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INTRODUCTION

Biotelemetry is a vital constituent in the field of medical sciences. It entails remote


measurement of biological parameters. Transmission of physiological data from point of
generation
to
the
point
of
reception
can
take
many
forms.
Biotelemetry, using wireless diagnosis, can monitor electronically the symptoms and
movements of patients. This development has opened up avenues for medical diagnosis
and
treatment.
It enables monitoring of activity levels in patients suffering from heart troubles, asthma,
pain, Alzheimers disease, mood disorders, cardiovascular problems, accidents, etc. A
patients response and reaction to drugs can also be investigated for treatment.
Radio telemetry transmits biological data using various radio transmission techniques. No
wires are required to be attached to the patients body. The patient just carries a braceletsized transmitter that enables monitoring of the patients symptoms.
Carrier modulation, physiological data encoding, frequency and time division
multiplexing blocking oscillator or Endoradiosonde, receivers and antennas for
Biotelemetry, power sources, and transcutaneous power transfer are discussed in this
paper.
EVOLUTION OF BIOTELEMETRY

Technology

Who

When

How

By wire

S.R.Winters

1921

Electrode wires to a
Galvanometer

Endroradiosonde

Stuart
Mackay

1950s

Multiplexed
Physiologic
signals

Many
Investigators

1970s

Transistor Blocking
Readily
oscillator
Available
FM
encoding
FDM

Multiplexed
Physiologic
Signals.

Many
Investigators

1970s
to
Present

TDM

PIM, PCM
Encoding.

Magnetically
Coupled
Transcutaneous
Data Transfer.

Many
Investigations

1980's
Present

toTDM

PDM and
PCM
Encoding.

Next
technologies

Present and future


?

Portably
TDM

PCM,
Spread
Spectrum

HISTORY OF BIOTELEMETRY
THE FIRST WILDLIFE TRANSMITTER
Above ground range: 25 yards
Below ground range: 8 yards
Transmitter breaking through the skin
Batteries last 161 days
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT NEEDED
Cant be used in any critters smaller than a woodchuck
Range of 18-25 yards not adequate for some species, or inaccessible locations
Transmitter could not be recovered after it died
EXTERNAL TRANSMITTER
Studied porcupines in Minnesota
Used miniature transmitters
Home made harnesses
Modified dog harnesses for immature
Allowed them to make general statements about porcupines
TRANSMITTER

One-transistor, crystal-controlled oscillator


Copper or aluminum
10 grams (without battery)
RECEIVER
Portable, battery-operated
10 lbs, including batteries
Battery 9 x 6 x 5
Commercial receivers equal or better, but not portable
FIELD USE
Portable receiver
Using the null
Tracking a moving animal
Tracking a stationary animal
Accuracy
IMPROVEMENTS
Efficiency improves
Encapsulation for effective, weatherproof
Less prone to damage from the animals
Lighter weight batteries
Transmitter, collars, etc. become commercially available
NEW VARIATIONS
Activity indicator

Death indicator
Urination indicator
Automatic tracking system
DEATH INDICATOR
Dead animals are hard to find
Penned vs. free-roaming animals
Grizzly bear transmitter
AUTOMATIC TRACKING SYSTEMS
Outputs of receivers linked to visual indicator tubes
Records of signals made on 16 mm film
Film developed, data read and tabulated
Tune receivers every 2 hours
Power line problems, electrical storms
PHYSIOLOGICAL DATA
Respiration
Temperature
Heart rate
Blood pressure
SATELLITE TRACKING: IMPETUS
Whales
Sea turtles
Polar bears

Polar bears
Elephants
Avian orientation and navigation
ADVANTAGES OF SATELLITE TRACKING
Impervious to weather
Latitude and longitude
Good for isolated areas
Migrating animals
Long, automatic tracking
Lots of animals tracked at once, in real time
OPERATION
AND
COMPONENTS
4.1
OPERATION
Current radio monitoring systems keep thousands of patients under surveillance,
with limited scope. Biotelemetry systems consist of transmitter, simple telephone
modem, and central receiving station. Central receiving station tunes into a
transmitter, whose size may range from a bracelet to a small pocket transistor.
This tracking system can be used within the hospital premises. Each patient is
equipped with a pager sized personal monitoring as well as alarm system. When
the patient wearing the transmitter device attached to his wrist, chest, waist etcleaves a specified range, periodic RF signals are sent to the modem. The modem
sends out an alert signal to both the patient and to the central monitoring station.
When the patients health condition becomes worse, emergency signals are
transmitted. The mobile unit attached to the patient has an output of nearly 1W.
Location of the patient is derived from time- of-arrival calculations. The system
uses spread spectrum techniques operating in the RF band of 902- 928 MHz to
transmit signals of the patients condition alone with whereabouts. A network of
receivers scattered through out the specified area picks up the signals with health
condition of patient. Location is display on a map at central facility in the
hospital/ treatment center. Tracking is done by a spread spectrum, using
triangulation technique based on time of arrival at various receivers, to locate the
patient. This triangulation technology is applied to locate the origins of all
emergency signals send and users with personal two way digital wireless
communication
devices.

4.2
COMPONENTS
A basic biotelemetry system consists of besides a transmitter, simple modem,
and a central receiving station- the basic circuits like oscillators, amplifiers, power
supply, etc, usually present in a communication system. The earliest (1952)
biotelemetry transmitter was the Endo radio- sonde. The pressure-sensing
device was a radio pill, which had a volume less than 1cm and could be
swallowed by the patient. As it passed through the gastro- intestinal tract, it
measured the pressure at various points it encountered. Such radio pills are
available to measure temperature, pH, and enzyme activity also.
PHYSIOLOGICAL
PARAMETERS
Any quantity that can be measured in the biomedical field is adaptable to
biotelemetry. The measurements are divided in to two categories: bioelectrical and
physiological variables. Bioelectrical variables include measurements like ECG,
EMG, and EEG. Signals are obtained directly in the electric form. Physiological
variables such as temperature, blood pressure, blood flow etc require some
excitation or external electrical parameters. Transducers are used for the
conversion of physiological parameters into an electrical signal. Parameters are
measured as the variation of resistance, capacitance, or inductance. Variations can
be calibrated to represent pressure, temperature, or blood flow. Base signal is
modulated for transmission. And finally, this signal is detected (demodulated) and
converted
back
to
its
original
form.
5.1
BIOTELEMETRY
FOR
BIOELECTRIC
POTENTIALS:
5.1.1
ECG
TELEMETRY
One example of ECG telemetry is the transmission of electrocardiograms from an
ambulance or site of an emergency to a hospital, where a cardiologist can
immediately interpret the ECG, instruct the trained rescue team in their
emergency procedures, and arrange for any special treatment that may be
necessary upon arrival of the patient at the hospital. Other applications include
monitoring of athletes running a race in an effort to improve their performance.
The actual equipments worn by the subject is quite comfortable and usually does
not impede movement. In addition to the electrodes that are taped into place, the
patient or subject wears a belt around the waist with a pocket for the transmitter.
Power for the transmitter is from a battery, usually a mercury cell, with a useful
life
of
about
30
hours.
5.1.2
EEG
TELEMETRY
Most of the applications of this telemetry have been involved with experimental
animals for research purposes. One example is in the space biology program,
where chimpanzees have had the necessary EEG electrodes implanted in the
brain. The leads from the electrodes are brought to a small transmitter installed on
the animals head, and the EEG is transmitted. Telemetry of EEG signals has also
been used in the studies of mentally distributed children. The child wears a
specifically designed football helmet with built- in electrodes so that EEG can

be continuously monitored without traumatic difficulties during play.


One advantage of monitoring by telemetry is to circumvent a problem that often
hampers medical diagnosis. Patients frequently experience pains; aches or other
symptoms that give trouble for days, only to have them disappear just before or
during medical examination. With telemetry and long term monitoring, the cause
of these symptoms may be detected when they occur or, if recorded on magnetic
tape,
can
be
analyzed
later.
5.1.3
EMG
TELEMETRY
The EMG particularly useful for studies of muscle damage and partial paralysis
problems
and
also
in
human
performance
studies.
The telemetry also can be used in transmitting stimulus signals to a patient. For
example, it well known that an electrical impulse can trigger the firing of nerves.
If an electrode is surgically implanted and connected to the dead nerve endings,
an electrical impulse can sometimes cause the nerve to function as they once did.
If a miniature receiver is implanted subcutaneous, the electrical signal can be
generated remotely. One example is the use of telemetry in the treatment of
droop foot which is one of the most common disabilities resulting from stroke.
5.2
BIOTELEMETRY
USING
TRANSDUCERS:
By using suitable transducers, telemetry can be employed for the measurement of
a wide variety of physiological variables. In some cases, the transducer circuit is
designed as a separate plug-in module to fit into the transmitter, allowing one
transmitter design to be used for different types of measurements. Also, as many
variables can be measured and transmitted simultaneously by multiplexing
techniques.
One important application of telemetry is in the field of blood pressure and heart
rate research in anaesthetized animals. The transducers are surgically implanted
with leads brought out through the animals skin. A male plug is attached
postoperatively and later connected to the female socket contained in the
transmitter
unit.
Blood flow also has been studied extensively by telemetry. Both Doppler-type and
electromagnetic-type
transducers
can
be
employed.
The use of thermistors to measure temperature is also easily adaptable to
telemetry. In addition to constant monitoring of skin temperature or systemic body
temperature, the thermistors system has applications in obstetrics and gynecology.
Long-term study of natural birth control by monitoring vaginal temperature has
incorporate
telemetry
units.
A final application is the use of radio-pills to monitor stomach pressure or pH.
In this application, a pill that contains a sensor plus a miniature transmitter is
allowed and the data are picked up by a receiver and recorded.
UNIVERSAL BIOTELEMETRY SYSTEM

FIGURE 1. BLOCK DIAGRAM FOR UNIVERSAL


BIOTELEMETRY SYSTEM

Any signals (Physiological) are fed into the signal conditioner and then to an
encoder, where the encoded is transmitted across transmission media with the
help of a transmitter. The modulated carrier or the transmission medium takes the
signals to the remote monitoring station where the signals are first detected and
then passed through a demultiplexer and decoder. Signals, which are decoded, are
then taken as output.

6.1
THE
TRANSMITTER
Mobile units attached to the patient consist of a transmitter. Bioelectrical signals
are obtained directly from the patient while physiological variables like
temperature, pressure, or other parameters from the patient are converted into
electrical form using appropriate transducers. Signal conditioning is used to
amplify, modify and process the input received. It combines or relates the output
of two or more transducers. Even though the input it receives is an electrical
signal, signal-conditioning circuit produces an output to satisfy the function and
makes signals suitable for transmission. Transmission and receiving circuits act
upon the physiological signal from the signal conditioning equipment. The
physiological signal modulates a low-frequency carrier, called a sub carrier, often

in the audio frequency range. The sub carrier in turn modulates the RF signal to
be propagated and sent to the antenna. If several physiological signals are to be
transmitted simultaneously, each signal is placed on a carrier of a different
frequency and all sub carriers are combined to simultaneously modulate the RF
carrier. This process of transmitting many channels of data on a single carrier,
called frequency multiplexing, is more efficient. The sub-carrier is modulated
either by AM (amplitude modulation) or FM (frequency modulation).

FIGURE 2. TRANSMITTER BLOCK DIAGRAM

TRANSMITTER
COMPONENTS:
1.
ANTENNA
2.
POWER
SOURCE
(BATTERY)
3.
TRANSMITTER
UNIT
6.1.1.
ANTENNA
The two most common types of transmitting antenna are external whip antenna
and the internal coil antenna. The external whip is most frequently used and
preferred because it has a better signal than internal coil antenna.
6.1.2.
POWER
SOURCE
(BATTERY)
Lithium and silver oxide batteries are most commonly used for wildlife
transmitters, and battery life is proportional to pulse period and inversely
proportional to pulse width and signal strength. Lithium batteries have a flat

discharge curve, meaning they maintain a relatively constant terminal voltage


until the last 15% of their life for significant discharge rates. At lower discharge
rates the terminal voltage will stay almost constant until the last 5% of the
batterys life. Lithium batteries can be stored at room temperature for 10years and
still retain 70% of their rated capacity. The shelf is reduced to 5 years at
significantly elevated temperatures. The silver oxide battery is also noted for its
extremely stable discharge voltage and good shelf life. Charge retention is over
84% after two years of storage at 70F(21C). Batteries are sealed and may be
encased with the transmitter. Smaller transmitters and batteries are encased in a
waterproof epoxy resin, and larger models are enclosed in an aluminum or nylon
case filled with waterproof resin. Other batteries, used especially in larger
transmitters, may use 3-volt or 6-8 volt battery circuits. Batteries may also be
rechargeable and changeable in the field. The larger the battery, the longer the life
and range of the unit. Transmitters may also have solar power, having a renewable
energy
source
and
requiring
no
battery.
6.1.3.
TRANSMITTER
UNIT
Transmitters are available as complete units or as components assembled by the
researcher. They are packaged in a metal can or covered with an epoxy or acrylic
resin coating. There are one-stage and two-stage circuits. One-stage transmitters
have a design and low weight, with less range for a given weight of tag and longer
life. Two stage transmitters consist of a basic oscillator and an amplifier, needing
a minimum of 2.4 volts for power. They weigh more and have a shorter life, but
have
a
greater
range
for
a
given
weight
of
tag.
6.2
THE
RECEIVER

FIGURE 3. RECEIVER BLOCK DIAGRAM

It is the receiving station, situated at the hospital/treatment center. The receiver


consists of tuner, demodulator, and displaying system. It receives the multiplexed

RF carrier emitted by the patients transmitter, as shown in fig. The tuner has a
tuning circuit. When the circuit is tuned to receive signals, the appropriate signal
is selected and the unwanted signals are rejected. The multiplexed RF carrier is
demodulated to recover the individual sub carriers. Sub carriers are then
demodulated to reproduce original physiological signals emitted by the patient. A
recorder records physiological signals for future reference. Signals can be stored
on any secondary storage media like tape, magnetic disks, etc. Display system
used can be a CRO, CRT or computer monitor, chart recorder etc.
6.3
MODULATION
TECHNIQUES
The two basic systems of system modulation are amplitude modulation (AM) and
frequency modulation (FM). The methods mentioned are discussed below.
In amplitude-modulated system, the amplitude of the carrier is caused to vary
with the information being transmitted. Standard radio broadcast stations utilize
this method of modulation. Amplitude modulated systems are susceptible to
natural
and
man-made
electrical
inference.
In frequency-modulated system, the frequency of the carrier is caused to vary
with the modulated signal. An FM system is much less susceptible to interference,
because in variations in the amplitude of the received signal caused by
interference can be removed at the receiver before demodulation takes place.
Because of this reduced interference, FM transmission is often used for telemetry.
In biotelemetry systems, the physiological signal is sometimes used to modulate a
low frequency carrier, sub carrier, often in the audio frequency range. The sub
carrier then modulates the RF carrier of the transmitters. If several physiological
signals are to be transmitted simultaneously, each signal is placed on a sub carrier
of a different frequency and all of the sub carriers are combined to simultaneously
modulate the RF carrier. This process of transmitting many channels of data on a
single RF carrier is called frequency multiplexing. At the receiver, a multiplexed
RF carrier is first demodulated to recover each of the separate sub carriers; it must
then the demodulated to retrieve the original physiological signals. Either
frequency or amplitude modulation can be used for interesting data on the sub
carriers. A system in which the sub carriers are frequency modulated and the RF
carriers are amplitude modulated is designated as FM / AM. An FM/ AM
designation means that both the sub carriers and the RF carrier are frequency
modulated. Both FM/AM and FM/ FM, systems have been used in biotelemetry.
The common denominator for most of other approaches is a technique known as
pulse modulation, in which the transmission carrier is generated in a series of
short pulses. If the amplitude of pulses is used to represent the transmitted
information, the method is called pulse modulation (PAM), where as, the width of
each pulse is varied according to the information, a pulse modulation (PWM),
system
results.
6.4.
IMPLANTABLE
UNITS
Some it is desirable to implant the telemetry or receiver subcutaneous. The
implanted transmitter is especially useful in animals studies, where the

equipment
must
be
protected
from
the
animals.
Once a unit is implanted, it is no longer available for serving and the life of the
unit depends on how long the battery can supply the necessary current. The use of
implanted unit also restricts the distance of transmission of the signal. Since the
body fluids and skin greatly attenuate the signal , the range of signal is quite
restricted, often to just a few feet. This disadvantages has been overcome by
picking up the signal with a near by antenna and transmitting it. Another problem
has been the encapsulation of the unit. The outer case and any writing must be
impervious to body fluids and moisture. Silicon encapsulation is commonly used.
The power source is of great importance. Mercury and silver oxide primary
batteries have been used extensively. Implantable telemetry batteries vary in
physical size and electrical capacity, depending on the application. Also, if power
is not needed continuously, radio frequency switches can be used to turn the
system
on
and
off
on
command.
In simple terms, the complete implantable telemetry transmitter system consists of
the transducer, the leads from transducer to the transmitter, the transmitter unit
itself and power supplies. The transducers are implanted surgically in the position
required for a particular measurement, such as in aorta or other arteries for blood
pressure.
APPLICATIONS
OF
TELEMETRY
1.
Applications
of
telemetry
in
patient
care
a. Telemetry of ECGs from extended coronary care patients
b.
Telemetry
for
ECG
measurements
during
exercise.
c.
Telemetry
for
elementary
patient
monitoring.
In many areas ambulances and emergency rescue teams are equipped with
telemetry equipment to allow electrocardiograms and other physiological data to
be transmitted to a near by hospital for interpretation. Two-way voice
transmission is used in conjunction with telemetry to facilitate identification of
the telemetered information and to provide instructions for treatment. Through the
use of such equipment, ECGs can be interpreted and treatment begun before the
patient arrives at the hospital. Telemetry of this requires mush powerful
transmitters
than
ordinary
systems.
2.
Collection
of
medical
data
from
a
home
or
office.
3. Research on unrestrained, unanesthized animals in their natural habitat.
4. Isolation of an electrically susceptible patient from power line operated ECG
equipment
to
protect
him
from
accident
or
shock.
5. Measurement of the temperature and position of the egg in a nest by telemetry
system. This works describes a biotelemetry system for continuous monitoring of
temperature and position of an artificial radio transmitter egg in a mall bird nest.
6 Biotelemetry for space life sciences research
ADVANTAGES

Reduction of the impediment of the information source (patient, subject or


animal).
Reduction of the psychological effects on the information source.
Reduction of measuring artifacts,
Reduction of the risk for electroshock,
Reduction of the complexity of monitoring of physiological variables, as well as a
potential reduction of the total cost of patient care.
LIMITATIONS
&
ALTERNATIVES
9.1
LIMITATIONS
The system has inherent limitations. Movement of the patient is restricted. If the
patient goes beyond the range of the system, his ECG cannot be monitored.
Research is in progress for upgrades. Practical systems are being developed to
build
on
existing
technology
and
public
infrastructure.
9.2
ALTERNATIVES
A consortium of private companies, national laboratories, universities and end
users such as hospitals, health care centers, nonprofit organizations, etc would be
the best to explore the alternatives. The consortium could study the feasibility of
such systems, communication and interface standards, methods improving the
communication infrastructure in the locale, and human aspects such as which
types of patients would be candidates for these systems. Legal changes, ethics,
social impacts and safeguards etc are the other issues to be considered. Economic
consideration such as cost of the society in comparison with outlay for the
existing system, size of the market, number of patients qualified as system users,
etc need to be examined. A demonstration system could be developed and tried
out on patients.
FUTURE
SCOPES

BiotransceiversCollect data from/ send commends to an implanted biotelemeter


Smart sensors- incorporate signal conditioning (and potentially even more
function)
into
sensors
Reduced volume implantable biotelemeters- continuing advances in integrated
circuit
fabrications
will
reduced
physical
size
Reduced power requirements- Lower operating voltage, lower power
consumption,
integrated
circuits.
Increased functional sophistication- Integrated circuit advances will offer more
functionality
to
biotelemeters.

Biotelemeter
on
a
chip

Human implantable Biotelemeter- Small, reliable, packaged for lead wire-free,


unrestrained monitoring.
CONCLUSION
Use of biotelemetry techniques in medical science will bring out a sea- change
with improvements in patient care treatment. Since the technology uses the
existing communication infrastructure, it is easy to realize and implement
biotelemetry without much effort and cost. Biotelemetry will enable patients to
move and perform their daily chores without any worry or mental stress of the
unpredictable attack due to their body disorders. Patients who need continuous
monitoring can wear a biotelemetry device, which automatically sends the vital
signals to the hospitals. There is need to create interest in this field and initiate
research activities.

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