Desenvolvimento de um monitor cardíaco com interface gráfica em computador pessoal

Abstract

The cardiac muscle contraction and relaxation movement results in ionic potentials that can be measured electronically when electrodes are applied over the skin at specific body locations. The medicai examination that performs the aquisition of this signa' is denominated electrocardiogram (ECG) and its continuous exhibition is performed by the cardiac monitor. Certain situations in clinicai environments require continuous monitoring of the ECG, such as surgeries and intensive care units (ICU), in a way that allows the clinicai evaluation of the patient. This work aims the design of a cardiac monitor, reviewing the main constructive aspects, possible interferences and engineering techniques employed in the improvement of the signal, as well as describing the elaboration of a prototype capable of capturing the three standard peripheral bipolar leads. The acquired signal was digitally processed and displayed in real time through a graphical interface developed in C++ programming language. The results demonstrate that the prototype archived the expected performance, converging on theoretically revised aspects, amplifying, filtering and displaying simulated waveforms, visually improving the aspect of the ECG.