WIRELESS ELECTROCARDIOGRAPHY SYSTEM
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cardiac monitoring system, and more particularly, to a wireless electrocardiography (ECG) system. The cardiac monitoring system of the present invention detects physiological data of a patient, such as electrocardiography (ECG) information and transmits the information to a central monitoring station by telemetry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A system of electrocardiography (ECG) monitors cardiac electrical activity in a patient. Conventional ECG systems use conductive pads or electrodes that are placed in specific locations of a patient to detect the electrical impulses generated by the heart during each beat. In response to the detection of electrical impulses from the heart, the electrodes produce electrical signals that indicate the activity of the heart.
Transfer directly from the electrodes to a stationary ECG monitor through multiple cables or connections. The ECG monitor performs various signal processing and computer processing operations to convert unprocessed electrical signals into meaningful information that can be displayed on a monitor or printed to be reviewed by a specialist. Telemetry systems provide an alternative to conventional wired ECG systems, which require multiple cables and connections that normally connect a patient connected to an ECG with an ECG monitor. Conventional telemetry systems use portable telemetry boxes, which are wired to multiple electrodes placed on the patient's body. The electrical signals from the patient's heart are detected by the electrodes and collected through the telemetry box. In turn, the telemetry box processes the electrical signals in waveform data and transmits the data that is at a moderate distance to a downlink antenna that is wired to a central monitoring station. The data received by the downlink antenna is transmitted to a central monitoring station, where health specialists can remotely view and monitor the real-time electrocardiography data of patients connected to the telemetry system. However, to use existing telemetry systems, hospitals must readjust their rooms with an extensive network of cables and antennas to send patient information to the central monitoring station. The cost associated with cables, antennas and system installation is very significant. In addition, many of the existing telemetry systems are proprietary and not designed to operate with conventional stationary ECG monitors or other telemetry components. Therefore, there is a need for an ECG telemetry system that is cost effective and universally compatible with telemetry systems and existing or conventional ECG components.
Summary of the Invention The present invention relates to a system with existing or conventional ECG monitors. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a telemetry electrocardiography system for collecting and transmitting information from electrocardiography and other physiological data of a patient and transmitting the information and data to a central monitoring station by telemetry. The present invention includes a data collection unit for
10 Collect the physiological data of a patient. The data collection unit comprises a chest assembly and a remote electronic unit. The chest assembly is placed on the patient and detects electrical signals
15 of a patient's heart. The chest assembly is connected to the remote electronics unit and transmits the electrical signals to the remote electronics unit. The remote electronic unit processes the signals and
20 transmits the data to a repeater. The repeater has the ability to receive and relay data transmissions simultaneously from multiple remote electronic units. Multiple repeaters are placed in different
| 25- luydie sa 3ro l ^ ngO cte "a hospital, to provide a cellular pattern coverage consisting of overlapping zones, so that each patient using the system is within the range of multiple repeaters at any given time In turn, each repeater relieves the transmissions from the remote electronic signal to a central monitoring station.The central monitoring station includes a central base station that processes signals sent from multiple repeaters and transmits the data to a monitor or monitors, where the hospital staff can remotely view and monitor the real-time physiological data of the patients connected to the system in another way, as well as other advantages, details, modalities, characteristics and novel objects of the present invention. be appreciated by those skilled in the art from the detailed description of the invention, the claims and which accompany the present invention, which are described below and are useful for the explanation thereof.
Brief Description of the Figures. The above aspects, as well as many of the advantages of the present invention, can be easily appreciated by reference to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments that will be found later, when taken in conjunction with the figures that accompany it, in where: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the ECG system; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the chest and precordial assembly; Figure 3 is a top view of an example embodiment of the chest assembly; Figure 4 is a top view of an example embodiment of the precordial assembly; Figure 5 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the electronic unit of the body; Figure 6 is a top view of an example embodiment of the assembly connectors; Fig. 7 is a front view of an example of the first or third embodiment of the body. Fig. 7a is an example of the user interface of the electronic unit. Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the transmitter, Figure 9a is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the base station used in conjunction with the signal handler; illustrates the electronic unit of the body used in conjunction with the signal handler, Figure 10 is a perspective view of an example embodiment of the base station, Figure 11 is a front view of an example embodiment of the station; Figure IA is an example mode of the user interface of the base station, Figure 12 is a block diagram of an exemplary mode of the receiver, Figure 13 is a perspective view of a modality. example of station b Figure 14 is a flow diagram of an example mode for the operation of the E CíT system and: ": - -:::
Figure 15 illustrates an example mode of the telemetry system;
Detailed Description of the Invention For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. In summary, the present invention relates to a wireless portable ECG system. Referring to Figure 1, the ECG system 10 comprises a chest assembly 12, an electronic body unit 14 and a base station 16. The chest assembly 12 is a flexible one-piece circuit that connects a plurality of electrode connectors 18. Referring to figure 3, the electrode connectors are labeled individually as 18a, 18b, 18c, and 18e. The electrode connectors 18 have releasable connections that connect the electrodes or sensors 20. Preferably, the electrode connectors 18 have pressure terminals that connect the two terminals that will terminate them. pressure Each electrode connector 18 is connected to an electrically conductive element or trace for transmitting electrical signals.The electrically conductive elements or traces run along the chest assembly 12 and are connected to a connector of the chest assembly. Referring to Figure 2, the chest assembly 12 has outer layers 22, 24, which are constructed of a material reasonably resistant to moisture and lightweight, such as DuPont Sontara® or other suitable fabric. of insulation 30, 32 of Mylar® film (polyester) or other suitable insulation material The adhesive layers 34, 36 secure the insulation layers 30, 32 to a base layer 38 The base layer 38 is preferably constructed of a Mylar film and has a first side 40 and a second side 42. The electrically conductive elements or traces that are connected to the electrode connectors 18 are located on the first side 40 of the layer. base 38. One such conductive element or trace is shown with the number 39. On the second side 42 of the base layer 38, a protective layer 44 is located to reduce any external interference or radio frequency noise with the assembly for the chest 12. The protective layer 44 can be constructed from a single layer or multiple layers of any dielectric or electrical or magnetically conductive material. The rear part of the electrode connector 18 can also be covered with Mylar to additionally isolate the chest assembly 12 and prevent an externally applied electrical potential from entering the ECG system. The protective layer preferably comprises a grid with an X pattern. Referring again to FIG. 1, the chest assembly 12 adheres to five electrodes 20 and provides a means for generally placing the electrodes on the patient, providing in this way an analysis of up to "7 wires" of the electrical activity of the heart. The electrode connectors 18 are preferably marked and color coded to ensure that the chest assembly 12 is properly positioned in the patient and connected to the appropriate electrodes or sensors. For example, by referring to "T" to "FIG. 3", the connectors of ~ electrodes with the numbers 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d, 18e, are marked as RL, LA, LL, RA, and V, respectively. The chest assembly 12 is constructed in such a way that the electrode connector RA is connected to an electrode placed on the right side of the patient's chest approximately at the level of the first and second intercostal spaces, the electrode connector LA is connected to a electrode connected on the left side of the patient's chest approximately at the level of the first and second intercostal spaces, the electrode connectors RL and LL are connected to the electrodes placed on the left side of the patient's torso, and the electrode connector V is connected to an electrode placed in the middle part of the patient's chest approximately at the level of the fourth and fifth intercostal spaces. The chest 12 assembly is designed in such a way that it is centered in the chest below the patient's clavicle. Referring to FIG. 3, the chest assembly 12 is configured to provide a flexible placement of the lens assembly in FIG. 3 for the purposes of illustration only, and therefore, the chest assembly 12, as illustrated in Fig. 3, is not limited to any particular shape or configuration.The chest assembly 12 has a linear back section or part., which extends from the connector of the chest assembly 21. Referring again to Figure 1, the rear part 46 has a securing means 46a that allows the. backside 46 extends to either side of the patient. This securing means 46a can be any suitable mechanical device, although an adhesive or a fastener is most preferred. Referring again to FIG. 3, the rear portion 46 flows into an electrode retention section 47. The electrode retention section 47 has an arched section 48. A first extensible arm 50 adheres to the arcuate section 48. The electrode connector RA is adhered to the first expandable arm 50. The arcuate section 48 flows in a transition section 52. The electrode connector LA adheres to the transition section 52. The transition section 52 flows into a linear path 5. ~~ The electrode connector RL adheres to the linear path 54. The second expandable arm 56 and the extension arm 58 adhere to the linear path 54. The electrode connector V adheres to the second extension arm 58 and the electrode connector LL adheres to the second expandable arm 56. Expandable arms 50, 56 are cut with a die in a serpentine pattern. Expandable arms 50, 56 comprise polypropylene or polyethylene fabric, Kapton, Mylar, or other flexible material with less memory. If necessary, the expandable arms 50, 56 expand, elongating the serpentine pattern. When they expand, a part or all of the expandable arm extends. When only one part of the expandable arm extends, another part remains bent. The expandable arms 50, 56 allow extension, as needed, so that the chest assembly 12 can be adjusted to patients of various sizes and also allows movement of the patient when carrying the chest assembly 12. The extension arm 58 allows flexible positioning of the electrode connector T ~ e the middle part of the patient's chest, such as a placement in the position of electrodes VI, V2 or
V3 In some cases, the health specialist may wish not to use the extension arm 58 to take electrocardiographic measurements. Therefore to keep the extension arm 58 secured to the linear path 54 and to ensure that the extension arm 58 does not interfere with the positioning and positioning of the assembly assembly for the chest assembly 12, the extension arm 58 is cut off. with die with a perforated joint connecting the extension arm 58 and the linear path 54 along the length of the extension arm 58. If the health specialist wishes to use the extension arm 58, the perforated joint is broken, so that the extension arm 58 can be selectively placed on the patient's chest. The chest assembly 12 can be used with a precordial assembly 60 to provide a "12-wire" analysis of the electrical activity of the heart. Similar to the chest assembly 12, the precordial assembly 60 is a flexible one-piece circuit that connects a plurality of electrode connectors 62. The electrode connectors 62 have releasable connections that are connected to the electrodes (not shown). Preferably, the electrode connectors 62 have pressure terminals that are connected to the electrode having terminals under pressure. Each electrode connector 62 is connected to an electrically conductive element or trace to transmit electrical signals from a patient's heart.
The electrically conductive elements or traces run along the precordial assembly 60 and are connected to a precordial assembly connector 66. The precordial assembly 60 has the construction shown in Figure 2. The precordial assembly 60 can be adhered to six electrodes that are placed selectively on the abdomen and the middle part of the patient's chest. The electrode connectors 62 of precordial assembly 60 are marked or
20 preferably coded with color to prevent the specialist from applying or placing the precordial assembly on the patient incorrectly. For example, referring to Figure 4, the electrode connectors 62a, 62b, 62c, 62d,
"25" - -y ~ '62? they are marked with VT7 ~~ V2, V3 ~, V4 ~ V5 ~, ~ and V6, respectively. When the precordial assembly 60 is used, the electrode connector V which is in the chest assembly 12 is removed from its electrode and replaced with an electrode connector in the precordial assembly 60. As shown in Figure 4 , the precordial assembly 60 is configured to provide a flexible positioning of the precordial assembly 60 in the patient. Figure 4 is for purposes of illustration only, and therefore, the precordial assembly 60, as illustrated in Figure 4, is not limited to any particular shape or configuration. The precordial assembly has a linear back section 68 that extends from the assembly connector of the precordial assembly 66. The linear back section 68 flows into an electrode retaining section 69. The electrode retention section 69 it has a first arched section having a first transition section 72. The electrode connector V2 adheres to the first transition section 72. The electrode connector VI adheres to a first extension arm 7 ~ 4 ~~ connected to it. the first transition section 72. A second arcuate section 76 extends from the first transition section 72. A second transition section 78 abuts the second arcuate section 76 and the electrode connector V4 adheres to the second transition section 76. The electrode connector V3 is adhered to a second extension arm 80 connected to the second transition section 78. A third arched section 82 f luye from the second transition section 78. The third arcuate section 82 is supported by a third transition section 84. The electrode connector V5 is adhered to the third transition section 84. A fourth arcuate section 86 extends from the third section Transition 84. The V6 electrode adheres to the fourth arcuate section 86. The configuration of the precordial assembly 60 allows the health specialist to flexibly place the electrode connectors 62, as necessary, to correctly position the precordial assembly 60 in the patient and to allow the movement of the patient when carrying the precordial assembly 60. In operation ^ the assembly for it pecn ~ c ^ G2 and the precordial assembly 60 detect electrical signals generated by the heart during each pulse and transfer these signals to the body's electronic unit 14. When the system is operating in a "7-wire" mode (ie, when the chest assembly 12 is being used), the electronic unit of the body 14 acquires signals from the electrodes RL, RA, LL, LA and V. The electronic unit of the body 14 uses the RL electrode as a reference to ground. When the system is operating in the 12-wire mode "(ie, the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60 are being used), the electronics unit of the body 14 acquires signals from the electrodes RL, RA, LL and LA through the chest assembly 12 and acquire signals from the electrodes VI, V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6 through the precordial assembly 60. Alternatively, the system can monitor several electrode numbers, for example, the specialist In health, you can choose to use only two electrodes to monitor the heart, seven electrodes to monitor the heart, or the like, In other words, the e s s e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ invención invención invención invención invención invención invención invención invención?????? a a a a u u u u u u análisis análisis análisis heart "7 cables" and "12 cables." In addition, to detect electrical signals from the heart, the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60 can be constructed to detect other vital signs of the patient, for example, pulsation, respiratory rate, a, heart rate, EEG temperature signals and pulse oximeter signals. Referring to Figure 5, the assembly 12 is connected to the electronic unit of the body 14 through a connector of the chest assembly 21. Specifically, the connector of the chest assembly 21 is inserted into a door of the body. chest assembly 88 which is located in the electronic unit of the body 14. Similarly, the precordial assembly 60 is connected to the electronic unit of the body 14 through the connector of the precordial assembly 66. Specifically, the connector of the precordial assembly 66 (not shown) is inserted into a door of the precordial assembly 90. Resistors are connected to the door of the chest assembly 88 and to the door of the precordial assembly 90 to prevent an excessive electric current from entering the - a ± d3rd thus ensuring that the electronic unit of the body 14 continues to operate correctly in the presence of a strong electric current caused by a defibrillator (e.g. a defibrilization excitation of 5 kV). The connector of the chest assembly 21 and the connector of the precordial assembly 66 are designed or configured in a specific manner to prevent the connectors of the assembly 21, 66 from being inserted into the doors of the assembly 88, 90 backwards, misaligned or of some another wrong way. In addition, the connector of the chest assembly 21 is designed configured so that it is not compatible with the door of the precordial assembly 90. Similarly, the connector of the precordial assembly 66 is designed or configured in such a way that it is not compatible with the chest assembly door 88. Specifically, the chest assembly connector 21 has tabs configured or specifically shaped to fit within corresponding slots of the chest assembly door 88. Accordingly, the connector of the assembly for the chest 21 it can be connected only-to-the-pro-e-rira-de ~ lrs ~ amtrle for the chest 88 in an orientation. For example, if the tabs are not aligned with the slots, the connector of the chest assembly 21 will not engage the door of the chest assembly 88. Likewise, the connector of the precordial assembly 66 has tabs (not shown) configured and arranged in a specific manner to fit within corresponding grooves (not shown) of the door of the precordial assembly 90. As shown in Figure 6, the connector of the chest assembly 21 and the connector of the precordial assembly 66 (not shown), have retaining clips or flaps 92 located on the sides of the connectors 21, 66 to removably secure the connectors 21, 66 in the assembly doors 88, 90. However, other means may be used to removably secure the connectors 21, 66 on the assembly doors 88, 90, such as screws, bolts or the like. In addition, the connectors of the assembly 21, 66 may have fins or spring clips 94 located at the tip of the connectors 21, 66, to provide an inclination or tension against the doors of the assembly 9 - The spring or spring fasteners 94, supply the connectors 21, 66 with a secure fit between the doors of the assembly 88, 90, thereby reducing any play or movement of the connectors 21, 66 within the doors of the assembly 88, 90. The elements or strokes electrically conductive are specifically configured in the connectors 21, 66 to ensure that the electrical signals of the heart are transmitted correctly to the electronic unit of the body 14. In other words, the electrically conductive elements or lines must be sufficiently separated or otherwise insulated, in such a way as to avoid arcing through the electrically conductive elements. Electrically conductive traces or strokes allow the chest assembly and precordial assembly to withstand the impact of defibrillation. Furthermore, the connectors 21, 66 have ribs 96 to prevent the electrically conductive elements or traces from coming into contact with metal objects or the like, when the connectors 21,66 are not inserted in the doors of the assembly 88, 9T | The connector of the chest assembly 21 has a sensor bolt or ground bolt 98 that completes a circuit inside the electronics unit of the body 14, when the connector of the chest assembly 21 is connected to the door of the chest assembly 88, thus activating the power and bringing the electronic unit of body 14 to the "recess mode." The sensing pin has a corresponding tab corresponding to and fits into a slot located in the door of the chest assembly 88. The sensor pin 98 serves as a means for the body electronics unit 14 to identify the chest assembly 12 and avoid the use of other chest assemblies or electrocardiographs that are not designed to be used with the body electronics unit 14. In other words, the power of the body electronics unit 14 will not be activated unless the body unit is activated. of the body 14 will identify or recognize the sensor bolt 98 of the chest assembly 12. The outer case of the electronics unit for the body 14 is constructed from p1á-sirco-rrgero mo ~ l ~ cte ~ a ~ dO-y Such a cylinder is made of carbon dioxide (ABS) or other suitable material. The shape and configuration of the electronic unit of the body 14 is not limited to any particular shape or configuration. As shown in Figure 1, the electronics unit of the body 14 is removably secured to the patient's arm through an arm band 100, thereby making the electronic unit of the body 14 easily accessible to the patient's arm. the patient. The arm band 100 is wrapped around the patient's right or left arm and adhered through Sailboat or other suitable securing means, such as bolts, snaps or the like. In the electronic unit of the body 14, it slides under a belt or cavity in the band for the arm 100. Referring to Figure 7, the electronic unit of the body 14 has a user interface 102 and a battery 104. The user interface 102 provides information to the patient that pertains to the state or operating functionality of the system. For example, an example mode of the user interface 102 may provide information with reT-rpne rtro to ~~ s ~ ~~ 1a u: n "e" eTecTronicas of the body 14 is in communication or is transmitting in normal form to the station base 16, if the battery 104 of the body electronics unit 14 is charging the battery 104 which is low, if the electronic power of the body 12 is activated or if the electronic unit of the body 14 or the base station is malfunctioning . In addition, the user interface 102 can provide instructions in the correct order or procedure for matching or coupling the electronic unit of the body 14 with the base station 16. Said information can be communicated to the patient through the user interface 102, for example , LEDs, LCD, text, audible tones, etc. An example mode of the user interface is shown in Figure 7a. The interface of the user 102 is easily accessible to the patient, when the electronic unit of the body 14 is secured to the band for the arm 100. The battery 104 is inserted in a battery door 104 located in the bottom part of the unit of body electronics 1. The battery 104 is stopped at the battery door by means of other suitable means, such as fasteners, screws and the like. The battery 104 is preferably a 3.6 V Li-ion rechargeable battery. The battery 104 is easily accessible to the patient when the electronic unit of the body 14 is secured to the band for the arm 100. The electronic unit of the body 14 controls the acquisition of the ECG signals of the chest assembly 12 and the assembly. precordial 60. A transmitter within the electronic unit of the body 14 receives or acquires ECG signals from the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60 preferably at 3 kbps. When the system is operating in a "7-wire" mode (ie, when only the chest assembly 12 is being used) the electronics unit of the body 14 acquires signals from the electrodes RL, RA, LL, LA, and V. When the system is operating in the "12-wire" mode (ie the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60 are being used) the electronics unit of body 14 acquires signals from the electrodes RL, RA, LL , and LA through the assembly for the chest 12 and acquire signals from the e-tencrtrodos d "e ~ ± VI a ~ l V¾ through the precordial assembly 60. In addition, other vital signs of the patient can be detected through the system and transmitted to the electronic unit of the body 14, for example, pulsation, respiratory rate, heart rate, temperature, EEG signals and pulse oximeter signals.The processing of waveforms is not conducted in the electronic unit of the body 14 of fi data physiological collected from the patient. Rather, all waveform processing of the signal is performed either on the base station 16 or on a conventional monitor. In contrast, in conventional telemetry systems, the waveform processing of the physiological data is carried out in the remote electronics or telemetry unit. Referring to Figure 8 the transmitter comprises an application specific integrated circuit, a processor of another circuit, a plurality of channels 112, a multiplexer 114, an analog to digital converter (ADC) 116, a controller 118, and a 120 radio. In addition, fewer different components or components can be used. The cobalt unit of the COBTCTO 4 has nine signal channels 112 corresponding to the ten electrodes connected to the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60. The electrode channels 112, each comprise a connector 122, a filter 124, an amplifier 126, a Nyquist filter 128 and a sample and holding circuit 130. The connectors 122 of the signal channels 112 are connected either to the door of the chest assembly 88 or to the door of the precordial assembly 90., depending on whether the electrode channel 112 corresponds to an electrode located in the chest assembly 12 or precordial assembly 60. The filter 124 comprises a low pass filter, to eliminate the electromagnetic interference signals. The amplifier 126 amplifies the signals of the electrodes. The Nyquist filter 128 comprises a low pass filter for removing the high frequency content out of band of the amplified signals to avoid a sampling error. The sample and clamp circuit 130 allows the system to display all the signals of the nine electrode channels 112 at the same time or in relative times, so that a differential error is not created when these signals are co-connected subsequently. ñ an ECG monitor. The multiplexer 114 sequentially selects signals from the electrode signal channels 112, using time division multiplexing. However, one skilled in the art recognizes that other combining functions can be used. The ADC 116 converts the combined analog signals to digital signals for transmission. Preferably, the controller 118 comprises a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs the decimation of the digitized signals to decrease the bandwidth required to transmit the signals. The radio 120 modulates the digital signals with a conveyor signal for transmission. In an exemplary embodiment, the radio 120 includes a demodulator to receive information. The controller 118 transmits in digital form the ECG data to the base station 16. In an alternative mode, the controller 118 transmits the ECG data to a repeater that can be located at various locations throughout the hospital (which will be described in greater detail). later) . In addition to transmitting ECG data, the controller 118 can transmit signals belonging to the pacemaker information, battery level information, electrode disconnection information and other information, as required. For example, vital signs such as pulsation, respiration rate, heart rate, temperature, EEG signals and pulse oximeter signals may be transmitted. The electronic unit of the body continuously monitors the integrity of all the patient's electrode connections. In the case where a cable is disconnected, the electronic unit of the body will send a signal to the base station, or to a relay station and subsequently to a base station, since, in turn, it causes the base station to activate the alarm of "cable disconnected" on the ECG monitor. In addition, the electronic unit of the body has a self-test function that monitors the integrity of the primary functions, including the microprocessor, data acquisition, internal voltage reference and radio functionality. In the event that a fault is detected, the electronic unit of the body will capture the fault condition, stop the acquisition and transmission of data and signal that a fault has occurred through the disconnected cable alarm. The electronic unit of body 14 operates to minimize noise or unwanted signals. For example, the components match so that the last application for a differential amplifier on a legacy ECG monitor to determine if a heart vector is required. The ECG vectors are not formed through the ECG 10 system, but rather through the legacy ECG monitor. Because the ECG 10 system is essentially "in series" with the legacy ECG monitor, any error can produce undesirable results. A potential source of error is the differential error. This differential error can be observed on the legacy ECG monitor, when the ECG monitor forms the ECG cable signals by combining the individual electrode signals at the input stage of the ECG monitor. This input stage comprises a difference amplifier, or differential to eliminate the common mode interference of the signals produced at the electrodes 20. An artifact will be present if there is any difference in how each of the electrical signals are processed when differential legacy ECG amplifier forms the ECG cable signals or ECG vectors. For example, if there is a difference in the gain of the amplifier, a difference in the phase change associated with the anti-tooth filters (Nyquist), or a difference in how the respective track and clamp circuits treat the electrode signals, then this role Differential creates an artifact on the legacy ECG monitor. An important technique to minimize this potential source of differential errors is to choose a very high cutoff frequency of the Nyquist filter. This is because each individual filter will have a delay performance of the differentiation group. To mitigate this difference, the frequency that this group delays, will affect more than the frequency of the ECG signals, which are from approximately 0.05 Hz to approximately 150 Hz. When choosing a high cutoff frequency for the Nyquist filters, any mismatch in the Nyquist filter components will not affect the accuracy of the ECG signals of the individual electrodes. For example, choosing a frequency ÓTe cut It is filtered from LZ 'ÚU Hz this source of error is mitigated. With this method, the ECG signals of individual electrodes are superimposed on approximately 3,000 Hz, in order not to introduce teeth. Of course, the higher the filter cutoff frequencies, and correspondingly, the higher the sampling ranges, the more error can be reduced. The lower cutoff frequency and / or sampling ranges can be used. Because the electrode signals are now sampled in a high range, these signals can be decimated to minimize the required transmission bandwidth. For example, digital samples are decimated by a factor of eight in controller 118. Higher or lower decimation ranges can be used, such as decimation as a function of the available bandwidth for transmission, the number of electrode signals that will be represented and Nyquist sampling range. Referring again to Figure 1, the base station 16 receives the transmitted signals sent from the electronic unit of the body 14. The signals are transmitted in the form of radio or other signals modulated with a conveyor signal. Various air interfaces can be used for transmission such as Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11b. In order to establish an adequate communication between the electronic unit of the body 14 and the base station 16, the base station 16 and the electronic unit of the body 14 need to be paired so that the base station 16 and the electronic unit of the body 14 recognize only signs of his pair. This can be achieved in a number of ways, including direct connection of the base station 16 and the electronic unit of the body 14. A signal handler 132 is preferably used to pair or link the frequency of the electronics unit of the body 14 and the station. base 16. Referring to Figure 9a, the signal handler 132 has a memory chip and may optionally have a plurality of tabs or bolts that fit within the slots located in a door of a signal handler 134 of the station. base 16 and within slots of a key gate 136 of the electronics unit of the body 14. As shown in Figure 9b, the signal handler 132 is inserted into the signal handler door 134 of the base station and reads and registers an identification number for the base station 16. Subsequently the signal handler 132 removes from the door of the signal handler 134 and is inserted into the p uerta of the signal manipulator 136 located in the electronic unit of the body 1. The electronic unit 14 receives the identification model of the base station 16 of the signal handler 132.? In turn, the signal manipulator 132 reads and registers the identification number of the electronics unit of the body 14. Subsequently, the signal manipulator 132 removes from the electronic unit of the body 14 and is inserted again in the door of the electronic manipulator. signal 134 of base station 16, whereby the base station 16 confirms the presence of its own identification number in the signal handler 132 and also reads the identification number of the electronics unit of the body 14 from the key 132. The electronics unit of the body 14 and base station 116 are paired. Alternatively, pairing or coupling can be achieved by first inserting the signal handler 132 into the left hand of the body T4 ~ by removing the signal handler 132 and inserting the signal handler 132 of the signal handler 132. the base station 16, eliminating the signal handler 132 and reinserting the signal handler 132 into the electronics unit of the body 14. In other words, the order in which the signal handler 132 is inserted into the body electronics unit 14 and in the base station 16, it is not important for the proper operation of the system. Referring again to Figure 7, the user's inferred 102 may provide the user or health specialist with instructions regarding the correct order to pair the electronics unit of the body 14 with the base station 16. The use of the signal manipulator 132 allows the pairing function to occur while the body unit 14 is being carried by the patient. This feature eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect the body electronics unit 14 when a patient needs to be connected to different ECG monitors as a result of being moved around a hospital. The electronic unit of the patient's body 14 is only mp-aTre-jHTI mxe'vaTtreTrtre- with a new base station using the signal handler 132. Once the electronic unit of the body 14 and the base station 16 are paired , the electronic unit of the body 14 and the base station 16 will remain in communication with each other provided that the signal handler 132 remains in the door of the signal handler 134 of the base station 16 (or the gate of the signal handler 136 of the electronic unit of body 14, depending on the order of pairing processing). In other words, as soon as the signal handler 132 is removed from the base station 16, the electronics unit of the body 14 and the base station 16 will discontinue or terminate the communication. Any specific manipulator 132 can be used to match any specific base 16 with a specific body 1 electronic unit. The outer case of the base station 16 is constructed of lightweight molded plastic, such as acrylonitrile-butyldiene-styrene (ABS) or other suitable material. The shape and configuration of the base station 16 is not limited to any particular form or configuration. As shown in-ta-firgxnra t, t esturioc base G6 can be secured in removable form to an ECG monitor, through suitable mounting means, such as Velero®, double-safe strips, foam rubber tapes with adhesive on both sides or similar. Preferably, the base station 16 is removably mounted to a mounting plate secured near the ECG monitor through suitable mounting means. As shown in Figure 10, the base stall 16 has a cage 140 for storing the electronic unit of the body 14 when the electronic unit of the body 14 is not in use or is outside the patient. In addition, the base station 16 has a battery door 142 in which a battery of the base station 144 is removably inserted. The base station 16 may be constructed to have a plurality of battery doors that store and charge batteries when they are not being used. When the base station 16 is not connected to a wall AC power input the battery of the base station 144 provides power to the base station 16. When the base station 16 is operating in an AC wall contact, the base station G6 charges the battery of the base station 144, when the battery of the base station 144 is in the battery door 142. The base station 16 has a power connection that activates / deactivates the base station 16 and a power cord connection 148 to connect a power cord to one AC wall power input. The battery of the base station 144 is preferably a 3.6 V Li-ion rechargeable battery. Accordingly, the battery of the base station 144 and the battery of the electronics unit of the body 104 are preferably identical and interchangeable, so that each battery can be used either in the electronics unit of the body 14 or in the base station 16. The system is designed so that the battery of the electronic unit of the discharged body 104 is exchanged by a battery of the base station 144. In this way, a charged battery is always available for the electronic unit of the body 12. In addition, the base station may have a cable connection which allows the health specialist to instruct the base station 16 to operate in the "7 cables" mode or in the "12 cables" mode. ? ¾? As illustrated in FIG. 11, the base station 16 has a user interface 152 that provides information to the specialist or patient belonging to the operating state or functionality of the system. For example, the user interface 152 may provide information as to whether the electronic unit of the body 14 is in communication or transmitting normally to the base station 16, if the battery of the base station 144 is charging or if the battery 144 is low, if the electronic unit battery of body 104 is low, or if the power of base station 16 is activated, if base station 16 is malfunctioning or requires service. In addition, the user interface 102 may provide instructions regarding the correct order or procedure for matching or coupling the electronic unit of the body 14 with the base station 16. Such information may be communicated to the health specialist or patient through the user interface 152 in various forms, for example, LEDs, LCD, text, audible tones, etc. An example mode of the user interface 102 is shown in FIG. There is also a self-test function that monitors the integrity of the primary functions, including the processor, data acquisition, internal voltage references and radio functionality. In the event that a fault is detected, the body electronics unit will capture the fault condition, stop the acquisition and transmission and indicate that a fault has occurred through a disconnected cable alarm. A receiver located within the base station 16 receives signals sent to the base station 16 from the electronics unit of the body 14. Referring to FIG. 12, the receiver may include a radio 156, a controller 158, a digital converter to Analog (DAC), a de-multiplexer 162, a transceiver, and a plurality of electrode signal channels 166. The radius 156 demodulates the received signals to identify the digital data representing the combined electrode signals. In an exemplary embodiment, the radius 156 includes a modulator for transmitting control information. The controller 158 controls the operation of various components and may further process the signals of the system. ra¾io G5 ?, as interpolation data, convert the signals to digital information, generate control signals for the transmitter 108 that is in the electronic unit 14, operate any 5 output or input devices, and diagnose the operation of the system ECG Preferably, the controller 158 interpolates the electrode signals to return the effective sample range to approximately 3kHz or another frequency. This allows the
10 reconstruction filters have a cutoff frequency many times the bandwidth of the electrode signals, thus minimizing any differences in the group delay in the frequencies of interest, that is, less than
15 150 Hz. The DAC 160 converts the digital signals to analog signals, the demultiplexer 162 separates the individually regenerated electrode signals into the separate signal channels 166. The transceiver 164 operates for the
20 Bluetooth specification for a two-way communication with the transmitter 108. The receiver 154 has nine electrode signal channels 166 corresponding to 10 electrodes connected to the chest 12 assembly and the
"25" "precordiai assembly The electrode signal channels 166 each compress a sample and hold circuit 168, a filter 170 and an attenuator 172. The sample sample circuit 168 is controlled by the controller 158, so that the Converted electrode signals appear simultaneously at each electrode signal 166. Other embodiments may include individual DACs that provide the signal in substantially simultaneous form.The filter 170 comprises a low pass construction filter to eliminate associated high frequency signals. with the DAC conversion process The attenuator 172 comprises an amplifier for decreasing the amplitude at a level associated with signals on the electrodes, which were previously amplified in the amplifiers of the electronics unit of the body 14. This results in a gain of the unit system, so as not to introduce errors between the electrodes and the conventional ECG monitor The base station 16 transmits the ECG signals to the ECG monitor 138 through conventional or existing monitor cables 174. In turn, the one reviewed by the specialist. As illustrated in FIG. 13, the monitor cables 174 are removably inserted into snap terminals 176 which are located in the base station 5 16. Preferably, the base station 16 has ten snap terminals 176 positioned on the side left and right of base station 16. Pressure terminals 176 and monitor cables 174 are marked and color coded
10 preferably so that the cables 174 of the monitor 174 are connected correctly to the base station 16. For example, the five press terminals 176 located on the left side of the base station 16 and the cable of the
15 monitor 174, can be marked as RL, LA, LL, RA, and V / vl. In addition, the five press terminals 176 which are located on the right side of the base station 16 and the monitor cable 174 can be marked as V2, V3, V4, V5, and V6.
20 When the ECG system is operating in a "7-wire" mode (ie only the chest assembly 12 is used) the monitor cable 174 is connected to the five pressure terminals 176 that are on the left side of the monitor.
-2'5 e-sirac rÓTi b ~ ase ~ ~~ G6 CTLTTdo the ECG system is operating in the "12 wires" mode (ie both the chest 12 and the precordial 60 assemblies are used) both of the monitor cables 174 are connected to the pressure terminals 176-the four upper pressure terminals 176 that are located on the left side of the base station will be used for the electrodes of the chest assembly and the six remaining pressure terminals 176 will be used for precordial assembly electrodes. Figure 14 illustrates the method for monitoring cardiac activity in the patient's heart using the wireless ECG system of the present invention. In step 198, the electrodes are placed on the patient's body. In step 200, the chest 12 and / or precordial assembly 60 are placed on the patient's body by connecting the electrode connectors 21, 62 to the electrodes. In step 202, the chest assembly 12 and / or the precordial assembly 60 are connected to the electronics unit of the body 14. In step 204, the electronic unit 14 and the base station 16 are paired or coupled by inserting the se-fra-i-3G3-2- 6tt "1¾ gB'tíci'dñ base 6 ~ manipulator, removing the signal handler 132 from the station base 16, by inserting the signal handler 132 into the electronics unit of the body 14, eliminating the signal handler 132 from the electronics unit 14 and reinserting the signal handler 132 into the base station 16. Alternatively, the coupling by inserting the signal handler 132 into the electronics unit of the body 14, eliminating the signal handler 132 from the electronics unit of the body, inserting the signal handler 132 into the base station 16, eliminating the signal handler 132 from the base station 16 and reinserting the signal handler 132 into the electronics unit of the body 14. In step 206, electrical signals are detected from the patient's heart and transmitted to the electronic unit. of the body 14 through the chest assembly 12 and the precordial assembly 60. In step 208, the electrical signals of the heart are transformed by the electronic unit of the body 14 of signals analogous to digital signals. In step 210, the electronics unit of the body 14 transmits the digital signals to the "base station G6 inefficient radio transmitter T." step 212, the base station 16 transforms the digital signals into analog signals.
214, the base station 16 transmits the analog signals to the ECG monitor 138 through cables of the monitor 134. In step 216, the ECG monitor 138 processes the analog signals into important information that can be displayed on the monitor 138. In an embodiment for example, the electronic unit of the body 14 transmits the digital signals to a repeater 208, which relays the signal to the base station 16. As illustrated in FIG. 18, the repeaters 218 may be located in various places as required. length of the hospital, as shown in Figure 18. In the electronic unit of the body 14 and the repeater 218 communicate through telemetry. Various air interfaces can be used to transmit the physiological data of the electronic unit of the body 14 to the repeaters 218, for example, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, Wi-Fi, or other protocols of the wireless LAN system. The electronic unit of the body 14 can record each digital signal sent to the repeater 2T8 ~ with the electronic identification number corresponding to the electronic unit of the body 14. If necessary, as a result each signal can be sent again to the electronic unit of the body 14 from which it originated. Each repeater 218 has the ability to communicate with a plurality of electronic unit of body 14. Each electronic unit of body 14 can be configured with a "connection" protocol in which the electronic unit of body 14 continuously tries to establish connections. with the repeaters 218 as the patient moves inside the hospital. This "connection" protocol allows the electronic unit of body 14 to transmit to the repeaters 218 that offer the best link performance or best signal strength provided to the patient's location within the hospital. The repeaters 218 are separated from each other and located throughout the hospital to provide a cellular pattern coverage, which consists of overlapping zones. Each repeater 218 has a transmission range of approximately 100 meters and is built to be mounted on the wall in "any standard electrical sax." Alternatively, each repeater 218 can be connected to the electrical grid system of the hospital. they are preferably spaced a sufficient distance from each other, so that each patient using the system is within the range of the multiple repeaters 218 at any given time In an example mode, the repeater 218 may have a receiver, a unit of signal conditioning, an error correction unit, a signal compression unit and a transmitter The receiver receives the signals sent from the electronic unit of the body 14. The signal conditioning unit can be used to amplify the signals, the unwanted filter noise within the desired frequency range or eliminate errors of common mode voltage .. The signal compressor digitally compresses digital signals to conserve bandwidth. Subsequently, the repeater 218 ties the digitally compressed signals received from the multiple electronic units of the body 14 into separate data packets and the transmitter transmits the data packets to a central monitoring station 220 by telemetry. Various air interfaces can be used to transmit the data packet from the repeater 218 to the central monitoring station 220, for example, Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11b, Wi-Fi, or other suitable wireless LAN protocols. The central monitoring station 220 may include multiple base stations 16 connected to monitors to display the physiological and / or non-physiological data associated with each patient. The base stations 16 may have the same construction as described above. For example, the base stations 16 may have the same construction as described above. For example, the base stations 16 may have, inter alia, a receiver, an A / C converter and a demultiplexer. In addition, the base stations 16 may have a signal decompressor. The receiver receives the signals from the multiple repeaters 218. The signal decompressor decompresses the signals and the demultiplexer unties the information data packets contained in each signal sent by each repeater 218. The converter h D transforms the signal dTgital to a similar signal . In an exemplary embodiment, the central monitoring station 220 contains at least one base station 16 associated with each electronic unit of the body 14. The base station 16 can be connected to a conventional monitor or screen, as described in more detail above. , with respect to the pressure terminals. Alternatively, the central monitoring station 220 may contain a central base station 222 that is connected to a suitable monitor for displaying the physiological and / or non-physiological data. The central base station 222 can be connected to a single monitor or to multiple monitors by means of pressure terminals (not shown) to display the physiological and / or non-physiological information belonging to multiple patients. Alternatively, the central base station 222 can be wired to a single monitor or multiple monitors by the standard telemetry cable system. The central monitoring station 220 allows the hospital staff to remotely observe and monitor the data fT TcTogl eos efe "" "real time of the patients connected to the system, all the waveform processing of the physiological data. sent from the remote electronic unit 14 and relayed by the repeaters 218, it is carried out either in the base station 16, the central base station 222 or the monitor In another embodiment of the present invention, the repeater 218, can transmit the data packets to a collection unit 224. The collection unit 224, gathers the multiple signals sent from the multiple repeaters 218, and relieves the signals to the central base station 222. The collection unit 224, can transmit the signals to the central base station, by means of the wireless LAN or the wired link In the above specification, the present invention has been described with reference to modalities of specific examples of the same. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in understanding the present invention, changes or other embodiments or variations may be conceived that utilize the principles of the present invention without departing from the broader spirit and scope of G? same Accordingly, the present specification and drawings are considered as illustrative rather than restrictive, Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited except as may be necessary by virtue of the appended claims.