ECG Electrode Connector

Abstract

Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.

1 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . An ECG connector assembly comprising:
 a housing having a cavity in which is disposed a first opening dimensioned to receive a press stud of an ECG electrode pad;   an electrical contact member disposed in the housing cavity and having a second opening exposed through the first opening of the housing; and   a pushbutton slidably disposed within the housing cavity and having at least a released position and a depressed position, wherein the pushbutton includes an opening having an internal engaging surface configured to operably engage the press stud in contact with the second opening of the contact member when the pushbutton is in the released position.   
     
     
         19 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the second opening of the contact member is disposed substantially concentrically with respect to the first opening of the housing. 
     
     
         20 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the pushbutton opening is centrally located with respect to the pushbutton. 
     
     
         21 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , further comprising a spring disposed within the housing cavity, the spring biasing the pushbutton toward the released position. 
     
     
         22 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the housing is constructed from electrically non-conducting material. 
     
     
         23 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 22 , wherein the housing material is selected from the group consisting of polybutylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic urethanes, thermoplastic elastomers, and fiber-reinforced polymers. 
     
     
         24 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the second opening of the contact member has a shape selected from the group consisting of ovoid shaped, pear-shaped, keyhole-shaped, circular, and a shape described by the intersection of two partially-coincident circles. 
     
     
         25 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the electrical contact member is constructed from material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel and low-carbon steel. 
     
     
         26 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , further comprising:
 a lead wire having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end thereof is electrically coupled to the electrical contact member; and   a strain relief included with the housing and having at least part of the lead wire disposed therethrough.   
     
     
         27 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 26 , wherein the coupling of the lead wire to the electrical contact member is selected from the group consisting of a solder connection, a crimp connection, a welded connection, and a wire bond connection. 
     
     
         28 . The ECG connector assembly of  claim 18 , wherein the housing further comprises a cover.