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Chicago, IL — A breakthrough wearable device called CardioTag may provide a noninvasive, real-time solution for monitoring worsening heart failure, according to new research presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions.
Innovative Technology
CardioTag, a lightweight device worn on the sternum, calculates intracardiac filling pressures using advanced technologies including seismocardiography, photoplethysmography, and electrocardiography. This data is analyzed by an artificial intelligence algorithm to estimate pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP)—a critical indicator of heart failure progression.
In a study known as SEISMIC-HF I, CardioTag’s readings were compared with right heart catheterization data, the current gold standard for measuring PCWP. The results showed that CardioTag’s estimates were highly accurate, comparable to those obtained through invasive implantable systems.
“CardioTag has the potential to redefine heart failure management by offering a precise and noninvasive alternative to existing methods,” said Dr. Liviu Klein, the study’s lead researcher and a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco.
Advantages Over Existing Systems
Current implantable systems like CardioMEMS, which measure pulmonary artery pressure, require invasive procedures and can be costly. CardioTag offers a simpler and less expensive solution.
“The noninvasive nature of CardioTag is a clear advantage for both patients and physicians,” said Dr. Jessica Golbus, a discussant for the trial from the University of Michigan. “It could provide a just-in-time solution in cases where there’s clinical ambiguity, avoiding the need for complex implantation procedures.”
CardioTag also provides absolute PCWP values rather than surrogate measures like pulmonary artery pressure, making it more reliable for managing conditions such as post-capillary pulmonary hypertension.
The Road Ahead
While the results of SEISMIC-HF I are promising, researchers acknowledge that further studies are needed to validate the device’s efficacy in broader clinical settings. The trial was conducted at a single center and included fewer than 1,000 patients, all of whom had heart failure with reduced ejection fraction.
Dr. Klein plans to expand the research through the SEISMIC-HF II study, which will involve more patients and multiple centers to ensure the findings are widely applicable. A subsequent randomized trial will evaluate whether the use of CardioTag can reduce hospitalizations and improve patient outcomes.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dr. Klein. “Our ultimate goal is to move from monitoring to effective management, demonstrating that CardioTag can make a tangible difference in the lives of patients with heart failure.”
A Transformative Tool for Heart Health
As researchers continue to explore its potential, CardioTag represents a significant step forward in heart failure care. Its noninvasive design, accuracy, and accessibility could transform the way clinicians manage this chronic condition, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving quality of life for millions of patients worldwide.
