Development of a 12-Lead ECG Signal Processing Algorithm Using NI LabVIEW® and NI ELVIS®

Abstract

Several research projects about ECG signal processing have been made by proponents from different countries, most of which focused on the portability, accessibility and interpretations presented. The projects implemented algorithms which only eliminated a certain number of ECG noise artifacts. ECG-NI, on the other hand, is a research project which aims to create a signal smoothing algorithm using a new technological platform – the NI LabVIEW. By using NI LabVIEW and its compatible hardware device, the NI ELVIS, the proponents created a system which eliminates noise artifacts such as Baseline Wander, Wideband Noise and Power Line Interference for a 12 lead ECG reading. The signal processing was done through the use of LabVIEW’s virtual instruments (VIs). Aside from eliminating noise, it also provides readings and pre-diagnostic interpretations as well as the option to export the waveform for reference. ECG-NI was subjected to noise immunity, accuracy and user-friendliness tests. Based on the results of these tests, ECG-NI is noise immune in terms of the ECG signal read due to its high signal-to-noise ratio, the accuracy was acceptable since previous studies only focused on certain noise artifacts without verifying the accuracy of the preprocessed signal. The user-friendliness of ECG-NI was determined through surveying cardiologists. Hence, the proponents were able to create a signal smoothing algorithm using NI LabVIEW and NI ELVIS which was noise immune, accurate and user-friendly.