Stretchable Multi-lead ECG Patch for Continuous Cardiac Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional ECG monitoring methods, such as 12-lead ECG and holter monitors, are inconvenient for users and may miss arrhythmias due to their limited duration and single-lead recordings.

Innovation Solution

A wearable, multi-lead ECG monitoring apparatus with a stretchable electrode material and small form factor, allowing for continuous monitoring and improved comfort, which includes a patch with multiple leads and integrated circuitry for signal processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional 12-lead ECG and holter monitors are used, then comprehensive cardiac monitoring is achieved, but user convenience and compliance deteriorate due to limited duration and single-lead recordings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomprehensive cardiac monitoringVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the ECG monitoring function into multiple independent leads (at least two leads) that can be simultaneously recorded from a single wearable device, eliminating the need for separate monitoring sessions while maintaining comprehensive cardiac assessment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The wearable device integrates multiple ECG leads and extended monitoring duration into a single unit, making it universally applicable for both comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and long-term arrhythmia detection without requiring multiple separate devices or monitoring sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If traditional ECG monitoring methods are used, then diagnostic accuracy is maintained, but monitoring duration is limited and arrhythmias may be missed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables continuous ECG monitoring over extended periods (beyond traditional holter monitor limitations), ensuring uninterrupted detection of cardiac electrical activity to capture sporadic arrhythmias while maintaining diagnostic accuracy through multi-lead simultaneous recording

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If multi-lead ECG monitoring is implemented, then detection of arrhythmias and electrical axis shifts is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrhythmia detection capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges multiple ECG leads, signal processing circuits, and monitoring functions into a single integrated wearable unit, reducing the complexity burden on users while maintaining advanced arrhythmia detection capabilities through simultaneous multi-lead recording and processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If wearable ECG apparatus with stretchable material is used, then patient comfort and compliance are improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient comfortVSAvoidmanufacturing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs stretchable and flexible materials for the wearable housing and electrode interfaces, allowing the device to conform to body contours for enhanced comfort while integrating precision electronic components through flexible circuit board technology that maintains manufacturing feasibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

The apparatus provides high signal-sensing accuracy and enhanced patient compliance due to its comfort and ability to detect a wide range of medical conditions, including arrhythmias, with improved detection of shifts in electrical axis and broader QRS complexes.

Implementation Method 1

obtain electrical signals generated in response to a subject's heart

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical signal detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4058130B1Stretchable electrocardiogram (ECG) apparatuses

Publication Date: 2025.04.23 THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIV

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AI summary

In certain examples, methods and structures are directed to an apparatus having a plurality of stretchable leads, with each of the plurality of stretchable leads including an associated electrode which is to receive electrical signals generated in response to a subject-s heart and to pass the received electrical signals along a respective one of plurality of stretchable leads. The apparatus also includes a patch integrating the stretchable substrate with the plurality of stretchable leads and with the patch having an area for circuitry to reside for collecting the electrical signals passed along each of the plurality of stretchable leads, wherein each of the plurality of stretchable leads is to be on a subject side of the patch. In more particular examples, the circuitry is used to provide a multi-lead ECG based on the electrical signals.