Monitoring the heart with ultra-wideband microwave signals: evaluation with a semi-dynamic heart model. (18th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seguin, Marcel; Bourqui, Jeremie; Fear, Elise; Okoniewski, Michal
• Is Part Of: Biomedical physics & engineering express. Volume 2:Number 3(2016)
• Publication Date: 2016-05-18
• Subjects: cardiac monitoring -- microwave monitoring -- ultra-wideband -- heart monitoring; thesis -- Dept Comp & Elec Eng -- Univ Calgary -- Calgary -- AB -- Sept 2014; Medical physics -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Biomedical engineering -- Periodicals; Medical sciences -- Periodicals; 610.153
• DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/2/3/035011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2057-1976

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, we introduce an ultra-wideband transmission system for detecting heart volume variation. We characterize our proposed system using a semi-dynamic heart model. Our analysis shows multiple propagation paths in the thorax, involving both surface modes around the heart and refraction of the microwave signal by the heart. The results show a strong sensitivity of the signal quality to the placement of the sensors. With correct alignment, our analysis shows 4 dB magnitude variation over the cardiac cycle, a significant improvement on previously reported continuous wave monitors (0.5 dB signal change at 915 MHz).