Development of IABP Trigger System Using a Wireless Sensor

An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is used to improve coronary artery perfusion and decrease left ventricular afterload. IABP catheter is equipped with a balloon that is inserted into the descending aorta through the femoral artery in the leg. Decreased left ventricular afterload is obtained by pumping this balloon. The timing of balloon pumping is determined by the “R” wave of an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal. Therefore, ECG signals contaminated with artifacts can cause false triggering, which adversely affects the patient. An artifact is the noise that results from the motion of the electrode relative to a patient’s skin. This paper presents the results of a novel approach to reducing ECG artifacts for a safer IABP trigger. This method uses a wireless ECG that resists an artifact more than an ECG of IABP. In addition, our wireless ECG has a built-in acceleration sensor. A “pumping suspension” function was added to this sensor using an accelerometer to increase safety. Use of the wireless ECG resulted in better circulation assistance by reducing pumping caused by the false trigger. The merits of this method are that it does not interfere with medical care and movement because it is wireless.