Wireless ECG Patch with Real-Time Arrhythmia Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac monitoring systems are inadequate as they do not allow for real-time analysis of ECG data, are cumbersome and inconvenient for patients, and often result in data loss or delayed transmission, disrupting normal activities and potentially leading to missed cardiac events.
Innovation Solution
A completely wireless ECG monitoring system that continuously records and analyzes ECG waveforms, automatically detects arrhythmias, and sends data to a monitoring center for real-time review, with a small adhesive monitor and a cellphone-based system for patient convenience and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a Holter monitor is used to continuously record ECG data, then the recording duration is extended, but the patient comfort and ease of operation deteriorates due to multiple lead wires and electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cumbersome lead wires and external electrodes from the monitoring system, extracting only the essential sensing function. The monitor uses internal sensors to detect cardiac activity, eliminating the need for external connections while maintaining continuous recording capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (wires and electrodes attached to skin) with a wireless sensing system. The monitor detects cardiac activity through non-contact or minimally contact methods, substituting the mechanical attachment system with an electronic sensing field.
2Device complexity
If ECG data is recorded but not immediately analyzed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the speed of detection and response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor performs automatic real-time analysis of ECG data using built-in algorithms that detect arrhythmias and cardiac events. The system serves itself by continuously processing its own recorded data, eliminating the need for separate analysis equipment while maintaining simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates immediate feedback loops where detected cardiac events trigger automatic alerts and notifications. When an arrhythmia is detected, the monitor immediately communicates this information, creating a closed-loop system that provides real-time response without adding significant complexity.
3Duration of action of moving object
If a loop monitor is used to continuously record data, then the recording duration is extended, but the reliability deteriorates due to data overwriting
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes predetermined alert thresholds and detection criteria before monitoring begins. When cardiac events meet these pre-set criteria, the system immediately flags and preserves this data, ensuring that clinically significant events are not overwritten regardless of storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sufficient memory capacity to store complete monitoring data for the entire monitoring period without recycling. Rather than reusing limited storage space, the system allocates adequate memory to preserve all data throughout the extended recording duration.
4Reliability
If the patient must stay within range of a base station, then the communication reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates due to constrained movement
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor incorporates multiple communication capabilities, including wireless transmission and cellular connectivity, allowing it to function reliably both when near a base station and when mobile. The system adapts its communication method based on availability, maintaining reliability across different environments and movement states.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a small multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a monitoring center. At the commencement of a monitoring procedure a message is sent to the monitoring center and configuration information for arrhythmia detection is downloaded and installed in the monitor. The configuration file is determined by a screen of selectable standard and custom arrhythmias and alarm limits at the monitoring center.