Cardiac monitoring electrode apparatus and method

An electrode assembly for sensing and treating cardiac conditions, the electrode assembly comprising:

• a. a conductive substrate formed into the shape of a dome, the dome having a convex surface, a concave surface and an outer edge;
• b. an oxide layer disposed entirely over the convex surface;
• c. a signal lead wire attached to the concave surface;
• d. a signal transition circuit attached to the signal lead wire;
• e. a buffer amplifier circuit attached to the signal lead wire/signal transition circuit;
• f. a housing containing the signal lead wire, the signal transition circuit and the buffer amplifier circuit;
• g. wherein the dome is connected to a first side of the housing with the concave surface adjacent the housing such that the outer edge is covered by the housing, and the convex surface projecting away from the housing;
• and
• h. wherein said oxide layer is an insulating material.

A method for sensing and treating cardiac conditions in a patient using at least one of cardiac activity monitoring device and a defibrillator, the method comprising:

• a. providing at least one electrode assembly having a domed electrode element;
• b. entirely covering an outer surface and an outer edge of said domed electrode element with an oxide layer, said oxide layer being an insulating material;
• c. positioning said domed electrode element against the skin of a patient such that a convex surface of said domed electrode element is adjacent the skin;
• and
• d. coupling said electrode assembly to at least one of said monitoring device and said defibrillator to at least one of sense cardiac function and deliver a defibrillation treatment.

A electrode element for sensing and treating cardiac conditions, the electrode element comprising:

• a. a conductive substrate formed into the shape of a dome, the dome having a convex surface, a concave surface, and a skirt portion having an outer edge;
• b. an oxide layer disposed over the entire convex surface and skirt portion, said oxide layer being an insulating material;
• and
• c. a housing connectable to said dome at said outer edge, said housing enclosing said outer edge such that all exposed surfaces of said dome are entirely covered by said oxide layer.