Development of Auricular Transcutaneous Vagal Stimulation Device Integrated with Signal Monitoring

Abstract

The paper consists of the development of a transcutaneous vagal stimulation device triggered by respiration and responsible for monitoring two physiological signals, the Electrocardiogram (ECG) and the Respiratory Cycle (RC). The device is used for some pathologies, such as Alzheimer, obesity and hypertension. The advantages reached by the device include a non-invasive method for vagal modulation and presents the option to synchronize the stimulation with the exhalation phase of RC. It is described the stages of development, which are Recording and Control Interface using an application for mobile devices, Stimulation System for the electrical pulses generation and Synchronization System to trigger the stimulation with the RC wave. In addition, it is shown the device as wearable equipment, by the use of a costumed t-shirt. The results of this development include a validation of the algorithm for peak detection, the pattern of the pulses generated on System Stimulation confirmed and the device is considered as a promising alternative therapy for certain diseases.