BODY-WORN SENSOR FOR CHARACTERIZING PATIENTS WITH HEART FAILURE

摘要

The invention provides a sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms that is configured to be worn around a patient's neck. The sensor features 1) an ECG system that includes an analog ECG circuit, in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, that generates an analog ECG waveform; and 2) an impedance system that includes an analog impedance circuit, in electrical contact with at least two (and typically four) impedance electrodes, that generates an analog impedance waveform. Also included in the neck-worn system are a digital processing system featuring a microprocessor, and an analog-to-digital converter. During a measurement, the digital processing system receives and processes the analog ECG and impedance waveforms to measure physiological information from the patient. Finally, a cable that drapes around the patient's neck connects the ECG system, impedance system, and digital processing system.

主权项

1. A sensor for measuring both impedance and ECG waveforms and configured to be worn around a patient's neck, comprising:
an ECG system comprising an analog ECG circuit in electrical contact with at least two ECG electrodes, the ECG system configured to generate an analog ECG waveform; an impedance system comprising an analog impedance circuit in electrical contact with at least two impedance electrodes, the impedance system configured to generate an analog impedance waveform; a digital processing system comprising a microprocessor and an analog-to-digital converter, the digital processing system configured to receive and process the analog ECG and impedance waveforms; and, a cable configured to be worn around the patient's neck, the cable comprising the ECG system, the impedance system, and the digital processing system.