BIOTELEMETRY

ABSTRACT

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, Alzheimer’s disease, mood disorders, cardiovascular problems, accidents, etc. A
patient’s 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 patient’s body. The patient just carries a bracelet-
sized 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.
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, Alzheimer’s disease, mood disorders, cardiovascular problems, accidents, etc. A
patient’s 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 patient’s body. The patient just carries a bracelet-
sized 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 1950’s Transistor Blocking
Mackay Readily oscillator
Available
Multiplexed Many 1970’s FDM FM encoding
Physiologic Investigators
signals
Multiplexed Many 1970’s TDM PIM, PCM
Physiologic Investigators to Encoding.
Signals. Present
Magnetically Many 1980's to TDM PDM and
Coupled Investigations Present PCM
Transcutaneous Encoding.
Data Transfer.
Next Present and future Portably PCM, Spread
technologies ? TDM Spectrum
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 etc- leaves 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 patient’s 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 patient’s 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 animal’s 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 battery’s 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 70’F(21’C). 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 patient’s 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 animal’s 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 ECG’s 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, ECG’s 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:
• Biotransceivers-Collect 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.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
• Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements by Leslie Cromwell & Fred J. Weibell
• www.habitresearch.com
• www.electronicsforu.com
• www.ieee.com
• www.edufive.com/seminartopics.html