A Three-Channel Microcomputer System for Segmentation and Characterization of the Phonocardiogram

We present here details of a microcomputer system developed to segment the phonocardiogram signal (PCG) and characterize murmurs. Using the ECG and carotid pulse as references, the PCG is segmented into systolic and diastolic parts. Four parameters representing the time and frequency domain characteristics of the signal segments are then computed. Results of application of the methods to 47 phonocardiogram signals are presented. The use of these parameters for the detection and classification of murmurs is discussed.