Cutting-edge vest marks a substantial advancement in traditional heart health methodologies.
An innovative electrocardiographic imaging vest introduced by the University College London (UCL) and the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust is poised to revolutionise heart health care within the National Health Service (NHS). Recognised for its reliability and durability in the Journal of Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance[1], this cutting-edge vest marks a substantial advancement in traditional heart health care methodologies.
With approximately two million individuals in the UK affected by heart rhythm disorders, the urgency to combat sudden cardiac deaths is evident. Previous methods relied on invasive catheters or costly single-use devices, limiting the accuracy of the heart's electrical mapping. In contrast, the newly introduced vest, equipped with 256 sensors and integrated with MRI imaging, captures precise heart electrical data, creating detailed 3D models for comprehensive analysis.
Dr Gaby Captur, an influential figure at UCL's Institute of Cardiovascular Science and Royal Free London, emphasised the vest's potential impact. "Heart imaging has progressed significantly, yet understanding the heart's electrical dynamics remained elusive. Our developed vest, a departure from the stagnant 12-lead electrocardiogram, envisions a swift,cost-effective screening tool providing crucial insights into life-threatening heart rhythms. Moreover, it offers the ability to assess drug impacts, novel cardiac devices, and lifestyle interventions on heart health.”
Supported by the British Heart Foundation, Dr Matthew Webber highlighted the complementary role of electrocardiographic imaging, unraveling details about heart muscle health and its intricate electrical system. "Cardiac MRI, the gold standard in heart imaging, reveals heart muscle tissue health. Our imaging correlates these features with their consequences on the heart's electrical system." Beyond the identification of candidates needing implantable cardioverter defibrillators, the vest minimises risks associated with unnecessary shocks. Employing reusable, dry electrodes amplifies its hygiene and efficiency, while continuous assessment of its biomarkers remains pivotal for future healthcare applications.
“Our developed vest, a departure from the stagnant 12-lead electrocardiogram, envisions a swift, cost-effective screening tool providing crucial insights into life-threatening heart rhythms”
Currently, the vest is used to map hearts affected by diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dr Captur patented the ECGI vest in the United States with the assistance of UCL Business, and collaborates with g-tec to potentially enhance its widespread manufacturing.
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