Machine-Learning Workflow for Edge Computed Arrhythmia Detection in Exploration-Class Missions

Abstract Deep-space missions require preventative care methods based on predictive models for identifying in-space pathologies. Deploying such models requires flexible edge computing, which Open Neural Network Exchange (ONNX) formats enable by optimizing inference directly on wearable edge devices. This work demonstrates an innovative approach to point-of-care machine learning model pipelines by combining this capacity with an advanced self-optimizing training scheme to classify periods of Normal Sinus Rhythm (NSR), Atrial Fibrillation (AFIB) and Atrial Flutter (AFL). 742 hours of electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were pre-processed into 30-second normalized samples where variable mode decomposition purged muscle artifacts and instrumentation noise. Seventeen heart rate variability and morphological ECG features were extracted by convoluting peak detection with Gaussian distributions and delineating QRS complexes using discrete wavelet transforms. The decision tree classifier’s features, parameters and hyperparameters were self-optimized through stratified triple nested cross-validation ranked on F1-scoring against cardiologist labelling. The selected model achieved a macro F1-score of 0.899 with 0.993 for NSR, 0.938 for AFIB and 0.767 for AFL. The most important features included median P-wave amplitudes, PNN20, and mean heart rates. The ONNX-translated pipeline took 9.2 s/sample. The novel combination of our self-optimizing scheme and deployment use case of ONNX demonstrated overall accurate operational tachycardia detection.