Shared Electrode ICG-ECG Measurement With Time-Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ICG and ECG measurements require separate equipment and distinct sets of electrodes and cables, necessitating synchronization by timing if both are to be recorded simultaneously, and the ventricular ejection time is conventionally derived indirectly from the ECG tracing for ICG, lacking direct identification from the ICG waveform.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a single set of electrodes and cables for concurrent ICG and ECG measurements through time-division multiplexing, employing a programmable switch to interleave ICG and ECG data acquisition, with separate processing circuits for each modality, allowing flexible operational modes and high-resolution sampling ratios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate equipment and distinct sets of electrodes and cables are used for ICG and ECG measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate ICG and ECG measurement systems into a single integrated device that uses one set of electrodes and cables for both modalities. The system employs a multiplexer to switch between ICG and ECG measurement circuits, allowing concurrent measurement functionality while reducing hardware complexity and improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system where a single set of electrodes and cables can perform both ICG and ECG measurements. The system includes circuitry that can operate in multiple modes (ICG-only, ECG-only, or concurrent measurement), providing multi-functionality that reduces device complexity while maintaining measurement reliability through dedicated processing circuits for each modality.
2Measurement precision
If separate equipment and distinct sets of electrodes and cables are used for ICG and ECG measurements, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate measurement systems into an integrated device that maintains measurement precision through dedicated processing circuits for each modality while significantly improving ease of operation by requiring only one set of electrodes and cables for both ICG and ECG measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal measurement system allows operators to perform both ICG and ECG measurements with a single electrode set, eliminating the complexity of managing separate equipment while maintaining measurement precision through specialized circuitry for each measurement type.
3Device complexity
If ventricular ejection time is derived indirectly from ECG tracing for ICG, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that receives signals from the electrodes and routes them to appropriate processing circuits. The system can directly identify ventricular ejection time from ICG waveforms when operating in concurrent measurement mode, or alternatively derive it from ECG tracings, providing flexibility without requiring separate measurement equipment.
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 efficient, virtually synchronized display of ICG and ECG waveforms, improving verification of critical physiological events and rhythm analysis, with direct identification of ventricular ejection time from the ICG waveform and high-resolution ECG sampling.
Implementation Method 1
at least one voltage controlled current source (VCCS) to inject an alternating current into the patient's body for ICG measurements
Implementation Method 2
A programmable switch is configured within the system to time-division multiplex physiological signals acquired via the single set of cables and electrodes, thereby interleaving ICG and ECG data acquisition
Implementation Method 3
measuring the received current or change in voltage to calculate impedance based on Ohm's law
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for concurrently measuring Impedance Cardiography (ICG) and Electrocardiography (ECG) data are provided. Various embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for overcoming limitations of conventional systems by uniquely utilizing a single set of electrodes and cables for both measurements. Embodiments include a system and method that uses a method of connecting a single set of cables and electrodes to a patient's body, injecting an alternating current into the patient's body for ICG measurements while generating no current for ECG measurements, acquiring physiological signals via the single set of cables and electrodes, time-division multiplexing these acquired signals to interleave ICG and ECG data acquisition, and directing the multiplexed signals to distinct first and second processing circuits for ICG and ECG respectively. This approach enables enhanced efficiency, real-time display of virtually synchronized waveforms, and improved verification capabilities for critical physiological events.