| Project Detail |
Heart monitoring for stroke patients at home
Heart health monitoring for stroke patients is typically performed using electrocardiograms (ECGs), which require skin-contact electrodes. This method is limiting, as it necessitates specialist involvement. For decades, researchers have explored contactless alternatives to monitor heart conditions more freely. Supported by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions programme, the MESMODI-BCG project seeks to innovate by developing non-invasive methods to detect both cardiac and non-cardiac diseases in stroke patients through ballistocardiogram signals. This approach enables monitoring without the need for clinical transfer. The project aims to create a portable BCG acquisition prototype and algorithms for detecting cardiac arrhythmias and sleep apnea. Combining bioengineering and telecommunications expertise, MESMODI-BCG could revolutionise home health monitoring.
Clinical monitoring of the heart health of stroke patients is usually done by electrocardiogram (ECG) recording, a non-invasive method that requires electrodes in contact with the patients skin to obtain the signal. However, since specialists are required to place the electrodes, its use is restrictive. Contactless alternatives for study of heart conditions in less restrictive way have been investigated for decades.
This project aims to develop novel, non-invasive methods for detecting cardiac and non-cardiac disease in stroke patients using the ballistocardiogram (BCG) signal, allowing for patient monitoring without transfer to clinical settings. The objective of the project is to answer important questions in current research in biomedical engineering, such as whether the resolution of a BCG is sufficient for the detection of cardiac conditions and whether it can become the preferred method for monitoring heart health from home.
To achieve this objective, the project proposes the development of a portable prototype for the acquisition of BCG signals, as well as the development of novel algorithms that allow for the detection and classification of cardiac arrhythmias and episodes of sleep apnea from these signals. The project will be based on three different stages: design and implementation of the prototype, obtaining new diagnostic support algorithms based on ballistocardiogram signals, and the connection strategy at the prototype to deliver the information to the specialist doctors.
This is a multidisciplinary project that combines expertise in bioengineering, health sciences, electronics, and telecommunications. This proposal also aims to transfer knowledge to the host institution and provide training for the candidate in advanced techniques. The results have the potential to significantly improve the capacity of home health monitoring and the application of eHealth knowledge. This project is aligned with the EU strategy for the protection of human health. |
