Non-contact respiration monitoring using impulse radio ultrawideband radar in neonates

Abstract

Vital sign monitoring in neonates requires adhesive electrodes, which often damage fragile newborn skin. Because impulse radio ultrawideband (IR-UWB) radar has been reported to recognize chest movement without contact in adult humans, IR-UWB may be used to measure respiratory rates (RRs) in a non-contact fashion. We investigated the feasibility of radar sensors for respiration monitoring in neonates without any respiratory support to compare the accuracy and reliability of radar measurements with those of conventional impedance pneumography measurements. In the neonatal intensive care unit, RRs were measured using radar (RR Rd ) and impedance pneumography (RR IP ) simultaneously. The neonatal voluntary movements were measured using the radar sensor and categorized into three levels (low [M 0 ], intermediate [M 1 ] and high [M 2 ]). RR Rd highly agreed with RR IP ( r = 0.90; intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] = 0.846 [0.835–0.856]). For the M 0 movement, there was good agreement between RR Rd and RR IP (ICC = 0.893; mean bias −0.15 [limits of agreement (LOA) −9.6 to 10.0]). However, the agreement was slightly lower for the M 1 (ICC = 0.833; mean bias = 0.95 [LOA −11.4 to 13.3]) and M 2 (ICC = 0.749; mean bias = 3.04 [LOA –9.30 to 15.4]) movements than for the M 0 movement. In conclusion, IR-UWB radar can provide accurate and reliable estimates of RR in neonates in a non-contact fashion. The performance of radar measurements could be affected by neonate movement.

Non-contact physiological monitoring of preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

“…Radar systems can be located typically within metres of the subject. 23 However, in a hospital environment, most of the reported research places the radar devices only a few centimetres away from the infant’s chest, typically attached to a tripod by the bedside 24 or on top of the bed. 25,26 Since radar systems estimate motion, it can be more difficult to measure the vital signs accurately in the neonatal population than in adults, 27 as infants typically present more episodes of rapid movement.…”

Sensing Systems for Respiration Monitoring: A Technical Systematic Review

“…However, cameras present privacy concerns, which may be why radar sensors are the preferred non-contact technology. Radar systems are also small in size, low cost, and simple in structure, which provides advantages in installation and operation [ 280 ]. The researches that decided to integrate the sensors into everyday objects again opted for fiber optic technology and sensors based on the measurement of resistance changes.…”

An Overview of Signal Processing Techniques for Remote Health Monitoring Using Impulse Radio UWB Transceiver

“…A CMOS UWB pulse radar was developed for monitoring the vital signs of an adult as well as a baby [103]. In Reference [104], the authors have performed vital signs monitoring for neonates in order to check the feasibility. The authors have compared the accuracy and reliability of radar measurements with those of conventional impedance pneumography measurements [104].…”

“…In Reference [104], the authors have performed vital signs monitoring for neonates in order to check the feasibility. The authors have compared the accuracy and reliability of radar measurements with those of conventional impedance pneumography measurements [104]. One such research work carried out by Mahbub et al [105] has designed an IR-UWB transceiver to be used for the remote monitoring of respiration signals and apnea detection in a non-invasive way for premature infants.…”