WIRELESS PHYSIOLOGICAL SENSORS FOR AMBULATORY AND IMPLANTABLE APPLICATIONS

Jukka Lekkala, Timo Salpavaara and Jarno Riistama

The aim of this project is to study and develop wireless sensor technology for ambulatory and implantable human psychophysiological applications. The research is based on combining the research efforts and expertise of five research groups at Tampere University of Technology having the necessary background in physiological system modeling, biomaterial and tissue engineering, biosensor technology, wireless technology and electronic integration and manufacturing technology building together a new kind of expertise for this field in Finland. The project is part of the TULE-program (Future Electronics) of Academy of Finland.

Project is expected to produce new technology and knowledge for ambulatory and implantable human psychophysiological measurements:

- implantable measurement systems

- transmission of data and power to and from implanted devices

- packaging of microsensors and measurement electronics

- selection and testing biocompatible coating materials.

The wireless sensors will be demonstrated in certain soft and hard tissue implant applications:

- Implantable wireless electrocardiogram (ECG) device

- Sensor implant for monitoring of closing the sternum after large thorax operations

- Sensor system as part of hip prosthesis.

Time table: 7/2003 – 12/2006

Person years: 17,5

Funding: 780 000 €, Academy of Finland

Research consortium:

- Institute of Measurement and Information Technology (MIT), Tampere University of Technology

- Ragnar Granit Institute (RGI), Tampere University of Technology

- Institute of Electronics (ELE), Tampere University of Technology

- Institute of Biomaterials (BIOM), Tampere University of Technology.

For further information, please, contact:

Jukka Lekkala, Professor

Institute of Measurement and Information Technology

Tampere University of Technology

Phone: +358 3 3115 4239

Mobile: +358 40 8490 931

Email: jukka.lekkala@tut.fi