Integrating wireless ECG monitoring in textiles

This paper reports for the first time on the realization of a garment embedded patient monitoring system, including wireless communication and inductive powering. The developed system is primarily intended for the continuous monitoring of the electrocardiogram (ECG) of children with an increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The sensors and the antenna are made out of textile materials. All electronics are mounted on a flexible circuit to facilitate integration in the baby's pyjamas. A significant increase in the comfort of patient and nursing staff is achieved by this integration in textiles. A prototype baby suit was fabricated and successfully tested by a 21 weeks old baby.