Compact 6-lead ECG Device with Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ambulatory ECG devices are bulky and difficult for patients to use without medical assistance, limiting their mobility and requiring precise electrode placement, while existing handheld devices often use external electrodes or have size constraints that prevent acquiring essential horizontal plane leads.
Innovation Solution
A 6-lead ECG monitoring device with a credit card-like form factor that allows for easy carrying and use, acquiring 3 standard leads and deriving 3 augmented leads without adhesives, and wirelessly transmitting data for near-instantaneous ECG analysis, capable of generating a 12-lead ECG using a processing device and computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional ambulatory ECG devices are used, then ECG monitoring capability is provided, but the device becomes bulky and difficult to use without medical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the ECG recording function from the processing and display functions. The handheld device only performs ECG acquisition and wireless transmission, while analysis is performed by external computing devices. This segmentation enables a compact form factor that is easy to operate without requiring built-in processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses universal wireless communication protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi) to interface with multiple types of computing devices (smartphones, tablets, computers). This multi-functionality approach allows the same compact ECG device to work with various platforms, reducing the need for device-specific processing hardware.
2Volume of moving object
If external electrodes are used to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but the ability to acquire horizontal plane leads is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes built-in electrodes that automatically establish electrical contact with the user's body when the device is held in the proper orientation. The electrodes are positioned to automatically capture the necessary cardiac signals without requiring manual placement or adjustment by the user, enabling self-service ECG acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates electrodes on multiple surfaces (front and back) of the handheld unit, utilizing the three-dimensional structure of the device to position electrodes in spatial arrangements that capture both limb leads and horizontal plane leads. This dimensional approach to electrode placement enables comprehensive lead acquisition within a compact form factor.
3Measurement precision
If precise electrode placement is required, then measurement precision is improved, but the device becomes difficult to use without medical assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically establishes proper electrode contact when held in the correct orientation, eliminating the need for manual placement precision. The built-in electrodes are positioned to automatically capture the necessary cardiac signals, and the device includes guidance indicators to help users achieve proper orientation without medical assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode positions are pre-configured in the device housing to correspond to standard ECG lead placements. The device includes visual or tactile indicators that guide users to hold the device in the correct orientation, ensuring proper signal acquisition before the ECG recording begins, without requiring users to understand anatomical landmarks.
4Duration of action of moving object
If Holter monitors are used for extended monitoring, then monitoring duration is improved, but mobility and user-friendliness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the monitoring function into discrete recording sessions that can be performed on-demand throughout the day. Rather than requiring continuous attachment, users can perform multiple brief ECG recordings at different times and locations, achieving extended monitoring coverage through multiple short sessions while maintaining full mobility between recordings.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an apparatus for monitoring various physiological parameters of a user. The apparatus may include a housing with a small or reduced form factor near the size of a credit or debit card, so as to allow a user to obtain e.g., an electrocardiogram (ECG) measurement from various locations. The apparatus may include an electrode assembly comprising a set of electrodes disposed on the housing to perform an ECG by sensing an electrical signal corresponding to heart activity of a user when in contact with skin of the user and output the electrical signal. The apparatus may detect or generate six or more ECG leads.