Measurement of hemodynamic parameters such as stroke volume (SV) via impedance cardiography (ICG) is an easy, non-invasive and inexpensive way to assess the health status of the heart. We present a possibility to use this technology for monitoring risk patients at home. The IMPACT Shirt (IMPedAnce Cardiography Textile) has been developed with integrated textile electrodes and textile wiring, as well as with portable miniaturized hardware. Several textile materials were characterized in vitro and in vivo to analyze their performance with regard to washability, and electrical characteristics such as skin-electrode impedance, capacitive coupling and subjective tactile feeling. The small lightweight hardware measures ECG and ICG continuously and transmits wireless data via Bluetooth to a mobile phone (Android) or PC for further analysis. A lithium polymer battery supplies the circuit and can be charged via a micro-USB. Results of a proof-of-concept trial show excellent agreement between SV assessed by a commercial device and the developed system. The IMPACT Shirt allows monitoring of SV and ECG on a daily basis at the patient's home.

Functional textiles are seen as promising technology to enable healthcare services and medical care outside hospitals due to their ability to integrate textile-based sensing and monitoring technologies into the daily life. In the past much effort has been spent onto basic functional textile research already showing that reliable monitoring solutions can be realized. The challenge remains to find and develop suited medical application and to fulfil the boundary conditions for medical endorsement and exploitation. The HeartCycle vest described in this abstract will serve as an example for a functional textile carefully developed according to the requirements of a specific medical application, its clinical validation, the related certification aspects and the next improvement steps towards exploitation.

No abstract

Current treatment of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)--the most frequent cause of hospitalization for people over 65--involves changes of diet and lifestyle, requiring in addition physical exercise to support these. Nowadays, patients receive sporadic feedback at doctor visits, or later on, when facing symptoms. The HeartCycle project aimed at providing 1) daily monitoring, 2) close follow up, 3) help on treatment routine and 4) decreasing non-compliance to treatment regimes. The present paper illustrates a new toolbox of advanced sensors developed within the HeartCycle project. Ongoing clinical studies support these developments.

No abstract