Implantable loop recorder cardiac monitor

This insertable cardiac monitor connects directly with a patients smartphone via Bluetooth. With Confirm Rx, the patients smartphone proactively transmits data to the patients physician and does away with the need for the patient to use a bedside telephone transmitter. Data can be uploaded and accessed at intervals programmed by the clinician. It is most useful for long-term monitoring of patients with arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation (AF), a common cause of stroke, which may at times not show up on 24-hour monitoring.

The implantable cardiac monitor is a new small monitoring device, which may take the place of Holter monitor, which is worn externally. Holter monitoring also requires placing of many electrodes on the chest and abdomen and for the patient to carry a recorder, which patients find inconvenient.

Distraction-based virtual reality for pediatrics

Another example of the application of digital technology in delivery of health care is the three-dimensional virtual-reality (VR) experiences to help children overcome or be suitably distracted from the fear, anxiety and pain that come with repeated injections and infusions needed for chronic conditions such as hemophilia, cancers, severe burns, which require frequent procedures, such as infusion therapy or needlesticks, especially in children who have needle phobia. An interactive computer-based system, the VR goggles enhance the entertainment experience to a 360-degree view of relaxing scenery and engaging games.

NeuroAD Therapy System for Alzheimers disease

The NeuroAD Therapy System is currently under review at FDA for clearance as treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. The system delivers sustained cognitive improvement by combining noninvasive transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with computer-based cognitive training in addition to existing pharmacologic therapy. It is the first device-based treatment for AD to receive the CE mark for clinical use in the European Union. A full six-week course of five daily, one-hour treatment sessions per week reportedly costs about $6,000 to $10,000.

(To be contd)

 Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri AwardeeVice President CMAAOGroup Editor-in-chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Immediate Past National President IMA