Bio-patch monitors body's electrical signals

23 April 2013

The Bio-patch sensor developed by researchers at Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of Technology measures bioelectrical signals through the skin, gathering data on brain, heart or muscle, depending on where it is placed.

With a wireless connection, the patient can analyse the readings in their smartphone, or send the data via the internet to a healthcare professional for diagnosis.

Geng Yang, a researcher at JRC iPack centre at KTH, says, “On the chest it provides electrocardiography (ECG), on the skull it measures brainwaves (EEC), and on the forearm it can measure muscle response to stimulation from the nervous system (EMG),” he says. It also has a built-in sensor that constantly monitors body temperature.  

The thinking behind Bio-patch is that health care can be moved out of the hospitals and into the home, Yang says, “Bio-patch is a step towards what is known as self-care, which is valuable especially for patients discharged after an operation, or for the elderly living unassisted,” he says.

The Bio-patch can also aid detection of brain disease, by generating EMG data that helps physicians distinguish muscle changes from neurological problems. A paper thin battery energy source in the Bio-patch helps make the patch comfortable and as small as possible.

“Patient comfort will be an important success factor for the next generation of medical technology,” Yang says. “All electronic components are mounted on a flexible foil, which makes it easy to attach to the skin and to wear comfortably. Bio-patch is easy to attach to the skin and can be discarded after use.

Bio-patch has resulted in several publications in prestigious scientific journals and successful development of a prototype. Yang says several companies have already shown interest in the product.