Large surface area electrode

摘要

Large surface area electrode for use with a power supply having a more uniform current density distribution for contacting the exposed surface of a living body having a contour. The electrode comprises a layer of flexible conductive material of a predetermined geometrical shape and having first and second surfaces. The layer is normally relatively flat and is capable of assuming contours of the skin of the body when the electrode is placed in contact with the body with the first surface of the layer engaging the exposed surface of the body. The layer of conductive material has a central portion and a surrounding ring portion. The central portion and the surrounding ring portion have outer margins with edges. A flexible carrier layer is provided which is secured to the second surface of the layer of flexible conductive material and serves to support the central portion and the said surrounding portion so that the surrounding portion is spaced from and insulated from the central portion. A connector is provided which is connected to the surrounding ring portion and is adapted to be coupled to the power supply for controlling the current density at the edges so that the current density at the edges does not exceed a predetermined value. The connector forms a direct connection to the central portion and includes a resistor connected to the surrounding ring.