When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
With heart attacks being reported as the reason for the death of one Indian every 33 seconds, cardiac health has emerged as a chief concern in the country. One of the main challenges is making quality cardiac solutions available in rural areas. A new, portable ECG device, which runs on mobile technology, hopes to change things for the better.
Scientists at BARC came into the spotlight recently for having developed the Handheld 12-Channel Tele-ECG Instrument that promises cardiac care at just a click. The prototype is developed to record all the 12-leads of ECG simultaneously and displays the same on mobile screens. The generated report can be immediately shared with experts via mobile phones, thus saving on the time it takes to transport patients from their location to the nearest available cardiac units.
According to a report by BARC, “The report is generated in form of an image that can be sent to the expert’s mobile through Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) or any other file sharing apps. The device is ideally suited for rural health care. In city hospitals, the machine can be operated through Laptop/Desktop and report can be shared on Local Area Network (LAN). ECG report in standard graphical format (as shown above) can be taken on a blank A4 size paper.”
Tele-ECG was introduced over three decades ago, and is largely executed through telephone lines. The drawback of this application is that it can only be done between fixed locations and with regular handsets. With advancement in wireless technology, it has become increasingly possible to enhance the scope of wireless telemedicine and harness mobile cellular network to connect rural communities with health experts.
ECG reports are commonly requested by doctors to determine their patients’ health conditions, especially the elderly. Paper-based reports are often at the risk of being lost or fade in the course of time. Abhinav, founder of Cardea Labs, which is one of the licensees of this mobile technology, says, “Having an affordable 12 lead ECG system on the smart phone will not only boost the digital healthcare space, but this paper-less system will save a huge amount of time, helping the patient and the doctor immensely.”
Having successfully developed the low-cost prototype, BARC has begun issuing licenses to select R&D organisations and automation companies to manufacture and market the product. These firms are now modifying and readying the prototype for commercial launch.
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