Flexible ECG Patch for MRI Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
ECG signal monitoring during MRI is challenged by noise interference from magnetic fields and RF pulses, leading to unreliable signal amplitudes and potential patient safety issues, as well as difficulties in selecting suitable ECG leads due to gradient fields, resulting in lost scans and inefficiencies in clinical time.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ECG electrode patch system with four electrodes arranged in a rectilinear configuration and electrically conductive traces, combined with a field programmable gate array and processors, filters noise from multiple leads simultaneously, scores and selects the best ECG signal for reliable monitoring and gating pulses, accommodating various chest shapes and dynamically adjusting to gradient fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are placed in close proximity to reduce noise from induced body currents, then noise from induced currents is reduced, but the amplitude of sensed signals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ECG monitoring system into multiple independent leads (at least two leads) with different electrode configurations. Each lead can be optimized independently - some leads use closely placed electrodes to minimize induced current noise, while other leads use more widely spaced electrodes to maintain signal amplitude. The system then selects or combines signals from different leads to achieve reliable ECG monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If filters are applied to improve signal quality, then signal amplitude is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies filters (slew rate filter, band pass filter, and t-wave suppression filter) to the ECG signals before processing and analysis. By pre-filtering the signals, the system reduces noise and enhances signal quality in advance, which simplifies subsequent processing steps and reduces the computational time required for signal analysis and gating decisions.
3Reliability
If manual lead selection is performed to find acceptable signals, then signal reliability is improved, but clinical time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated lead selection where the system automatically evaluates multiple ECG leads, identifies those with acceptable signal quality, and selects the most suitable lead for gating without requiring manual intervention. The system can dynamically switch between leads based on signal quality assessment, eliminating the need for clinicians to manually review and select leads, thereby maintaining signal reliability while maximizing clinical efficiency.
4Measurement precision
If gradient magnetic fields are applied during MRI scans, then imaging quality is improved, but noise is added to ECG leads obscuring signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic lead selection where the system continuously monitors the quality of ECG signals from multiple leads and automatically switches between leads based on current noise conditions. When gradient fields are applied and cause noise in certain leads, the system dynamically identifies and switches to alternative leads that remain unaffected, ensuring continuous reliable ECG monitoring throughout the MRI scan without interrupting the imaging sequence.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution provides reliable ECG signals for MRI applications, ensures proper electrode placement, enables parallel processing of lead signals, and facilitates automated and dynamic lead selection, reducing noise interference and improving clinical efficiency by ensuring consistent and accurate ECG monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Electrodes attached to the patch material sense electrical activity of a heart and convert the sensed electrical activity into an ECG waveform
Implementation Method 2
The same magnetic fields and RF pulses generate electrical currents in the body and any object used to sense and receive the signals, such as eddy currents
Implementation Method 3
The field programmable gate array is programmed to filter noise simultaneously from each of a plurality of ECG lead signals
Data Source
AI summary
An electrocardiogram (ECG) electrode patch (10) system (50) for use in a magnetic resonance (MR) environment includes a flexible patch material (12) configured for attachment to human skin, and a plurality of electrodes (20). The electrodes (20) Care attached to the patch material (12) and configured to sense a plurality of ECG signals with different amplitudes across pairs of electrodes in at least two different directions.