Self-Moistening Chest Strap for Long-Term Heart Monitoring

May-06-15 A new self-moistening heart rate strap could make it much easier to gather ECG readings over several days.

When recording ECGs, the electrodes that make contact with the skin must be kept moist—typically via a gel. However, that gel will dry out within 24 hours, making it difficult to gather readings over several days.

To allow for extended readings, the self-moistening chest strap from Empa features a one-ounce reservoir that feeds a special, flexible wetting element. The wetting element, made of a textile that will hold water while letting water vapor through, is located between the electrodes and the patient’s skin, where it receives a constant supply of water from the reservoir and keeps the area properly moist.

According to the developers, the system can function for about five days before the reservoir needs to be refilled.

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[PHYS.ORG]
[EMPA.CH]

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