Physiological sensor placement and signal transmission device

Abstract

A garment is used to facilitate the placement of biomedical sensors or other electrodes on the body. The garment is comfortable and allows freedom of movement much like typical clothing. Textile based electrical components are included in the garment which are capable of transmitting an electrical signal to and from various external electrodes placed on the body. A textile based EMI shield protects the signals from electromagnetic interference. The garment may take any form such as a vest, sports bra, long sleeve shirt, bonnet, or other form and may provide access to an electrode placement site without requiring removal of the garment.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure relates to the monitoring and transmission of electrical signals for medical purposes. In particular the disclosure relates to a garment capable of transmitting electrical signals such as biopotential signals from ECG electrodes.[0003]2. Background of Related Art[0004]Electrocardiograph (ECG) monitors and recorders are widely used to obtain medical signals containing information indicative of the electrical activity associated with the heart and pulmonary system. To obtain these biopotential signals, electrodes are applied to the skin of a patient or other subject in various locations and coupled to an ECG monitor. The number of electrodes applied and placement locations of the electrodes are dependant on the type of information sought by the clinician.[0005]Conventional electrocardiography protocols have established several standard lead configurations for the placement of ECG electrodes on the subject's skin. A standar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present disclosure describes a garment providing a means for the simple connection to externally placed physiological sensors on the human body that can transmit electronic signals to and from the body. The garment is also equipped with an EMI shield which protects the signal transmission pathways from the interference associated with electromagnetic fields. The garment is either disposable or washable.

[0012]In one embodiment, the garment member takes the form of a vest or shirt which may be worn during ECG monitoring. Conductive thread is stitched into the garment member in a pattern that allows biopotential signals from standard 3, 5, 7, or 12-lead configurations to be transmitted to an adapter at the waist of the subject. The signal transmission pathways are stitched in a pattern such that each pathway is isolated from the others and each pathway is covered by a fabric based EMI shield. The garment member is made from a light weight material such as cotton or polyester providing the subject with comfort and ease of movement without undue pulling on the sensor sites.

[0013]In another embodiment, the garment member takes the form of a full length sports bra. This embodiment naturally lifts the breasts and allows a clinician to correctly place electrode leads in the area underneath the breasts. Another embodiment is a bonnet worn over the head to obtain electroencephalography (EEG) signals. Still another embodiment is a shirt with full length sleeves. This embodiment allows for sensors such as pulse oximetry probes, temperature probes and glucose monitors to be placed on the hands and wrists.

Problems solved by technology

A clinician may find it cumbersome to make the proper connections with a lead set involving many wires which often tangle, and may find it difficult to determine exactly which individual wire is to be connected at which point.

Also, a subject will often experience discomfort while connected to a traditional lead set.

The subject's movement may be limited and the wires may cause some skin irritation.

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