Abstract:
A plurality of electrodes affixed at selected positions of the chest of an ambulatory patient sense potentials due to cardiac or pacemaker action of the patient, for transmission by radio, telephone or other means to an EKG and pacemaker performance measuring and analyzing facility. The electrodes are connected to timing, control and signal processing means contained in a smal, conveniently worn or stored housing. Signals from sequenced, selected combinations of electrodes are serially transmitted for given intervals after modification, and in the case of telephone transmission are converted to audio output. The pairs of electrodes are arrayed to yield substantially all the data, from as few as four electrodes connected to provide bipolar leads, obtainable from the conventional 12 lead EKG. The signal processing system includes highly sensitive stable circuit elements providing low current, very high impedance operation and minimizing variations and limitations imposed by electrode attachment, as well as minimizing local variation in skin resistance of the patient and common mode operation with conventional electrical sources. Means are provided for processing and transmitting a power source signal as a marker and as an indication of the effectiveness and remaining useful life of the power source which may comprise an ordinary falshlight battery.