System and algorithm development of ballistocardiograph-based remote monitoring system for heart failure patients

Remotely monitoring the heart is crucial for reducing the hospital readmission rate of heart failure (HF) patients. However, for aging populations with physical and cognitive limitations, existing monitoring techniques such as self-management or CardioMEMS remain demanding or invasive. There is a growing need for easy-to-use and non-invasive remote monitoring. Ballistocardiograph (BCG) measures the mechanical vibration arising from heart contractions during the cardiac cycle. Our sensors enable BCG collection through clothes and without skin contact. Our objective is to develop an automated algorithm to extract physiological parameters and indicate key symptoms of heart failure, such as congestion, from BCG. We also want to communicate the relevant monitoring findings to the stakeholders such as clinicians and caregivers. To do so requires the development of a communication protocol to deliver the information reliably and economically. The results of the proposed project will form core components of the final product of the partner organization and are important stepping stones to regulatory approval, market-entry, and business model development.

Faculty Supervisor:

Alex Mihailidis

Student:

Partner:

Balliscor Inc.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing

University:

University of Toronto

Program: