Time domain reflectometer-integrity testing system and method for medical device electrode

摘要

A device and method for testing the integrity of an electrode/wire, such as a pacemaker electrode, and electrical wires connected thereto has a receptacle for an electrode and includes a time domain reflectometer comprising an output signal mechanism operatively connected to the electrode receptacle. The method of analyzing the integrity of an electrode comprises the steps of generating a time domain reflectometer (TDR) reading (output signal) from the electrode, and transmitting the signal to an output device. The output signal may be analyzed to determined whether it varies by a predetermined threshold, or it may be displayed so that differences in the electrical characteristics of the electrode may be identified. The present invention allows a cardiologist or technician to ensure that the electrode is properly engaged and to determine the integrity of the electrode.