Abstract:
An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell is disclosed. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. The valve may be configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. A method of packaging an electrode pad is also disclosed. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad, a wire and a shell. A valve on the shell allows air to exit the electrode pouch.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]     The present application claims the benefit and priority of provisional application Ser. No. 60/795,382 filed on Apr. 27, 2006 and titled METHODS OF CONSTRUCTING PACKAGING ELECTRODES, by Peter Meyer et al. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated by its entirety herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The present disclosure relates to packages for electrodes. Several methods and packages are disclosed for packaging electrodes, such as disposable defibrillation electrodes. Generally, the disclosed methods and packages facilitate the connection of defibrillation electrodes to a defibrillator prior to the electrodes being used on a patient, while allowing the electrodes to maintain a sufficient amount of moisture to be able to properly function.  
         [0003]     Electrodes which are typically used in medical applications generally include a conductor and a connector. The connector is attached at one end to the conductor and includes a plug at the other end to be plugged into a defibrillator or other device. The conductor is often covered or coated in a conductive gel, which enhances its ability to adhere to a patient&#39;s skin. When the conductive gel becomes too dry, it may lose its ability to adhere to a patient or demonstrate excessively high contact impedance. To prevent the conductive gel from drying out, the electrode may be stored in a package prior to use.  
         [0004]     In a medical setting, there are often a variety of different defibrillators and electrodes at a clinician&#39;s disposal and it is not uncommon for several of the defibrillators and electrodes to have different manufacturers. Compatibility among defibrillators (or other medical devices) and electrodes of different brands is often lacking, which can cause confusion as to which particular electrode to use with a given defibrillator. Thus, clinicians open electrode packages to determine if the electrode (or electrode plug) is compatible with the defibrillator (i.e., does the electrode plug fit into the receptacle on the defibrillator?). As can be appreciated, testing electrodes in this fashion leads to waste, as the electrodes that are not compatible are likely to become too dry if not used in a timely fashion.  
         [0005]     Further, in preparation for an emergency situation, clinicians may perform as many steps as possible before such an emergency situation arises. For example, a clinician may prepare a defibrillator by “pre-connecting” a compatible electrode to the defibrillator. Pre-connecting a compatible electrode to a defibrillator when able to prevent rapid diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel reduces the number of steps that need to take place during an actual emergency.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0006]     The present disclosure relates to an electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell. The electrode pad is disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire extends from the electrode pad and, in a disclosed embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is attached to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch (e.g., the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch). The shell includes a valve thereon that is configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch.  
         [0007]     In an embodiment, the valve is configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. It is also disclosed that the shell is configured to receive at least a portion of the wire therethrough.  
         [0008]     In accordance with a disclosed embodiment, the electrode pouch is at least partially formed of two sheets of a substantially gas-impermeable material. Additionally, a disclosed embodiment includes a conductive gel disposed on at least a portion of the electrode pad and further including a cover disposed adjacent the conductive gel.  
         [0009]     In an embodiment, the electrode pouch is openable, such that opening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to be removed from the electrode pouch. Further, an embodiment of the electrode pad packaging system includes a string, such that at least of portion of the string is secured to the shell, and where the string facilitates the opening of the electrode pouch. In an embodiment, the shell remains attached to the electrode pouch after the electrode pouch is opened.  
         [0010]     The present disclosure also relates to a method of packaging an electrode pad. The method includes providing an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad), a wire and a shell. The electrode pad is configured to be placed at least partially within the electrode pouch. The wire is configured to extend from the electrode pad. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the wire is secured to the shell. The shell is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the electrode pouch. The shell includes a valve configured to allow air to exit the electrode pouch. In an embodiment, the shell is secured to a portion of the electrode pouch.  
         [0011]     In a disclosed embodiment, the valve is configured to prevent air from entering the electrode pouch. Further, in an embodiment, the electrode pouch is at least partially formed of two sheets of a substantially gas-impermeable material.  
         [0012]     An embodiment includes a shell that is configured to receive at least a portion of the wire therethrough.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, a conductive gel is disposed on at least a portion of the electrode pad and a cover is disposed adjacent the conductive gel.  
         [0014]     In a disclosed embodiment, the electrode pouch is openable, such that opening the electrode pouch enables the electrode pad to be removed from the electrode pouch. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]     Various embodiments of electrode packages are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:  
         [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0017]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the electrode package of  FIG. 1A , wherein the electrode package is partially open;  
         [0018]      FIG. 1C  is a perspective view of the electrode package of  FIGS. 1A-1B , wherein the electrode package is fully open and the electrode is revealed;  
         [0019]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0020]      FIG. 2B  is an enlarged perspective view the portion of the second embodiment of the electrode package indicated in  FIG. 2A ;  
         [0021]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of the electrode package of  FIG. 2A , wherein the electrode package is partially open;  
         [0022]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of the electrode package of  FIGS. 2A and 2C , wherein the electrode is revealed;  
         [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the electrode package of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the electrode package of  FIG. 3A , wherein the electrode package is partially open;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4A  is a top view of a fourth embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0027]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the electrode package of  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0028]      FIG. 5A  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0029]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the electrode package of  FIG. 5 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 6  is a top view of a sixth embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure;  
         [0031]      FIG. 7A  is a side view of a first embodiment of extensible electrode lead wires including a tube in accordance with the present disclosure illustrated with lead wires in a non-extended manner;  
         [0032]      FIG. 7B  is a side view of the extensible lead wires of  FIG. 7A  illustrated in an extended manner;  
         [0033]      FIGS. 7C and 7D  are cross-sectional views of embodiments of the tube of  FIGS. 7A and 7B ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 8A  is a side view of a second embodiment of extensible electrode lead wires including a strap in accordance with the present disclosure illustrated with lead wires in a non-extended manner;  
         [0035]      FIG. 8B  is a side view of the extensible lead wires of  FIG. 8A  illustrated in an extended manner;  
         [0036]      FIG. 9A  is a side view of a third embodiment of extensible electrode lead wires in accordance with the present disclosure illustrated in a non-extended manner; and  
         [0037]      FIG. 9B  is a side view of the extensible lead wires of  FIG. 9A  illustrated in an extended manner.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0038]     Embodiments of the presently disclosed electrode packages will now be described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements.  
         [0039]     A first embodiment of an electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure is generally referenced in  FIGS. 1A-1C  by reference numeral  100 . As will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the electrode package  100  generally includes an electrode pouch  110  which encloses at least one electrode  120 .  
         [0040]     The electrode  120  includes an electrode pad  122  and an electrode connector  124 . The electrode pad  122  is generally made of a conductive material and is adhered to a patient during a medical procedure. The electrode connector  124  connects the electrode pad  122  to a medical device, such as a defibrillator (not shown). The electrode connector  124  includes lead wires  126  which electrically connect the electrode pad  122  to a plug portion  128 . Additionally, a conductive gel (not shown) at least partially covers the electrode pad  122  and is protected by a cover  130 . The cover may be any suitable sheet adhered to the electrode pad  122  via the conductive gel. One possible sheet material is silicone-coated mylar. Other materials are also contemplated.  
         [0041]     The electrode pouch  110  functions to maintain a sufficient amount of moisture therewithin to help prevent the conductive gel from becoming too dry. The electrode pouch  110  may be generally gas-impermeable. Over time, however, the conductive gel will naturally lose at least a portion of its moisture content. A conductive pad  122  where the conductive gel is too dry is not optimal for medical use at least because conductive pad  122  may lose its ability to adhere to a patient or demonstrate excessively high contact impedance.  
         [0042]     To determine if the conductive pad  122  is compatible with a particular defibrillator, for example, a clinician may attempt to plug the electrode  120  into the defibrillator. In this embodiment, a user can tear the electrode pouch  110  open at a first notch  112  to expose its contents, particularly plug portion  128  (see  FIG. 1B ). A score line (not shown) may be formed in electrode pouch  110  in line with the first notch  112  to facilitate opening of the pouch  110 .  
         [0043]     At this point the electrode  120  may be tested for compatibility with a defibrillator. An example of when the particular conductive pad  122  is not compatible is when the plug portion  128  is found to be incompatible with a receptacle of the defibrillator. If the conductive pad  122  is determined to be compatible and thus usable, the clinician may opt to use the electrode  120  in a timely manner or he may opt not to use it right away. If he desires to use the electrode  120  soon after the time he tests it, the clinician can remove the electrode  120  from the electrode pouch  110  and proceed to use it. If, however, he would not like to use the electrode  120  right away, he can place the lead wires  126  and plug portion  128  back into the electrode pouch  110  and reseal the electrode pouch  110  to help maintain the sufficient moisture content of the conductive gel.  
         [0044]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , to reseal the electrode pouch  110 , a closure element  140  is used.  FIG. 1B  illustrates a closure element  140  which includes a release liner  142  and an adhesive strip  144 . To reveal the adhesive strip  144 , the release liner  142  is removed (e.g., peeled off).  FIG. 1B  illustrates the release liner  142  partially peeled off the adhesive strip  144 . The electrode pouch  110  may then be resealed by compressing a top portion  150  of the electrode pouch  110  with a bottom portion  152  of the electrode pouch  110 . Thus, gas is capable of entering the electrode pouch  110  during the time between the initial opening of the electrode pouch  110  and when the electrode pouch  110  is resealed. Alternatively, the release liner  142  may be affixed to the upper portion  150  (or lower portion  152 ) of the electrode pouch  110 , such that when the electrode pouch  110  is opened, the release liner  142  is automatically removed. Further, other types of closure elements  140  may be used, such as a mechanical sealing means (e.g., a zip-loc™-type of seal).  
         [0045]     Referring now to  FIG. 1C , to remove the electrode  120  from the resealed electrode pouch  110 , the electrode pouch  110  can be re-opened by tearing it along a second notch  114  and accompanying score line (not shown), for example. The portion of the electrode pouch  110  between the first notch  112  and the second notch  114  may adhere to the lead wires  126 . If desired, this portion can be cut off to remove the excess material. The electrode  120  is then ready to be adhered to a patient.  
         [0046]     A second embodiment of the electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure is generally referenced in  FIGS. 2A-2D  by reference numeral  200 . The electrode package  200  of this embodiment generally includes an electrode pouch  202 , an electrode  220  and a grommet  240 .  
         [0047]     The electrode pouch  202  generally includes a first compartment  204 , a second compartment  206  and a channel  208  interconnecting the first and second compartments  204 ,  206 . The electrode  220  generally includes an electrode pad  222  and an electrode connector  224 , including lead wires  226  and a plug portion  228 . The plug portion  228  enables the electrode  220  to be plugged into a medical device, such as a defibrillator (not shown). Additionally, conductive gel (not shown) at least partially covers the electrode pad  222  and is protected by a cover  232 .  
         [0048]     The electrode pouch  202  may be formed of two sheets of material which may be sealed at or near their perimeters to form a generally gas-impermeable electrode pouch. Referring to  FIG. 2A , the first compartment  204  of the electrode pouch  202  houses the plug portion  228  and a segment of the lead wires  226  and the second compartment  206  of the electrode pouch  202  houses the electrode  220 , a segment of the lead wires  226  and the grommet  240  which is connected to a portion of the lead wires  226 . Alternatively, the grommet  240  may allow the lead wires  226  to pass therethrough. The channel  210 , as best illustrated in  FIG. 2B , spans the gap between the first compartment  204  and the second compartment  206  and allows a portion of the lead wires  226  to travel therethrough.  
         [0049]     In use, to remove the plug portion  228  and a segment of the lead wires  226  from the first compartment  204 , the electrode pouch  202  may be torn at a first notch  210 . As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , this exposes a segment of the lead wires  226  and the plug portion  228 , which can then be plugged into a medical device for testing and/or for use.  
         [0050]     If a clinician is not ready to use the electrode  220 , he may then pull the segment of the lead wires  226  away from the channel  208 , thus causing the grommet  240  to become wedged into the channel  208  (as illustrated in  FIG. 2C ). It is envisioned for the channel  208  and the grommet  240  to be shaped and sized such that the grommet  240  restricts air flow from the ambient air into the second compartment  206 , thus keeping the moisture level within the second compartment  206 , and more specifically, the moisture level of the conductive gel, at a desirable level.  
         [0051]     With particular reference to  FIG. 2D , when the clinician is ready to use the electrode  220 , he may tear the electrode pouch  202  at a second notch  212 . This tearing of the electrode pouch  202  for the second time will expose the electrode pad  222 . To place the electrode pad  222  onto a patient, its cover  230  is peeled off to reveal conductive gel (not shown). The electrode pad  222  may then be adhered to a portion of a patient and the plug portion  228  may be plugged into a medical device. In this embodiment, it is envisioned for the plug portion  228  and the segment of the lead wires  226  that were housed in the first compartment  204  to be pushed or pulled through the channel  208  toward the electrode pad  222 . This may result in the electrode  220  and the electrode pouch  202  being completely separated.  
         [0052]     A third embodiment of the electrode package in accordance with the present disclosure is generally referenced in  FIG. 3  by reference numeral  300 . The electrode package  300  of this embodiment generally includes an electrode pouch  302 , an electrode  320  and a shell  340 .  
         [0053]     The electrode pouch  302  is formed of two sheets of generally gas impermeable material. The electrode  320  generally includes an electrode pad  322  and an electrode connector  324 , which includes lead wires  326  and a plug portion  328 . The plug portion  328  enables the electrode  320  to be plugged into a medical device, such as a defibrillator (not shown). Additionally, conductive gel (not shown) at least partially covers the electrode pad  322  and is protected by a cover  332 .  
         [0054]     The material comprising the electrode pouch  302  is sealed around its perimeter. The shell  340  may be formed on the electrode pouch  302  and may attach to the lead wires  326  to enable them to pass from the inside of the electrode pouch  302  to its exterior. Additionally, a check valve  350  is located on the shell  340 .  
         [0055]     The check valve  350  is a one-way valve which permits air to escape the interior of the electrode pouch  302 , while preventing outside air from entering the electrode pouch  302 . Any check valve suitable for this intended use is contemplated. Thus, the electrode pouch  302  is not gas impermeable. As can be appreciated, this arrangement allows excess air to be dispensed from the electrode pouch  302  after the electrode pouch  302  is sealed. Therefore, the size of the package may be reduced and the possibility of the electrode pouch  302  becoming ruptured is also reduced.  
         [0056]     Notwithstanding the one-way gas permeability, the electrode pouch  302  of this embodiment maintains the moisture of the conductive gel for a sufficiently long period of time. The relative humidity of the interior of the electrode pouch  302  will remain near 100%, thus preventing rapid diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel to the interior of the electrode pouch  302 .  
         [0057]     To remove the electrode  320  from the electrode pouch  302 , one may tear open the electrode pouch  302  along a notch  310  (two notches  310  are shown). There may also be a perforated line  312  disposed on the electrode pouch  302  adjacent the notch(es)  310  to facilitate opening the electrode pouch  302 . Once the electrode pouch  302  is open, the electrode  320  may be removed from the interior of the electrode pouch  302 .  
         [0058]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  illustrate another embodiment of the electrode package of  FIG. 3  and is generally referenced by numeral  300   a.  Similar to the previous embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the electrode package  300   a  of the present embodiment includes an electrode pouch  302 , an electrode  320  and a shell  340  having a check valve  350 . Here, however, shell  340  is disposed near a corner of pouch  302  and a tear string  360  is connected to shell  340  and pouch  302 .  
         [0059]     To remove electrode  320  from electrode pouch  302  in this embodiment, one may tear electrode pouch  302  along notch  310  (disposed near a corner of electrode pouch  302 ), which detaches shell  340  from electrode pouch  302 . When shell  340  is detached from electrode pouch  302 , only a relatively small portion of electrode pouch  302  remains attached to shell  340 .  FIG. 3B  illustrates electrode pouch  302  which has been partially opened and with shell  340  exposed. Continued pulling of shell  340  away from electrode pouch  302  causes tear string  360  to rip open the remainder of the top portion of electrode pouch  302 , thereby permitting electrodes  320  to be removed therefrom. When fully removed from electrode pouch  302 , shell  340  includes a relatively small portion of electrode pouch  302  attached thereto and one end of tear string  360  extending therefrom (which can be removed by various methods if desired).  
         [0060]     A fourth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  and is generally referenced by numeral  400 . The electrode package  400  depicted in this embodiment limits the diffusion of moisture from conductive gel  432  into the air, thus maintaining the moisture content of the conductive gel  432 . This embodiment includes an electrode  420 , which includes a protective liner  422 , conductive gel  432 , a conductive substrate  434 , an insulating layer  436 , lead wires  438 , an electrode pad  440 , a first membrane  442  and a second membrane  444 .  
         [0061]     With continued reference to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , lead wires  438  connect the electrode pad  440  to a plug portion (not shown). The conductive gel  432  may be directly or indirectly applied to the electrode pad  440  to help the electrode pad  440  adhere to a patient. The conductive substrate  434  may be disposed between the electrode pad  440  and the conductive gel  432 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4B . The protective liner  422  is disposed adjacent the conductive gel  432  (opposite the insulating layer  436 ) and it protects the conductive gel  432  prior to use of the electrode  420 . The first membrane  442 , which is generally gas-impermeable, is integrated into (or connected to) the protective layer  422  to restrict the diffusion of moisture from the bottom surface of the conductive gel  432 .  
         [0062]     The second membrane  444  is generally gas-impermeable and it limits the diffusion of moisture from the top surface of the conductive gel  432 . The second membrane  444  may be integral with or connected to the insulating layer  436 , or alternatively, the second membrane  444  may be integral with or connected to the conductive substrate  434 . Thus, the overall moisture content of the conductive gel  432  remains sufficient for an extended period of time, due in part to the first membrane  442  limiting the amount of moisture loss from the bottom surface of the conductive gel  432  and the second membrane  444  limiting the amount of moisture loss from the top surface of the conductive gel  432 . The first membrane  442  and the second membrane  444  may be made from various materials, including a metal foil.  
         [0063]     A fifth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  and is generally referenced by numeral  500 . The electrode package  500  of this embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first electrode  510   a  and a second electrode  510   b  ( FIG. 5B ), a protective liner  520 , conductive gel  530 , adhesive rings  540   a  and  540   b,  conductive layers  550   a  and  550   b  and gas-impermeable membranes  560   a  and  560   b.  Lead wires  511   a  and  511   b  extend from the electrodes  510   a  and  510   b,  respectively, to a plug portion (not shown) for connection to a medical device (not shown), such as a defibrillator.  
         [0064]     This embodiment of the disclosure restricts the diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel  530  to the air within the interior of the electrode packaging. Generally, two electrodes  510   a  and  510   b  are releasably adhered to either side of the protective liner  520 . The protective liner  520  generally protects the conductive gel  530  prior to use of the electrodes  510   a,    510   b  and is removed (e.g., the electrodes  510   a,    510   b  are peeled from the protective liner  520 ) before the electrodes  510   a,    510   b  are applied to a patient.  
         [0065]     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , adhesive rings  540   a  and  540   b  are disposed around the conductive gel  530 . The adhesive rings  540   a  and  540   b  may help prevent the conductive gel  530  from spreading radially and they may also provide a surface to which the conductive layers  550   a  and  550   b  may adhere. The conductive layers  550   a  and  550   b  may be disposed of a generally gas-impermeable material, such as aluminum, and may help mitigate the moisture loss from the conductive gel  530 . Other materials from which the conductive layers  550   a ,  550   b  may be made include various metal foils, such as tin, silver, or aluminum.  
         [0066]     The gas-impermeable membranes  560   a ,  560   b  are integrated with or are disposed adjacent the conductive layers  550   a ,  550   b , respectively. These gas-impermeable membranes  560   a ,  560   b  help impede the diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel  530 . Additionally, at least one of the gas-impermeable membranes  560   a ,  560   b  may be made of foam or a foam-type material. Other materials from which the gas-impermeable membranes  560   a ,  560   b  may be made include a metal foil, such as tin, silver, or aluminum.  
         [0067]     It is envisioned that because the design of the electrode package  500  of the fifth embodiment minimizes moisture loss from the conductive gel  530 , the electrode package  500  may or may not be stored in a secondary gas-impermeable pouch (not shown) or gas-permeable pouch (not shown). A protective packaging (not shown) may be employed to protect the structural integrity of the electrode package  500  during packaging, transport, storage, and the like.  
         [0068]     A sixth embodiment of an electrode package is illustrated in  FIG. 6  and is generally referenced by numeral  600 . The electrode package  600  according to this embodiment includes an electrode pouch  610 , an electrode  620  and a sacrificial source of moisture  640 .  
         [0069]     In this embodiment of the electrode package  600 , the electrode pouch  610  may be either generally gas-impermeable or gas-permeable. Within the electrode pouch  610  is an electrode  620  and a sacrificial source of moisture  640 . The electrode  620  includes an electrode pad  622  adhered to a cover  630  via conductive gel (not shown), and an electrode connector  624 , which includes lead wires  626  and a plug portion  628 . It is envisioned that the electrode pouch  610  is re-sealable. In such an embodiment, the electrode  620  can be tested prior to use and then placed back into the electrode pouch  610  and re-sealed.  
         [0070]     The sacrificial source of moisture  640  is generally located within the electrode pouch  610  and may be in the form of a solid hydrogel with high water content, for example. Additionally, the sacrificial source of moisture  640  may be attached to the interior of the electrode pouch  610  such that it remains inside the electrode pouch  610  when the electrode  620  is removed.  
         [0071]     Generally, in electrode pouch  610 , moisture may diffuse over time from its interior to the exterior of the electrode pouch  610 . This movement of moisture would typically require moisture from the conductive gel to diffuse into the air within the electrode pouch  610  to maintain chemical equilibrium. The presence of the sacrificial source of moisture  640  provides an additional source of moisture, which will diffuse into the air within the electrode pouch  610  to help maintain the chemical balance. The degree and duration of time of release of the sacrificial source of moisture  640  may be selectively controlled with the proper choice of source materials. The sacrificial source of moisture  640  thereby reduces the amount of moisture that diffuses from the conductive gel. Therefore, this embodiment of the electrode package  600  reduces the diffusion of moisture from the conductive gel to the air within the interior of the electrode pouch  610 . Consequently, the moisture content of the conductive gel is maintained at a desirable level for a longer period of time than it would be without the use of the sacrificial source of moisture  640 .  
         [0072]     In use, a clinician may open the electrode pouch  610  (possibly facilitated by a notch  612 ), test the electrode  620  for compatibility, and then either remove the electrode  620  from the electrode pouch  610  for use, or place the electrode connector  624  back into the electrode pouch  610 , and possibly re-seal the electrode pouch  610 , for later use.  
         [0073]     Another aspect of the present disclosure is illustrated in  FIGS. 7-9 . These figures illustrate various embodiments of storing lead wires  126  within an electrode pouch (not shown in  FIGS. 7-9 ). Generally, in these embodiments, a longer quantity of lead wires  126  may be stored within electrode pouch while reducing the possibly of lead wires  126  becoming tangled or otherwise snarled. In these various embodiments, lead wires  126  are extensible, thus facilitating their use and the ability of plug portion  128  to be plugged into a medical device, while reducing the possibility of lead wires  126  becoming tangled either within or outside of the electrode pouch. A first embodiment of extensible lead wires  126  is shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D . In this embodiment, a retaining structure or tube  700  is employed to maintain lead wires  126  in a desired orientation. As seen in  FIG. 7C , the cross-section of a tube  700   a  is generally circular and includes a slot  702  therethrough. In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 7D , the cross-section of a tube  700   b , which does not include a slot, is illustrated.  
         [0074]     With reference to the embodiment of tube  700   a  illustrated in  FIG. 7C , slot  702  allows tube  700  to be placed over lead wires  126 . In the embodiment of tube  700   b  illustrated in  FIG. 7D , it is envisioned that lead wires  126  are threaded through tube  700   b  and then subsequently connected to electrodes  120  and/or plug portion  128 .  
         [0075]     Although tube  700  is illustrated in  FIGS. 7C  (tube  700   a ) and  7 D (tube  700   b ) as having a circular cross-section, it is envisioned that the cross-section of tube  700  may be any regular or irregular shape, such that tube  700  allows at least a portion of lead wires  126  to slide therethrough. It is also envisioned that tube  700  is formed around the lead wires  126 .  
         [0076]     With reference to  FIG. 7A , lead wires  126  are shown in a relatively large loop (which fits into an electrode pouch) and passing through tube  700 . Lead wires  126  may either be threaded through tube  700   b , for example. Additionally or alternatively, tube  700   a , for example, may be placed over looped lead wires  126 . From these configurations, lead wires  126  are able to be pulled away from electrodes  120 . In an embodiment of the disclosure, tube  700  is secured to the interior of the electrode pouch.  
         [0077]     It is envisioned that tube  700  of the present embodiment is used in combination with an embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  or independently thereof. As such, lead wires  126  may be pulled either while electrodes  120  are within electrode pouch and/or after electrodes  120  have been removed from electrode pouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires  126  may take up a smaller amount of space when lead wires  126  pass through tube  700 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a first diameter d 1  of loop of lead wires  126  when not extended may be about 5 inches and a second diameter d 2  of loop of lead wires  126  when extended (or partially extended) may be about 1 inch. It is contemplated that tube  700  may be removed from lead wires  126  or alternatively, tube  700  may remain on lead wires  126  after electrodes  120  have been removed from electrode pouch.  
         [0078]     A second embodiment of extensible lead wires  126  is shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B . In this embodiment, a strap  800  is employed to maintain lead wires  126  in a desired orientation. Strap  800  may include a Velcro® hook and loop fastener and/or a different suitable type of adhesive material for securing strap  800  to itself or to lead wire  126 . Strap  800  may also include a non-adhesive material (e.g., a foam-type material) in combination with an adhesive material. In a disclosed embodiment, it is envisioned that the non-adhesive material contacts lead wires  126  and the adhesive material does not come into contact with lead wires  126 . In the illustrated embodiment, a loop of lead wires  126  is formed and strap  800  maintains lead wires  126  in position.  
         [0079]     According to the present disclosure, it is envisioned that an end of strap  800  is secured to a lead wire  126 . It is also envisioned that strap  800  is not secured to either of lead wires  126 , i.e., strap  800  attaches to itself. In a contemplated embodiment, strap  800  is loosely secured around lead wires  126 , thus allowing at least a portion of lead wires  126  to be pulled therethrough. It is also envisioned that a portion of strap  800  is secured to interior of electrode pouch.  
         [0080]     It is envisioned that strap  800  of the present embodiment is used in combination with an embodiment of  FIGS. 1-6  or independently thereof. As such, lead wires  126  may be pulled either while electrodes  120  are within electrode pouch (not shown) and/or after electrodes  120  have been removed from electrode pouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires  126  may take up a smaller amount of space when lead wires  126  are secured by strap  800 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , a first effective length L 1  of lead wires  126  when not extended may be about 45 inches and a second effective length L 2  of lead wires  126  when extended (or partially extended) may be about 80 inches. It is contemplated that strap  800  may be removable from lead wires  126  or alternatively, strap  800  may remain on lead wires  126  (as illustrated in  FIG. 8B ) after electrodes  120  have been removed from electrode pouch.  
         [0081]     A third embodiment of extensible lead wires  126  is shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B . In this embodiment, lead wires  126  include a coiled section  900   a  ( FIG. 9A ). Coiled section  900   a  maintains lead wires  126  in a desired orientation and minimizes the amount of space necessary to store lead wires  126  (e.g., in an electrode pouch) without lead wires  126  becoming tangled.  FIG. 9A  illustrates the lead wires  126  having coiled section  900   a  (similar to a telephone cord) and  FIG. 9B  illustrates lead wires  126  having an uncoiled section  900   b.    
         [0082]     It is envisioned that coiled section  900   a  of the present embodiment is used in combination with an embodiment of  FIGS. 1-8  or independently thereof. As such, lead wires  126  may be pulled, resulting in an uncoiled section  900   b , either while electrodes  120  are within electrode pouch (not shown) and/or after electrodes  120  have been removed from electrode pouch. As can be appreciated, lead wires  126  may take up a smaller amount of space when lead wires  126  include coiled section  900   a.    
         [0083]     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a first effective length L 3  of lead wires  126  having coiled section  900   a  may be about 45 inches and a second effective length L 4  of lead wires  126  having uncoiled section  900   b  (or partially uncoiled) may be about 80 inches. That is, when a user pulls lead wires  126  (e.g., from plug portion  128 ) which include coiled section  900   a , lead wires  126  extend and result in uncoiled section  900   b . Further, it is contemplated that releasing lead wires  126  having uncoiled section  900   b  results in a coiling of lead wires  126 , thus re-forming coiled section  900   a.    
         [0084]     It is to be understood that the foregoing description is merely a disclosure of particular embodiments and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other possible modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that to open an electrode pouch, one may cut it rather than tearing it. It is further envisioned that in the embodiment having a notch on the electrode pouch, there may be a notch (or notches) disposed at both sides of the electrode pouch (illustrated in  FIG. 3 ). Additionally, a perforated line (also illustrated in  FIG. 3 ) may disposed adjacent a notch, or in place of a notch, to facilitate opening the electrode pouch. It is still further envisioned for several of the disclosed embodiments to be used in combination with each other. For example, the electrode packages of the fourth, fifth and sixth embodiments may be used within the electrode pouch of the first, second, third, fourth or fifth embodiments. Other combinations are also anticipated and within the scope of the present disclosure, including the inclusion of a sacrificial source of moisture in any of the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-5 . Additionally, one or more than one electrode may be present in any of the disclosed embodiments.