The innovative AI-powered stethoscope can diagnose heart failure, arrhythmias, and valve defects in just 15 seconds.
This is reported by Finway
- The device effectively detects heart failure, valve pathologies, and atrial fibrillation.
- Testing involving 12,000 patients demonstrated a twofold increase in early diagnosis rates.
- The development was carried out by Imperial College London in collaboration with Eko Health.
How the AI Stethoscope Works
Scientists at Imperial College London have presented a new stethoscope equipped with artificial intelligence. The device analyzes electrical signals and blood flow sounds in seconds, recording even those deviations that cannot be detected using traditional methods. The device integrates a rapid electrocardiogram function, and the examination results are transmitted via a secure cloud storage to the doctor’s smartphone.
The main tasks of the instrument are to detect heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and heart valve defects. The new stethoscope was created in collaboration with the California-based company Eko Health, allowing for a combination of medical expertise and modern technology.
Test Results and Expert Opinions
The device was tested on 12,000 patients across 200 British clinics. According to the study results, those examined with the new stethoscope had heart failure diagnosed twice as often, and atrial fibrillation three times more frequently than in the traditional group. Detection of heart valve pathologies also increased nearly twofold.
“The design of the stethoscope has remained virtually unchanged for two centuries, and the emergence of a ‘smart’ device could fundamentally change the approach to diagnostics,” said Dr. Patrick Bechtiger from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London.
Dr. Mihir Kelsheker noted that most patients with heart failure are hospitalized in a complicated state. The new device will allow general practitioners to detect diseases at early stages, facilitating more effective treatment.
Researchers emphasize that the AI stethoscope should be used for diagnosing patients with suspicious symptoms, rather than for mass screenings of healthy individuals. Early detection can reduce mortality rates and healthcare costs.
The project has received support from the British Heart Foundation and the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Professor Mike Lewis emphasized that the device could be a breakthrough in early diagnosis and provide doctors with technologies that were previously unavailable at the primary care level.
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