Electrode structures for acquisition and neural stimulation controlling the cardiovascular system.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiovascular Technology
• Wearable Health Devices

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases require continuous monitoring and intervention.
• Existing monitoring systems can be invasive or uncomfortable for patients.
• A need exists for integrated, patient-friendly systems for cardiovascular management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an innovative, integrated electrode system for cardiovascular applications.
• To explore the feasibility, fabrication, and characterization of dry-surface and invasive electrodes.
• To establish a foundation for closed-loop cardiovascular regulation.

Main Methods:

• Development of intelligent, communicating dry-surface electrodes integrated into textiles.
• Integration of dry electrodes with invasive, ultra-flexible electrode systems.
• Utilizing dry electrodes for ECG acquisition and communication.
• Combining with pulse oximetry or impedance spectroscopy to calculate pulse transit time (PTT).
• Employing invasive electrodes for vagus nerve stimulation to control cardiovascular functions.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated feasibility and suitability of the combined electrode system.
• Characterization of both dry-surface and invasive electrode components.
• Successful integration for ECG acquisition and PTT calculation.
• Potential for vagus nerve stimulation for cardiovascular control.

Conclusions:

• The developed electrode system offers a versatile platform for cardiovascular disease management.
• The combination of non-invasive and invasive electrodes enables comprehensive monitoring and therapeutic intervention.
• This technology lays the groundwork for advanced closed-loop cardiovascular regulation systems.