Wireless body sensor for electrocardiographic monitoring in dogs and cats

Abstract

Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic utility of electrocardiogram data obtained by a wireless sensor from 36 dogs and four cats with suspected arrhythmias caused by cardiac or systemic diseases. Materials and Methods Wireless electrocardiographic recordings were obtained via two precordial electrodes attached to an electrocardiogram sensor connected to a smart device via low‐power Bluetooth technology. Cardiac rate, rhythm and duration of P‐QRS‐T waves were evaluated with VisECG® software. Fifteen‐ to 30‐minute wireless recordings were compared to standard electrocardiograms. Furthermore, the wireless sensor was used in 10 dogs and four cats for 24‐hour continuous electrocardiogram monitoring at home. Results When compared to standard electrocardiogram, equivalent results were obtained for heart rate and duration of different waves. Due to the longer recording time, more arrhythmias were diagnosed with the wireless device in 50% (15 of 30) of animals with arrhythmias. Satisfactory recordings were obtained when the dogs were resting, standing or walking but interpretation of the wireless electrocardiogram signal was not possible during strenuous physical activity. Clinical Significance Wireless electrocardiographic monitoring is a reliable and accurate method for identification of heart rate, arrhythmia and duration of electrocardiogram waves. A higher diagnostic yield of arrhythmias was documented with the wireless sensor due to prolonged monitoring. The device offers a good option for the long‐term monitoring of canine and feline cardiac rhythm.

Medical-Grade ECG Sensor for Long-Term Monitoring

“…In a broader study, a diagnostic utility of electrocardiogram data has been obtained by monitoring 36 dogs and four cats with suspected arrhythmias with the wireless ECG sensor [31]. For comparison with standard ECG recordings, a combination of 30-min and 24-h ECG recordings was made.…”

Recasting the gold standard – part I of II: delineating healthcare options across a continuum of care

“… 1 – 3 Innovative technologies, including wearable devices, have revolutionized our ability to monitor and track patient health in non-clinical environments. 4 – 6 Ultrasonography 7 – 12 dental radiography, 13 – 16 echocardiography, 17 – 20 fluoroscopy, 21 – 24 CT 25 – 27 and MRI 25 , 28 , 29 are becoming routine offerings by general practices and/or referral facilities, and three-dimensional printing can now be applied at tertiary institutions as a means of preoperative planning. 30 , 31 …”

Non-invasive estimation of in vivo optical properties and hemodynamic parameters of domestic animals: a preliminary study on horses, dogs, and sheep

“…Global positioning systems (GPS), accessible data transmission, and accelerometers fitted to collars can give to animal owners the possibility to locate their animals, to track spatio-temporal patterns, and to identify behavioral changes linked to the presence of health issues. Wearable tools for monitoring heart rate or respiratory rate can help monitoring not only health status both in awake and anesthetized animals ( 3 , 4 ), but also fearful and distressful situations ( 5 ). Similarly, remote technologies (e.g., video cameras and imaging systems in the visible and infrared spectral range) can provide insights into animal position and behavior ( 6 ), and they can also help the clinician in identifying areas affected by orthopedic diseases ( 7 , 8 ).…”