Biosignal Monitoring and Analysis

Our expertise in biosignal monitoring date back thirty years. Our current offering comprises a range of high-signal-processing quality products with comprehensive end-to-end solutions.

We have learned over the years that success in the industry requires understanding the medical service provider business and industry-specific needs -a reason why our solutions support long-term measurements to achieve maximum diagnostic yield. This service provider (IDTF) segment and ambulatory outpatient measurements are managed by hospitals and clinics. We have successfully delivered turnkey solutions in globally regulated environments, and partnering with us is the right step to increasing the efficiency of your medical service business and everyday clinical work.

Biosignals convey information about the physiological phenomena in the body. Efficient recording and processing of biosignals are crucial in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of, e.g., cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Biosignals originate from cells that have electrical properties. When the cells are activated, their voltages change over time. When many cells are activated at the same time, their activity can be recorded non-invasively on the surface of the skin by measuring the voltage between surface electrodes.

Biosignals are very weak, typically in the range of micro or millivolts, and require efficient amplification. After the amplification, the signals are filtered and digitized via an analog-to-digital converter. Measured biosignals are usually contaminated with noise or blurred due to the skin and other tissues between the signal origin and the measuring electrodes.  Efficient signal processing and proper measuring techniques can reduce interferences.

Turnkey Solutions with Excellent Diagnostic Yield in Global Regulated Environments

Bittium Expertise in Biosignals

Bittium entered the biosignals market with electromyography (EMG) devices, which measure the electrical activity of the muscles. Since then, Bittium has expanded its portfolio to electroencephalography (EEG), electrocardiography (ECG), and home sleep apnea testing. EEG and ECG measure the electrical activity of the brain and heart, respectively. Even though these signals have a similar background in the electrical properties of the cells, they are measured and analyzed with different methods.

ECG

ECG measures the activity of the heart. When the heart muscles contract in a normal way, they generate an ECG signal with a typical pattern. Deviations from the typical ECG pattern may indicate an improper function of the heart. With Bittium Faros, long-term ECG can be measured easily, and analyzing the data with Bittum Cardiac Navigator software aids in the detection of abnormal heart function.

EEG

The brain signals can be measured with EEG devices, which record the electric potentials of thousands of cortical neurons that are active at the same time. Usually, several surface electrodes are attached to the scalp to locate the activity in a specific brain area. EEG signals can be analyzed in several different ways to investigate brain function. EEG aids in the diagnosis of, e.g., epilepsy and sleep disorders. Bittium has EEG systems for cutting-edge research as well as an easy-to-use system for ambulatory EEG recordings.

Home Sleep Apnea Screening

Home sleep apnea testing includes several sensors, connected to the skin, to pick up relevant biosignals, such as airflow, oxygen saturation, and the movement of the abdomen. Based on these signals, typical sleep-related breathing disorders can be diagnosed. For example, the severity of obstructive sleep apnea can be quantified by determining the number of apneas (cessations of breathing) and hypopneas (decreased breathing) during sleep. Bittium Respiro is a modern sleep apnea screening device and analysis service solution for service providers, hospitals, clinics, and health centers.

Selected Publications