La tecnologia/The technology

The hands and feet are convenient interfaces for cardiovascular measurements and have long been used to obtain heart rate and ECG by establishing contact with a conductive electrode on each hand. Volumetric changes from blood pulses can be detected through changes in electrical impedance measured between both hands, known as impedance plethysmogram (IPG). We designed a system to simultaneously obtain ECG and IPG using four conductive contacts, such as two contacts on different fingers of each hand or fingers of one hand and points on the opposite wrist. Time intervals between features of ECG and IPG yield Pulse Arrival Time (PAT) and Pre-Ejection Period (PEP), which can assess autonomic nervous system activation, blood pressure changes, myocardial contractility, sympathetic activity, or diagnose cardiovascular diseases from abnormal durations.

Avantatges innovadores/Innovative advantages

• The system is self-administered. No trained persons or auxiliary personnel are required for effective use
• Provides sophisticated cardiovascular information about both the heart and the major blood vessels and in a short time using only distal electrodes. 
• All system components are commodities. 
• No gel or cream, nor contacts with the thorax or any body part other than the  hands or the feet are required
• The system is flexible to many different implementations, including watches of fitness equipment

Fase actual de desenvolupament/Current stage of development

A laboratory sensor prototype is available . Additional testing and formal trials in particuar, is required for the múltiple potential

Aplicacions i mercat objectiu/Applications and target market