Electrodes

Electrodes for Neurology, Cardiology and Sleep Medicine

Electrodes are basically used for stimulation of nerve and muscle tissue but also for derivation of electrophysiological signals. CNSAC MedShop GmbH offers advanced electrodes such as surface electrodes (cup electrodes and adhesive electrodes), needle electrodes (EMG needle electrodes and subdermal needle electrodes), stimulation and grounding electrodes for measurement in neurology, sleep diagnosis and ECG.

Medical electrodes are one of the key components in medical diagnostics and monitoring. The medical electrodes transform the ionic currents of the human body into electrical signals, which can be amplified and detected. The detected signal is used as a basis for medical diagnosis. The application of medial electrodes in diagnostics is pretty large. This includes diagnosis of different diseases such as ocular, nervous, cardiac, and muscular disorders.

The medical electrodes are mainly used for ECG (electrocardiography), EEG (electroencephalography) and EMG (electromyography). But there are a wide range of electrodes for other applications like defibrillator electrodes, TENS electrodes, electrosurgical electrodes, fetal scalp electrodes etc.

ECG Electrodes

ECG electrodes can be divided into adhesive electrodes, clamp electrodes and suction electrodes. The ECG electrodes are used in different types of ECG:

  • Stress or exercise ECG
  • Resting ECG
  • Ambulatory ECG

ECG adhesive electrodes

Disposable adhesive ECG electrodes have a very wide application in clinics and hospitals, as they are very advantageous for hygienic reasons. These electrodes are disposable and easy to apply. This eliminates the risk of infection transmission or cross-contamination.

The carrier material of adhesive ECG electrodes is foam, fabric or fleece (nonwoven). Fleece and fabric are breathable materials and are quite popular for long-term ECG. Foam electrodes are normally used for short-term ECGs.
Normally, the contact gel of ECG electrodes is either solid or liquid gel. With liquid gel, the signal is detectable immediately after the electrode is connected to the device. In contrast, in case of solid gel, the signal becomes detectable with a time delay of 1 to 2 seconds. This difference in speed is not critical for general practitioners and clinics, but important in emergency medicine.

ECG clamp electrodes

Clamp electrodes are normally used to lead the extremities. In this process, the clamp electrode is attached (clamped) to the wrists and ankles. The clamp electrodes should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected after each measurement as they are normally reusable electrodes.

ECG suction electrodes

ECG suction electrodes are reusable electrodes equipped with a rubber ball. The generated negative pressure allows the electrode to adhere to the patient's skin.

Medical Electrodes for Neurology, Neurofeedback, Intraoperative Monitoring and Sleep Medicine

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a fundamental medical method to record electrical activities of our brain. The gained data help us to understand processes underlying neurological disorders. Common ones are epilepsy, brain tumors, head and spinal injuries, but also sleep disorders.

Electrodes for sleep medicine, neurology, neurofeedback and intraoperative monitoring
electrodes are used for the following measurements/examinations, among others:

  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Polysomnography (PSG)
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Electronystagmography (ENG)
  • Electrooculography (EOG)
  • Neurofeedback (NFB)
  • Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM)
  • Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM)

CNSAC® is developing different types of EEG electrodes, depending on application form and area. The most common type of EEG electrodes is surface EEG cup electrodes which are divided into two main groups: Gold Cup EEG Electrodes (reusable) and Ag/AgCl Cup EEG Electrodes (silver/silver chloride; as both disposable and reusable). As the trends on the market are different, we produce both disposable and reusable cup electrodes.

Disposable cup electrodes are very safe in terms of contamination risk and do not need cleaning and maintenance. The reusable ones can be used over a longer period of time (several months) and are therefore very sustainable and more cost-efficient in the long run.

We also produce specific adhesive surface electrodes for sleep diagnostics and ECG such as PLM electrodes, intercostal ECG electrodes and many others. Here we are focusing on improved adhesiveness and signal quality. We also develop customized sintered silver/silver chloride EEG electrodes.