Page 45 - Status Report

The Context

Millions of people experience irregular
heartbeats, called arrhythmias, at some
point in their lives. Most of the time, they are
harmless and happen in healthy people free of
heart disease. However, some abnormal heart
rhythms can be serious or even fatal. Having
other types of heart disease can also increase
the risk of arrhythmias. A 24-hour (or longer)
recording of the heartbeat is often necessary
to detect any rhythm problem that occurs daily
but not constantly. ECG and Holter device
are conventionally used for such heartbeat
monitoring purposes.

The Initiative

This project proposes the development of a
wireless, wearable device for cardiac patients
as a replacement for conventional ECG and
Holter device for early diagnosis and management of heart rhythm disorders. The proposed device
would be significantly cheaper leading to enhanced affordability and improved user experience and
compliance. It is proposed to use a single patch made of breathable polymeric material with long
lasting adhesion to capture the signal, which otherwise are sensed through multiple locations in
the body using conventional protocols. In addition, the breathable polymeric material (a monolithic
film) would prevent external moisture and air from penetrating through the material while allowing
excess moisture to escape from the inside. The role of the device is to acquire signals, digitize and
compress them, and then wirelessly transmit them to a server. The server then applies computation
to generate meaningful reports for physicians.

The Outcome

Validation protocols for comparing Smart MCT device signals with those of standard monitors are
currently underway. The first version of breathable, waterproof films has been shipped to India
and work is in progress for the first milestone of materials development. The project has been
recognized as a startup under DIPP’s (Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion) Startup India
program. The project also won first place in T-Hub’s Find your Funder contest held in October 2016.

Status Report 45