False arrhythmia alarm suppression using ECG, ABP, and photoplethysmogram

Abstract

A signal quality assessment scheme for the photoplethysmogram waveform recorded by a pulse oximeter has been created. The signal quality algorithm uses statistical methods on time-series and spectral analysis to locate high-frequency segments of the photoplethysmogram waveform. A photoplethysmogram pulse onset detector has been implemented for heart rate estimation. Application of the signal quality metric and photoplethysmogram pulse onset detector are demonstrated in an algorithm which suppresses false electrocardiogram critical arrhythmia alarms issued by bedside monitors in hospital intensive care units.