Wavelet packets feasibility study for the design of an ECG compressor

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Signal Processing
• Digital Health

Background:

• Current electrocardiogram (ECG) compression predominantly uses discrete wavelet transform.
• Wavelet packets (WP), offering adaptive signal decomposition, are underutilized in ECG compression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple, real-time ECG compression method using wavelet packets (WP).
• To ensure high-quality signal reconstruction, maintaining similarity to the original ECG.
• To create a versatile compression scheme applicable to any ECG without prior signal information.

Main Methods:

• A thresholding-based method for encoding ECG signals utilizing wavelet packets (WP).
• Design focused on simplicity for real-time implementation and signal fidelity.

Main Results:

• Wavelet packets (WP) demonstrate efficient performance in ECG signal compression.
• The proposed method achieves high-quality reconstruction of ECG signals.
• The scheme requires no QRS detection or a priori signal knowledge, enhancing versatility.

Conclusions:

• Wavelet packets (WP) present an efficient and viable alternative for ECG compression.
• The developed thresholding-based WP method is suitable for real-time applications.
• The versatility and efficiency of WP make them a promising tool for ECG data management.