Multimodal Monitoring of Electrocardiogram and Oximetry by Wearable Textile Bands

Electrocardiogram (ECG) and oximetry are standard techniques for monitoring vital signs in people. However, in emergency settings, the conventional 12-lead ECG setups using individual electrodes are prone to placement errors [1] and there is an urgent need to shorten setup time and save precious minutes to reach patient diagnostics. To address this device issue, we demonstrate an integrated textile band that facilitates fast and correct 12-lead ECG electrodes placement and simultaneously tracks blood oxygenation level at the body core. The ECG electrodes are screen printed onto textiles that are stretchable up to 1.3 times of their original length, to accommodate different body sizes and breathing movements. The signal-to-noise ratios under strain are comparable to the commercially available 3M RedDot electrodes. The blood oxygenation level is detected by photoplethysmography in reflective mode placed over the subclavian artery. The conformal nature of this integrated band results in reliable measurements by reducing motion artifacts. This compact, low-cost sensor interface advances patient care by providing fast access to clinical-grade signals for diagnosis.<br/>1. Medani SA, Hensey M, Caples N, Owens P. Accuracy in precordial ECG lead placement: Improving performance through a peer-led educational intervention. J Electrocardiol. 2018;51(1):50-54. doi:10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2017.04.018