COMPLIANT ELECTRODE FOR EMG ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE

摘要

An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having a first cuff and a second cuff. Conductive ink electrodes are formed on an exterior surface of the first cuff. The conductive ink electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient. At least one conductor is coupled to the conductive ink electrodes and is configured to carry the EMG signals received by the conductive ink electrodes to a processing apparatus.

主权项

1. An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient, comprising:
an endotracheal tube; a conduit extending along the endotracheal tube; a first cuff having an exterior surface defining a first diameter and fluidly coupled to the conduit, the first cuff exhibiting a first compliance such that the first diameter expands to a first distance when pressurized fluid is within the interior conduit; a second cuff having an exterior surface defining a second diameter, positioned distal the first cuff and fluidly coupled to the conduit, the second cuff exhibiting a second compliance equal to the first compliance and defined such that the second diameter expands to a second distance greater than the first distance when pressurized fluid is within the conduit; and conductive ink electrodes formed on the exterior surface of the first cuff.