This PhD research aims to provide a monitoring system that by using photoplethysmography (PPG), enables automated, noninvasive and continuous vital signs detection of patients.
PPG is a low-cost technique that by means of light interaction with the skin, allows extracting physiological parameters such as heart rate or blood oxygen saturation, among others. It is the technology behind pulse-oximeters and it is used in smart-watches for heart rate calculation. In its simplest form, it is composed of a LED and a photodetector and due to factors, such as body location, movement artifacts, contact pressure or temperature, the PPG signal gets easily distorted. This distortion limits the use of this technique for continuous monitoring, since the available sensors cannot cope with the mentioned artifacts.
By using multiple LEDs & photodetectors together with extra sensors (temperature, movement…) not only we can compensate for the artifacts, but we can also enhance the signal acquisition and processing, fundamentally enlarging the scope of PPG applications.
From the breadboard to the embedded system, this research aims to develop the aforementioned technology with a Global Health perspective, aiming to contribute to a more sustainable healthcare in developed countries and to improve medical technology in low- and middle-income countries.
As a biomedical engineer, I love to solve medical problems with engineering skills. I have specialized in medical devices and electronics since what drives me is the ability to design from scratch medical technology that can tackle medical issues and improve healthcare. My trips around the globe have given me a global notion of healthcare. That is why I am very committed to work in Global Health projects, where I can aim to improve healthcare worldwide.