System for Monitoring Avian Cardiac Output and Breathing Patterns Using Transmission-Type Microwaves

Abstract

We report the development of a non-contact monitoring device for avian cardiac output and breathing patterns based on the anterior thoracic air sac pressure that uses transmission-type microwaves (2,400−2,500 MHz, continuous wave). Since the phase waveform represents the dielectric constant change, the phase reflects −j/ωc and the dielectric constant change is related to blood flow. The magnitude waveform is reflected from the electronic resistance of tissues due to the expansion of the anterior thoracic air sac, which mainly consists of the thoracic wall. To confirm these waveforms, pigeons and chickens were used for testing. To validate the output waveforms of the developed transmission-type microwave device, data from esophageal catheters and pressure sensors in the anterior thoracic air sac, abdominal air sac, and intraoral cavity were obtained. The waveform for the esophageal catheter, where electrocardiogram electrodes and an angular velocity sensor were installed, correlates with cardiac output. A heart sound microphone was used to confirm the closing sound of the arterial and mitral valves. The experimental results confirm that a linear waveform synchronized with the cardiac blood flow and the anterior thoracic air sac pressure of birds was obtained using transmission-type microwaves. The proposed device, which can monitor cardiac output and respiratory patterns, may enable the early screening of cytokine storms caused by avian influenza viruses. Existing devices use Doppler radar in the 10 to 77 GHz band; these high frequencies are reflected by the chest wall and do not reach deep into body, making it impossible to monitor the blood flow inside the body.