging unit.  
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 13  wherein the housing includes at least one LED to indicate the charge remaining in the battery.  
   
   
       15 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the housing has at least one LED to indicate the status of the battery during charging of the battery.  
   
   
       16 . A method according to  claim 14  wherein the charging aperture is detachably connectable to a charging plug attached to the battery-charger.  
   
   
       17 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the battery-charger provides a charge to the battery when the battery charger is detachably connected to a power supply.  
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the connection hose is detachably connected to a combination plug having at least two prongs, including a first prong detachably connectable to the pump and a second prong detachably connectable to a remote aperture to provide remote activation of the pump when initiated by a remote switch located on the distribution box.  
   
   
       19 . A method according to  claim 11  wherein the system further comprises a secondary electrode stabilization component adapted to stabilize the electrodes in the course of stress testing.  
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 19  wherein the secondary component comprises a lightweight mesh vest.  
   
   
       21 . A component adapted for use in an ECG system according to  claim 1 , the component comprising a plurality of electrode leads, each positioned within respective air connection hoses, in a manner that permits the leads and hoses to be simultaneously attached to the body upon placement of a corresponding electrode.