Shared EIT-ECG Electrodes With Adaptive ECG Signal Extraction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing EIT and ECG measurement systems require separate electrodes and systems, leading to inefficiencies and the need for additional equipment, which complicates data collection and interpretation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for simultaneous acquisition of ECG and EIT signals using a parallel-drive EIT system with integrated electrodes, employing a Howland current-source, integrate-and-dump filter, and adaptive filtering to extract ECG signals without significant amplitude loss, allowing for time-aligned ECG and EIT image interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate ECG recording devices or parallel EIT/ECG systems are used, then ECG signals can be recorded simultaneously with EIT, but additional equipment and separate electrodes are required, increasing system complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG signal acquisition reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ECG and EIT measurement capabilities into a single integrated system using the same electrode array. The EIT system's voltage sensors simultaneously measure both EIT voltages and ECG potentials, eliminating the need for separate ECG recording devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable ECG signal acquisition

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode array is designed to serve dual purposes: functioning as both EIT measurement electrodes and ECG recording electrodes. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware infrastructure to support both diagnostic modalities, reducing the need for additional equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate electrodes are used for ECG and EIT, then each modality can be optimized independently, but the quantity of electrodes and equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG measurement precisionVSAvoidnumber of electrodes

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The same set of electrodes is utilized for both ECG and EIT measurements. The EIT voltage sensors are configured to detect both the high-frequency EIT signals and the low-frequency ECG potentials simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate electrode sets while maintaining measurement precision for both modalities through appropriate signal processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If EIT currents are applied to electrodes, then EIT measurements can be performed, but ECG signal amplitude may be affected or lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous data collection efficiencyVSAvoidECG signal amplitude

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies EIT currents in periodic bursts at high frequencies while the voltage sensors continuously monitor both EIT voltages and ECG potentials. The ECG signals are captured during the intervals between EIT current applications and through adaptive filtering that separates the periodic EIT signal from the continuous ECG signal, preventing information loss while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs adaptive filtering that continuously adjusts to separate ECG signals from EIT currents based on real-time signal characteristics. The filter uses feedback from the measured voltages to dynamically adjust separation parameters, ensuring ECG signal amplitude is preserved even during active EIT current application, thus maintaining both productivity and information integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables simultaneous and efficient collection of ECG and EIT data from the same electrodes, facilitating real-time image display and reconstruction of the heart's dipole moment, reducing the need for additional equipment and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A Howland current-source with noise reduction followed by an integrate-and-dump filter and adaptive filtering to extract the ECG signal without significant loss of amplitude

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHowland current-source:

Implementation Method 2

A Howland current-source with noise reduction followed by an integrate-and-dump filter and adaptive filtering to extract the ECG signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIntegrate-and-dump filter: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

A Howland current-source with noise reduction followed by an integrate-and-dump filter and adaptive filtering to extract the ECG signal without significant loss of amplitude

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdaptive filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS20260007321A1System and method for simultaneous acquisition of EIT and ECG signals from the same electrodes

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 THE RES FOUNDATION FOR THE STATE UNIV OF NEW YORK

AI summary

A system and method for simultaneous acquisition of electrocardiogram (ECG) signals and electrical impedance tomography (EIT) measurements on the same electrodes in a parallel-drive EIT system. A computer platform is in communication with a plurality of electrodes and applies currents to the electrodes and uses Howland noise reduction followed by an integrate-and-dump filter and adaptive filtering to extract the ECG signal without significant loss of amplitude.