Physiological sensor placement and signal transmission device

Abstract

A garment is used to facilitate the placement of biomedical sensors or other electrodes on the body. The garment is comfortable and allows freedom of movement much like typical clothing. Textile based electrical components are included in the garment which are capable of transmitting an electrical signal to and from various external electrodes placed on the body. A textile based EMI shield protects the signals from electromagnetic interference. The garment may take any form such as a vest, sports bra, long sleeve shirt, bonnet, or other form and may provide access to an electrode placement site without requiring removal of the garment.

1 . An apparatus for facilitating connection of a biomedical electrode array having one or more electrodes to a monitoring, diagnostic, or stimulating device, which comprises:
 a garment member for positioning relative to a body portion of a subject;   at least one signal transmission pathway including a conductive thread stitched into the garment member such that the conductive thread is passed through the garment member to connect the signal transmission pathway to the garment member, the at least one signal transmission pathway having a first end connectable to an electrode and a second end connectable to the monitoring, diagnostic, or stimulating device, the at least one signal transmission pathway adapted for transmitting signals between the electrode and the monitoring, diagnostic, or stimulating device.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the electrode is an ECG electrode. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  including a plurality of signal transmission pathways stitched into the garment member for transmitting signals between respective electrodes and the monitoring, diagnostic or stimulating device. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus according to  claim 3  including a connector associated with the first end of each of the signal transmission pathways for connection to a respective electrode. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein at least one connector is in the form of a minor lead segment. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus according to  claim 4  wherein at least one connector is in the form of an alligator clip. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  including an adapter associated with the second ends of the signal transmission pathways, the adapter for electrical connection to the monitoring, diagnostic or stimulating device. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7  including a tab connected to the second ends of the signal transmission pathways, the tab adapted for electrical connection to the adapter. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  including an EMI shield layer mounted adjacent the garment member and at least partially enclosing the signal transmission pathways. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein the EMI shield layer is affixed to the garment member. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the garment member includes at least one flap, the flap movable to permit access to an electrode positioned adjacent thereto. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus according to  claim 11  including a connector mounted to the flap and in electrical connection with the first end of one of the plurality of signal transmission pathways, the connector for connection to the electrode. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the garment member is a shirt or vest adapted for placement about the subject's torso. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for connection to a biomedical electrode array having a plurality of biomedical electrodes, which comprises;
 a garment member for positioning relative to a body portion of a subject;   a plurality of signal transmission pathways, each pathway including a conductive thread stitched into the garment member such that the conductive thread is passed through the garment member to connect the signal transmission pathway to the garment member, and each pathway adapted to transmit an electrical signal;   a plurality of electrode connectors mounted relative to the garment member and electrically coupled with respective signal transmission pathways, the electrode connectors adapted for connection to respective biomedical electrodes positionable on the subject; and   an adapter for electrically coupling the signal transmission pathways to an external monitoring or stimulating device.