Multifunctional Patient Monitoring Harness for ECG and Bioimpedance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing patient monitoring devices fail to simultaneously conduct full-featured ECG measurements using the 12 lead Likar-Mason system and electrical bioimpedance analysis for assessing hydration levels of the chest cavity, including lungs, due to limitations in electrode placement and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional device with bioimpedance electrodes arranged in pairs across the chest, combined with ECG electrodes and additional sensors, enables independent measurement of hydration levels and supports 12 lead ECG analysis through a harness design that includes a horizontal belt around the torso, vertical belts over the shoulders, and a coupler, allowing for Electrical Impedance Tomography and comprehensive lung monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a harness is designed with basic ECG electrodes only, then ECG measurement is simple and device complexity is low, but the ability to conduct full-featured 12 lead ECG measurement and bioimpedance analysis is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is designed to perform multiple functions: it contains both ECG electrodes for cardiac monitoring and bioimpedance electrodes for respiratory and hydration monitoring. The same harness structure supports 12 lead ECG measurement, bioimpedance analysis, and can be positioned to monitor both chest and abdominal regions, making it a universal monitoring device that consolidates multiple monitoring capabilities into one wearable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The harness is divided into functional segments: a horizontal belt component for abdominal/bioimpedance monitoring and shoulder belt components for chest/ECG monitoring. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system, enabling full-featured 12 lead ECG and bioimpedance analysis without requiring a single complex monolithic structure.
2Measurement precision
If bioimpedance electrodes are arranged to measure only one region, then the measurement setup is simple, but the ability to independently measure hydration levels of different chest cavity regions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bioimpedance electrodes are arranged in specific pairs positioned to measure different regions of the chest cavity independently. At least one pair measures the left chest cavity region while another pair measures the right chest cavity region, allowing localized and independent assessment of hydration levels in each lung field. This regional differentiation enables precise monitoring of asymmetric fluid distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pairs are positioned asymmetrically across the chest to target specific regions (left vs. right chest cavity). This asymmetric arrangement allows independent measurement of hydration levels in each hemithorax, enabling detection of asymmetric pathological conditions such as unilateral pulmonary edema or pleural effusion that would be missed by symmetric or single-region monitoring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a harness includes multiple belts and couplers for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement capability is improved, but ease of operation and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The harness is constructed as a flexible, continuous belt structure that can be easily wrapped and adjusted around the patient's torso. This flexible shell design eliminates rigid connectors and complex assembly requirements, making the entire harness removable and washable as a single piece. The thin film-like construction allows moisture and disinfectants to penetrate and clean all surfaces uniformly, maintaining hygiene while preserving comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
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 enables efficient remote monitoring of patient conditions by providing detailed ECG and bioimpedance data, improving the diagnosis of lung hydration and lung lobe assessment, while being easy to clean and made from antibacterial materials for patient comfort and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
electrical bioimpedance analysis for assessing hydration levels of the chest cavity, including lungs
Implementation Method 2
electrocardiograph (ECG) electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a multifunctional device (1) for remote monitoring of a patient's condition, in particular the patient's heart electrical activity and the level of hydration of the patient's chest cavity, having a form of a harness (2) adapted to be worn on the patient's body at the patient's torso area, comprising electrocardiograph (ECG) electrodes (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232), bioimpedance electrodes (223, 233, 241, 242), a central unit (213) processing signals originating from said electrodes and a communication module (214) for a wireless transmission of signals processed by said central unit (213) to a remote monitoring system (6). In order to enable simultaneous ECG analysis according to the 12 lead Likar-Mason system along with an independent measurement of the level of hydration of the left and right part of the patient's chest cavity (left and right lung lobe) by means of an electric bioimpedance analysis, said bioimpedance electrodes (223, 241; 233, 242) comprise front electrodes (223, 233) disposed at the front of the patient's body and rear electrodes (241, 242) corresponding to the front electrodes (223, 233) and disposed at the back of the patient's body, arranged in pairs, wherein at least one pair of said bioimpedance electrodes (233, 242) defines a line crossing through the left part of the patient's chest and at least one pair of said bioimpedance electrodes (223, 241 ) defines a line crossing through the right part of the patient's chest.