Magnetic induction measurements with a six channel coil array for vital parameter monitoring

Vital parameter monitoring on neonatal intensive care units is essential but very stressful for patients during daily routine care. For contact-less monitoring of breathing and heart activity, magnetic induction measurements are applicable in research scenarios. For monitoring both vital parameters in newborn intensive care wards, we developed a Multi Channel Simultaneous Magnetic Induction Measurement System (MUSIMITOS2+). In this article we now evaluate the technical requirements of a coil array for vital parameter monitoring and finally present a multichannel coil array with 6 excitation and measurement channels combined as axial gradiometers for the specific measurement scenario. This array will be stored underneath the child. As a test case we will present data of a animal trial with the described coil array and the measurement device MUSIMITOS2+.