[LINK] ECG everywhere

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

Here's a new take on apps .. an app analyzing smartphone-case ECG sensors.

US Patent : <http://www.uspto.gov/web/patents/patog/week44/OG/html/1383-
5/US08301232-20121030.html>


"An ECG device comprising: nan electrode assembly configured to sense 
heart-related signals upon contact with a user's skin, and to convert the 
sensed heart-related signals to ECG electrical signals wherein the 
electrode assembly is positioned on an outer surface of a smartphone 
protective case"


Media Report : <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=patent-
watch-heart-monitor-your-phone>

"After several clinical trials, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration 
approved Patent no. 8,301,232 for use last November. 

The patent describes an electrocardiogram (ECG) device that snaps in place 
around a smartphone, currently the iPhone 4 or 4S, like a protective cover. 

The case is embedded with sensors and electronics that measure the 
electrical activity of the heart. Users can record their heart rate by 
placing their fingers on the sensors. An ultrasonic signal relays data from 
the monitor to the smartphone and the AliveECG app. 

A distant physician can also examine the pattern over a secure wireless 
connection. The readout is not as complete as a typical 12-lead ECG, but 
the smartphone version provides an accurate proxy in tests.

“The ECG is a valuable and extremely well understood way of assessing the 
heart and allowing us to diagnose problems,” Albert says. “We wanted to put 
that power into the pocket of any physician, nurse, EMT—and ultimately give 
power to the patient as well.”

The display still requires a trained eye to decipher, but the company is 
rolling out improvements. For example, one pending patent details a 
software enhancement that automatically detects atrial fibrillation,
a common arrhythmia responsible for one third of all strokes .."

Cheers,
Stephen