RMIT: Heart Rhythm Control Patch

2023: Product Announcement

On October 31, 2023, it became known about the development of a wireless patch capable of controlling heart rate and recording ECGs. The authors of the development were scientists from the Melbourne Royal Institute of Technology (RMIT).

The patch does not require a gel to attach to the body, is ultra-thin in thickness and waterproof. This gives the patient a greater degree of comfort and reduces skin irritability.

Wireless Heart Rate Control Patch

Periodic ECG recording is critical for diagnosing heart rhythm abnormalities and heart attacks, as well as sore throats. But for the patient, this is usually not the most pleasant procedure due to the unpleasant sensations associated with 12 electrodes lubricated with lubricant. To solve this problem, RMIT scientists have developed a wearable, ultra-thin, lightweight, waterproof patch whose electrodes require no lubricants and provide long-term cardiac rhythm control.

Wet electrodes are uncomfortable, they dry out over time and cause skin irritation. The device from RMIT effectively records the activity of the heart and the level of stress of the body - commented on the development of Madhu Bharaskan, one of the authors of the study.

The researchers chose gold as the main electrode material. This is because it is chemically inert, highly conductive and biocompatible. Integration of gold into electrodes allows to maintain low weight and high efficiency of ECG signal reception. In total, the patch weighs 10 grams. The electrodes have no wires and connect to the ECG machine via Bluetooth. Moreover, the patch can be placed in a location where electrodes are not normally attached in a standard ECG. For example, the device can be placed on the back of the neck. This is especially true for older patients or dementia patients who may forget why a patch is needed and accidentally remove it.

The authors believe that the patch can be used with remote medical care and in ambulances.^[1]

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