Skin abrader
The present invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for abrading the skin in preparation for attachment of an electrode. In some embodiments, the invention may provide for a simple, low-cost device 120 with a flat, abrading surface that removes the topmost layer of the skin without causing undue injury.
1. A dermal preparation system for preparation of a stratum corneum of a mammal for adhesion of an electrode to the mammal, comprising:
an electrode configured for adhesive attachment to a mammal's skin; and
a dermal preparation device separate from the electrode, the dermal preparation device comprising:
a support layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a major axis extending through a geometrical center of the support layer and along the longest dimension of the support layer;
an abrasive coating the lower surface, the abrasive coating comprising a polymeric grit with diameters ranging from about 36-66 μm, the abrasive coating configured to mechanically remove a portion of the stratum corneum of the mammal; and
a handle secured to the upper surface, the handle formed by bonding a first portion of a handle layer to the support layer, and folding a second portion of the handle layer to form the handle.
2. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 ,
wherein the support layer is approximately circular, and the major axis is a diameter of a circle.
3. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the major axis is no more than about 2.5 inches long.
4. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the major axis is no more than about 2.0 inches long.
5. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the support layer is sufficiently flexible that when pressed against a dermal surface using the handle, the lower surface will deform into a convex surface against the dermal surface.
6. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle is bonded to the support layer along a bond which extends at least about 50% of a maximum dimension of the support layer, along an axis of the bond.
7. A dermal preparation system as in claim 6 , wherein the axis of the bond is substantially parallel to the major axis.
8. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle is bonded to the support layer along a bond which extends at least about 85% of a maximum dimension of the support layer, along an axis of the bond.
9. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle is bonded to the support layer by a bond which covers at least about 15% of a total area of the upper surface of the support layer.
10. A dermal preparation system as in claim 1 , wherein the handle is bonded to the support layer by a bond which covers at least about 35% of a total area of the upper surface of the support layer.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the abrasive coating uniformly coats the entirety of the lower surface.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dermal preparation device further comprises an outer peripheral edge, the outer peripheral edge curving along the entirety of a circle and having no corners.
13. A dermal preparation kit for preparation of a stratum corneum of a mammal for adhesion of an electrode to the mammal, comprising:
an electrode configured for adhesive attachment to a mammal's skin; and
a dermal preparation device separate from the electrode, the dermal preparation device comprising:
a support layer having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a major axis extending through a geometrical center of the support layer and along the longest dimension of the support layer;
an abrasive coating the lower surface, the abrasive coating comprising a polymeric grit with diameters ranging from about 36-66 μm, the abrasive coating configured to mechanically remove a portion of the stratum corneum of the mammal; and
a handle secured to the upper surface, the handle formed by bonding a first portion of a handle layer to the support layer, and folding a second portion of the handle layer to form a handle.