Wireless ECG Node for MRI Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic Resonant Imaging (MRI) environments pose challenges in accurately capturing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals due to signal degradation and safety issues caused by physical lead wires, which are susceptible to MRI noise and RF heating, restricting patient movement and requiring safety protections.
Innovation Solution
An ECG measurement node and network that transmit ECG signals wirelessly or via fiber optics, eliminating the need for lead wires, and incorporating ECG processing circuitry to amplify, filter, and digitize signals, while being galvanically isolated to reduce signal degradation and safety risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical lead wires are used to connect electrodes to patient monitor, then ECG signals can be transmitted, but signal degradation occurs due to MRI noise pickup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical electrical connection system (lead wires) with a wireless communication system. The ECG measurement node transmits processed ECG signals and identification data wirelessly to the patient monitor using radio frequency communication, eliminating the physical lead wire connection that is susceptible to MRI noise pickup and RF heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECG measurement node acts as an intermediary device between the electrode and the patient monitor. It receives the electrical signal from the electrode, processes it through ECG processing circuitry to extract the ECG waveform, and then transmits the processed signal wirelessly to the monitor, isolating the monitoring system from direct electrical connection to the patient.
2Reliability
If physical lead wires are used to connect electrodes to patient monitor, then ECG signals can be transmitted, but RF heating occurs causing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conduction path (lead wire) with a wireless electromagnetic communication path. The ECG measurement node communicates with the patient monitor via wireless transmission, eliminating the physical lead wire that would otherwise absorb RF energy from the MRI scanner and convert it to heat through resistive heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the lead wire component from the ECG measurement system. By eliminating the physical connection between the electrode and monitor, the source of RF heating (the lead wire acting as an antenna) is completely removed from the system, thereby eliminating this safety hazard.
3Ease of operation
If physical lead wires are used to connect electrodes to patient monitor, then ECG signals can be transmitted, but patient movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical constraint of the lead wire with a wireless communication system. The ECG measurement node transmits data wirelessly to the patient monitor, eliminating the physical tether that restricts patient movement. This allows the patient to move freely within the MRI scanner bore without worrying about lead wire tangling or disconnection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ECG measurement system into independent components: the electrode affixed to the patient, the ECG measurement node worn by the patient, and the patient monitor stationed outside the scanner. This segmentation allows the patient and node to move independently without being constrained by a fixed-length lead wire connection.
4Reliability
If wired galvanic connections are used between electrodes and mains network, then ECG signals can be transmitted, but safety protections are required against mains network malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The ECG measurement node serves as an intermediary that breaks the galvanic connection between the patient and the mains-powered patient monitor. The node processes the ECG signal locally and transmits only digital data wirelessly, eliminating the need for isolated amplifiers, safety relays, and other complex protection circuitry that would be required if a direct wired connection were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical galvanic connection system with a wireless digital communication system. By transmitting processed ECG data rather than raw analog signals over a galvanic connection, the system eliminates the need for complex electrical isolation and protection mechanisms required by mains-powered 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
The solution effectively reduces signal degradation and safety issues associated with lead wires, enabling accurate ECG signal capture and transmission in MRI environments, allowing for more precise patient monitoring and improved patient mobility during scans.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber optic interface is configured to optically transmit the ECG signal via a fiber optic link
Data Source
AI summary
An ECG measurement node for a patient electrode is provided, including an electrode interface and ECG processing circuitry electrically coupled to the electrode interface. The electrode interface is electrically and removably coupled to the patient electrode. The patient electrode is affixed to a patient. The ECG processing circuitry is configured to generate an ECG signal. The ECG measurement node further includes a transceiver configured to wirelessly transmit the ECG signal or a fiber optic interface configured to transmit the ECG signal via a fiber optic link. An ECG measurement network is also provided, including a first and second ECG measurement node. The first ECG measurement node and the second ECG measurement node are communicatively coupled to a patient monitor. The ECG measurement network may further include a central access point communicatively coupled to the first ECG measurement node, the second ECG measurement node, and the patient monitor.