Spatio-temporal filtering for fetal QRS enhancement

Abstract

We propose a new approach to maternal ECG suppression and fetal QRS detection in the multi-channel maternal abdominal bioelectric signals. First, a single-channel method based on template subtraction is applied to suppress the maternal ECG in the respective channels. Then we use spatial or spatio-temporal filtering to enhance the fetal QRS complexes. Finally, the QRS detection is performed. In the experiment realized, spatial filtering slightly improved the results of fetal QRS detection, but a significant improvement was caused by spatio-temporal filtering.