A wearable “electronic patch” for wireless continuous monitoring of chronically diseased patients

We present a wearable health system (WHS) for non-invasive and wireless monitoring of physiological signals. The system is made as an electronic patch where sensors, low power electronics, and radio communication are integrated in an adhesive material of hydrocolloid polymer making it a sticking patch. The patch is made with a reusable part and a disposable part which contains the adhesive material and the battery. This part is changed once every week. The patch has a size of 88 mm by 60 mm and a thickness of 5 mm. It is made for attachment on truncus or the greater muscle groups. The patch is demonstrated in two applications: Monitoring of electromyography (EMG) and arterial oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry (SpO₂). The pulse oximetry sensor is made of a concentric backside Silicon photodiode with a hole in the middle for the two light sources. This makes it suitable for reflectance pulse oximetry. For the EMG application three standard dry silver electrodes are used separated by 10 mm.