High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring using wrist-mounted electric potential sensors

Abstract

In this paper we describe the application of an electric potential sensor to the ambulatory monitoring of the human electrocardiogram (ECG). We show that a high resolution ECG can be acquired using two of these sensors mounted wristwatch style, one on each wrist. These sensors, which do not require a real current conducting path in order to operate, are used non-invasively without making electrical contact to the subject. Furthermore, their sensitivity and low noise floor have made it possible to detect a peak which corresponds, in timing, to the His bundle depolarization—a feature not normally seen in conventional surface ECGs. We predict that these new devices will rapidly find application in the areas of clinical medicine and ambulatory monitoring.