ES2585211B1 - Back-up device for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate - Google Patents

Abstract

Back-up device for measuring electrocardiogram (100) and respiratory rate comprising a plurality of sensors (10) arranged to collect the measurement of ECG (electrocardiogram) and respiratory rate, a battery, a wireless connectivity element, a processor arranged to control the rest of the electrical elements of the device with backup (100) and the communication interface provided by said wireless connectivity element, a memory to store the measurements collected by the measuring devices and the data and programs necessary to control the elements and devices of said apparatus (100) and communication via the communication interface, where because at least two of said plurality of sensors (10) are located in said apparatus (100) in such a way that they are located at the height of the user's back when makes use of said apparatus with backrest (100), where said plurality of sensors (10) are sensors arranged to collect the measurement of ECG and / or respiratory rate in direct contact with the user's skin, without contact with the user's skin, that is, with contact in the user's clothing or a combination of both, and where said portable device (100) it is controlled, by a user, from an application installed in a mobile device (200), said mobile device (200) connected to said device (100) through said communication interface.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Back-up device for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate

Field of the invention 5

The present invention relates in general to the sector of medical devices and systems and specifically to medical structures, devices or devices to facilitate the taking of medical measures by a patient or user such as the taking of ECG (Electro Cardio Grama), and respiratory rate, and the possibility of being shared with professionals 10 doctors.

Background of the invention

Devices or devices for taking ECG measurements are known, mainly for medical use that allows medical professionals to identify possible pathologies.

ECG is a method of measurement of the very medically established electrical signal, which specifies even where the electrodes should be placed in the chest, leg, and other areas, depending on the number of leads. The minimum possible is 2, but it can reach 20 to 12.

These devices are designed for direct use by medical professionals or at most for ambulatory use supervised by professionals and therefore, usually difficult to operate and even occur when it is not comfortable for users 25 for their special circumstances.

There are different types of electrodes and ways to apply them and usually they all need to be in contact with the skin at the different points of application that allow doctors to take and interpret the measures. 30

Electrodes or sensors that do not require a direct contact on the skin, a conductive contact, also begin to appear to detect the necessary electrical signals and that can be used, for example, by contact with a tissue between skin and sensor. The most common are the so-called capacitive sensors, but there are also inductive sensors with these characteristics.

US 7885700 B2 describes a sensor of this type specifically designed to be used without being in contact with the skin since it has an ultra high input impedance in addition to a great sensitivity to the potential of the electric field. This high impedance allows means to be made without practically changing the voltage of the measured signals, which is especially critical in electrical signals of very low value such as physiological ones.

In measurements in direct contact with the skin, shielded sensors can be used, where the grounded screen also contacts the skin. This reduces the level of noise to a large extent. Capacitive sensors can also use these sensors with shields to collect signal levels higher than when there is no contact.

When there is no contact with the skin, therefore, the sensor coupling is fully capacitive. To reduce the noise in these cases, a technique similar to DRL (Driven Rigth Leg) of the conventional ECG is usually used, in which the inverted average signal of the electrodes is introduced into the right leg to cancel the noise from the network (50 or +60 Hz) and other noise sources.

 twenty

In some capacitive sensors such as that described in US 7885700 B2, a conductive fabric is used in contact with the patient, achieving a capacitive coupling to the body, which reduces the noise of the acquired signals. Magnetic or inductive monitoring is based on the fact that the blood contains moving conductive particles, which when moving within a magnetic field produce a secondary magnetic field. Magnetic or inductive sensors are constructed based on one or several turns placed near the chest of the person to be measured, and require that the person be immersed in a magnetic field generated to perform the measurements.

These same sensors, capacitive or inductive, allow to capture the respiratory rate, although the filtering and signal processing in each case, for ECG or for respiratory rate, is different, since the frequency is slower in the latter case.

Description of the invention

 35

It is necessary to offer an alternative to the state of the art that covers some of the

gaps found therein, where an advantage, mainly for patients who need to be monitored with ECG and / or respiratory rate and who do not need to be sitting and / or lying, supported by a backrest and that either for comfort or necessity is better to do it with the clothes on, is that the own structure or support device, with backrest, allows to take the measurements of ECG and / or respiratory rate. 5

Specifically, a back-up device for electrocardiogram measurement is proposed, comprising a plurality of sensors (10) arranged to collect the ECG (electrocardiogram) and / or respiratory rate measurement, a battery, a wireless connectivity element, a processor arranged for control the rest of the electrical elements of the device with backup (100) and the communication interface provided by said wireless connectivity element, a memory for storing the measurements collected by the measuring devices and the data and programs necessary to control the elements and devices of said apparatus (100) and communication via the communication interface, where because at least two of said plurality of sensors (10) are located in said apparatus (100) such that they are located at the height of the user's back when using said apparatus with backrest (100), wherein said plurality of sensors (10) are sensors arranged for collect the ECG measurement and / or respiratory rate in direct contact with the user's skin, without contact with the user's skin, that is, with contact in the user's clothing or a combination of both, and where said portable device (100 ) is controlled, by a user, from an application installed in a mobile device (200), said mobile device (200) connected to said device (100) through said communication interface.

Therefore, it can be understood as advantages with respect to the state of the known art, having an easy-to-use ECG measuring device, which, apart from comfort, allows to meet the needs of certain patients who need to be seated or lying down

The device allows implementations of the ECG and / or respiratory rhythm with the sensors in direct contact with the skin, as with sensors that work in contact with the user's clothing or even at a certain distance from the skin and / or clothing. 30

The device can be implemented in such a way that it can be used in people with different sizes and positions.

The degree of precision of the measurements, the noise reduction (SNR) is also contemplated, so that the product, the device can be adjusted to the needs and precision

required

In addition, the system provides telemedicine support, so that the information can be shared with medical professionals, family members or even the patient himself can access the measurements collected by other means. 5

The fact that the device is controllable from a mobile device, such as the patient's own mobile phone, to which he is accustomed to driving, facilitates the use of said device.

 10

Brief description of the figures

In order to help understand the features of the invention, according to a preferred practical embodiment thereof and in order to complement this description, the following figures are attached as an integral part thereof, which have an illustrative character and not limitative:

Figure 1. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where the sensors appear symmetrically located in the backrest and therefore that can come into contact with the skin or the user's clothing. twenty

Figure 2. It shows a side view of the implementation of the apparatus in a mattress, where the sensors are placed on or near the surface to also come into contact with the user's back or their clothing.

 25

Figure 3. Shows an implementation view of the apparatus on a mattress, where the sensors are placed symmetrically.

Figure 4. It shows a diagram of a cross section of the device (chair, sofa or armchair and / or mattress backrest) where the sensors are placed in upholstery holes made for this purpose, leaving the sensor surface visible to be able to contact the skin or clothing of the user or patient.

Figure 5. Shows a diagram of a transverse section of the device (chair, sofa or armchair and / or mattress backrest) where the sensors are placed in upholstery holes made for this purpose, but just below said upholstery, although maintaining a thinnest layer of

upholstered than normal.

Figure 6. Shows a diagram of a transverse section of the device (chair, sofa or armchair and / or mattress backrest) where the sensors are placed in upholstery holes made for this purpose, where, above the sensor surface, the same level as the surface of the upholstery, another material with good electrical properties is placed.

Figure 7. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where two sensors located in a non-symmetrical way appear, specifically in a position on both sides of the heart in the back, one near the right shoulder and the other near the waist at 10 left of the user when resting on the device with backrest.

Figure 8. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where a plurality of sensors located in a non-symmetrical way appear, but at different heights and horizontal position of each pair, adapted to be used each pair of sensors in function of the height and position of the user.

Figure 9. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where a plurality of the sensors appear in the backrest, where it supports the back, but where additionally it is complemented with one or several sensors or electrodes in position 20 where the arms rest and / or hands.

Figure 10. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where a plurality of the sensors appear in the backrest, where the back is supported, one or several sensors or electrodes in the position where the arms and / or hands rest and additionally a Specific textile 25 in the seat or hip support area for DRL function.

Figure 11. It shows an example of implementation of the apparatus, in an armchair, where a plurality of the sensors appear in the backrest, where it supports the back, one or several sensors or electrodes in the position where the arms and / or hands rest and additionally It includes a clamp or belt type element at the height of the legs for DRL function when placed directly in contact with the ankle skin.

Figure 12. Shows a diagram of the interaction of the device with electrocardiogram measurement backup with the rest of the devices and systems. 35

Detailed description of the invention

Studies by the applicant for this patent show that the quality of the ECG data or measurements and / or respiratory rate collected through capacitive or inductive sensors is fundamentally influenced by: 5

• the different sensor placement points (height and back spacing),

• concrete fabric used as clothing by the user (eg cotton, tergal, etc.),

• thickness of the fabric (the finer the better) and layers of clothing, since when there is more than 10 of a layer of clothing the measurement is not feasible,

• if there is contact with the skin, the reduction of the noise signal is improved, SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio),

• and the use of DRL (Driven Rigth Leg)

 fifteen

In addition, being non-contact sensors, with capacitive or inductive coupling, any movement of the user triggers the level of the measurements by “artifact”, hiding in some cases the signal of the body beat.

It has been seen that the quality of the signal obtained is from higher to lower with the sensors 20 placed in the following places and with the following elements and tissues:

• high quality: with sensor in the palm of the hand, wrist or forearm, all in contact with the skin directly and without requiring DRL for noise reduction,

• medium-high quality: with sensor in the middle zone back (close to the heart), with 25 pieces of cotton clothing between the skin and the sensor and use of DRL,

• medium quality: placed the sensor on the back centered on the upper third, with cotton and with DRL,

• Very low quality: placed the sensor on the wrist with cotton, on the forearm with tergal (polyester and cotton) or on the forearm with cotton and all with DRL. 30

That is, the study shows that those measurements that are made with the sensor in contact with the user's skin are better than those that are made through a garment. The palm, wrist and forearm areas with direct contact offer high quality. 35

In relation to the measurements that are made through a garment of clothes, the data collection using cotton garments is better than with any other type of fabric. According to the tests performed, the ECG and / or respiratory rate can be obtained in contact with the garment in the wrist areas, and in the upper and middle areas of the back, but this information is not extracted in the area of the forearms and lower back. 5

All these measures have the advantage that it has a symmetry in the placement of the sensors. However, the distribution of isopotential lines derived from the heartbeat are not symmetric with respect to the time of the heartbeat.

 10

The optimal placement appears to be a sensor, in the patient's left chest, and the other sensor, in the part of the back near the right shoulder. Keep in mind that the isopotential lines change over time during the beat. However, this placement is quite close to the points of greatest potential difference throughout the time. fifteen

Similarly, if both sensors are located in the back, one of them should be close to the right shoulder, while the other in the lower left part of the back.

Based on the state of the prior art and the realization studies discussed above, the object of this invention is focused on an apparatus with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram (100) where said apparatus can be a sofa, a chair or an armchair such as can be seen in Figure 1 or even a mattress as seen in Figures 2 and 3, where said ECG and / or respiratory rate monitoring can be performed with or without direct contact with the user's skin. In said apparatus (100), the user can be reclined and / or lying in such a way that the sensors come into contact with their skin and / or with their clothing.

Said apparatus (100) has at least two sensors or electrodes (10) to collect the ECG measurement strategically arranged. The sensors (10) are connected to a conditioning electronics (20) and data acquisition similar to that incorporated by traditional ECG measuring devices.

The backup device (100), within that conditioning electronics (20), has a processor that controls the different electronic elements of the device (100), collects the data acquired from ECG and / or respiratory rate and Store in an internal memory. Said processor performs data processing tasks such as filtering,

execution of specific algorithms in order to obtain the final value of the measurement or the detection of any anomaly detected in the measured signals themselves.

The apparatus (100) includes within that electronics (20) a battery, to provide power to the apparatus autonomously, without using any type of cables. Said 5 battery is charged by means of a USB, micro USB or similar connector, next to the power button, which is the only interaction that the user can make directly to the device.

The device with backup (100) for taking medical measures includes, within that electronics (20), a wireless connection type Bluetooth, WiFi, or similar, preferred through BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), so that It can be connected with a mobile device (200), such as the patient's own mobile phone, a Tablet or similar, in such a way that it allows the control of the device with backup for ECG and / or breathing rate (100) from a application installed in said mobile device, temporarily store the 15 data collected from said mobile device and the sending, through the data interfaces (for example Wifi or mobile phone data network) with which the mobile device has the sending of the data to a remote telemedicine server (300). Therefore, any interaction on the part of the user with the structure or apparatus with backrest (100), apart from the switching on and off, is carried out from said application installed in the mobile device (200) 20 connected by Bluetooth.

The processor located in said apparatus (100) is responsible for controlling the wireless communication with the mobile device (200) that executes said application, receiving and executing the mobile orders (200), as well as sending the results of the measurements to said device. mobile (200).

The apparatus (100), therefore, implements an initial pairing method with which to identify and connect the device with a specific mobile device (200) via the wireless connection, and thereby ensure the security of the connection and transmission of data and control 30 wireless.

In an alternative embodiment, there may be a wired connection between the mobile (200) and the apparatus with backrest (100), although the preferred is the wireless connection that adds comfort and flexibility to the use. 35

This interaction with the device with backup (100) through the mobile device application (200) informs the user of the status of the measurement and guides him through the steps to be taken to take measurements of both ECG and / or respiratory rate. The visualization of the measurement in said application is therefore in real time and in this way the user can decide to take the measurement again if the signal shown does not have the appropriate aspect. 5

Said telemedicine server (300) is accessed via the web by said mobile device (200) and provides data storage services, automatic data analysis for the possible detection of problems and medical advice, data consultation interface and visualization and analysis. thereof. All this information is accessed by the corresponding 10 authorized persons such as doctors, the patient or relatives or other authorized personnel, in such a way that it allows continuous monitoring of the patient and their evolution. Access to the platform by these users can be through a computer, a mobile device, etc. (400), as shown in Figure 12. 15

The telemedicine server or platform (300) performs an automatic data processing, which can be programmed by the doctor depending on the patient and disease with certain parameters. In this way, the platform (300) can identify possible problems in the signals taken and notify the doctor to verify them and take appropriate measures.

When the device with backup (100) is used by the user and ECG and / or respiratory rate measurements are made, the user can decide, through the mobile application of the mobile device (200), whether to send them to the remote server of Telemedicine (300), or leave them stored locally on the mobile (200) or delete them, for example if you check that they have not been taken correctly.

The apparatus (100) can include both sensors (10) for non-contact monitoring with the skin, and sensors (10) for non-contact monitoring, therefore through clothing; or 30 a combination of both.

In the case of including sensors (10) for non-contact monitoring, these are capacitive or inductive, while if they are sensors (10) with direct contact with the patient's skin, they are capacitive or metal electrodes. 35

Regardless of the type of sensor and its use, without or with contact, in one embodiment, the sensors are placed symmetrically, as can be seen in Figures 1 and 3.

Regardless of the type of sensor or electrode, for contact or not, they are placed in the apparatus in holes made in the upholstery (30) for this purpose, as shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6. 5

Said sensors (10) may be installed in such a way that the sensor surface is visible, flush with the upholstery (30), in order to be able to directly contact the skin or clothing of the user or patient, as shown in Figure 4.

 10

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the sensors (10) placed in the holes remain below the surface of the upholstery (30), but the upholstery (30) in that case is thinner than usual, to reduce the separation distance between the sensor itself (10) and the user's skin or clothing.

 fifteen

In another embodiment, as seen in Figure 6, the sensors (10) located in the upholstery holes (30), on its surface, another additional material with good electrical properties (40) is placed to improve the transmission of the ECG from the user's skin or clothing to the sensor (10).

 twenty

In one embodiment, for monitoring with or without direct contact with the skin, achieving a good noise reduction (SNR) at least two sensors (10) are placed non-symmetrically, specifically on both sides of the heart on the back, one near the right shoulder and the other near the waist on the left, as shown in Figure 7. 25

In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the placement of a plurality of sensors (10) arranged at different heights and horizontal position is performed to choose the pair of sensors (10) with the best possible signal combination in each moment, which may be influenced by both the user's height and the position of the user (eg, more than 30 to the right, more to the left, etc.). This choice is made by the user or person in charge of carrying out the measurement through the mobile application,

In another embodiment, regardless of the number of sensors (10) and position in the apparatus with a backrest (100) relative to the user's back, one or more sensors or electrodes are included in the position where the arms and / or hands rest ( 50), just as

It is shown in Figure 9.

In another embodiment, regardless of the number of sensors (10) and position in the apparatus with backrest (100) with respect to the user's back, or whether or not one or more sensors or electrodes are included in the position where the arms and / or hands (50), 5 additionally a specific textile is included in the seat or support area of the user's hip for DRL function (60) as can be seen in Figure 10.

In another embodiment, regardless of the number of sensors (10) and position in the apparatus with backrest (100) with respect to the user's back, or whether or not one or 10 several sensors or electrodes are included in the position where the arms rest and / or hands (50), additionally a clamp or belt type element is included at the height of the legs for DRL function (70) when placed directly in contact with the ankle skin, as seen in Figure 11 .

Claims (15)

1. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) comprising: a) a plurality of sensors (10) arranged to collect the ECG (electrocardiogram) and respiratory rate measurement, 5 b) a battery, c) an element of wireless connectivity, d) a processor arranged to control the rest of the electrical elements of the device with backrest (100) and the communication interface provided by said wireless connectivity element, 10 e) a memory for storing the measurements collected by the measuring devices and the data and programs necessary to control the elements and devices of said device (100) and communication via the communication interface, characterized 15 because at least two of said plurality of sensors (10) are located in said apparatus (100) such that they are located at the height of the user's back when using said apparatus with backrest (100) and because said plurality of sensors (10) are sensors arranged to collect the ECG measurement and / or respiratory rate in direct contact with the user's skin 20, without contact with the user's skin, with contact in the user's clothing or any combination of the above. 2. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said sensors (10) are located in said device (100) in holes made for this purpose in an upholstery (30) with the one that counts the apparatus (100). 3. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 2 characterized in that said sensors (10) are located in said holes with the surface of said sensors (10) cast flush with said upholstery ( 30). 30 4. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 2 characterized in that said sensors (10) are located in said holes under said upholstery (30) and where said upholstery (30) in more fine where it contacts the surface of the sensors (10). 5. Device with backrest for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate 35 (100) according to claim 2 characterized in that the surface of said sensors (10) additionally incorporates a material (40) with good electrical properties and where said material (40) remains flush with said upholstery (30). 6. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said plurality of sensors (10) are placed symmetrically in the area of the backrest of said device (100) ). 7. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that at least two of said plurality of sensors (10) are placed non-symmetrically in the area of the backrest for the back of said apparatus (100), on both sides of the heart area in the back, one near the right shoulder and the other near the waist on the left. 8. Device with backrest for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said plurality of sensors (10) are arranged at different heights and horizontal position in the backrest area of said back apparatus (100), where, through said mobile application, the user can choose at least one pair of said sensors (10) that best fit their height and position for taking the ECG measurement. 9. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said plurality of sensors (10) at least one (50) is located in the position where the arms and / or rest 20 hands of the user. 10. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that it includes a specific textile (60) in the seat or support area of the user's hip for DRL function (Driven Rigth Leg) 25 11. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that it includes a clamp or belt-type element at the height of the legs for DRL function (70) arranged to be placed in contact with the ankle skin of the user. 12. Device with backrest for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate 30 (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said portable device (100) is controlled, by a user, from an application installed in a mobile device (200), connected said mobile device (200) to said apparatus (100) through said communication interface. 13. Device with backrest for measuring electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate 35 (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that the communication interface provides such wireless connectivity element is a Bluetooth connection, a Bluetooth Low Energy connection or a WiFi connection. 14. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that said portable device (100) includes a method for pairing with said mobile device (200). 5 15. Device with backrest for the measurement of electrocardiogram and / or respiratory rate (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that each time an ECG measurement is taken, it is sent from said apparatus (100) to said mobile device in real time ( 200) and the user can indicate, through said application installed in said mobile device (200) if said measure is deleted, is stored in said mobile device (200) or is sent to a telemedicine server (300) for its later use