Soft, stretchable, wireless intelligent three-lead electrocardiograph monitors with feedback functions for warning of potential heart attack

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are fatal chronic diseases, where electrocardiography (ECG) monitoring could be a prominent solution for early diagnosis. In spite of available commercialized, multilead ECG devices, bulky formats, discontinuous monitoring, and no safety alarm system significantly limit their practical applications. Herein, we present a soft, and stretchable, three-lead ECG device allowing continuous monitoring and wireless transmission of ECG signals. A newly developed organohydrogel patch with a strong adhesive ability (similar to 9.9 kPa) and higher conductivity (similar to 6.5 k Omega) is applied for high-quality ECG signals collection. With a long operation duration (6.5 h) and wireless transmission distance (20.9 m), it could fulfill most of the daily applications. Machine learning algorithms and the graphical user interface are used for real-time ECG monitoring and cardiac abnormalities diagnosis. The vibratory flexible actuator, which is triggered by cardiac abnormalities that need immediate medical treatment, is also integrated as a warning system for the user. As a newly reported stretchable multi-lead ECG device for long-term ECG signal monitoring, there is a high potential for improving users' life quality with the high-risk population of CVDs.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a soft, stretchable, three-lead ECG device that enables continuous monitoring and wireless transmission of ECG signals, which could aid in early diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The device utilizes an organohydrogel patch with strong adhesive ability and high conductivity for high-quality ECG signal collection. It also incorporates machine learning algorithms and a graphical user interface for real-time ECG monitoring and diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities.