Modular Cardiac Wearable Layout for Comfort and Monitoring Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable cardiac monitoring and treatment devices often compromise patient comfort and compliance due to their bulkiness and discomfort, leading to non-compliant use, especially during extended wear periods.
Innovation Solution
A modular and ergonomic design featuring a first wearable portion encircling the thoracic region with ECG sensing electrodes and a second portion worn over the shoulder with treatment electrodes, allowing selective addition of components based on patient risk, distributed to minimize discomfort and enhance compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wearable medical device covers a larger surface area to ensure continuous monitoring and treatment, then monitoring reliability is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable medical device is divided into multiple independent electrode modules that can be selectively positioned on the patient's body. Each module contains specific electrodes (e.g., ECG electrodes, treatment electrodes) that can be independently placed to achieve monitoring and treatment functions while minimizing overall surface area coverage. This segmentation allows the device to maintain reliability through distributed sensing points without requiring continuous large-area coverage.
2Device complexity
If heavier components are concentrated in one area to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but patient comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device distributes heavier components (battery, control circuitry, electrode modules) across multiple separate locations on the patient's body rather than concentrating them in one area. Each module is self-contained with its own electrodes and associated electronics, which simplifies the overall structure by making modules independent and interchangeable while improving comfort through distributed weight distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration to a three-dimensional distributed arrangement on the patient's body surface. By positioning modules at different locations (anterior, posterior, lateral aspects of the thorax) and utilizing the body's natural curvature, the device achieves better weight distribution and comfort while maintaining functional integration through wireless or flexible connections.
3Reliability
If the device is designed for continuous wear to improve compliance, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient comfort may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable device uses segmented electrode modules that can be selectively positioned and removed based on patient needs and comfort requirements. Critical monitoring electrodes remain in place for continuous wear, while non-essential or heavier treatment electrodes can be temporarily removed during activities, allowing continuous treatment effectiveness without compromising comfort during extended wear periods.
Data Source
AI summary
An ergonomic and unobtrusive cardiac monitoring and treatment device with separable monitoring and treatment components includes a first wearable portion, a second wearable portion separable from the first wearable portion, and a device controller. The device controller includes at least one processor and an output device. The first wearable portion includes an elongated strap configured to encircle a thoracic region, ECG sensing electrodes permanently formed into the strap, a driven ground electrode, and conductive wires configured to couple the sensing electrodes with the controller. The second wearable portion includes a wearable substrate configured to be worn over at least one shoulder, one or more treatment electrodes configured to provide a therapeutic shock to the patient, and at least one additional conductive wire configured to releasably connect the treatment electrode(s) to the controller. The output device is configured to provide a notification instructing the patient to wear the second wearable portion.