Continuous dynamic microforce reconstruction using electrical stimulation for remote pulse diagnosis.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Traditional Chinese Medicine
• Sensory Feedback Technology

Background:

• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pulse diagnosis relies on subjective, in-person tactile assessment.
• Current TCM pulse diagnosis is limited by spatial constraints, hindering remote consultations.
• Objective pulse wave analysis does not fully capture the nuances of TCM diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a remote pulse diagnosis system overcoming spatial limitations.
• To enable remote tactile sensation of a patient's pulse via electrotactile stimulation.
• To establish the feasibility of reconstructing pulse sensations for remote TCM applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel pulse reconstruction scheme using electrotactile stimulation principles.
• Development of a system with electrical stimulation circuits and flexible fingertip electrodes.
• Investigation of optimal electrical stimulation parameters (current, voltage, pulse width) for tactile sensation mimicry.
• Utilization of wearable sensors to capture pulse signals and convert them into electrical parameters.

Main Results:

• Optimal stimulation ranges determined: 1-6 mA current, 100 V voltage, 100-800 μs pulse width, 100 pulses/cycle.
• Tactile sensations mimicked pressures between 0.17-1 N.
• Successful reconstruction of pulse sensations through electrotactile stimulation.
• Demonstrated feasibility of remote pulse feeling.

Conclusions:

• Electrotactile stimulation offers a viable method for remote TCM pulse diagnosis.
• The developed system overcomes the spatial limitations of traditional pulse diagnosis.
• This technology provides a foundation for future remote healthcare solutions in TCM.