Handheld Orthogonal ECG Configuration for Simplified AMI Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cardiac monitoring devices require complex procedures, multiple electrodes, and trained personnel for accurate AMI diagnosis, often leading to misinterpretation and high operational costs, and existing 3-lead systems lack sufficient diagnostic information due to non-orthogonal lead configurations.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device with an asymmetric electrode configuration, including four electrodes arranged on two or more surfaces to provide orthogonal leads, allowing automated AMI detection without the need for 12-lead reconstruction, using a central point or resistive network to achieve high orthogonality and stable electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single lead or few leads are used for ECG recording, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision and reliability of AMI detection deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG recording system complexityVSAvoidAMI detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by using an asymmetric electrode configuration where one electrode is positioned at a specific location (e.g., V4 position) on the chest while the other three electrodes are placed on the hands. This asymmetric arrangement creates orthogonal leads that capture diagnostic information equivalent to multiple standard leads, resolving the contradiction between simple device operation and accurate AMI detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional coplanar lead arrangements to a three-dimensional orthogonal configuration by placing electrodes on both the chest and hands. This dimensional change allows four electrodes to generate multiple orthogonal leads (I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF, and precordial leads) that provide comprehensive cardiac coverage equivalent to 12-lead ECG, thereby improving measurement precision without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If 12-lead ECG is used for comprehensive cardiac diagnostics, then the measurement precision and diagnostic information are improved, but the ease of operation and device complexity worsen due to complicated electrode placement

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCardiac diagnostic accuracyVSAvoidElectrode placement simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses asymmetric electrode positioning where one electrode is placed at a specific cardiac projection point (e.g., V4 position) on the chest, while the other three electrodes are placed on the hands. This asymmetric configuration enables the system to capture diagnostic information from multiple cardiac vectors using fewer electrodes, achieving 12-lead equivalent diagnostic accuracy with simplified placement procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the essential diagnostic information needed for AMI detection by selectively positioning electrodes at critical locations (one on chest at V4 position, three on hands). This extraction approach captures the most diagnostically valuable cardiac vectors while eliminating the need for complex 12-electrode placement, thereby maintaining measurement precision while improving ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of manufacture

If symmetric electrode configuration is used, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient orthogonality of leads

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveElectrode arrangement simplicityVSAvoidLead orthogonality
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent deliberately employs asymmetric electrode configuration to achieve orthogonal leads. By positioning one electrode at a specific cardiac projection point on the chest and the other three on the hands, the system creates spatially orthogonal measurement vectors that are essential for accurate ECG interpretation and AMI detection, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing simplicity and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Measurement precision

If manual ECG interpretation by medical personnel is used, then the measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy are improved, but the productivity and operational cost worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG interpretation accuracyVSAvoidDiagnostic throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated ECG analysis algorithms that process the orthogonal leads and automatically detect AMI, eliminating the need for manual interpretation by medical personnel. The system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing the electrical patterns in the orthogonal leads, thereby maintaining high diagnostic accuracy while dramatically improving productivity and reducing operational costs through autonomous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4066732B1Mobile three-lead cardiac monitoring device
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 HEARTBEAM INC
  • EP4066732B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4066732B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4066732B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2d

AI summary

Methods and apparatuses, including devices and systems, for remote and detection and/or diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In particular, described herein are handheld devices having an electrode configuration capable of recording three orthogonal ECG lead signals in an orientation-specific manner, and transmitting these signals to a processor. The processor may be remote or local, and it may automatically or semi-automatically detect AMI, atrial fibrillation or other heart disorders based on the analyses of the deviation of the recorded 3 cardiac signals with respect to previously stored baseline recordings.