Electrical Impedance Imaging Assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical impedance imaging assembly (10), an electrical impedance imaging device, an electrical impedance imaging set, and a method for manufacturing the electrical impedance imaging assembly. The electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) includes at least one electrode patch (11, 21) externally applied to a patient. The electrode patch includes multiple electrodes (12, 22) for measuring the impedance of a target object located between the multiple electrodes (12, 22). The electrical impedance imaging assembly further includes a first interface (13) for transmitting electrical signals between the electrode patches (11, 21) and an external device (100). The external device calculates a feature of the target object, particularly a three-dimensional tomographic image (101) of the target object, based on the electrical signals from the electrodes (12, 22). At least the first electrode patch (11) includes at least 12 electrodes (12), preferably 16 to 32 electrodes, and the electrodes (12) are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably a matrix, on a substrate (14) of the first electrode patch. The first electrode patch (11) comprises an adhesive (15) for fixing the first electrode patch (11) to the patient's skin, and preferably the ratio of the area of ​​the adhesive surface (16) for contact with the skin to the area of ​​the total surface (17) of the electrode (12) facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical impedance imaging assembly, an electrical impedance imaging device, an electrical impedance imaging set, and a method for manufacturing an electrical impedance imaging assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a noninvasive imaging technique based on applying electrical current and measuring voltage through electrodes attached to the patient's body. EIT allows cross-sections of a body part to be visualized and monitored by capturing its electrical potential. The distribution of electrical impedance measured in the body part is converted into a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image with the help of image reconstruction algorithms. The image or sequence of images shows differences in the electrical properties of various body tissues, bones, skin, body fluids, and organs, especially the lungs, which helps monitor the patient's condition. By capturing the electrical potential of multiple electrodes placed on the surface of the patient's chest, pulmonary ventilation and perfusion can be continuously monitored.

[0003] Electrodes used for electrical impedance measurements, particularly electrical impedance tomography (EIT), are often individually placed on the surface of the chest to form a measurement plane or volume. Such individual electrodes are cumbersome and inevitably shift with patient movement. To overcome these problems, belts or belt-like structures onto which electrodes are attached have been designed. Conventional belts are placed around the chest, thereby forming a transverse EIT plane for imaging the entire surface through the lungs.

[0004] To avoid electrode movement on the body during data acquisition, the belt must be firmly positioned on the desired surface. Radial force components may act as pressure on the electrodes and also on the subject's body. Such forces may interfere to some extent with normal chest movement and expansion during breathing.

[0005] Furthermore, placing and fastening the belt around the patient's body can be inconvenient for the patient and can take some time, which can be a disadvantage when results are needed quickly.

[0006] Belts with electrodes that must be positioned very precisely to suit patients of different sizes require adjustable application mechanisms and can be expensive.

[0007] It is known to use adhesives to secure electrodes to the patient. EP 3291731 A1 shows an apparatus for measuring changes in conductivity by bioelectrical impedance or electrical impedance tomography techniques to non-invasively detect urine flow from the bladder to the kidney. An adhesive can be incorporated into the belt on which the electrodes are placed to prevent movement.

[0008] EP 3 434 177 A1 discloses a layered body that can be used as a self-adhesive electrode patch for electrophysical measurements such as EIT.

[0009] US7206630B1 discloses an electrode patch for measuring the physiological state of a subject, more specifically an electrode patch for ECG monitoring. The electrode patch can be attached to the subject by an adhesive on the underside of the substrate or by an adhesive on the electrodes on the underside of the substrate.

[0010] However, adhesively secured electrodes can be difficult to remove after a measurement, and the adhesive can have adverse effects on the patient's skin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The object of the present invention is to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, and in particular to provide assemblies, devices and kits that make it possible to provide important measurements in a simple and reliable manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to the present invention, these and other objects are achieved by an assembly, a device and a kit according to the independent claims.

[0013] The electrical impedance imaging assembly includes at least one electrode patch externally applied to a patient, the electrode patch having multiple electrodes for measuring the impedance of a subject located in the area between, surrounded by, and / or underneath the electrodes.

[0014] The electrical impedance imaging assembly further comprises a first interface for transmitting electrical signals between the electrode patch and an external device, and the external device calculates a characteristic to be measured, for example a characteristic of the patient's lungs, from the electrical signals of the electrodes.

[0015] The interface may be wire-based or wireless. The interface may be configured to sense and / or transmit electrode signals. These signals may represent impedance values, ECG values, or any other type of electrical signal that has physiological meaning.

[0016] The interface may include a plug or socket for removably connecting a respective counterpart connected or connectable to an external device.

[0017] Alternatively, the interfaces may be connectable to their respective counterparts by wireless connection.

[0018] At least the first electrode patch includes at least 12 electrodes, preferably 16 to 32 electrodes.

[0019] The electrodes should be as thin as possible to avoid pressure points, and the shape of the electrodes is ideally circular.

[0020] The contact impedance depends on the size of the electrode, and the area of ​​the electrode must be less than 1 cm to provide a reasonable contact impedance. 2 It is preferable that it is smaller than

[0021] The electrode material must provide sufficient electrical conductivity, low DC voltage offset, and sufficient stability against oxidation during use. Materials that can be used for the electrodes include Ag / AgCl, carbon, gold, and palladium / gold.

[0022] The electrodes are arranged in or on the substrate of the first electrode patch in a two-dimensional pattern, for example in the form of a matrix, and preferably so that the electrodes are not all located on one imaginary straight or curved line or on two intersecting straight or curved lines.

[0023] If the first electrode patch provides a two-dimensional pattern of electrodes, the measurements make it possible to obtain information about the distribution of various body tissues over a distance from the first electrode patch.

[0024] The first electrode patch may be applied to the front or back of the patient. The first electrode patch includes an adhesive for fixing the first electrode patch to the patient's skin, and the ratio of the surface area of ​​the adhesive for contact with the skin to the total surface area of ​​the electrode facing the skin is preferably 0.5 to 2.

[0025] Adhesive fixation is very quick as no device is required for application and / or closing. The electrode patch can be simply placed at the desired location and adhered there. Meanwhile, since the adhesive surface is small, the electrode patch can be easily removed after measurement and the adhesive does not excessively affect the patient's skin.

[0026] The adhesive may be removable so that new adhesive can be applied to the substrate and / or electrodes. The electrode patch may be cleaned after use and reused after new adhesive is applied. Alternatively, the electrical impedance imaging assembly may be a disposable device.

[0027] For optimum resolution, the electrode distance may be chosen to be as large as possible: for a given surface of the substrate, the electrodes should be maximally distributed.

[0028] Electrodes may be placed across the entire surface of the substrate of the electrode patch, even near the borders. The border area at the periphery of the substrate need only be left free of electrodes if this area is used for applying adhesive. In this way, the substrate can have a minimal extent for a given number of electrodes and a given distance between electrodes.

[0029] The first electrode patch may be designed to cover only a portion of the patient's surface, particularly the anterior surface, to allow access for other medical sensors or procedures.

[0030] Preferably, the electrical impedance imaging assembly encircles only a portion of the chest, in particular less than 180°.

[0031] The first electrode patch may be designed to be fixed only to the ventral or dorsal surface of the chest. Because only a portion of the circumference of the torso is covered by the electrodes, the resolution of the electrical impedance image may be reduced. However, this electrical impedance imaging assembly is much smaller than a typical electrical impedance imaging assembly in which the electrodes are arranged on a belt. Therefore, less material is required, and this electrical impedance imaging assembly can be manufactured at low cost.

[0032] The electrode patch does not require any additional fastening means such as a fabric belt, etc. Therefore, the electrical impedance imaging assembly can be manufactured without much effort, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing.

[0033] The adhesive may be applied to the electrode patch and may be covered with a removable protective sheet.

[0034] The first electrode patch may be applied to the front or back of the patient. Because the electrodes of the first electrode patch are not distributed all around the patient's body, measurements based solely on the electrodes of the first electrode patch do not provide a complete cross-sectional image. However, measurements based solely on the electrodes of the first electrode patch may provide an important measurement of the patient's condition, for example, may provide at least partial monitoring of lung volume. This measurement may be monitored over a period of time, thereby providing control over temporal variations in the patient's condition.

[0035] Changes in condition may be monitored during treatment of the patient, for example during ventilation and / or alveolar therapy treatment to find optimal ventilation parameters.

[0036] The first electrode patch can be applied very quickly so that important measurements of the patient's condition are obtained almost immediately when needed, which can be useful in emergency situations.

[0037] Adhesive may be placed on or around each electrode of the first electrode patch, which provides secure yet low-irritation fixation of the electrodes without the need for excess adhesive material, with the adhesive primarily being provided to secure the electrodes rather than the entire electrode patch.

[0038] Additionally, adhesive may be placed near the interface and / or on or around the sensor attached to the electrode patch.

[0039] Preferably, the adhesive is biocompatible with the subject. More preferably, a pressure sensitive adhesive is used. Preferably, a removable adhesive is used that can be easily removed from the patient's skin.

[0040] The adhesive may be conductive to improve contact between the electrodes and the patient's skin. Adhesives that may be used include, but are not limited to, natural rubber, butyl, styrene block copolymer, SBR, acrylic, and silicone based adhesives.

[0041] The electrode patch may include visual markings to ensure proper positioning on the patient, which may indicate the position or direction in which it should be oriented relative to the patient's spine, the patient's nipple, or other anatomical landmark, or be placed a predetermined distance from an anatomical landmark.

[0042] The electrode patch may include an electronic unit, for example, integrated into the interface. The electronic unit may include a storage unit with information regarding the number of uses of the electrical impedance imaging assembly, the model number of the electrode patch, the intended target population of the electrode patch, and / or other parameters such as the geometry and number of electrodes. Product authenticity may be verified and / or excessive uses may be prevented. A device external to the electrical impedance imaging device may read the information and may enable or disable operation and / or adapt further analysis of the electrode signals depending on the information.

[0043] The electrode patch may include a gravity sensor. Information regarding the orientation of the electrode patch when applied to the patient may also be transmitted via the interface and used by an external device to render an impedance image.

[0044] The electrodes of the first electrode patch may be electrically connectable, preferably via an external device, so that any two electrodes can be used to measure the impedance between them, and therefore the electrodes are freely addressable.

[0045] The first interface may be electrically connected to all of the electrodes, may be connected to electrodes of additional electrode patches, and / or may be connected to additional interfaces on the electrode patches and / or sensors disposed on the electrode patches.

[0046] Thus, all electrical components of the electrical impedance imaging assembly may be addressed by an external device, and the external device may receive signals from all electrical components.

[0047] The maximum distance between two electrodes on the first electrode patch that can be electrically connected to measure the impedance between these two electrodes may be 10 cm to 20 cm, preferably 14 cm to 16 cm.

[0048] If four electrodes are placed in a row on a 45 cm wide patch, the maximum electrode distance is preferably 15 cm.

[0049] The maximum distance corresponds to the dimensions of the first electrode patch, which must be able to be comfortably placed on the back of a standard, well-proportioned adult.

[0050] Electrode patches with electrodes having smaller maximum distances can be applied to children or neonates.

[0051] The minimum distance between two electrodes on the first electrode patch that can be electrically connected to measure the impedance between the two electrodes may be 0.5 to 2 cm, preferably 0.7 to 1.2 cm.

[0052] Small patches for neonates may have a width of 8 cm to 12 cm, preferably 10 cm, and may contain 16 electrodes. For such patches, the electrodes are preferably spaced a minimum distance apart of 0.3 cm to 0.7 cm, preferably 0.5 cm.

[0053] Typical dimensions of electrode patches for different patient groups are summarized in the table below.

[0054] [Table 1]

[0055] The greater the distance between the two electrodes used to measure the impedance between them, the greater the penetration depth of the measurement. Therefore, the electrodes can be arranged in a pattern with as large a distance between the electrodes as possible.

[0056] The electrical impedance imaging assembly may include at least one second electrode patch including at least one electrode, the second electrode patch being electrically connected to the first electrode patch.

[0057] The second electrode patch may be positioned on the opposite side of the patient from the first patch, and may be applied externally to the patient's sternum.

[0058] The second patch provides at least one additional electrode for generating at least a rough tomographic image. The number of electrodes in the second electrode patch may be less than the number of electrodes in the first electrode patch. The second electrode patch may include one to four electrodes. The surface area of ​​the substrate of the second electrode patch may be smaller than the surface area of ​​the substrate of the first electrode patch.

[0059] At least the first electrode patch and at least the second electrode patch are connected by a flexible connector that does not include an electrode. The flexible connector may have a length of at least 200-400 mm. At least one wire may be disposed in the flexible connector to provide electrical connectivity. Alternatively, a wireless connection may be provided between the second electrode patch and the first electrode patch, or between the second electrode patch and an external device.

[0060] The flexible connection may be formed by a plastic band and / or may be made from the same material as the substrate of the electrode patch.

[0061] The first and second electrode patches may be integrally formed, or the two portions may be applied independently of each other. An electrical impedance imaging assembly having first and second electrode patches may also be applied to a patient without reorienting the patient.

[0062] The second electrode patch may be secured to the patient in the same manner as the first electrode patch. The second electrode patch may include an adhesive for securing the electrode patch to the patient's skin. The adhesive is preferably disposed on or around each of the at least one electrode. The ratio of the surface area of ​​the adhesive for contacting the skin to the total surface area of ​​the electrode facing the skin may be between 0.5 and 2.

[0063] The at least one electrode patch may include at least one connection region, and at least one second interface may be disposed in the connection region for removably connecting at least one sensor.

[0064] The second interface may be designed to establish a wire-based connection and / or a wireless connection.

[0065] The sensors may be pressure, sound, and / or positioning sensors that may be located in the connection area.

[0066] The second interface may include a plug or socket for removably connecting a respective counterpart connected or connectable to the sensor.

[0067] At least one sensor, preferably a temperature, pressure, sound and / or positioning sensor, may be disposed on the electrode patch.

[0068] The first interface may also be designed to transmit electrical signals between the sensor and an external device.

[0069] The electrode patch may include an electrode layer having a plurality of electrodes disposed thereon. The electrode patch may further include a wire layer, preferably stacked on top of the electrode layer and provided with wires electrically connected to the electrodes and / or circuit layer, and the circuit layer, preferably stacked on top of the wire layer and provided with an electrode connection unit electrically connected to the wires.

[0070] Additionally, the electrode patch may include a padding layer to avoid pressure points. The electrodes and circuitry, as well as markings, may be printed onto the substrate, which ensures a uniform and thin structure of the electrode patch.

[0071] The electrode patch may include a substrate formed from any one or more of paper products, natural fibers, synthetic fibers, nonwoven fabrics, polymers, plastics, pulp, paper, and silicone rubber.

[0072] The substrate may have some elasticity in at least one direction to provide some comfort during use. The PU-based substrate may be stretchable in two directions along the surface of the substrate.

[0073] The stretchability may be limited to 20% of the initial length. Reinforcement may be applied to the substrate, particularly between the electrodes, to strengthen the retention area of ​​the plug or connector by fixing the distance or retaining close to the interface.

[0074] Preferably, the substrate is soft in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, especially behind the area of ​​the electrodes facing the patient. A "cushion effect" must be achieved so that there are no pressure points on the patient's skin.

[0075] Preferably, the substrate is breathable. The electrode patch may include a cover overlying a substrate, the cover being formed of a flexible material or plastic and preferably including markings to facilitate positioning of the electrode patch on a patient.

[0076] The electrodes may be disposed within recesses in the substrate, particularly if a pre-applied gel is provided on the electrodes.

[0077] Alternatively, the electrodes may be disposed on a substrate. The electrical impedance imaging assembly may include wires, circuits, and / or electrodes formed by printing ink containing conductive material.

[0078] Alternatively, wires, circuits and / or electrodes can be made from conductive adhesive fabrics, nonwovens, paper or flexible substrates, where conductive organics are infiltrated into the substrate to form metal stickers or small metal plates are glued on.

[0079] According to the present invention, an electrical impedance imaging device comprises the at least one electrical impedance imaging assembly and an external device for receiving electrical signals measured through the electrical impedance imaging assembly and calculating a feature of the measurement object, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image of the measurement object, based on the electrical signals of the electrodes. Preferably, the electrical impedance imaging device comprises a display for displaying the feature data and / or the tomographic image. The external device may have such a display.

[0080] In particular, the external device applies input signals between different electrodes or all possible electrode pairs. While the input signal is applied to one of the electrode pairs, the current or voltage between the remaining electrodes may be measured. The measured voltage of the body part may be reconstructed into an electrical property or change in electrical property using reconstruction algorithms known for electrical impedance tomography. A data processor in the external device may obtain a representation of the distributed impedance values ​​over the volumetric region of the patient in which the electrodes are placed. Preferably, therefore, the external device calculates a three-dimensional tomographic image of the object being measured.

[0081] Best results can be obtained when multiple injections are combined for electrode pairs with different distances.

[0082] The external device may also be designed to receive data from at least one further sensor, such as a temperature, pressure, sound and / or positioning sensor, preferably located on the electrode patch.

[0083] The electrical impedance imaging device may include a control unit arranged to select any two electrodes of the electrical impedance tomography assembly for measuring impedance.

[0084] Measurements may be taken with appropriate clusters of electrodes depending on where exactly the electrode patches are located on the patient and how well the electrodes can contact the patient's skin.

[0085] The electrical impedance imaging device may include a control unit configured to receive ECG signals from selected electrodes of the electrical impedance tomography assembly. The same electrodes may be used for impedance and electrocardiogram measurements. Alternatively, some of the electrodes may be used only for ECG measurements.

[0086] The electrical impedance imager may include at least one additional electrode or contact, for example for a ground connection or as a guard electrode, which may be positioned on the patient next to the first and / or second electrode patches.

[0087] According to the present invention, an electrical impedance imaging set includes at least the first electrical impedance imaging assembly and the second electrical impedance imaging assembly, and further includes an external device for receiving an electrical signal measured through one of the electrical impedance imaging assemblies and calculating a feature of the measurement object, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image of the measurement object, based on the electrical signal.

[0088] The external device may include a display for displaying the tomographic image. The electrodes of the first electrical impedance imaging assembly are arranged in a first pattern and the electrodes of the second electrical impedance imaging assembly are arranged in a second pattern, the first pattern being different from the second pattern.

[0089] The first electrical impedance imaging may involve an electrode patch having a first number of electrodes spaced closely together, and the second electrical impedance imaging may involve an electrode patch having a second number of electrodes spaced a greater distance apart.

[0090] Thus, the user can choose between electrode patches with higher sensitivity and electrode patches with greater penetration depth.

[0091] According to the present invention, the above-mentioned electrical impedance imaging assembly is preferably manufactured by providing a substrate and attaching at least 12 electrodes, preferably 16 to 32 electrodes, to the substrate in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably in the form of a matrix, with an adhesive attached to or around each electrode, such that the ratio of the surface area of ​​the adhesive for contacting the skin to the total surface area of ​​the electrodes facing the skin is 0.5 to 2.

[0092] According to the present invention, a method of using the above-described electrical impedance imaging assembly preferably comprises the following steps.

[0093] At least one electrode patch that is part of the electrical impedance imaging assembly is placed on the patient's chest such that only a portion of the chest is surrounded by the electrical impedance imaging assembly, particularly less than 180°.

[0094] The electrode patch has at least 12 electrodes, preferably 16 to 32 electrodes, for measuring the impedance of the object to be measured located between the plurality of electrodes. The electrodes are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably in a matrix shape, on the substrate of the first electrode patch.

[0095] The electrical impedance imaging assembly further comprises a first interface for transmitting electrical signals between the electrode patch and an external device, and the external device calculates a feature of the measurement object, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image of the measurement object, based on the electrical signals of the electrodes.

[0096] In a further step, the electrode patch is adhesively secured to the patient's skin. Preferably, the adhesive is applied to the first electrode patch so that the ratio of the surface area of ​​the adhesive for contact with the skin to the total surface area of ​​the electrode facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

[0097] In a previous step, an electrical impedance imaging assembly having an appropriate electrode patch suitable for the patient under examination may be selected from the set of electrical impedance imaging assemblies and / or from a set of electrical impedance imaging assemblies having different sizes.

[0098] The electrical impedance imaging assembly may be connected to external devices to form an electrical impedance imaging device, particularly as described above.

[0099] The present invention will now be described with reference to preferred embodiments and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0100] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first example of an electrical impedance imaging assembly. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a second example of an electrical impedance imaging assembly. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an electrode. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical impedance imaging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0101] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a first example of an electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 . The electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 comprises a first electrode patch 11 and a second electrode patch 21 .

[0102] A plurality of electrodes 12 are arranged on a substrate 14 of the first electrode patch 11. The impedance of the object to be measured located between the plurality of electrodes may be measured when the electrode patch 11 is applied to a patient 40 (see FIG. 4), for example, to the back of the patient 40. The electrodes 12 are arranged in a matrix on the substrate 14 of the first electrode patch 11.

[0103] The electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 comprises a first interface 13 for transmitting electrical signals between the electrode patch 11 and an external device 100 (see FIG. 4).

[0104] The maximum distance 18 between two electrodes 12 on the first electrode patch 11 that can be electrically connected to measure the impedance between them depends on the number and type of electrodes on the patch and the patient (see table above). This distance allows for a penetration depth of measurement approximately the same as the distance between the electrodes.

[0105] The minimum distance 19 between two electrodes 12 on the first electrode patch 11 that can be electrically connected to measure the impedance between them is 0.3 cm to 2.5 cm, depending on the patient (see table above).

[0106] The second electrode patch 21 may be applied externally to the sternum of the patient P. The second electrode patch 21 includes several electrodes 22 arranged on a substrate 24.

[0107] The number of electrodes 22 in the second electrode patch 21 is less than the number of electrodes 12 in the first electrode patch 11 .

[0108] The second electrode patch 21 is electrically connected to the first electrode patch 11 by a flexible connection 23 that does not include an electrode.

[0109] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a second example of an electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 . In the first example, the electrodes 12 are arranged in a row (see FIG. 1), whereas in the second example, the electrodes 12 are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern that covers the contours of the lungs when applied to the patient's back.

[0110] The second electrode patch 21 may be connected to the first electrode patch 11 by passing the flexible connection 23 down the patient's side and over the sternum, or by passing the flexible connection 23 (shown in dashed lines) over the patient's shoulder, so that the second electrode patch 21 can be positioned in front of the patient.

[0111] The first electrode patch 11 includes a connection region 30 having a second interface 31 . A sensor 32 is removably connected to the second interface 31 .

[0112] The second interface 31 is electrically connected to the first interface 13 . Some of the electrodes 33 may be selected for use in electrocardiography measurements.

[0113] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of the electrode. The first electrode patch 11 (see FIG. 1 or 2) includes an adhesive 15 for securing the first electrode patch 11 to the skin of the patient 40. The adhesive 15 may be disposed around the periphery of each electrode 12. The ratio of the area of ​​the adhesive surface 16 for contacting the skin to the area of ​​the total surface 17 of the electrode 12 facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

[0114] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of an electrical impedance imaging device 200 comprising an external device 100 and an electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 applied to a patient 40 .

[0115] The external device 100 comprises a control unit 103 designed to communicate with the electrical impedance imaging assembly 10 and to reconstruct an image 101 of a measurement object 41, which typically includes at least a portion of the lungs of a patient 40.

[0116] The external device 100 includes a display 102 for displaying an image 101. Other important indicators may also be displayed as determined by the control unit 103 based on the impedance measurements, EGR measurements and / or sensor measurements.

Claims

1. An electrical impedance imaging assembly (10), comprising: - at least one electrode patch (11, 21) applied externally to a patient, said electrode patch (11, 21) having a plurality of electrodes (12, 22) for measuring the impedance of a measurement object located between said plurality of electrodes (12, 22), said electrical impedance imaging assembly further comprising: a first interface (13) for transmitting electrical signals between the electrode patches (11, 21) and an external device (100), which calculates, based on the electrical signals of the electrodes (12, 22), a characteristic of the object to be measured, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image (101) of the object to be measured; The electrical impedance imaging assembly includes: at least a first electrode patch (11) comprises at least 12 electrodes (12), preferably 16 to 32 electrodes, said electrodes (12) being arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably in a matrix shape, on a substrate (14) of said first electrode patch (11); 1. An electrical impedance imaging assembly, comprising: a first electrode patch (11) including an adhesive (15) for fixing the first electrode patch (11) to the patient's skin; and preferably, a ratio of an area of ​​a surface (16) of the adhesive for contacting the skin to an area of ​​a total surface (17) of the electrode (12) facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

2. 2. The electrical impedance imaging assembly of claim 1, wherein the adhesive (15) is disposed on or around each electrode (12) of the first electrode patch.

3. 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrodes (12, 22) are electrically connectable such that any two electrodes (12, 22) can be used to measure the impedance between them.

4. the maximum distance (18) between two electrodes (12) on said first electrode patch (11) that can be electrically connected to measure the impedance between them is between 10 cm and 20 cm, preferably between 14 cm and 16 cm; and / or 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the minimum distance (19) between two electrodes (12) on the first electrode patch (11) that are electrically connectable to measure the impedance therebetween is between 0.3 cm and 2.5 cm.

5. 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) comprises at least one second electrode patch (21), preferably applied externally to the sternum of the patient P, and including at least one electrode (22), the second electrode patch (21) being preferably connected to the first electrode patch (11) via a flexible connection (23).

6. 6. The electrical impedance imaging assembly of claim 5, wherein the at least first electrode patch (11) and the at least second electrode patch (21) are connected by a flexible connection (23), the flexible connection (23) having no electrodes, and the flexible connection (23) preferably having a length of at least 200-400 mm.

7. the second electrode patch (21) includes an adhesive (25) for securing the electrode patch (21) to the patient's skin; The adhesive is preferably disposed on or around each of the at least one electrode (22); 7. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein preferably the ratio of the surface area of ​​the adhesive for contacting the skin to the total surface area of ​​the electrodes facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

8. 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one electrode patch (11, 22) comprises at least one connection area (30), said connection area (30) comprising at least one second interface (31) for detachably connecting at least one sensor (32), preferably a temperature, pressure, sound and / or positioning sensor, arranged in said connection area (30).

9. 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor (32) is arranged on the electrode patch (11, 21), said sensor (32) being preferably a temperature, pressure, sound or positioning sensor.

10. 10. An electrical impedance imaging assembly according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein wires, circuits and / or the electrodes (12, 22) are formed by printing an ink containing a conductive material.

11. An electrical impedance imaging device (200), comprising at least one electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an external device (100) for receiving electrical signals measured through the electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) and calculating a feature of a measurement object, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image (101) of the measurement object, based on the electrical signals, and the electrical impedance imaging device (200) preferably comprises a display (102) for displaying the tomographic image (101).

12. 12. The electrical impedance imaging apparatus of claim 11, comprising a control unit (103) arranged to select any two electrodes (12, 22) of the electrical impedance tomography assembly (10) for measuring the impedance between the selected electrodes.

13. An electrical impedance imaging device according to any one of claims 11 to 12, comprising a control unit (103) designed to receive ECG signals from selected electrodes (33) of the electrical impedance tomography assembly (10, 100).

14. An electrical impedance imaging set comprising at least a first electrical impedance tomography assembly (10) and a second electrical impedance tomography assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and an external device (100) for receiving electrical signals measured by one of the electrical impedance imaging assemblies (10) and for calculating a feature of a measurement object, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image (101) of the measurement object based on the electrical signals, preferably the external device (100) having a display (102) for displaying the tomographic image (101), An electrical impedance imaging set, wherein the electrodes of the first electrical impedance tomography assembly (10) are arranged in a first pattern and the electrodes of the second electrical impedance tomography assembly (10) are arranged in a second pattern, the first pattern being different from the second pattern.

15. A method for manufacturing an electrical impedance imaging assembly preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said method comprising the step of attaching at least 12 electrodes (12), preferably 16 to 32 electrodes, to the substrate in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably in the form of a matrix, characterised in that an adhesive is attached to or around each electrode, preferably the ratio between the area of ​​the total surface (16) of said adhesive intended for contact with the skin and the area of ​​the surface (17) of said electrodes (12) facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

16. A method of using an electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said electrical impedance imaging assembly (10) comprising at least one electrode patch (11, 21), said electrode patch (11, 21) having at least 12 electrodes (12), preferably 16 to 32 electrodes (12) for measuring the impedance of an object to be measured located between said plurality of electrodes (12, 22), said electrodes (12) being arranged in a two-dimensional pattern, preferably in the form of a matrix, on a substrate (14) of said first electrode patch (11), said electrical impedance imaging assembly further comprising a first interface (13) for transmitting electrical signals between said electrode patches (11, 21) and an external device (100), said external device calculating a feature of said object to be measured, in particular a three-dimensional tomographic image (101) of said object, based on the electrical signals of said electrodes (12, 22), said method comprising: (i) placing the electrode patches (11, 21) on the patient's chest such that only a portion of the chest is surrounded by the electrical impedance imaging assembly, in particular less than 180°; (ii) adhesively fixing the electrode patch (11, 21) to the patient's skin, preferably the adhesive being applied to the first electrode patch (11) such that the ratio between the area of ​​the adhesive surface (16) for contact with the skin and the area of ​​the total surface (17) of the electrode (12) facing the skin is between 0.5 and 2.

Images