According to the British Heart Foundation, nearly 200 million people worldwide suffer from coronary heart disease, a condition responsible for approximately one in six deaths.
Illustrative image of ECG device and various applications. Image Credit: Peter Francis Mathew Elango
This staggering statistic underscores the pressing need for advancements in healthcare technology.
The recent proliferation of wearable electronic health-monitoring devices equipped with heart rate-measuring electrocardiograms (ECG) represents a significant leap forward in addressing this global health challenge.
These devices, by detecting cardiovascular issues and assessing overall cardiac health, not only save lives but also mitigate the exorbitant costs associated with hospital care.
In a recent publication in Applied Physics Reviews by AIP Publishing, a team of researchers from Australia and India have contributed to this positive momentum by introducing an innovative wearable ECG patch designed to enhance point-of-care diagnostics.
We did a deep dive into the world of wearable ECG devices. We focused on a critical aspect, how the design and materials of the electrodes impact their performance, and the findings were quite illuminating.
Peter Francis Mathew Elango, Author, RMIT University
Conventional ECG signal measurement devices commonly employ Ag/AgCl electrodes, often referred to as “wet” electrodes. These electrodes incorporate a conductive gel to improve electrical conductivity. However, these wet electrodes are associated with discomfort, skin irritation, and a tendency to dry out.
In contrast, the study prioritized the benefits of utilizing active dry electrodes for ECG signal acquisition, ultimately showcasing the effectiveness and promise of a novel prototype.
Dry electrodes offer some significant advantages. They prioritize user comfort, remain durable over time, and reduce the likelihood of skin irritation. These attributes make them ideal for continuous monitoring, a crucial feature for wearable ECG devices.
Peter Francis Mathew Elango, Author, RMIT University
The research encompassed an examination of how the performance of dry electrode sensors is influenced by factors such as contact area, conductivity, and the stability of electrical connections.
The team explored a range of compact, space-efficient dry electrodes based on different geometries and investigated their impacts on ECG sensing. Additionally, they explored how different areas of the body can affect ECG measurements.
Following a thorough series of experiments, they successfully designed a lightweight, gel-free ECG patch with a hexagonal shape that is well-suited for point-of-care diagnostics. This configuration was seamlessly integrated with wireless Bluetooth communication, enhancing its capabilities for remote sensing.
The potential applications are where it gets really exciting. These portable ECG patches could revolutionize remote and ambulatory healthcare, and perhaps even preventive medicine.
Peter Francis Mathew Elango, Author, RMIT University
Elango added, “They’re light, they can wirelessly transmit data, and they’re adept at discerning various states of rest or activity. Whether used in a clinical setting, seamlessly integrated into everyday attire, or worn as wearable devices, they could redefine how we monitor cardiac health.”
Journal Reference
Francis, P., et al. (2023). Dry electrode geometry optimization for wearable ECG devices. Applied Physics Reviews. doi.org/10.1063/5.0152554.