Textile sensing interfaces for cardiopulmonary signs monitoring

A wearable system able to monitor cardiopulmonary vital signs is presented. The innovative technological core of the system is based on the use of a textile conformable sensing cloth, where conducting and piezoresistive materials are integrated in form of fibres and yarns, giving rise to fabric sensors, electrodes and connections. Electrocardiogram and impedance pneumography signals are acquired through the same textile electrodes, while to discriminate between abdominal and thoracic activity, two piezoresistive fabric sensors are placed below the lower end of the sternum and at the level of the navel for recording the thorax and the abdominal pattern of breathing. The use of impedance pneumography methodology reduces the artefacts due to the movement, phonation and rib cage expansions disjointed from respiratory mechanics. All the signals are acquired simultaneously allowing a comparative control of the cardiopulmonary activity and artefacts rejection.