Fabrication of a low-cost strap for holding precordial electrodes on the hirsute chest

BACKGROUND: Reusable suction-cup electrodes are used for recording a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in resource-limited settings. These electrodes may easily detach if those are attached on a hirsute chest. Additionally, the suction pressure may cause erythema and pain. AIM: The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost strap for holding the suction-cup-based precordial electrodes and to test its applicability to the recording of ECG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A scrap rubber tube was cut in size so that it can cover all the precordial electrode positions. Slit openings (electrodes can be inserted through these opening) were made on this rubber strap. A cloth and a hook-and-loop fastener were used to make an adjustable fastener. ECG was recorded first on 16 non-hairy males with electrodes placed on the chest with the strap and then with electrodes attached by suction. After that, ECG was recorded on 16 males with hirsute chest first with the electrodes placed with the help of the strap and then with suction (without strap) on the shaved chest. RESULTS: The outcome of this study is a low-cost ECG chest strap for a hirsute chest. Both the negative and positive QRS voltages in six precordial leads recorded with electrodes placed with the strap were similar to that of suction-attached electrodes in both non-hairy and hirsute chest. CONCLUSION: Developed rubber chest strap can be made with minimal cost and expertise in any resource-limited settings. This would help in recording the ECG of a patient with a hirsute chest. This prototype strap has scope for further improvement.