Clinical evaluation of a wireless ECG sensor system for arrhythmia diagnostic purposes

Abstract

Abstract. In a clinical study, a novel wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder has been evaluated with regard to its ability to perform arrhythmia diagnostics. As the ECG recorder will detect a "non-standard" ECG signal, it has been necessary to compare those signals to "standard" ECG recording signals in order to evaluate the arrhythmia detection ability of the new system. Simultaneous recording of ECG signals from both the new wireless ECG recorder and a conventional Holter recorder were compared by two independent cardiology specialists with regard to signal quality for performing arrhythmia diagnosis. In addition, calculated R-R intervals from the two systems were correlated. A total number of 16 patients participated in the study. It can be considered that recorded ECG signals obtained from the wireless ECG system had an acceptable quality for arrhythmia diagnosis. Some of the patients used the wireless sensor while doing physical sport activities, and the quality of the recorded ECG signals made it possible to perform arrhythmia diagnostics even under such conditions. Consequently, this makes possible improvements in correlating arrhythmias to physical activities. IntroductionDisease management programs with ECG recording equipment (to be used by patients at home) and integrated telemedicine solutions are expected to become important in ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness in future health-care services [1,2]. In recent years, several interesting projects have focused on developing new wireless ECG solutions. However, little information has been published on clinical results from this wireless technology. The Amon wrist watch system had a promising design, but a study with healthy volunteers showed unsatisfactory ECG signal quality [3]. The SmartVest system showed results from a variety of sensors including ECG, but has only been tested on healthy subjects for a 30-minute test during standing and walking [4].Even though a wireless system can give valuable benefits for the patient with regard to mobility, a reliable and precise monitoring quality will be needed in order to use such equipment as a clinical diagnostic tool. Clinical experience also confirms the need for improvements in ECG recording equipment when the patient is performing physical activities, where artefact signals today represent a major obstacle.A new wireless ECG system consisting of a wireless ECG sensor communicating by means of a hand-held receiver, intended for long-term arrhythmia detection, has been developed [5]. The new design of this "electronic electrode" uses only one ECG lead, which is in a different position compared to standard lead systems, which will thus record a "non-standard" ECG signal. A totally wireless solution eliminating the "cable spaghetti" can give continuous monitoring, while the patient's behaviour may be closer to his normal routines than when using existing technology [6]. Because there are no wires between the electrodes and the recording device, the patient will also be able to carry out physical act...

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