Wearable system for vital signs monitoring

Abstract

A new concept in healthcare, aimed at providing continuous remote monitoring of user's vital signs, is emerging. An innovative system named WEALTHY is presented, where conducting and piezoresistive materials in the form of fiber and yarn are integrated and used as sensor and electrode elements. The simultaneous recording of vital signs allows parameter extrapolation and inter-signal elaboration that contribute to producing alert messages and synoptic patient tables. Cardiac patients in the rehabilitation phase can be continuously monitored during selected time intervals, such as during physical activity or occurrence of symptoms, to discover potential threats and generate appropriate alerts to the patient and/or to an emergency center. The core of the system sensing is a textile interface, in which the sensing components are elements of the fabric: the sensorized garment is comfortable like a common article of clothing and is made with knitting machines; furthermore, the position of the electrodes and sensors is fixed and the elasticity of the fabric allows a good fitting to the body. The system is provided with a portable electronic unit, where signals are acquired, elaborated and transmitted. A monitoring system allows extrapolation of a new physiological index and data flow coordination as well as alarm management and database creation.