3D-Printed Electrocardiogram Electrodes for Heart Rate Detection in Canines

Abstract

This paper describes the design and fabrication of 3D-printed conductive electrodes for measuring heart rate and heart rate variability in animals. The customizable electrodes have a three-legged stool structure with rounded edges in order to provide optimized, balanced, and comfortable skin contact through the fur of the animal without needing to shave it. We explored two alternative designs for manufacturing: a flexible, insulated base structure coated with graphene for conductivity and a rigid, all-conductive, graphene-infused PLA base structure. To enable connection to standard female electrocardiogram snap connectors, we epoxied the former electrode with a metal male snap connector and the latter electrode had the standard-sized male snap connector 3D printed in one assembly. We characterized and compared the performance of these electrodes through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and benchmarked with commercial electrodes traditionally used in veterinary clinics. Preliminary in vivo results demonstrate the feasibility of these electrodes to measure heart rate and heart rate variability in canine puppies.