Introduction: Portable Electrocardiogram

The recent catastrophes in Mexico have been a tragedy for our country, many people lost their homes and relatives. Thanks to the rescue teams from all over the world, many lives were saved, during the rescue operations, there was a problem with the lack of health equipment because they where not so efficient for the situation.

Due to these problems, we decided to create a Electrocardiogram that could be portable and easy to use for any person. Using an Arduino, a Vitalino and a 3d printer we were able to create a functional and user friendly device.

Materials:

  • Arduino
  • BiTalino
  • 3d printer
  • Electrodes
  • Conductive gel
  • USB 2.0 cable
  • Small protoboard
  • 1 X LED
  • 2 X 10kOhm resistor
  • 1 X 100kOhm resistor

Step 1: Create the Code.

  1. You´ll need an Arduino
  2. the Arduino will read the analog output of the circuit, either the modular or the instrumented.
  3. The data will be analyzed, giving as an output, the changes in the LED bright.

Step 2: Build the BiTalino

  1. First, we created the circuit to measure the hearth rate
    1. In this case, we used the ECG module from the BiTalino card, however, an electrocardiogram can be instrumented using operational amplifiers, we used the instrumentation amplifier AD620. The user manual (datasheet) indicates the configuration to create the circuit.

Step 3: Case

  • In any 3d modeling software, you can model the case(we used solidworks)
  • Export the file to the appropiate software for your 3d printer.
  • Make sure that your materials are the appropiate for the task.
  • Verify that all measurments are correct.
  • Print.

Step 4: Assembly

  1. Assemble all parts as shown in the image.

Step 5:

  1. Connect the USB 2.0 cable to the case.
  2. Connect the electrodes to the case.
  3. Apply the Electro gel to the electrodes.
  4. Place the middle electrode on your elbow, and the other two on your arms.
  5. Wait for the electrodes to warm up.