Breathable Adherent Patch for Extended Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring devices for extended periods are often uncomfortable and prone to detachment, leading to poor patient compliance and suboptimal data collection due to the use of cumbersome electrodes and inadequate adhesion methods.
Innovation Solution
A breathable adherent patch with a flexible adhesive coating and a stretchable cover that can be worn for extended periods, incorporating electronic components and electrodes to monitor physiological signals such as impedance and electrocardiogram, with wireless communication capabilities to transmit data to a remote server.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrodes and adhesion methods are used for extended patient monitoring, then physiological data can be collected, but patient comfort deteriorates and device detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible adhesive patch with breathable membrane and stretchable cover that conform to the patient's skin surface. This flexible structure maintains secure attachment during patient movement while allowing skin breathing, thereby preventing detachment and ensuring reliable data collection over extended periods without compromising comfort
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive patch incorporates a breathable porous membrane that allows air and moisture vapor transmission. This porous structure prevents skin maceration and discomfort during extended wear while maintaining secure adhesion, thus resolving the contradiction between reliable attachment and patient comfort
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are positioned across the midline for transthoracic impedance measurements, then physiological measurements can be obtained, but device comfort and wearability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode array into multiple smaller electrodes distributed across the patch surface. This segmentation allows for various measurement configurations including transthoracic impedance measurements while distributing the adhesive load and improving comfort compared to traditional midline positioning across the chest
3Reliability
If adhesive strength is increased to prevent detachment, then device reliability improves, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible adhesive formulation that provides strong initial attachment but allows gradual compliance with skin movement. This flexible adhesive layer maintains reliable attachment during normal activity while reducing the risk of skin irritation compared to rigid, high-strength adhesives
Solution Approach 2:
The breathable porous membrane in the adhesive patch allows moisture vapor transmission, preventing sweat accumulation and skin maceration. This maintains reliable adhesion over extended periods while minimizing skin irritation through improved breathability
Data Source
AI summary
An adherent device to monitor a patient for an extended period comprises a breathable tape. The breathable tape comprises a porous material with an adhesive coating to adhere the breathable tape to a skin of the patient. At least one electrode is affixed to the breathable tape and capable of electrically coupling to a skin of the patient. A printed circuit board is connected to the breathable tape to support the printed circuit board with the breathable tape when the tape is adhered to the patient. Electronic components electrically are connected to the printed circuit board and coupled to the at least one electrode to measure physiologic signals of the patient. A breathable cover and/or an electronics housing is disposed over the circuit board and electronic components and connected to at least one of the electronics components, the printed circuit board or the breathable tape.