JP2018126534A - Biosignal detection module - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sensor for detecting electrocardiographic signals and biological impedance signals at the same time.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a module 1, for detecting signals from the living body of a patient (animal or human), comprising at least one sensor for detecting electrocardiographic signals 4 and at least one sensor for detecting biological impedance signals 5. The invention also relates to a module 1, for detecting signals from the living body of a patient (animal or human), comprising at least one sensor capable of detecting electrocardiographic signals and/or biological impedance signals at the same time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a module for detecting a biological signal of a patient (human or animal), such as an electrocardiographic signal and a biological impedance signal.

  Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is an imaging technique based on applying alternating electrical signals in the frequency range of 10 kHz to 2.5 MHz to a patient's body surface. The device used for this purpose comprises a plurality of sensors (electrodes) placed in contact with the skin, which are coupled by electrical conductors to the processing unit that generates the alternating signal. The method of use includes a plurality of steps. In each step, a pair of electrodes is selected and the signal is injected, and an induced voltage detected by a non-selected electrode is measured. In subsequent steps, other pairs of electrodes are selected and signals are injected, and this sequence continues until all electrodes of the device are selected, thereby completing the exploration cycle. The induced voltage detected by the electrodes can be processed by specific software to generate an image representing the ventilation and perfusion phenomena in the target living body.

  In a research environment, it is acceptable for the electrodes to be individually placed around the patient's chest. However, this approach is difficult because the user must be careful to maintain the proper alignment of the placement electrodes. In order to solve this problem, different solutions have already been described and developed for mounting electrodes in modules that can be easily applied to patients.

  The impedance signal detected at each cycle includes a signal generated from a factor based on the normal functioning of the organism. Thus, for example, the signals detected by the electrodes in each measurement cycle are affected by the electrical and mechanical signals generated by the heart activity and are distorted. This effect must therefore be separated from the signal generated by mechanical ventilation in order to improve the analysis of each of these phenomena.

  Therefore, the need to synchronize the acquisition of impedance signals with devices capable of supplying an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is well known, and the EIT device algorithm can identify when a heartbeat occurs, The effect of this activity can be separated from the ventilation activity. Alternatively, a device that provides an ECG signal can also indicate other moments related to the cardiac cycle as well as when a heartbeat occurs.

  This integration with ECG devices can be achieved through different methods.

  For example, according to the first method, the ECG device may be a different device than the EIT device, or (multi-parameter vital signs, common in intensive care units, operating rooms and emergency rooms) It may be part of a different device (such as a monitor).

  In this case, there are drawbacks related to integration. Because hospitals typically have different brands of equipment, the integration of ECG equipment with EIT equipment requires coordination between different providers and their interests.

  According to the second method, for example, an ECG device may be integrated into an EIT device. This solution is also well known and typically solves the problem of integration between different devices provided by different suppliers. The ECG acquisition circuit may be located on an electronic board independent of the EIT circuit or may be integrated into the EIT circuit itself, sharing some use of electronic components.

  This second method solves the main drawbacks of the first method, but involves the major problem of having too many electrodes applied to the patient. In this case, the patient to whom the EIT device is attached must attach two sets of electrodes for obtaining an ECG signal applied to his or her chest. In this case, the first set is intended for use by an EIT device and the second set is intended for use by an ECG monitor which may be part of an independent device or a multi-parameter vital signs monitor.

  Furthermore, in addition to the severe discomfort experienced by the patient, another drawback due to this excess electrode is the difficulty of using the EIT device itself.

  These sets of ECG acquisition electrodes typically include 3, 5 or 10 cables, which are aggregated into an intermediate coupling component from which as a thick cable containing all signals in the ECG device. Connect to the connector.

  If the EIT device is a multi-parameter vital signs monitor module, the same challenges exist with worse problems. The reason is that in this case, there is less freedom to place the EIT device to facilitate application of the electrodes. Since synchronization with the ECG acquisition module is facilitated if from the same manufacturer, it is usually done by sending a cardiac event identified based solely on digital analysis of the ECG signal to the EIT module, Not appropriate. This is because it includes a delay that is not necessarily uniform.

  Apart from the previous examples, several documents reflecting the current state of the art are worth mentioning.

  In this regard, reference is made to document PI 0704408-9. This document describes a modular belt with multiple electrodes intended to be applied around a body part of a patient or animal, but does not mention the addition of an electrocardiographic electrode to the same belt .

  On the other hand, the document PI 0805365, for the purpose of providing a solution to both economics and easy application to the patient, to apply transcutaneous electrical stimulation to the patient and / or to detect the patient's electrical signal The electrodes used will be described. However, since this document does not describe even the interposition of the electrocardiogram electrode, it does not solve the problem of integration with the electrocardiogram device.

  The document US 2006/0058600 describes electrodes that are attached to a modular belt that are coupled longitudinally by means of an instrument that allows acquisition sets with various numbers of electrodes. However, this document does not mention acquisition of an electrocardiogram signal by this belt.

  Document US 4,722,354 describes a deformable conductive knitted fabric impregnated with a conductive adhesive that adheres to the skin of a patient. The electrical contacts are provided by a flexible multi-core cable, and cable end insulation is removed to allow separation of these conductors on the fabric surface. On this set, an insulating plastic plate is glued to avoid accidental electrical contact with the conductive part of the electrode.

  Document US Pat. No. 4,736,752 describes that the conductive portion of the electrode includes a plurality of conductive paint traces coated on a flexible insulating base, such as a thin sheet of polyethylene.

  The above commented references refer to the structural aspects and electrodes of a belt-shaped module for detecting biological signals without solving the problems associated with current belts.

  Finally, document PI0801014-5 refers to the use of data, signals, events and information detected by different means and devices to improve the function of electrical impedance tomography. Although this document considers the case where an ECG device can be integrated into an EIT device, it does not solve the important practical problem of applying two sets of ECG electrodes.

  Accordingly, in order to solve the above-mentioned specific problems and other problems existing in the prior art, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a biological signal detection module including a sensor dedicated to detection of an electrical signal from the heart. is there. These sensors are provided on the same surface as the module.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a biosignal detection module including a sensor that simultaneously detects an electrocardiogram signal and a bioimpedance signal. Such a sensor is provided on the same side as the module.

  The lists described in the specification with respect to biosignal detection devices and methods and their issues are exemplary and not exhaustive, so the present invention is further embraced by way of specific features. Other problems of the prior art not described in the specification can also be solved.

US Patent Application Publication No. 2006/0058600 US Pat. No. 4,722,354 US Pat. No. 4,736,752 Brazil patent application published PI 0704408-9 Brazil Patent Application Publication No. PI 0805365 Specification Brazil Patent Application Publication No. PI0801014-5 Specification

  In particular, in order to avoid the aforementioned drawbacks in the prior art, the present invention provides a biological signal detection module comprising at least one sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram signal and at least one sensor for detecting a bioimpedance signal. Mention.

  In the same context, the present invention also refers to a biosignal detection module comprising at least one sensor capable of simultaneously detecting an electrocardiogram signal and / or a bioimpedance signal.

  Depending on additional or alternative embodiments of the present invention, the following features and their potential variations may exist alone or in combination.

  The electrocardiogram signal is an electrocardiogram signal.

  The bioimpedance signal is a signal used for electrical impedance tomography.

  Sensors for electrocardiographic signals and bioimpedance are electrodes.

  The sensor for simultaneous detection is an electrode.

  The module includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is on the opposite side of the second surface, and the first surface is capable of contacting a living body.

  At least one sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram signal and at least one sensor for detecting a bioimpedance signal are disposed on the first surface.

  At least one simultaneous sensor is disposed on the first surface.

  The module has an elongated shape. as well as

  The module is formed from a flexible material.

  Objects, enhancements, and advantages of the biological signal detection module that represents the objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings for specific embodiments. Since these drawings are schematic and are for the purpose of teaching the present invention only for teaching purposes, their sizes and ratios may not correspond to actual ones. Moreover, no limitation is imposed beyond the scope defined by the appended claims.

1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows 2nd embodiment of this invention.

  The present invention will now be described with respect to particular embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following drawings and description, like parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification and drawings. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Certain features may be magnified or rather schematically represented, and some details of conventional components may not be represented to improve the clarity and brevity of the present description. . The invention is capable of different embodiments. Although specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and are described in detail, they are considered to be illustrative of the principles of the invention and the invention has been illustrated and described herein. They are not intended to be limiting and should be considered as exemplifying the principles of the invention. It should be understood that the different teachings for the embodiments described below may be utilized separately or in appropriate combinations to achieve the same desired effect.

  FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention. According to this first embodiment, the module 1 is elongated and includes two surfaces, the first surface 2 is configured to contact the patient (human or animal) body, and the second surface 3 is the first surface. Present on the opposite side of one surface 2. The shape of each one of surfaces 2 and 3 can vary within the scope of the present invention, and the substantially rectangular shape shown in FIG. 1 may vary depending on the manner in which the present invention is implemented. . Thus, in an alternative embodiment, for example, the first surface 2 may be a rounded corner or a rectangle with a flat surface that includes waviness along its contour.

  Furthermore, in order to facilitate application to the patient's body, whether human or animal, the module 1 is formed from a flexible material, for example a polymer material with elastic properties. In addition, the module 1 may be formed as a belt that can incorporate the flexibility provided by the polymeric material to facilitate patient application and greatly improve comfort.

  Refer to FIG. 1 again. The module comprises two types of sensors having at least one sensor intended to detect the electrocardiogram signal 4 and at least one sensor for detecting the bioimpedance signal 5, these sensors 4 and 5. It should be noted that is placed on the first surface 2 of the module. It should therefore be noted that the sensors 4 and 5 are arranged on the same area, in other words on the same “footprint”.

  In particular, the electrocardiogram signal is an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal and the bioimpedance signal is used for electrical impedance tomography (EIT). Furthermore, in a particular embodiment of the invention, the sensor for the electrocardiogram signal 4 and for the bioimpedance signal 5 is an electrode.

  In particular, the module 1 may include 8 to 32 sensors provided on the first surface 2 for detecting the bioimpedance signal 5. It is important to point out that the reserve number of sensors for detecting the impedance signal 5 may be varied according to embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the arrangement of these sensors 5 may include spacing and distribution patterns. That is, these sensors may or may not be arranged, and a predetermined distance may be provided between them.

  In particular, the module may include various numbers of sensors for detecting the electrocardiogram signal 4. In this case, the arrangement of these sensors 4 on the first surface of the module 1 may or may not be along the arrangement pattern. Therefore, these sensors 4 may be arranged at random positions at the discretion of the person embodying the present invention.

  Thus, in view of the aforementioned layout and placement options, the present invention provides a sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram signal 4 between sensors for detecting an impedance signal 5 or even in other areas of the first surface 2. It may be provided.

  Thus, since the module 1 already includes a sensor for detecting the electrocardiogram signal 4 and the impedance signal 5 in its body (more precisely, on the first surface 2), an electrocardiogram signal such as an ECG signal. There is no need to add, couple or connect additional sensors for measuring.

  Furthermore, since the sensor for detecting the electrocardiogram signal 4 and the sensor for detecting the bioimpedance signal 5 may have various shapes, such features limit the scope of the present invention. There is no. Thus, for example, such sensors may exhibit circular, oval, rectangular, elliptical, etc., although other shapes are possible.

  As shown in FIG. 1, at least one conductor 6 is coupled to each sensor 4 and 5, and these conductors 6 converge toward an outlet 7 associated with the body of the module 1. At this stage, it is important to point out that the representation of the conductor 6 in FIG. 1 is for illustrative purposes and is schematic. Actually, such a conductor 6 is provided in the module 1.

The outlet 7 may have a tube shape and be integrally formed with the main body of the module 1. Alternatively, a separate device attached to the module 1 may be configured. Furthermore, this outlet 7 may be provided as a single cable, ie the main cable (“relay cable”), connecting the conductors 6 of the various sensors 4 and 5, which are coupled to the body of the module 1. In addition, the outlet 7 constructed as a single cable, i.e. the main cable, may also include a connector (not shown) to which the conductors 6 of the module 1 can be connected to those shown below. That is, to monitor patient conditions using data detected by sensors 4 and 5 or impedance tomography (EIT) devices, devices that integrate the functions of impedance tomography (EIT) and electrocardiogram (ECG) Other devices.

  FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The module 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention has the same features as the first embodiment except for the fact that it includes at least one sensor 8 capable of simultaneously detecting an electrocardiogram signal and / or a bioimpedance signal. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the module 1 includes a general-purpose type sensor that can detect both an electrocardiogram signal and a bioimpedance signal.

  Since the shape and arrangement of the simultaneous sensor 8 may be changed, a plurality of sensors 8 may or may not be arranged as in the case of the sensors 4 and 5 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, as already described with respect to the sensors 4 and 5 of the first embodiment of the invention, this sensor 8 is also arranged on the first surface 2 of the module 1, i.e. in the same area or “footprint”. It may be embodied as an electrode. Therefore, since the module 1 already includes a sensor for detecting an electrocardiographic signal and an impedance signal in its body (more precisely, on the first surface 2), to measure an electrocardiographic signal such as an ECG signal. There is no need to add, couple or connect additional sensors.

  The exact number of simultaneous sensors 8 arranged on the first surface 2 of the module 1 may also be varied within the scope of the invention. As is the case with the first embodiment, the module 1 of the second embodiment of the present invention may include 8 to 32 simultaneous sensors 8.

  Of course, these numbers represent examples relating to quantities and are not intended to limit or limit the scope of the invention.

  In addition, as is the case with the first embodiment of the present invention, each simultaneous sensor 8 is coupled with at least one conductor 6, as schematically illustrated in FIG. These conductors 6 also converge towards an outlet 7 which can be embodied as a single cable, i.e. a main cable ("relay cable"). This cable includes an impedance tomography (EIT) device, a device including impedance tomography (EIT) and electrocardiogram (ECG) functions, an electrocardiogram device, or a patient situation using data detected by the simultaneous sensor 8 Other devices for monitoring are coupled.

  Another difference worth noting regarding the second embodiment of the present invention is the fact that the device for receiving the signals detected by the simultaneous sensor 8 includes means for identifying and separating the electrocardiographic and bioimpedance signals. It is in.

  In particular, these means for identifying and separating the signals detected by the simultaneous sensor 8 may include amplifiers and filters. Thus, for example, an amplifier with a high input impedance may be coupled to the main cable itself or more precisely to the conductor 6. After passing through the amplifier, a high pass filter may be applied to eliminate the sensor offset.

  The high pass filter may be a first order with a 2 Hz cutoff frequency. A low pass filter may then be applied to remove the high frequency from the device power supply and the high frequency generated by the sensor scanning performed to generate the image. This low-pass filter is eighth order and may have a gain of 150 and a cut-off frequency of 40 Hz. At the end of these amplification and filtering steps, an electrocardiogram signal is acquired.

  As described above, placing the sensor for detecting the electrocardiogram signal 4 and the sensor for detecting the bioimpedance signal 5 on the same surface 2 (ie, “footprint”) of the module 1 is within the scope of the present invention. Produces many benefits. One of these advantages may be the fact that no sensor needs to be added or coupled to measure an electrocardiogram signal, such as an electrocardiogram signal. Therefore, the problem of the prior art of excessive electrodes is solved.

  Furthermore, another advantage is towards the outlet 7 which is directly attached to the body of the module 1 and is embodied as a single cable, ie main cable (“relay cable”), which is coupled to the patient monitoring device. , Related to the fact that the conductor 6 converges. One thing that may be mentioned as an advantage is that patients and medical staff are no longer blocked by a large number of wires and cables. Recall that each prior art electrode has a single wire or cable coupled to it. Furthermore, it is worth remembering that these wires and cables according to the prior art are placed on the hospital bed, on the patient or even between the bed and the device to monitor the patient's condition. It is. The present invention solves this problem well.

  The synergy resulting from combining sensors 4, 5 or 8 on the same face 2 (ie “footprint”) of the module 1 with the convergence of the conductor towards the outlet 7 embodied in the form of a single cable, ie the main cable. The effect is also worth mentioning. The practical features and ease of use brought about by the combination of these two factors make the module 1 clearly advantageous and ingenious compared to the prior art.

  In addition, it is also worth pointing out that the second embodiment of the present invention provides diversity advantages. More precisely, on the condition that the simultaneous sensor 8 can detect an electrocardiogram signal and / or a bioimpedance signal at the same time, the patient monitoring device makes such an electrode 8 an electrocardiogram electrode, an impedance tomography electrode. Or it can be configured to be usable as both. Consequently, a certain number of simultaneous sensors 8 may be configured to operate as electrocardiogram electrodes, and another specific number may be configured to operate as impedance tomography electrodes.

  While the biosignal detection module of the present invention is particularly useful for detecting electrocardiographic and bioimpedance signals, the module of the present invention may be configured for other types of applications and is equivalent. The protection scope of the present invention including such changes may be modified in the embodiment so as to be limited only by the content of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

  A biosignal detection module (1) comprising at least one sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram signal (4) and at least one sensor for detecting a bioimpedance signal (5). The electrocardiogram signal is an electrocardiogram signal;
Module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bioimpedance signal is used for electrical impedance tomography.   Module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor for electrocardiographic and bioimpedance signals is an electrode. A first surface (2) and a second surface (3), wherein the first surface (2) is provided on the opposite side of the second surface (3) and is capable of contacting a living body;
At least one sensor for detecting an electrocardiogram signal (4) and at least one sensor for detecting a bioimpedance signal (5) are arranged on the first surface (2), Module (1) according to claim 1.   2. Module (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an elongated shape and is formed from a flexible material.   A biological signal detection module (1) comprising at least one sensor (8) capable of simultaneously detecting an electrocardiogram signal and / or a biological impedance signal. The electrocardiogram signal is an electrocardiogram signal;
Module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the bioimpedance signal is a signal used for electrical impedance tomography.   Module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the simultaneous sensor (8) is an electrode. A first surface (2) and a second surface (3), wherein the first surface (2) is provided on the opposite side of the second surface (3) and is capable of contacting a living body;
Module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one simultaneous sensor (8) is arranged on the first surface (2).   Module (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that it has an elongated shape and is formed from a flexible material.

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