Single separable electrode and self-contained pad viability tester

Abstract

A single separable electrode that includes a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections.

1 . A single separable electrode, comprising: 
 a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections.    
   
   
       2 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a separable continuous electrically conductive layer extending among the electrode sections and being separable by at least one of cutting or tearing when removed from the package.    
   
   
       3 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a separable dielectric layer extending among the electrode sections    
   
   
       4 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 at least one separate electrical connection attached to each electrode section.    
   
   
       5 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 1 , wherein the electrode is for contacting a patient's skin and comprises a hydrogel.  
   
   
       6 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrode sections are rolled in a roll.  
   
   
       7 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrode sections are electrically connected to permit continuity testing to be carried out through all electrode sections.  
   
   
       8 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , wherein the electrode sections are separable by cutting after removal from the package.  
   
   
       9 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 2 , further comprising: 
 a perforation between adjacent electrode sections for permitting the electrode to be separated into two or more separate electrodes upon or after removal from the package.    
   
   
       10 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 9 , wherein the electrodes are for connection to a defibrillator, an electroencephalograph, an electrocardiograph, or a cardiac pacing or cardioverting device.  
   
   
       11 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 7 , wherein a user initiates current flow to the electrode to determine functionality of the electrode.  
   
   
       12 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 7 , wherein a device external to the package initiates current flow to determine functionality of the electrode.  
   
   
       13 . The single separable electrode according to  claim 7 , further comprising: 
 an indicator operatively connected to the electrode for indicating functionality of the electrode.    
   
   
       14 . (canceled)  
   
   
       15 . A sealed package, comprising: 
 at least one package portion;    a single separable electrode comprising a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections within the at least one package portion; and    means operable to measure at least one electrical function parameter of the electrode while the electrode is sealed within the package.    
   
   
       16 . A sealed package for housing an electrical component, the package comprising: 
 at least one package portion;    self-contained circuitry within the sealed package for determining at least one parameter comprising at least one electrical function parameter of the component; and    an indicator operatively connected to the determining means to indicate the functionality of the component within the sealed package.    
   
   
       17 . A method for preparing a plurality of interconnected patient skin contacting electrodes for use, the method comprising: 
 removing a single separable electrode comprising a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections from a sealed package; and    separating the single electrode into at least two separate functional electrodes.    
   
   
       18 . The method according to  claim 17 , further comprising: 
 resealing the package after removing a desired number of electrodes.    
   
   
       19 . A skin-contacting electrode, comprising: 
 a single separable electrode comprising a plurality of separable electrically connected electrode sections, all electrode sections being adhered to one side of a common release liner.    
   
   
       20 . The electrode according to  claim 19 , wherein at least one separate leadwire is attached to each electrode section.  
   
   
       21 . The electrode according to  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 an electrically insulating layer that extends among and joins the subelectrodes.    
   
   
       22 . The electrode according to  claim 19 , wherein the electrode comprises a roll of subelectrodes.  
   
   
       23 . The electrode according to  claim 22 , wherein the subelectrodes are rolled about a mandrel.  
   
   
       24 . The electrode according to  claim 19 , further comprising: 
 an electrical connection comprises a conductive strip between a conductive layer and a dielectric layer of each electrode section.    
   
   
       25 . The electrode according to  claim 24 , wherein the conductive strip is severed or removed upon removing the electrode from the package.  
   
   
       26 . The electrode according to  claim 25 , wherein the conductive strip is severed by at least one of cutting and pulling.  
   
   
       27 . A self-contained device for determining viability of electrodes in a sealed package, comprising: 
 at least one connector operable to provide an electrical connection with the electrode to measure at least one electrical function parameter of the electrode while the electrode is sealed within the package, wherein the at least one electrical functional parameter comprises at least one of impedance, current flow, and voltage drop between lead wires operatively connected to the electrode.    
   
   
       28 . The device according to  claim 27 , comprising a voltage comparator, a current source, and an indicator.  
   
   
       29 . The device according to  claim 28 , wherein the voltage comparator compares a voltage drop across the electrode pads on the electrodes with a threshold voltage value.  
   
   
       30 . The device according to  claim 29 , wherein the voltage comparator provides voltage to an indicator if the pads are not viable.  
   
   
       31 . The device according to  claim 29 , wherein the indicator indicates the electrode pads are viable if the impedance is low.  
   
   
       32 . The device according to  claim 27 , wherein the indicator comprises an LED.  
   
   
       33 . The device according to  claim 29 , wherein voltage is provided to the indicator if impedance of the electrode pads is above a threshold value causing a voltage drop across the electrode pads that is above a threshold voltage value.  
   
   
       34 . The device according to  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 a current source.    
   
   
       35 . The device according to  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 a user-activated switch.    
   
   
       36 . The device according to  claim 27 , further comprising: 
 an indicator.    
   
   
       37 . A method of testing for electrode fitness for use, the method comprising: 
 measuring at least one electrical function parameter of a single separable electrode while the electrode is sealed within a package.    
   
   
       38 . A method for indicating if a single separable electrode pad is fit for use, the method comprising: 
 measuring at least one electrical function parameter of a single separable electrode while the electrode is sealed within a package; and    indicating at least one of whether the electrode is fit or unfit.    
   
   
       39 . A method of testing a packaged electrode for fitness for use, the method comprising: 
 testing the electrode without connecting the electrode to a device external to a package containing the electrode.