Evaluation of a new wireless ECG electrode built in a telemeter in critically ill patients

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Introduction

Aiming for the improvement of `spaghetti syndrome' caused by many leadwires for the measurements of biological signals such as electrocardiogram (ECG), BP,SpO₂, EtCO₂ and lines for intravenous infusion, we developed the new small wireless ECG electrode (size: 3 cm × 10 cm) consisting of a battery-operated telemeter equipped with two electrodes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ECG with the wireless ECG electrode placed on critically ill patients in the emergency room.

Methods

ECGs were recorded with both a wireless ECG electrode placed on the right subclavian area and a conventional three-lead ECG (II) in 30 critically-ill patients whose ECGs were not only of normal rhythm but also arrhythmic. The 12-lead ECG (II) was also recorded. The wireless ECG electrode was also evaluated during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Results

The wireless ECG electrode was quickly and easily placed on the patients compared with the conventional ECG electrode. ECGs were recorded very well in all patients utilizing the wireless ECG electrode. It was also possible to detect various arrhythmias such as VPC, SVPC, Af, VF, VT with the wireless ECG electrode as clearly as with the conventional ECG electrode. The influence of body movement was less than for the conventional ECG electrode. The wireless ECG electrode was operative even during DC shock.

Conclusion

It was found that the wireless ECG electrode was superior in its handling, ECG performance, and durability, suggesting its possible contribution toward the improvement of `spaghetti syndrome' in the emergency room.