Wireless laptop-based phonocardiograph and diagnosis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Cardiology
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Auscultation is crucial for cardiac evaluation and referral decisions.
• Advanced phonocardiograph (PCG) algorithms exist but require research-grade equipment.
• Consumer-grade tools and wireless monitoring are needed for routine cardiac assessments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate a low-cost, portable, wireless healthcare monitoring system using PCG signals.
• To validate advanced PCG signal processing algorithms with consumer-grade instruments.
• To enable continuous cardiac monitoring during physical activity.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portable and wireless healthcare monitoring system using off-the-shelf electronics.
• Recording and analysis of PCG signals using MATLAB codes on a notebook PC.
• Tethered and wireless data acquisition modes were utilized.

Main Results:

• Demonstration of a functional low-cost, portable, and wireless PCG monitoring system.
• Validation of advanced PCG signal processing algorithms using consumer-grade equipment.
• Successful collection and analysis of cardiac signals in both tethered and wireless modes.

Conclusions:

• The implemented system effectively validates advanced PCG algorithms with affordable, consumer-grade technology.
• Wireless PCG monitoring is feasible for continuous cardiac assessment, even during physical activity.
• This approach enhances accessibility for routine cardiac monitoring and diagnosis.