Drawbacks of current ECG systems

Skin Tears and Abrasions
Placement and removal of electrodes on the skin can cause skin injuries, especially in the neonatal population. Neonates have thinner skin with weaker connections in the epidermal-dermal junction as compared to adults. Epidermal stripping injuries, common in the neonatal population, occur when an adhesive is removed from the skin.

Pressure Ulcers
The presence of objects on the skin can easily cause pressure ulcers and skin breakdown, especially in the neonatal population. Electrodes and wires that press into a patient’s skin for prolonged periods of time can lead to 1–2 Minute ECG Acquisition.

Requires proper placement of ECG leads on patient
Healthcare professionals must place the ECG leads onto the patient. When this is done quickly or under stressful circumstances, there is a risk for incorrect placement. Incorrect lead placement or cable connection can lead to abnormal ECG tracings.

Patient movement during test may interfere with ECG reading
Muscle movement during the ECG can distort the tracing, creating artifact unnecessary equipment alarms.

Dependent on multiple cables and lead wires
If a cable or lead wire becomes disconnected or broken, the ECG cannot function. Cables extend from the patient to the bedside monitor and can easily become pulled or dislodged.

Interference from nearby devices
Other medical devices such as infusion pumps and ventilators can interfere with the ECG’s electrical activity, resulting in incomplete tracings and error alarms.

Increased parental anxiety and discomfort
Parents and caregivers of infants in the NICU have reported feelings of anxiety, fear, and helplessness when faced with the number of wires and devices connected to their babies. Many parents are uncomfortable holding or touching their babies due to the wires and worry that they will “mess something up” or “knock something off” (quotes from interviews with NICU nurses).