Home ECG devices epitomize the conflict between patient-facing usability and doctor-facing accuracy and usefulness. We’ve written about many ECG technology development projects such as Bardy Diagnostics’ Carnation Ambulatory Monitor (CAM) and AliveCor’s 6-Lead ECG.
The founders of Genoa, Italy-based biomedical company D-Heart launched their firm to develop and promote accessible and accurate home screening devices for cardiovascular disease. The D-Heart device, which is paired with a smartphone app, uses four or six electrodes for 8-lead or 12-lead ECGs. The device measures 4.6-inches x 5.2-inches x 1.7-inches and weighs 3.4 ounces: less than a stick of butter.
One tricky part of a multi-lead ECG is getting the electrodes in the correct place. The D-Heart app uses the smartphone camera and an artificial intelligence algorithm to show patients exactly where to place the electrodes on their chests. The ECG color-coded cables, which are stored inside the device, can be put in place in any order, with positioning aided by the location of the cable exit from the device.
The D-Heart app data settings can diagnose myocardial infarction and complex arrhythmias. After the ECG recording, the patient can share the report with a personal physician or send it to D-Heart’s 24/7 telecardiology service.
According to D-Heart, the ECG system is simple to use, clinically reliable, portable, and costs one-fifth the price of professional hospital ECG machines that perform at the same clinical standard. The D-Heart ECG is CE Marked but not FDA cleared at this time.
