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6 recent updates in health tech
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More than ever, people today are connected by mobile technologies. Currently, 77% of Americans own smartphones, according to data from the Pew Research Center. The ever-increasing computing power and ability of smartphone technologies, wearable sensors and point-of-care diagnostic devices could transform cardiology and health care, potentially leading to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of heart disease.
Cardiology Today and Healio/Cardiology identified 6 recent updates in health care innovation, from newly approved personal, wearable ECG technology to supercomputers to accelerate drug discovery.
Personal ECG technology for Apple Watch cleared by FDA
In late November, AliveCor announced a personal ECG technology compatible with the Apple Watch was cleared by the FDA. The accessory (KardiaBand) allows Apple Watch users to get an ECG reading within 30 seconds using an integrated sensor to detect normal sinus heart rhythms and atrial fibrillation, according to a company press release.
Two experts in health tech provide their take on the implications of personal, wearable ECG technology.
Technology and health care: The future is bright
A new era of health care innovation is here, with novel technologies aimed to improve the lives of patients and physicians alike, from mobile technologies to intelligent care. Since advancements were made during the “communication revolution,” a host of new technologies are evolving every day and improving the daily lives of the average individual. Health care is finally catching up to the rest of the world, with regard to technological advancements, according to health care experts speaking at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions.
Leading health tech experts discuss intelligent care, digital transformation, new technological tools and more.
AHA partners to use supercomputers to accelerate drug discovery
The American Heart Association and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory are partnering to address the burden of drug discovery, cost and access, according to a press release.
This collaboration is part of the AHA’s Center for Accelerated Drug Discovery. Through this partnership, Lawrence Livermore scientists will use a supercomputer and simulated environment to predict how drugs bind to their target proteins. Using this system, the both organizations hope to accelerate development of new and targeted therapies.
VIDEO: Technology plus efficiency equals entrepreneurial success
At the OCTANe Medical Technology Innovation Forum, James V. Mazzo, from Carl Zeiss Meditec, considers the marriage of technology with efficiency as a measure entrepreneurial success in the medical technology industry. Mazzo is one of the original founders of OCTANe.
Smartphone-compatible implantable cardiac monitor receives FDA clearance
Abbott announced in October that its smartphone-compatible implantable cardiac monitor designed to remotely identify cardiac arrhythmias was cleared by the FDA.
The implantable cardiac monitor (Confirm Rx) can provide U.S. patients with new methods of monitoring arrhythmias while remotely connecting with their physician. The monitor is implanted under the skin in the chest in a minimally invasive outpatient procedure and uses Bluetooth technology, which allows patients to connect their monitor to their smartphone using an app (myMerlin Mobile). The device collects data on cardiac arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation, which is then securely transmitted to a patient's physician via the mobile app on a schedule set by the clinic, according to a company release.