Transcutaneous electrode device for cast-covered sites

An apparatus for providing a connection between an anatomical site covered by a cast and a medical device, the cast being of a type which surrounds a portion of a patient's body and overlies and restricts access to the site, the apparatus comprising:

• first cast engaging means for engaging an interior surface of the cast;
• second cast engaging means for engaging an exterior surface of the cast;
• connection means for connecting the first and second cast engaging means so that the cast is held therebetween;
• aperture defining means for extending through the cast and supported by one of the first and second cast engaging means to define an aperture through the cast which is aligned with the site;
• site engaging means which is insertable into the aperture from outside the cast for engaging the site to connect the site with the medical device and which is removable from the aperture by movement away from the site;
• and
• means for releasably holding the site engaging means in a fixed position with respect to the first and second cast engaging means when the site engaging means is positioned in the aperture.

Medical apparatus for treatment of an anatomical site on a patient's body, the apparatus comprising:

• a cast which, when in use, surrounds a portion of the patient's body, the cast having an interior surface closer to the patient's body and an exterior surface further from the patient's body, the cast overlying and restricting access to an anatomical site on the patient's body;
• a sleeve extending through and surrounding by the cast, the sleeve defining an aperture through the cast which is aligned with the anatomical site;
• first and second cast engaging means extending generally radially outward from the sleeve for engaging the interior and exterior surfaces, respectively, of the cast, one of the first and second cast engaging means being connected to the sleeve;
• connection means for connecting the first and second cast engaging means so that the cast is held therebetween;
• an electrode insertable into the aperture from outside the cast and adapted for making electrical contact with the anatomical site, the electrode being removable from the aperture by movement away from the anatomical site;
• and
• means for releasably holding the electrode in a fixed position with respect to the sleeve when the electrode is in engagement with the anatomical site.

A method of providing electrical connection to an anatomical site of a patient when a portion of the patient's body which includes the site is to be covered with a cast, the method comprising:

• positioning a flange assembly over the site, the flange assembly including a first sleeve having an aperture therethrough and a first plate which surrounds the first sleeve;
• applying cast material over the portion of the patient's body so that the first plate is covered by the cast material and the first sleeve projects through the cast material;
• connecting a collar assaembly to the first sleeve so that a portion of the cast material surrounding the first sleeve is held between the first plate and the collar assembly;
• and
• inserting an electrode assembly into the aperture so that the electrode assembly is supported by the flange assembly and the collar assembly and is in electrical contact with the site.