System and Apparatus for Wearable Hemodynamic Monitoring

Abstract

A wearable, non-invasive, and non-intrusive hemodynamic monitoring device is disclosed for continuous monitoring of left ventricular (LV) hemodynamic waveforms and associated cardiovascular parameters. The device includes a flexible body with laterally extending electrode wings and a central rigid housing containing signal acquisition and transmission electronics. In various embodiments, the device includes either two or three wings configured for placement along the midsternal region and over the carotid arteries to enable simultaneous acquisition of electrical and mechanical signals via bioimpedance, ECG/EKG, and accelerometer sensors. Each wing incorporates tetrapolar bioimpedance electrode arrays, current injection electrodes, voltage sensing electrodes, and accelerometers to capture thoracic and cervical physiological signals necessary for estimating parameters such as left ventricular end diastolic pressure, extracellular fluid, left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiac out, stroke volume and QRS measures. The sensor signals are routed through flexible interconnects or magnetic mating connectors to the central housing. The system includes a wireless transmitter module supporting Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or other wireless standards, a power supply and power management circuitry, and is constructed on ultra-thin, stretchable substrates composed of biocompatible flexible polymers. The modular design also includes user-serviceable magnetic connectors and optional adhesive layers for improved skin contact, thereby enabling continuous, real-time cardiovascular monitoring suitable for ambulatory and remote healthcare environments.

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