High resolution ambulatory electrocardiographic monitoring using wrist-mounted electric potential sensors

In this paper we describe the application of an electric potential sensor to the ambulatory monitoring of the human electrocardiogram (ECG). We show that a high resolution ECG can be acquired using two of these sensors mounted wristwatch style, one on each wrist. These sensors, which do not require a real current conducting path in order to operate, are used non-invasively without making electrical contact to the subject. Furthermore, their sensitivity and low noise floor have made it possible to detect a peak which corresponds, in timing, to the His bundle depolarization-a feature not normally seen in conventional surface ECGs. We predict that these new devices will rapidly find application in the areas of clinical medicine and ambulatory monitoring.