A multi-signal acquisition system for preventive cardiology with cuff-less BP measurement capability

Abstract

Remarkable technological developments in recent years have opened up new possibilities of improving public health care system. Developments in computing, signal processing and communication technologies have resulted in new diagnostic instruments with better precision and connectivity with computing machines, communication gadgets and databases. However, many of these technical marvels are young by age and not yet available to all potential users at affordable cost. Among the various vital biomedical signals that can be collected non-invasively, ECG, PPG, SpO2 and PCG collected simultaneously, can help in examining electrical (ECG) and mechanical (PCG) functioning of heart, efficiency of lungs (SpO2) and condition of arteries (PPG). This promises to give a composite overview of the whole cardiovascular system non-invasively. We propose to develop a portable multi-parameter, non-invasive biomedical signal acquisition system (which can monitor, store and communicate the above mentioned four biomedical signals) for regular telemonitoring of patients especially with cardiovascular complaints. The device will be easy to use and can be operated by a paramedical staff with minimal training. It will be low-cost, so that a large population can be covered using multiple portable units. The gathered physiological data can be sent to the monitoring station and depending on the condition of the patient, further instructions can be issued from there. We also propose to analyze the different signals gathered and find correlation present in them which can lead to a better understanding of the whole cardiovascular system and assist doctors in early diagnosis of crucial symptoms. As an initial step towards that, Blood pressure (BP) and Heart rate (HR) is monitored using the gathered ECG and PPG signals from the device. The reliability of the device for BP and HR monitoring is estimated by comparing it with a clinically proven professional automatic digital BP monitor (OMRON HBP1300).