Data has an indispensable role in healthcare. Accordingly, healthcare providers are increasingly focusing on solutions that help enhance data sharing and care provision. In the case of electrocardiogram (ECG), integrations with wearable devices like fitness trackers and smartwatches are being explored to offer a comprehensive view of overall health & wellness. As per Inkwood Research, the global ECG equipment market is projected to reach $10982.63 million by 2032 and record a CAGR of 5.52% during 2023-2032.
Combining data from electrocardiogram (ECG) technology with data from wearable devices, healthcare providers can get a holistic view of a person’s health, including sleep patterns, heart activity, physical activity, and other biometrics. This can improve the efficiency & precision of ECG data analysis and offer a more comprehensive view of a person’s health status.
A GE Healthcare article pertinent to electrocardiogram (ECG) integration offers an insightful description wherein the author cites a personal experience. The author explains how she could not complete a patient’s cardiology consultation because she could not access the ECG with the referral from the electronic medical record (EMR) for review.
“Even though I was on the same EMR as his PCP, the lack of integrated ECGs and EMRs had left me unable to complete my clinical workflow, provide an accurate diagnosis, offer a management plan, and complete the visit in a timely manner. The need for integrated ECGs and EMRs is greater than ever in situations like this.” (Source)
This blog showcases a few of the ongoing integrations in the ECG equipment market.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in ECG analysis
Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms are being developed to analyze ECG signals and detect conditions like cardiac anomalies and arrhythmias alongside the risk of heart attacks. These algorithms use advanced machine-learning techniques to identify anomalies and patterns in the data. Also, they can improve over time through continuous learning, becoming increasingly precise with the analysis of more ECG data.
For instance, a research team from the University of Alberta research team built and trained machine learning programs based on 1.6 million ECGs of 244,077 patients in northern Alberta between 2007 and 2020. The study demonstrated that ECG-based DL modes can be used to identify high-risk patients for short- or long-term mortality.
Says Padma Kaul, professor of medicine and co-director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre, “These findings illustrate how machine learning models can be employed to convert data collected routinely in clinical practice to knowledge that can be used to augment decision-making at the point of care as part of a learning health-care system.” (Source)
Further, AI in ECG analysis can minimize the workload of healthcare providers, allotting time for more complex tasks and enhancing the overall efficiency of ECG data analysis. Additionally, they can reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes.
Interoperability through Wear-ability
Wearable ECG devices are portable, compact devices worn on the body that continuously monitor heart activities. Such devices enable convenient monitoring, which can help detect potential issues on time, thereby enhancing patient outcomes.
Modern wireless wearable ECG solutions depend on the computational complexity involved. They are typically used in a one-dimensional, offline setting. For instance, chest straps and smart vests are among the IoT gadgets used to read ECG readings in the home environment.
Moreover, ECG readings from IoT-based systems need precise analysis to diagnose cardiovascular disorders. Similarly, recent advancements in ECG signal processing revolve around sensor devices or edge devices. For instance, wearable devices assess ECG signals to identify irregularities like arrhythmia. Such methods facilitate precise ECG analysis results in seconds with a high degree of efficiency.
Recent Developments in Wearable ECG Devices
On 31st May 2023, Vivalink announced the latest version of its multi-parameter wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) patch. With continuous 14-day live stream capabilities, the new patch will enable prolonged duration remote ECG monitoring with a single application, thereby minimizing the patient and clinician burden. Whereas the real time streaming capabilities will allow remote viewing of the patient’s live ECG.
The other features of the 14-day ECG patch include:
- 14-Day Continuous Wear, Water-Resistant Adhesive
- Posture Detection
- Ability to measure Movement Intensity
- Step Count
Says Jiang Li, CEO of Vivalink, “Advancements in digital healthcare technologies are enabling a new class of applications such as acute patient monitoring and virtual hospitals.” (Source)
Future ECG Equipment Market Trends: Developing Compact ECG Devices
Conventional ECG stress test systems are being downsized to more portable systems, supplemented by the growing demand for portable ECG devices and new technological developments.
For instance, AliveCor launched the KardiaMobile Card in February 2022. It is the most convenient personal ECG device at the size of a standard credit card. Its algorithm is based on the company’s AI-enabled Kardia technology, evaluated by over 170 peer-reviewed studies.
Priya Abani, CEO of AliveCor, explains, “KardiaMobile Card delivers the most sophisticated AI in the most convenient form factor ever, putting the power of real-time ECG analysis directly in patients’ wallets and furthering our vision of becoming the 24/7 virtual cardiologist for patients when they’re not in front of their physician.” (Source)
Such integrated developments are estimated to define the global ECG equipment market trends in the future.
By Akhil Nair
FAQs:
Which is the fastest-growing product in the global ECG equipment market?
Monitoring ECG System is the fastest-growing product in the global ECG equipment market.
Which trends are lucrative to the global ECG equipment market growth?
The increasing demand for ECG data management solutions and the rising push for compact ECG devices are lucrative to the global ECG equipment market growth.