| abstract |
A flexible, disposable stimulation electrode (10) having low current densities and a long shelf life is disclosed. The electrode (10) includes a nonconducting backing layer (12). A tinfoil plate (16) is displaced inwardly from the edge of the backing layer (12), in contact with a skin-facing surface of the backing layer (12). A conductive gel (18) covers the exposed surface of the plate of the plate (16) and a portion of the skin-facing surface of the backing layer (12) that surrounds the plate (16). The gel (18) is formed by a mixture comprising: an ultraviolet radiation (UV) curable resin; a magnesium bromide electrolyte; and, a thioglycerol chain transfer agent. The resin is a urethane-acrylic oligomer made UV curable by the addition of a water-miscible photoinitiator. The gel (18) has an annular tapered edge (52) extending outwardly from the plate (16). The electrode (10) is adhered to a patient's skin by a hypoallergenic adhesive (32) that covers the entire skin-facing surface of the backing layer 12, including the skin-contacting surface (56) of the backing layer (12) that surrounds the gel (18); and, by the surface tack of the gel (18). An electrode post (42), connected to a radially extended arm (48) of the plate (16) and, extending through the backing layer (12), is used to connect the plate (16) to a medical electrode lead. A protective liner (54) is releasably attached to a skin-facing side of the electrode (10). |