Disturbance-free electromyographic probe

Abstract

A myographic probe for detecting an electrical signal produced by a muscle and for reducing the influence of electrode disturbances. The probe includes electrodes and a disturbance reducing interface covering each electrode thereby segragating the electrodes from the muscle. Electrode disturbances include problems such as those related to the motion of the electrodes, changes in the pressure applied to the electrode, and/or intermittent contact with sourrounding tissue. The disturbance reducing interface is ion permeable and is, when dry, less conductive than the electrodes. The disturbance reducing interface may comprise a matrix of permeable material such as a mesh, foam, or other porous materials. The probe may be in the form of a catheter and be advantageously used in a human cavity such as the oesophagus. Another advantage of the invention is the possibility of using electrodes which are different from conventional wound wire electrodes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.