Multi-lead ECG Patch with Single-Point Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrocardiograph (ECG) devices require multiple electrodes placed on a patient's limbs, which is inconvenient, time-consuming, and often necessitates disrobing, especially in emergency situations, and existing solutions do not efficiently allow for quick and accurate monitoring of heart rhythm without exposing the chest.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lead ECG patch with a plurality of electrodes embedded in a pliable pad that conforms to the chest, combined with a connector system allowing for a single-point connection to monitoring equipment, enabling non-invasive and rapid recording of heart activity without the need for extensive electrode placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate electrodes are placed on patient's limbs, then proper cardiac function assessment is achieved, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and requires disrobing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate electrodes are merged into a single integrated patch that can be applied to the patient's chest in one piece. The patch contains multiple electrodes in predetermined configurations (3-lead, 5-lead, or 6-lead systems) that are all activated simultaneously when the patch is applied, eliminating the need for sequential placement of individual electrodes on limbs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode placement transitions from the traditional limb-based configuration (requiring placement on arms and legs) to a chest-based configuration. This dimensional change allows all electrodes to be accessed through a single patch application on the anterior chest wall, eliminating the need for disrobing and significantly reducing placement time while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If traditional multi-lead ECG system is used, then comprehensive heart rhythm monitoring is achieved, but the device complexity and setup procedure increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes and their connecting leads are merged into a single integrated patch unit. The patch contains all necessary electrodes (RA, LA, LL, RL, V1-V6 positions as needed) with internal wiring already configured, eliminating the complexity of manually connecting multiple separate leads to multiple electrodes on the patient's body.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configurations and internal wiring are pre-established during patch manufacturing. Different lead configurations (3-lead, 5-lead, 6-lead) are pre-programmed into the patch, so that upon application to the patient's chest, the monitoring system automatically receives properly configured signals without requiring complex setup or manual wire connections during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If chest exposure is required for proper electrode placement, then accurate ECG readings are obtained, but patient comfort and privacy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode placement location changes from the patient's limbs (requiring disrobing for proper positioning) to the anterior chest wall. This allows the patch to be applied over clothing or with minimal exposure, significantly improving patient comfort and privacy while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate ECG readings through the appropriate chest lead configurations.
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 allows for efficient and accurate monitoring of heart activity with reduced setup time, eliminating the need for extensive electrode placement and enabling use on fully clothed patients, while maintaining signal quality and compatibility with various medical environments, including MRI systems.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical impulse, or electrical potential, that is generated by the heart appears throughout the body and on the surface of the body, and is thus capable of being read by electrodes placed on the surface of the human body
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to electrocardiography and to electrode arrangements used in electrocardiographic monitoring devices, and is more particularly related to a pad or patch containing said electrodes which may be used to passively and non-invasively monitor electrical activity generated by a patient's heart from the surface of that patient's chest, and to a connector which allows for fast and simple connection between the pad containing said electrodes and the devices and equipment typically used to monitor and view electrocardiographic information.