Preparation and characterization of new electrocardiogram electrodes.

A new generation of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes have been fabricated and superficially modified by a special controlled precorrosion process. The electrodes have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), resistance-capacitance measurements (RCM) and simulated defibrillation recovery (SDR). The resulting surface of the Sn alloys was rough, and, consequently, a large active surface area was available. As a result, a higher electrocardiogram electrode performance, including low alternating current (a.c.) impedance, excellent time stability and improved SDR, was achieved. Such new design can surely find important future applications in clinical diagnosis. Copyright 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers