An ECG monitoring system for ambulatory patients includes a disposable multi-electrode patch that adhesively attaches to the chest of a patient. A reusable battery-powered ECG monitor clips onto the patch and receives patient electrical signals from the electrodes of the patch. A processor continuously processes received ECG signals and stores the signals in memory in the monitor. The processor also analyzes the received ECG signals for predefined arrhythmia. If an arrhythmia is detected, a bi-directional wireless transceiver in the ECG monitor transmits the event information and an ECG strip to a cellphone handset. The cellphone handset automatically relays the event information and ECG strip to a monitoring center for further diagnosis and necessary intervention.

A system and method for applying a uniform dynamic gain over cardiac data with the aid of a digital computer is provided. A time series of a plurality of voltage values that comprises a digital representation of a raw electrocardiography (ECG) signal recorded by an ambulatory monitor recorder is obtained by an least one computer processor, the time series including segments of noise and segments of non-noise. The segments of non-noise are analyzed by the at least one computer processor and a single gain factor for all of the values in the analyzed non-noise segments is determined by the at least one computer processor based on the analysis. The single gain factor to all of the values in the non-noise segments is applied by the at least one computer processor.

Provided is a method and an apparatus for processing ECG signals and an ECG machine, for improving a correct detection rate of R waves in the ECG signals recorded by a recorder. The method includes: removing peak position information of any R wave of a plurality of R waves in a plurality of ECG signals if it is determined according to peak position information of the plurality of R waves that a first RR interval between the R wave and another R wave immediately thereafter is less than or equal to a first RR interval threshold, and an amplitude of the R wave is less than or equal to a first R wave amplitude threshold; and detecting at least one new R wave in a first RR interval between any R wave and another R wave immediately thereafter if it is determined that the first RR interval is greater than or equal to a second RR interval threshold; obtaining peak position information of the at least one new R wave, and then storing peak position information of any new R wave obtained in the first RR interval if it is determined that an amplitude of the new R wave is greater than or equal to a second R wave amplitude threshold.

A system for detecting an atrial tachyarrhythmia episode includes a medical device having sensing circuitry configured to receive a cardiac electrical signal from electrodes coupled to the medical device and a processor configured to detect an atrial tachyarrhythmia episode in response to a time duration of the cardiac electrical signal classified as an atrial tachyarrhythmia being greater than or equal to a first detection threshold. The processor is configured to determine if detection threshold adjustment criteria are met based on at least the detected first atrial tachyarrhythmia episode and adjust the first detection threshold to a second detection threshold different than the first detection threshold in response to the detection threshold adjustment criteria being met.

A system for facilitating a cardiac rhythm disorder diagnosis with the aid of a digital computer is provided. A download station retrieves cutaneous action potentials of a patient recorded over a time by an ECG device as ECG data. An R-R interval plot of the ECG data includes R-R intervals plotted along an x-axis of the plot and heart rates associated with the R-R intervals plotted along a y-axis. The R-R intervals are calculated as a difference between recording times of successive pairs of R-wave peaks. Each heart rate is associated with each time difference. One or more portions of the R-R intervals are identified in the plot. Each portion of the R-R intervals includes a cardiac event. Report strips are generated and each includes one portion of the R-R intervals and a portion of the ECG data. The report strips are included in a cardiac report for the patient.

A system and method for detecting and verifying bradycardia/asystole episodes includes sensing an electrogram (EGM) signal. The EGM signal is compared to a primary threshold to sense events in the EGM signal, and at least one of a bradycardia or an asystole is detected based on the comparison. In response to detecting at least one of a bradycardia or an asystole, the EGM signal is compared to a secondary threshold to sense events under-sensed by the primary threshold. The validity of the bradycardia or the asystole is determined based on the detected under-sensed events.

A map generator can be programmed to generate a multi-parameter graphical map by encoding at least two different physiological parameters for a geometric surface, corresponding to tissue of a patient, using different color components of a multi-dimensional color model such that each of the different physiological parameters is encoded by at least one of the different color components.

Provided is a film-type biomedical signal measuring apparatus configured in a such a way that a plurality of metallic thin film electrodes and a circuit unit are formed on a film-type piezoelectric element so as to easily attach the apparatus to the skin and an electrical signal as well as an electrical signal of a human body is simultaneously measured using the plurality of metallic thin film electrodes and the circuit unit. Accordingly, the film-type biomedical signal measuring apparatus simultaneously measures electrocardiogram (ECG) and ballistocardiogram (BCG) from the simultaneously measured electrical signal and vibration signal of the human body and extracts biomedical information of various types of health indexes such as a heart rate, a stress index, BCG, a blood pressure, an amount of physical activity, a respiration rate, and VO.sub.2max from the two different biomedical signals.

Physiological monitoring can be provided through a wearable monitor that includes two components, a flexible extended wear electrode patch and a removable reusable monitor recorder. The wearable monitor sits centrally (in the midline) on the patient's chest along the sternum oriented top-to-bottom. The placement of the wearable monitor in a location at the sternal midline (or immediately to either side of the sternum) benefits extended wear by removing the requirement that ECG electrodes be continually placed in the same spots on the skin throughout the monitoring period. Instead, the patient can place an electrode patch anywhere within the general region of the sternum. Power is provided through a battery provided on the electrode patch, which avoids having to open the monitor recorder's housing for battery replacement.

Catheterization is carried out by inserting a sheath into a human patient and moving a catheter having an electrode through the sheath lumen. A variation between a first threshold value and a second threshold value in electrical current through the electrode is identified. Responsively to the variation, it is reported that a portion of the catheter has transitioned between an in-sheath condition and an out-of-sheath condition. The sheath is defined and identified by the historical data of the readings of the magnetic sensor during its movements.