Active Electrode Sensor

There is a need for non-invasive sensing of electrocardiograms and other vital signs to acquire information from high risk cardiac patients or other long term monitored subjects, continuously and without artifacts. The development of a new type ECG electrode sensor will assure patient compliance and allow this technology to be used long term while lowering medical costs. This proposal is to develop and study a new type ECG electrode with annular rings and on board amplifier which will compensate for artifacts induced at the electrode site while amplifying the true patient signal. Cost reduction will be accomplished since part of the electrode is reusable. In addition, a repeatable means for mounting or suspending the electrodes on the patient (subject) will be developed and studied, preferably utilizing a reusable "Tee Shirt" garment. Anticipated Benefits: Military Benefits: In combat, this project will solve the need to quickly apply sensors with minimal prep time and monitor the ECG of the wounded without artifact. Also, the need to monitor EKG's in flight or simulation training for observation purposes, with extreme human compliance. Potential Commercial Applications: This project effectively replaces current electrode systems in hospitals, ambulatory care, and emergency care monitoring plagued with artifact and patient compliance.