Monitoring and stimulation electrode

Claim 1

An electrode for establishing electrical connection to a patient's skin, comprising: an electrically conductive backing and current distribution member; electrical terminal means attached to said member, said terminal means being adapted for connection of the electrode to an electrical wire; and a substrate attached to said backing and current distribution member for interfacing with the patient's skin, said substrate comprising a homogeneous material having adhesive properties for securing the electrode to the skin, said substrate being sufficiently pliant to permit formation of the shape of the electrode to the body contours, said substrate being sufficiently firm to prevent penetration of the body contours through the substrate thereby preventing contact of the backing member with the skin, and said substrate being uniformly conductive thereby providing a homogeneous conducting surface to the skin, said substrate comprising a karaya gum matrix, said matrix supporting an electrically conductive fluid, said fluid comprising an organic fluid and being a continuous phase.