Wireless electrocardiograph system and method

Abstract

A method and system for wireless ECG monitoring is provided. An electrode connector, transmitter and receiver operate with existing electrodes and ECG monitors. The electrode connector includes connectors for attaching to disposable or reusable single electrodes. The transmitter transmits the signals from the electrodes to the receiver. The receiver passes the electrode signals to the ECG monitor for processing. ECG monitors used with an electrical conductor, for example wire connections to electrodes, are connected with the receiver, avoiding the purchase of a new monitor. Any legacy ECG monitor, including different ECG monitors, connects with the receiver using the ECG monitor's lead-wires. The ECG monitor operates as if directly connected to the electrodes without the problems discussed above associated with wires running from the ECG monitor to the patient.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit of the filing date pursuant to 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 219,082, filed Jul. 18, 2001, for a WIRELESS EKG, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND [0002] This invention relates to medical monitoring systems and methods. In particular, a biomedical system and method for monitoring a patient is provided. [0003] Biomedical monitoring systems include bedside, transportable, ambulatory and discrete vital sign monitors. In vital signs monitors, electrocardiograph (ECG), temperature, blood pressure or other characteristics of a patient are monitored. [0004] ECG systems are used for monitoring activity of a patient's heart. For example, three electrodes are positioned on the patient. The signal from one electrode is used as a reference signal for a difference between the signals of two other electrodes (e.g. ECG vector). By using this...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a wireless ECG monitoring system that can be used with existing electrodes and monitors. The system includes an electrode connector, transmitter, and receiver. The electrodes are connected to the patient using disposable or reusable electrodes. The transmitter sends the signals from the electrodes to the receiver, which then passes them on to the ECG monitor for processing. This system avoids the problems associated with wires running from the monitor to the patient. The invention provides a more convenient and efficient way to monitor ECG signals."

Problems solved by technology

However, the wires inhibit movement by and around the patient.

The wires will stress the electrodes, resulting in malfunction or disconnection from the patient.

However, many of these systems limit the bandwidth of signals to suppress artifacts associated with patient movement, so information can be lost.

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