Development of deep CNN architecture for anomalies in ECG signals

Abstract

In this paper, we propose a deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) approach to classify arrhythmia based on the time interval of the QRS complex of the ECG signal. The ECG signal was denoised using multiple filters based on the Pan Tompkins algorithm. QRS detection has been done using Pan Tompkins Algorithm. Then the QRS complex is identified using local peaks based technique inside the layers of the Convolutional Neural Network where the repeated application of the same filter to our input results in a map of activations called a feature map, indicating the locations and strength of a detected feature in an input which in our case is the changes in the q-s time interval. Based on the R-R time interval, Heart rate variability (HRV) was computed, and Poincare plot was generated. Instead of using raw ECG signal to train the CNN, we used the feature extracted from ECG signal obtained from Physionet database to train the CNN and map the pattern changes for different classes of diseases. The classifier was then used to classify the test input as either or normal, tachyarrhythmia or intracardiac atrial fibrillation. Data acquisition, ECG data pre-processing and CNN classifier are the several methods that are involved for the classification of several arrhythmias.