Quality Assurance in Cardiac Disease Diagnostic using Computerised Feature Extraction of ECG Signal

Abstract

The bio-potentials generated by the muscles of the heart result in an electrical signal called electrocardiogram (ECG). It is one of the most important physiological parameter, which is being extensively used for knowing the state of cardiac patients. Electrocardiograph enables a rapid observation of the behavior of the heart activity in terms of heart rhythm, conduction intervals, morphological aspects of the waves (P, Q, R, S, T) associated to depolarization and repolarization of the auricles and ventricles. Feature extraction of ECG is most essential task in the manual and automated ECG analysis for use in instruments like ECG monitors, Holter tape recorders and scanners, ambulatory ECG recorders and analysers. Reliable detection of the QRS complex in either a normal or an abnormal ECG and its analysis is the first and foremost task in almost every ECG signal analysis system aimed at the diagnostic interpretation of ECG. A good amount of research work has been carried out during the last five decades for the accurate and reliable detection of QRS segment in the ECG signal. In the present paper, a bibliographic survey of different feature extraction methods has been presented. A comparative study of the work carried out in the department of Electrical Engineering of Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee has also been discussed. The element of subjectivity is totally eliminated in cardiac disease diagnostic by using computerised feature extraction of the ECG signal. All modern state-of-art hospitals use computer based ECG machines for feature extraction and disease diagnostic with a view to assure quality of their health care services.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

S C Saxena

S C Saxena obtained BE (Electrical) from Allahabad University in 1970 and ME Electrical (M&I) and PhD from university of Roorkee in 1973 and 1977 respectively. Dr Saxena joined Elect Engg Deptt of University of Roorkee (presently IIT Roorkee) in 1973, served as Prof & Head of Elect Engg Deptt during 1997–2000 and Dean of Student Welfare during 2001–02. He was an expert at MTC, Baghdad, Iraq during 1983–86 and Adviser AICTE New Delhi during 1994. Since June 2002, he is serving as the Director, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (Deemed University), Patiala. He has published about 140 research papers at national & international levels, written 6 monographs, received 9 awards including Khosla Gold Medal and Cash Award, President of India's Prize, Jawaharlal Memorial Award. Dr Saxena is a fellow of IEI, fellow of IETE, and Life Member of BMESI, NIQR, ISTE and ISCEE. He is Vice-President of Biomedical Engg, Society of India, former Council member of the IE (I) and Chairman, consultants Committee of Roorkee school for the Deaf. He has been the Honorary Secretary of Roorkee local Centre of the IE (I) and worked on number of Expert Committees of AICTE and University Sector Institutions. His areas of specializations are Biomedical Engineering, Measurement & Instrumentation and Signal Processing. He has wide experience of consultancy and testing. Dr Saxena is a trained Motivation Trainer by NIMID Bombay and NIESBUD, New Delhi.

Vinod Kumar

Vinod Kumar obtained his BSc. (Elect Engg) Hons Degree from Panjab University in 1973, ME (Measurement & Instrumentation) Hons and PhD Degree form University of Roorkee, Roorkee in 1975 and 1984 respectively. He joined the Elect Engg Deptt of University of Roorkee (presently, IIT Roorkee), Roorkee in 1975 and presently serving as Professor. He has published more than 97 research papers at different national and international levels. He has undertaken large number of consultancy and sponsored projects from industries and Government departments. He is Fellow of the IE(I)I; Fellow of IETE and member of many other professional bodies. He has received many awards including Khosla Medal and best paper awards of the Institution of Engineers. He has conducted several specialized courses and workshops for the benefit of faculty and field engineers. Dr Kumar has served as coordinator, Audio Visual Research Centre IIT, Roorkee. Presently, he is coordinator of Information Superhighway Centre (ISC) of the institute. His areas of interest are Measurement and Instrumentation, Medical Instrumentation, Digital Signal Processing and Telemedicine.

V K Giri

V K Giri obtained his BE (Electrical) Degree from REC, Surat (Gujrat) in 1988 and ME (Measurement and Instrumentation) Hons Degree from University of Roorkee, Roorkee in 1997. He is serving as Sr Lecturer in MMM Engg College, Gorakhpur (UP) since last 11 years. Shri Giri has published 11 research papers. He is the life member of ISTE, member IEE and member CSI. He is now working towards the PhD degree at the Elect Engg Deptt of the IIT, Roorkee. His research interest include Biomedical Instrumentation, Data Compression and Telemedicine.