Open Access
Implementation and operational analysis of an interactive intensive care unit within a smart health context
(MDPI, 2018) López Iturri, Peio; Aguirre Gallego, Erik; Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Astrain Escola, José Javier; Azpilicueta Fernández de las Heras, Leyre; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Villadangos Alonso, Jesús; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Matematika eta Informatika Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniería Matemática e Informática
In the context of hospital management and operation, Intensive Care Units (ICU) are one of the most challenging in terms of time responsiveness and criticality, in which adequate resource management and signal processing play a key role in overall system performance. In this work, a context aware Intensive Care Unit is implemented and analyzed to provide scalable signal acquisition capabilities, as well as to provide tracking and access control. Wireless channel analysis is performed by means of hybrid optimized 3D Ray Launching deterministic simulation to assess potential interference impact as well as to provide required coverage/capacity thresholds for employed transceivers. Wireless system operation within the ICU scenario, considering conventional transceiver operation, is feasible in terms of quality of service for the complete scenario. Extensive measurements of overall interference levels have also been carried out, enabling subsequent adequate coverage/capacity estimations, for a set of Zigbee based nodes. Real system operation has been tested, with ad-hoc designed Zigbee wireless motes, employing lightweight communication protocols to minimize energy and bandwidth usage. An ICU information gathering application and software architecture for Visitor Access Control has been implemented, providing monitoring of the Boxes external doors and the identification of visitors via a RFID system. The results enable a solution to provide ICU access control and tracking capabilities previously not exploited, providing a step forward in the implementation of a Smart Health framework.
Open Access
Smart cities, IoT y salud: retos de Internet of medical things (IoMT)
(Sociedad Española de Informática de la Salud, 2018) Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Astrain Escola, José Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
La innovación tecnológica aplicada al ámbito de la salud está permitiendo el rápido desarrollo de la internet de los dispositivos médicos, o en su versión inglesa más aceptada internet of medical things (iomt). En este artículo se pretende dar una visión general de las posibilidades y retos de estas tecnologías, la cuales deben imbricarse como pilar fundamental en el desarrollo de estrategias locales, regionales y estatales de las ciudades inteligentes o smart cities.
Open Access
Implementation of context aware e-health environments based on social sensor networks
(MDPI, 2016) Aguirre Gallego, Erik; Led Ramos, Santiago; López Iturri, Peio; Azpilicueta Fernández de las Heras, Leyre; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa; Gobierno de Navarra / Nafarroako Gobernua
In this work, context aware scenarios applied to e-Health and m-Health in the framework of typical households (urban and rural) by means of deploying Social Sensors will be described. Interaction with end-users and social/medical staff is achieved using a multi-signal input/output device, capable of sensing and transmitting environmental, biomedical or activity signals and information with the aid of a combined Bluetooth and Mobile system platform. The devices, which play the role of Social Sensors, are implemented and tested in order to guarantee adequate service levels in terms of multiple signal processing tasks as well as robustness in relation with the use wireless transceivers and channel variability. Initial tests within a Living Lab environment have been performed in order to validate overall system operation. The results obtained show good acceptance of the proposed system both by end users as well as by medical and social staff, increasing interaction, reducing overall response time and social inclusion levels, with a compact and moderate cost solution that can readily be largely deployed.
Open Access
Analysis and description of HOLTIN service provision for AECG monitoring in complex indoor environments
(MDPI, 2013) Led Ramos, Santiago; Azpilicueta Fernández de las Heras, Leyre; Aguirre Gallego, Erik; Martínez de Espronceda Cámara, Miguel; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Ingeniería Eléctrica y Electrónica; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa eta Elektronikoa
In this work, a novel ambulatory ECG monitoring device developed in-house called HOLTIN is analyzed when operating in complex indoor scenarios. The HOLTIN system is described, from the technological platform level to its functional model. In addition, by using in-house 3D ray launching simulation code, the wireless channel behavior, which enables ubiquitous operation, is performed. The effect of human body presence is taken into account by a novel simplified model embedded within the 3D Ray Launching code. Simulation as well as measurement results are presented, showing good agreement. These results may aid in the adequate deployment of this novel device to automate conventional medical processes, increasing the coverage radius and optimizing energy consumption.
Open Access
Building standardized and secure mobile health services based on social media
(MDPI, 2020) Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Rubio, Óscar J.; Martínez de Espronceda Cámara, Miguel; Alesanco, Álvaro; Alenza García, José Francisco; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa, PJUPNA29
Mobile devices and social media have been used to create empowering healthcare services. However, privacy and security concerns remain. Furthermore, the integration of interoperability biomedical standards is a strategic feature. Thus, the objective of this paper is to build enhanced healthcare services by merging all these components. Methodologically, the current mobile health telemonitoring architectures and their limitations are described, leading to the identification of new potentialities for a novel architecture. As a result, a standardized, secure/private, social-media-based mobile health architecture has been proposed and discussed. Additionally, a technical proof-of-concept (two Android applications) has been developed by selecting a social media (Twitter), a security envelope (open Pretty Good Privacy (openPGP)), a standard (Health Level 7 (HL7)) and an information-embedding algorithm (modifying the transparency channel, with two versions). The tests performed included a small-scale and a boundary scenario. For the former, two sizes of images were tested; for the latter, the two versions of the embedding algorithm were tested. The results show that the system is fast enough (less than 1 s) for most mHealth telemonitoring services. The architecture provides users with friendly (images shared via social media), straightforward (fast and inexpensive), secure/private and interoperable mHealth services.
Open Access
Formalize clinical processes into electronic health information systems: modelling a screening service for diabetic retinopathy
(Elsevier, 2015-06-14) Eguzkitza Diego, Aitor; Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Martínez de Espronceda Cámara, Miguel; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Andonegui Navarro, José; Ciencias de la Salud; Osasun Zientziak; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoa eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritza; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa
Most healthcare services use information and communication technologies to reduce and redistribute the workload associated with follow-up of chronic conditions. However, the lack of normalization of the information handled in and exchanged between such services hinders the scalability and extendibility. The use of medical standards for modelling and exchanging information, especially dual-model based approaches, can enhance the features of screening services. Hence, the approach of this paper is twofold. First, this article presents a generic methodology to model patient-centered clinical processes. Second, a proof of concept of the proposed methodology was conducted within the diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening service of the Health Service of Navarre (Spain) in compliance with a specific dual-model norm (openEHR). As a result, a set of elements required for deploying a model-driven DR screening service has been established, namely: clinical concepts, archetypes, termsets, templates, guideline definition rules, and user interface definitions. This model fosters reusability, because those elements are available to be downloaded and integrated in any healthcare service, and interoperability, since from then on such services can share information seamlessly.
Open Access
Diseño, desarrollo y evaluación preliminar de un novedoso monitor de signos vitales llevable para vacunos
(Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Perú), 2019) Quispe Bonilla, Max David; Poma Gutiérrez, Adolfo; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Led Ramos, Santiago; Quispe Peña, Edgar; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación
El monitoreo de los diferentes signos vitales en vacunos tiene importancia desde el punto de vista productivo, sanitario y de bienestar animal; sin embargo, existen pocos equipos que tengan el potencial de uso a nivel de campo y que no sean invasivos. Por tal motivo se llevó a cabo el presente trabajo con la finalidad de diseñar, construir y evaluar el uso de un pequeño MOnitor de SIgnos VItales LLevable (MOSIVILLe), que sea capaz de capturar las señales vitales en vacunos bajo condiciones de campo. El diseño y desarrollo del MOSIVILLe se realizó en Lima, Perú, entre enero y octubre de 2017 y la evaluación en campo se realizó en Chota, Perú, utilizando 11 vaquillas entre noviembre de 2017 y febrero de 2018. Con el uso del MOSIVILLe se obtuvieron las señales vitales de vacunos, reconociéndose las ondas P, Q, R, S, T, complejo QRS e intervalo RR del electrocardiograma que condujeron a obtener la frecuencia cardiaca (FC). Adicionalmente, se obtuvo la temperatura de la piel (T°P) y la señal de ventilación con los picos de inhalación, exhalación, tiempo de inspiración y tiempo de espiración que determinan la frecuencia respiratoria (FR). El MOSIVILLe usado en vacunos en condiciones de campo permitió obtener una FC de 70.83±1.47, FR de 25.24±1.64 y una T°P de 31.52±0.40 (promedio ± error estándar), valores que se encuentran en concordancia con la literatura. Se concluye que el MOSIVILLe es una alternativa importante para obtener diversos signos vitales en vacunos bajo condiciones de campo.
Open Access
Future wireless communication systems to enable IoMT services and applications
(CRC Press, 2023) Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Astrain Escola, José Javier; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoa eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritza; Estadística, Informática y Matemáticas; Estatistika, Informatika eta Matematika
Wireless communication systems play a key role in the adoption of IoMT services and applications, owing to inherent mobility capabilities, providing highly scalable and flexible deployments. In this chapter, the framework for IoMT wireless communication system evolution, from current LPWAN/5G connectivity to future B5G systems, focusing on sub THz (mainly in the 100 GHz to 300 GHz frequency range) and THz bands (up to 10 THz) is described. Further, the requirements in terms of device integration, node density, interference and energy handling is also discussed. The specific requirements in terms of wearable devices, considering intra-body, on-body and off-body communication links, coverage/capacity estimations for different case uses considering different communication link types are also presented. At last, different application scenarios, such as the evolution of current IoMT applications towards sensing networks, and security as well as interoperability and standardization aspects within the IoMT communication framework are discussed in detail.
Open Access
Multimodal minimally invasive wearable technology for epilepsy monitoring: a feasibility study of the periauricular area
(IEEE, 2023) Besné, Guillermo M.; López Iturri, Peio; Alegre, Manuel; Artieda, Julio; Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Valencia Ustárroz, Miguel; Institute of Smart Cities - ISC
Ambulatory monitoring is of great interest in both clinical and domestic environments. Despite the technological advances, few monitoring solutions are suitable for medical application and diagnosis. Here, we investigate the feasibility of targeting the periauricular area (ear pavilion, ear canal, and the surrounding skin areas) to implement a multimodal system that fulfills the requirements of ergonomics and minimal obstructiveness in the context of epilepsy monitoring. Six physiological signals are selected and explored for their integration in the area of interest and a ¿proof-of-concept¿ prototype integrating the components in a single portable device targeting the selected location is implemented. Results show mixed results where some parameters are highly reliable, and others are impractical or require customized technology to provide clinically relevant information. To enable data acquisition, storage, and processing within the Internet of Medical Things paradigms, wireless body area transceiver integration is also analyzed in terms of coverage/capacity relations, showing feasibility for such device configuration.
Open Access
Patient tracking in a multi-building, tunnel-connected hospital complex
(IEEE, 2020) Trigo Vilaseca, Jesús Daniel; Klaina, Hicham; Picallo Guembe, Imanol; López Iturri, Peio; Astrain Escola, José Javier; Falcone Lanas, Francisco; Serrano Arriezu, Luis Javier; Ingeniería Eléctrica, Electrónica y de Comunicación; Ingeniaritza Elektrikoa, Elektronikoaren eta Telekomunikazio Ingeniaritzaren; Universidad Pública de Navarra / Nafarroako Unibertsitate Publikoa, PJUPNA29
Patients admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU) are transported from and to other units. Knowing their location is strategic for a sound planning of intra-hospital transports as well as resources management. This is even more crucial in big hospital complexes, comprised of several buildings often connected through tunnels. In this work, a patient tracking application in a multi-building, tunnel-connected hospital complex (the Hospital Complex of Navarre) is presented. The system leverages Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) communication technologies, such as Long Range Wide-Area Network (LoRaWAN) and Near Field Communication (NFC). The locations of the LoRaWAN nodes were selected based on several factors, including the situation of the tunnels, buildings services and medical equipment and a literature review on intra-hospital ICU patients' trips. The possible locations of the LoRaWAN gateways were selected based on 3D Ray Launching Simulations, in order to obtain accurate characterization. Once the locations were set, a LoRaWAN radio coverage studio was performed. The main conclusion drawn is that just one LoRaWAN gateway would be enough to cover all overground LoRaWAN nodes deployed. A second one would be required for underground coverage. In addition, a remote, private cloud infrastructure together with a mobile application was created to manage the information generated. On-field tests were performed to assess the technical feasibility of the system. The application provides with on-demand ICU patients' movement flow around the complex. Although designed for the ICU-admitted patients' context, the system could be easily extrapolated to other use cases.