GMP Wireless Medicine LifeSync wireless ECG system.

Abstract

Wireless technology is a growing presence in medical applications. A recent entry in the field is the LifeSync Wireless ECG System manufactured by GMP Wireless Medicine. The LifeSync transmits electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiration waveforms wirelessly from the patient to a physiologic monitoring device (bedside monitor, transport monitor, or 12-lead ECG cart), allowing the elimination of traditional ECG leadwires connecting the patient to the monitoring device. This wireless ECG monitoring is designed to reduce restrictions on patient movement, ease transport, and simplify clinicians' lives compared to the use of traditional hardwired ECG systems. Our Evaluation examines whether, in fact, the LifeSync accomplishes these goals. Most of our findings focus on ease-of-use issues, although cost also carries significant weight in our judgments. The LifeSync's lead set, the LeadWear Disposable Cable Replacement System, is disposable and radiolucent, and its electrodes are all connected along a single cable rather than being separate strands. In addition to its use with the full LifeSync system, the LeadWear can also be used by itself--without the wireless component-in place of standard ECG leadwires. Our Evaluation includes a separate rating for using the LeadWear in this way, in what we call the LeadWear-only approach.