Wireless "patch" monitors heart rhythm and captures an ECG
Researchers have developed a compact and portable device for continuous monitoring of heart function.A team of researchers from Australia and India has introduced a portable ECG patch for advanced diagnostics at the point of care. The new electrode design proposed by the researchers makes the portable devices more convenient, durable and suitable for continuous monitoring.
Portable wearable electronics are already being used to monitor heart function. Typically, Ag/AgCl electrodes, "wet" electrodes, are used in devices to measure ECG signals and contain a conductive gel to amplify electrical signals. But they are uncomfortable, irritate the skin and are prone to drying out.
The researchers developed a prototype device that uses active dry electrodes for ECG. The scientists analyzed how the performance of sensors with dry electrodes is affected by the contact area, conductivity and stability of the electrical contact. The scientists tested different dry electrodes based on confined space geometry and electrodes with different geometries, studying their effects on ECG reading.
After many experiments, the researchers created a compact, lightweight, gel-free hexagonal-shaped ECG patch suitable for on-site diagnostics. The proposed solution was then integrated with a Bluetooth wireless module for remote monitoring.
"Dry electrodes offer a number of significant advantages. They prioritize user comfort, remain durable and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. These characteristics make them ideal for continuous monitoring, which is an important function of portable ECG devices," Peter Francis Matthew Elango, co-author of the study.