Quick — you’re watching House, M.D. with a friend and he suddenly complains of lightheadedness and heart palpitations, then passes out on your couch. Is it a common atrial fibrillation, or is it a third-degree atrioventricular block needing emergency atropine and an electrical pacer?
Soon, assuming you’re either a medical professional skilled in electrocardiography or you play one on TV, you’ll be able to make the differential diagnosis using just an iPhone 4 and the AliveCor iPhonECG.
The iPhonECG is a sleek, low power case that turns the iPhone 4 into a wireless, clinical quality cardiac event recorder. It was invented by Dr. David Albert, a self-described “serial entrepreneur and inventor who happens to be an engineer and a physician with 30 years in cardiology.” Dr. Albert sold his last company, Data Critical, to GE Medical Systems, where he then worked as Chief Scientist of GE Cardiology.
Albert’s goal was to make heart monitoring affordable both for chronic heart patients and third world caregivers. Instead of devices costing tens of thousands, he wanted to make a device anyone could afford.
Continue reading iPhonECG turns your iPhone 4 into an affordable cardiac event monitor
iPhonECG turns your iPhone 4 into an affordable cardiac event monitor originally appeared on TUAW on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments