Design and development of embroidered textile electrodes for continuous measurement of electrocardiogram signals

Abstract

Textile electrodes are a new and potential choice for long term and continuous monitoring of electrocardiogram measurements. In this research, textile electrodes have been designed and developed by embroidering conductive yarn on the polyester fabric to measure electrocardiogram biosignals of patients. Silver-coated nylon thread is embroidered on 100% polyester fabric in square form 11 mm  11 mm with satin stitches in order to form three heart vectors (V3, V4, and V5). These electrodes are characterized based on electrode impedance and electrocardiogram measurement and the results are compared with the commercially available disposable Ag/AgCl electrodes. Further, additional tests have been performed using an electrode designed with 50% of the conductive thread used in the original sample. Real-time electrocardiogram signals, QRS-complex, P-wave, and T-wave were obtained for 10 subjects using existing hospital electrocardiogram equipment. The performance and repeatability of the electrode designed with 50% less conductive thread and effect of laundering were also studied. The results showed that the impedance of electrode has an acceptable value of 1.45 MV/cm 2 . Ageing tests showed that there is only a negligible deviation in the performance of the electrode. The results after laundering showed that the performance of the electrode is not affected by the laundering process.

Fabric Vest Socket with Embroidered Electrodes for Control of Myoelectric Prosthesis

“…The textile sensors as substrate devices are likely to contact with the human body in a noninvasive method, such as shirts [11,12], gloves [13], and band type [14,15]. The textile sensor is classified into four significant areas according to the textile structure and pattern as follows: dyeing [16], knitting [17], weaving [18], and embroidery [19]. In particular, the embroidery technique can make three-dimensional patterns on the textile surface via post processing as compared with the printing, knitting, and weaving techniques.…”

Performance Evaluation of Plain Weave and Honeycomb Weave Electrodes for Human ECG Monitoring

“…Moreover, there is likelihood that there may be gel residues on skin that may cause a short circuit of electrodes. Another drawback of using Ag/AgCl electrode is its short serve time that cannot be used for long-time monitoring of human in sleeping or working conditions [12,13]. In addition, Ag/AgCl electrode for ECG measurement process is uncomfortable and painful for patients because the skin preparation for attaching such electrode habitually occupies an abrasion to the external skin layer.…”

“…A motion sensor was also integrated within the fabric in order to detect the change of skin-electrode impedance accurately. Kannaian et al [13] proposed an approach of using embroidery stitch on the surface of polyester fabric with 75 D longitudinal density and 150 D horizontal density for electrodes using Wilcom Embroidery software. Such electrodes were compared with commercial Ag/AgCl electrode for the performances in terms of electrode position, cleaning, signal quality, spin supplies, and repeatability.…”

Technical Embroidery for Smart Textiles: Review

“…Some research projects have also demonstrated opportunities to apply the embroidery technology for the development of textile antenna and coil for magnetic resonance sensors (12) − (16), (19). (20), (21), (23) − (25), (29) − (38). Sensing properties of textiles and compounds developed from textile materials are of great importance in protective and medical functional clothing and textiles (9).…”