Electronic tattoos to detect heart disease

A team of scientists from the University of Texas at Austin has developed ultra-thin, non-invasive electronic tattoos that can simultaneously measure the heart’s electrical and mechanical activity and transmit data wirelessly. 

So-called e-tattoos are a new generation of wearable medical devices that stick to the skin like transfer tattoos. Read and send integrated sensors to a smartphone or other device Heart rate and pulse data, blood pressure and stress information. The tattoo is powered by an external battery.

Scientists have improved on the development presented back in 2019 by making the tattoo wireless. Like the previous model, the new version constantly monitors the heart’s electrical activity (ECG), as well as registers and evaluates sounds during the heart, which allows you to understand the mechanical properties of the heart. If the heart is not functioning as it should, the sound matrix will be completely different. This is extremely important for diagnosis without visiting a doctor.

An electronic tattoo on a transparent basis consists of a number of small microcircuits and sensors connected by elastic contacts – it can be stuck on the patient’s chest like a Band-aid. The thickness of such a sticker is approximately 200 microns – like two human hairs. The weight is 2.5 grams and the battery charge is sufficient for 40 hours of continuous operation. Information is transmitted in real time to Bluetooth-enabled devices.

According to the researchers, the device does not require a doctor’s visit and connection to bulky batteries or devices. In addition, the constant wear and tear makes it possible to identify and eliminate problems at an early stage, long before they occur. As scientists say, some diseases may not manifest themselves until the problem is too neglected. Early diagnosis can prevent up to 80% of relevant diseases.

The devices were tested on five healthy patients living in a normal mode, the level of measurement error was very small. The results are published in the journal Advanced Electronic Materials.

From:  https://technewsspace.com/scientists-have-developed-wireless-electronic-tattoos-to-detect-heart-disease