Non-Invasive, Non-Contact Optrodes for Electrocardiography

This proposal addresses the development of a non-invasive, non-contact optical electrode (optrode) for rapidly determining a person's vital signs at or near the scenes of battlefield trauma. In particular, a sensor is proposed that uses fiber optic and integrated optic technologies for rapid determination of an electrocardiogram (ECG). Heart rate can also be determined from the ECG signal. The fiber optic based ECG sensor (optrode) can be integrated within a suite of other small, low-powered, non-contact sensors supported by hand-held, PC-based computers. The sensor will process the ECG signal and communicate the information by a local area network embedded in the soldier's uniform. This information is then transmitted to command and medical personnel who will be able to monitor the physiological threats to health and life of a soldier operating in a realistic field environment. The optrode consists of a miniature electro-optic crystal based intensity modulator mounted at the end of an optical fiber. The optical interface uses the electro-optic effect to convert weak bioelectric potentials, produced at the skin surface, to measurable electrical signals. Common-mode rejection of unwanted electrical signals is provided by applying the outputs of the optrodes to remote differential amplifiers connected to conventional physiological recording devices interfaced to a personal computer. BENEFITS: It would eliminate the need for time-consuming and troublesome electrode attachment and allow medical personnel to routinely monitor various important physiological parameters. The system would allow for a wide spectrum of monitoring capabilities for patients outside of a restrictive hospital setting. For example, this technology can be used in many civilian applications involving health and safety patient monitoring by fireman, police and rescue workers during emergency situations.