Available Technologies

Technology

There are many sensor modalities to assess heart function based on different heart conditions. Electrocardiography (ECG) measures the heart’s electrical activity. Acoustic sensor/ Digital Stethoscope (DS) listens to the heart’s sound. Ultrasonography or echocardiography (EC) provides diagnostic images of the heart’s valves and chambers during each heartbeat. Inertial Sensors (IS) measure heart-induced motion of the chest wall. Each sensor in itself provides unique insights for the diagnosis of different heart conditions.

Researchers at UAH have developed a system integrating these modalities into a system with Multi Modal Sensors (MMS). The system contains two or three synchronized MMSs and a controller that controls the sensors, creates synergy of information from individual sensors in real time, and provides expert guidance for the operator about optimal positioning of sensors and the portable ultrasound probe. Distributed multimodal monitoring facilitates robust monitoring, improved diagnostic procedures, and expert guidance for the user.

The need for portable monitoring is growing in the healthcare industry. Portable monitoring and diagnostic systems facilitate screenings and early intervention for heart failure patients, and more affordable screening procedures outside of hospitals. All results and documented procedures can be readily stored on a medical server and in the patient’s medical record.