Vivid detail

Because heart problems often manifest suddenly, there has long been a need for non-invasive and continuous cardiac monitoring technology that can "follow" the heart, detect problems as they occur, and help patients in critical condition. Such real-time cardiac image monitoring shows the whole picture in vivid detail.

Wide patient base

The device will be useful for everyone, including people who already have heart disease and those who care about their health and want to prevent possible problems in the future. It is essentially an advanced Holter monitor that provides accurate and continuous signals of key cardiac indicators of various physical conditions.

How it works

The cardiac monitor is an ultrasound patch that is soft and stretchable, about the size of a postage stamp. It is attached to the chest to keep a continuous record of heart activity. The device adheres well and stays on the skin even during exercise. It can be worn for up to 24 hours.

The heart monitor sends and receives ultrasound waves, which are used to create a constant stream of images of the heart structure. It takes real-time images of the four chambers of the heart from different angles, analyzes them, and measures how much blood the heart is pumping.

The monitor assesses the structure and functionality of the heart even during intense physical activity, which is not possible in a clinical setting with bulky equipment.

After 24 hours of monitoring, the device accumulates all the information the doctor needs about the patient's heart condition. Data from the cardiac monitor is downloaded by connecting it to a computer with a cable. Scientists are currently working on devices with wireless access.

What it can do

The cardiac monitor is able to provide accurate and continuous signals of key cardiac parameters in various physical states, including statics and after exercise, which has never been achieved before. The device provides information on the following:

• stroke volume — the volume of blood the heart pumps out for each beat;
• ejection fraction — the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle of the heart for each beat;
• cardiac output — the volume of blood the heart pumps out every minute.

Next steps

In the near future, the smart device will undergo extensive clinical trials, and if successful, it could be put into mass production.

29 September 2023