Wireless ECG Nodal Network for Continuous Cardiovascular Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heart monitoring systems are inadequate for continuous, non-invasive, and cost-effective monitoring of cardiovascular health, often requiring user intervention and providing incomplete or inaccurate data, leading to delayed diagnosis and increased healthcare costs due to missed cardiac issues.
Innovation Solution
A fully wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) system with a nodal network of ECG sensors and pulse oximetry, utilizing miniaturized sensors and anomaly detection algorithms to provide real-time monitoring and alert emergency services when cardiovascular distress is detected, allowing for continuous, comfortable, and comprehensive data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional Holter monitoring systems are used, then clinical-grade heart data can be collected, but the systems are inaccessible, expensive, and can only collect data for short time intervals leading to missed events
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the monitoring function into multiple independent wearable ECG nodes that can be distributed across the body. Each node contains minimal components (electrode, processor, transmitter) and can operate independently, transforming a single complex Holter system into multiple simple wearable units that collectively provide continuous monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired connection system of traditional ECG leads with wireless communication. Each ECG node transmits data wirelessly to a base unit, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and making the system more wearable and accessible for continuous use
2Measurement precision
If chest straps with multiple electrodes are used, then comprehensive ECG data can be collected, but the device becomes uncomfortable and bulky for continuous wear
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of one large chest strap with all electrodes, the system segments the electrodes into multiple small independent nodes that can be placed on convenient body locations. Each node requires minimal skin contact and can be positioned on the wrist, arm, or other accessible areas, significantly improving comfort while maintaining ECG measurement capability through multiple lead configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The ECG nodes are designed as thin, flexible wearables that can conform to body contours. The minimal electrode-skin interface and thin profile allow comfortable continuous wear without the bulk of traditional chest straps
3Duration of action of moving object
If wet electrodes are worn for extended periods, then continuous ECG monitoring can be maintained, but the electrodes become uncomfortable and require frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses disposable or easily replaceable dry electrode nodes instead of reusable wet electrodes. Each node is designed for single-use or limited-use periods, eliminating the discomfort of wet electrode gel drying out and skin irritation, while the low cost allows frequent replacement without burden
4Device complexity
If basic pulse oximetry is used, then the device remains simple and affordable, but heart rate accuracy deteriorates during physical activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges ECG measurement capability with pulse oximetry functionality in each wearable node. The ECG provides accurate heart rate and rhythm information during all activities, while the pulse oximetry adds oxygen saturation monitoring and can serve as a backup heart rate measurement method, creating a multi-modal sensing system that maintains accuracy across diverse conditions
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 continuous, accurate, and comprehensive cardiovascular monitoring, reducing the risk of missed cardiac issues, improving patient outcomes, and decreasing healthcare costs by providing timely emergency responses and holistic data for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
two or more electrode sensors that are conductively isolated from each other, the two or more electrode sensors for wearing on different positions of the user and wirelessly coupled to the base unit, wherein the processor is configured to receive a respective signal from the two or more electrode sensors; wherein the processor is configured to determine heart signal information from the received signals
Implementation Method 2
A fully wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) system with a nodal network of ECG sensors and pulse oximetry
Data Source
AI summary
Device and methods for a wearable medical device are disclosed. The device and methods use an on-board mobile system to alert emergency services when the user is in cardiovascular distress. The device takes advantage of newly miniaturized electrocardiograph, pulse oximetry sensors, mutual reinforcement and anomaly detection algorithms. Electrocardiograph waveforms are recorded digitally for physician review with emphasis on critical events. In the occurrence of a immediate critical-need cardiac event, the system will contact emergency services (EMS) for assistance. The system is a biometric monitoring system that implements key concepts of cardiovascular monitoring through pulse oximetry and electrocardiography (ECG). The system implements key concepts of ECGs and active/capacitive electrodes to produce a wireless network of (individually isolated) ECG nodes that can produce a system ranging from 3 to 16 leads.