Non-invasive monitoring of cardiac contractility: Trans-radial electrical bioimpedance velocimetry (TREV).

We describe methods and software resources for a bioimpedance measurement technique, 'trans-radial electrical bioimpedance velocimetry' (TREV) that allows for the non-invasive monitoring of relative cardiac contractility and stroke volume. After reviewing the relationship between the measurement and cardiac contractility, we describe the general recording methodology, which requires impedance measurements of the forearm. We provide open-source Jupyter-based software (operable on most computers) for deriving cardiac contractility from the impedance measurements.

Simultaneous acquisition of functional magnetic resonance images and impedance cardiography.

While simultaneous acquisition of electrocardiography (ECG) data during MRI is a widely used clinical technique, the effects of the MRI environment on impedance cardiography (ICG) data have not been characterized. We collected echo planar MRI scans while simultaneously recording ECG and thoracic impedance using carbon fiber electrodes and customized amplifiers. Here, we show that the key changes in impedance (dZ/dt) and features of the ECG waveforms are not obstructed during MRI.

Physiological signal processing laboratory for biomedical engineering education.

The proposed Physiological Signal Processing Laboratory incorporates important new concepts to further its utility as a vehicle for biomedical engineering educational use. The Laboratory incorporates the physical construction, testing and analysis of eight signal processing circuit modules, introduced as lessons. Each module can be characterized through measurement with a BIOPAC MP35 data acquisition system and a student-built square wave generator.