Scientists at the University of Sussex think they see a future without clinical electrodes. The non-contact electric potential sensor (EPS) which the team developed may one day enable patients to have their heartbeats monitored while they relax in their hospital bed or home. Other potential applications include MRI sensing probes, human-machine interfaces, non-destructive testing systems and ECG and EEG monitoring systems. The sensitivity of the EPS is sufficient to detect muscle signals and eye movements and potentially even brain and nerve signals.
More about the sensors:
Electric Potential Sensors (EPS) are wideband (quasi DC to 200 MHz) ultra high impedance sensors capable of detecting spatial potential, electric field or charge. EPS technology has applications in medical, homehealth, security, non-destructive testing, geophysical surveying and human-machine interfacing markets.
Features, Benefits and Applications:Accurate detection of electric fields (potentials) without need for physical contact ECG/eHealth applications – Their proven ability to detect precise ECG/EEG signals, without need for resistive contact, offers the medical and homehealth sectors an exciting opportunity to incorporate innovative, patient-friendly functionality into recording vital signs in the home, hospital or mobile environments. Non-destructive testing of composites – The sensors have a proven ability to detect the location of faults such as voids, inclusions, disbonding and delamination with particular focus on poorly conducting materials such as carbon fibre reinforced plastic. Security, Safety and Human-machine interfacing – Their proven ability to detect movement and aquire biophysiological signals without contact offers the security and safety sectors an exciting opportunity to develop innovative solutions. NMR (MRI) sensing probes – EPS could help enhance MRI scanning techniques in hospitals as well as offer new approaches to analytical NMR. Real-time imaging of electrical circuits and ECG
Full story: Non-contact sensors set to transform telecare heart monitoring…
Link: Sussex EP Sensors