True unipolar ECG leads recording (without the use of WCT)

We present an innovative ECG front-end capable of recording true unipolar ECG leads for the first time without making use of the Wilson central terminal (WCT). This new front-end does not need to rely on the simultaneous contact of several electrodes. We believe that the information in these true unipolar recordings may yield unique diagnostic information as it avoids the need to essentially subtract data or make use of the averaging effect imposed from the WCT. The system also allows direct, real-time software calculation of signals corresponding to standard ECG leads and achieves correlations in excess of 92% with gold standard surface ECG during parallel recording. In addition, the implemented circuit is wideband (0.05-1000 [Hz]), compatible with standard (Ag/AgCl) electrodes, and dry electrodes (textile and rubber). The circuit is also low power, requiring less than 40 mW (when powered at 12 V) per standard ECG lead (two channels required). It is therefore well suited for wearable, long-term applications.