A system for respiratory motion detection using optical fibers embedded into textiles

Abstract

In this contribution, a first prototype for mobile respiratory motion detection using optical fibers embedded into textiles is presented. The developed system consists of a T-shirt with an integrated fiber sensor and a portable monitoring unit with a wireless communication link enabling the data analysis and visualization on a PC. A great effort is done worldwide to develop mobile solutions for health monitoring of vital signs for patients needing continuous medical care. Wearable, comfortable and smart textiles incorporating sensors are good approaches to solve this problem. In most of the cases, electrical sensors are integrated, showing significant limits such as for the monitoring of anaesthetized patients during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). OFSETH (Optical Fibre Embedded into technical Textile for Healthcare) uses optical sensor technologies to extend the current capabilities of medical technical textiles.

Fiber Bragg grating-based sensor for monitoring respiration and heart activity during magnetic resonance imaging examinations

“…Similar techniques for breath detection have been demonstrated by other groups, but their sensors are embedded into special textile belts or vests to be fixed to the monitored person's body. [27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] The sensor proposed in this paper is configured for measurements that do not require any special wearable textiles, thereby avoiding the need to carry out processes for preparing the patient for monitoring. The solution closest to the proposed sensor is one comprising a 12-element FBG array embedded into a bed, 40 although only laboratory trials evaluating the RR detection have been carried out so far.…”

Wearable sensors in intelligent clothing for measuring human body temperature based on optical fiber Bragg grating

“…This formula can be applied to temperatures between 0 and 200 °C, whereas the absolute error is less than The microclimate air layer is divided into a finite number of net units using the finite analysis method; afterward, the differential equations in the thermal field are converted to nodal equations, and the temperature of each unit node of the net is generated by numerical calculation [12][13][14]. The thermal analysis module of the ANSYS finite element software is used to finish the modeling of FBG temperature field in intelligent clothing; this tool reflects the temperature measurement error when the human body wears intelligent clothing.…”

“…Thus, intelligent clothing can contribute to the timely detection of infection, tumors, and other diseases, such as SARS and the Avian Influenza. Furthermore, safe and accurate tele-monitoring of patients can be achieved, helping ensure that patients are treated in a timely manner [10][11][12] This achievement is significant and possesses great application value in promoting people's health, especially that of old people and children who lack the ability of language expression.…”

Fiber-optic sensors for monitoring patient physiological parameters: a review of applicable technologies and relevance to use during magnetic resonance imaging procedures

“…In sensors measuring transmission loss caused by slight (miniscule) deflections of an optical fiber or in fiber bends with a radius of curvature well above the fiber diameter (>10 mm), i.e., in so-called micro- [82][83][84][85][86][87][88] and macrobend [89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107] sensors, respectively, the intensity of the light reaching the receiver is also measured. As in the cases described above, body movements (caused by respiration and heart function, among other things) are a complicating factor since these movements produce micro-and macrobends of fibers with a variable radius of curvature.…”

“…The measuring system for micro-and macrobend sensors is distinguished by a simple design for the sensors alone as well as for the associated transceiver modules (light source and photodetector). Nevertheless, due to their relatively low sensitivity, the sensors have to be embedded in a special mat 82,83 or cushion, [85][86][87][88] on which the patient lies during monitoring, or in textiles, such as a vest, T-shirt, or belt, which are worn by the monitored person, [89][90][91][92][93][94][95][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103][104][105][106][107] to ensure immediate proximity to the lungs and heart. An example of a microbend sensor system is shown in Fig.…”