Importance

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Abstract

An electrode connector for securely holding a thin flexible electrode. The electrode connector includes a bottom jaw member and an upper jaw member that are selectively movable between an open position and a closed position. The upper jaw member and the bottom jaw member are biased into a closed position. The electrode connector includes an electrical contact assembly configured to provide electrical contact with the flexible electrode. The electrical contact assembly comprises a contact platform and a contact pin attached thereto. The contact platform is configured to form an electrical contact with the contact area of the flexible electrode. The contact pin is sized and configured to be at least partially disposed in the aperture formed in the flexible electrode such that upon the upperjaw member and the lower jaw member moving to the closed position electrical contact is formed and maintained with the contact area of the flexible electrode without permanently deforming the contact area thereof. The electrical contact assembly further comprises a recess formed opposite the contact pin that is sized and configured to receive both the contact pin disposed in the aperture of the flexible electrode and a portion of the contact area of the flexible electrode. The contact assembly is configured such that disposing the contact pin in the aperture in the flexible electrode provides a visual indicator to medical personnel that the contact assembly and the flexible electrode are correctly aligned so as to form an electrical contact. A visual access opening is in communication with the recess to enhance the ability of the medical personnel to determine that the contact pin is disposed in the aperture of the flexible electrode. In addition, disposing the contact pin in the aperture in the flexible electrode positively locks the connector to the flexible electrode and prevents accidental disengagement.

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First Claim