Anisotropic adhesive multiple electrode system, and method of use

A method of acquiring electrocardiographic data comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a bioelectric interface comprising at least two spacially separated groups of electrode(s), at least one of which spacially separated group of electrode(s) can consist of more than one electrode, which adhesive sheet presents with essentially anisotropic specific impedance properties but essentially isotropic mechanical properties, said spacially separated groups of electrode(s) being affixed to said adhesive sheet in a manner such that their relative positions with respect to one another remain essentially fixed, and such that the specific impedance from each electrode in said groups of spacially separated electrode(s) directly through said adhesive sheet, is less than that between any two electrodes in different spacially separated groups of electrodes through said adhesive sheet, said electrical anisotropic specific impedance properties of said adhesive sheet being the result of a slit or slits therein, which slit or slits is/are positioned between groups of electrodes, in which bioelectric interface the number of groups of electrode(s) is nine, said nine groups of electrode(s) being configured in an I, II, Ill, V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6 twelve lead electrocardiogram system electrode pattern, such that said nine groups of electrode(s) are positioned on a patient's chest during use as follows:
• electrode group I in the region of the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum;
• electrode group II in the region of the second intercostal space at the mid-axillary line;
• electrode group III in the region of the inferior costal margin in the mid-clavicular line;
• electrode group V1 in the region of the fourth intercostal space at the right sternal border;
• electrode group V2 in the region of the fourth intercostal space at the left sternal border;
• electrode group V4 in the region of the fifth intercostal space at the mid-clavicular line;
• electrode group V3 in the region of the midpoint between electrode groups V2 and V4;
• electrode group V5 in the region of the fifth intercostal space in the anterior axillary line;
• and
• electrode group V6 in the region of the fifth intercostal space in the mid-axillary line;
• such that during use one electrode from each group of electrode(s) will be found to be more appropriately situated for a specific patient depending upon the patient's body size;
• b. affixing said bioelectric interface to a patient and causing the electrodes therein to be electrically attached to an electrocardiographic system such that electrocardiographic data is obtained.

A method of performing cardiac mapping comprising the steps of:

• a. providing a bioelectric interface comprising an adhesive sheet in functional combination with at least two spacially separated electrodes, which adhesive sheet presents with essentially anisotropic specific impedance properties but essentially isotropic mechanical properties, said electrodes being affixed to said adhesive sheet in a manner such that their relative positions with respect to one another remain essentially fixed, and such that the specific impedance from each said electrode directly through said adhesive sheet, is less than that between any said electrodes through said adhesive sheet, said electrical anisotropic specific impedance properties of said adhesive sheet being the result of a slit or slits therein, which slit or slits is/are positioned between electrodes, in which bioelectric interface there are present a multiplicity of electrodes configured in an essentially rectangular shaped matrix such that in use said bioelectric interface is affixed to one of the group consisting of a patient's chest and back, said bioelectric interface being appropriate for use in electrocardiographic mapping;
• b. affixing said bioelectric interface to a patient on one of the elements in the group consisting of a patient's chest and back, and causing said electrodes to be connected to an electrocardiograph mapping system.