Remote Interfacing ECG Patch Segmentation for Skin Irritation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ECG monitoring systems are cumbersome, costly, and limited in duration, making long-term extended monitoring impractical for diagnosing cardiac disorders, and they often fail to capture sporadic conditions due to skin irritation and electrode dislodgment issues, especially in ambulatory settings.
Innovation Solution
A wearable electrocardiography monitor comprising a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable recorder that can be placed anywhere on the sternum for comfortable long-term use, allowing wireless data transfer and integration with other physiological and activity sensors, enabling continuous recording of atrial signals and other physiological measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional ECG electrodes are used for long-term wear, then extended monitoring duration is achieved, but skin irritation and electrode dislodgment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG system is divided into separate components: a reusable recorder unit and disposable electrode patches. This allows the electrodes to be replaced frequently without replacing the entire system, reducing skin irritation while maintaining monitoring capability. The segmentation enables independent optimization of each component for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable electrode patches that are intended for short-term use (typically 1-3 days) and then discarded. These inexpensive, single-use electrodes eliminate the accumulation of skin irritation that occurs with reusable electrodes, while the low cost allows frequent replacement to maintain skin health during extended monitoring periods.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional ECG electrodes are used for long-term wear, then extended monitoring duration is achieved, but electrode dislodgment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the recorder from the electrodes, the system allows frequent replacement of the electrode portion while retaining the validated recorder. This segmentation enables optimization of electrode adhesion properties for short-term wear without compromising the overall monitoring system's reliability for extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable electrodes are pre-prepared with optimal adhesive properties for immediate skin contact. The electrodes are designed to provide maximum adhesion during their intended short wear period, ensuring reliable signal capture before skin irritation or dislodgment becomes an issue.
3Measurement precision
If standardized 12-lead ECG configuration is used, then comprehensive cardiac electrical signals are captured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ECG functionality into a sophisticated reusable recorder that handles complex signal processing and a simple disposable electrode patch that merely contacts the skin. This segmentation allows comprehensive 12-lead capability in the recorder without increasing the complexity or cost of the electrodes, which are replaced frequently.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable recorder unit is designed to be universal, capable of supporting multiple electrode configurations (including 12-lead, single-lead, and other arrangements) through software programming. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive cardiac monitoring without requiring different hardware systems for different ECG configurations.
4Ease of operation
If conventional ECG systems are used for ambulatory monitoring, then patient mobility is maintained, but monitoring duration and reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The separation of the recorder from the electrodes allows the lightweight disposable patches to remain on the skin during ambulatory activities while the recorder can be positioned comfortably. When electrodes show signs of deterioration from movement and perspiration, they can be replaced without affecting the recorder's position or the patient's mobility routine.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable electrodes are designed to withstand typical ambulatory conditions for 1-3 days, then are replaced. Their low cost and simple replacement process enable frequent changes to maintain optimal signal quality during extended ambulatory monitoring, something that would be prohibitively expensive and complex with reusable systems.
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
The solution enhances ECG monitoring performance and comfort by allowing extended wear without skin irritation, improving the quality of cardiac signal recordings and enabling the capture of abnormal events during daily activities, facilitating accurate arrhythmia diagnosis and integration with other physiological data.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of electrocardiographic electrodes are exposed on a contact surface of the flexible backing for capturing electrocardiographic signals
Implementation Method 2
A flexible circuit has a pair of circuit traces electrically coupled to the pair of electrocardiographic electrodes and a pair of the electrical pads
Data Source
AI summary
A remotely-interfaceable electrocardiography patch is provided. A flexible backing is formed from an elongated strip of material. A pair of electrocardiographic electrodes are exposed on a contact surface of the flexible backing for capturing electrocardiographic signals. A non-conductive receptacle is adhered to an outward-facing surface of the flexible backing and includes a plurality of electrical pads. A flexible circuit has a pair of circuit traces electrically coupled to the pair of electrocardiographic electrodes and a pair of the electrical pads. A wireless transceiver communicates samples of the electrocardiographic signals.