A mobile framework to measure ejection fraction by automated non-invasive analysis of cardiac signals

PROJECT SUMMARY ABSTRACT This SBIR Phase II project will develop a novel mobile framework to measure left ventricular ejection fraction as a marker for systolic dysfunction using automated non invasive analysis of cardiac signalsHeart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women accounting for more than one thirdof all U SdeathsIntotal costs associated with cardiovascular disease in the U Swere estimated to be $billionmaking it the costliest health problem facing the nationIn additionit occurs disproportionately among minority and health disparity populationsFor exampleheart failure related deaths arehigher among AfricanAmericans than among whitesDecreased ejection fraction is a marker of left ventricular systolic dysfunctionthe most common type of heart failureOverall cardiac health can be significantly improved by proper triage at the primary care level by determination of the ejection fraction without requiring aD echo cardiogramIt will provide health care professionals with point of care technology to guide diagnosticmonitoringand therapeutic effortsPortable device capability makes it even more accessible and readily available without high costsAs the technology being developed does not require skilled operators or specially trained physiciansit will allow healthcare providers to measure ejection fraction within their normal medical trainingThrough the course of the two year Phase I work we have developed a revolutionary medical device that enables measurement of ejection fraction using the cardiac sound signals measured at the chest wallThe scope of the science proposed in this Phase II project is to complete development of the diagnostic framework using our specially engineered sensor system combined with the novel algorithm technology to be accessed via a smartphone or tablet for a portable and cost effective solutionResource poor communities across the globe lack access to quality healthcare arising from shortages in medical expertise and poor availability of expensive medical diagnostic devicesIn recent yearsmobile phones have become increasingly advanced and ubiquitousThe mobile framework developed through this project is a tremendous opportunity to provide low cost diagnostics to under served populationsThe benefit of this pioneering work is the development of a low cost and portable solution that can be used to diagnose systolic dysfunctionand thus enable improved screening during routine annual checkupsdoctor visitsat community medical screeningsclassesand health fairs leading to healthier communitiesIt will make measuring ejection fraction as routine as measuring blood pressureIn Phase IIwe will continue validation of the device through user trials and seek FDAkclearance for commercializationFollowed by commercialization in the Florida and Mississippi regionbased on the partnerships and joint collaborations established to help create a commercially successful productPROJECT NARRATIVE Overall this project provides direct relevance to public health by facilitating new insights through the development of a novel mobile framework to be used in current clinical practice for non invasive direct assessment of the ejection fractionThe novel biologically inspired device will significantly impact the current known methods for detectionmonitoringprevention and treatment of systolic dysfunctionand support evidence based clinical practiceThe project will help reduce health disparities in the area of heart diseaseassist in providing preventive cardiac careassist in improving access to careassist in early diagnosis of the risk of heart diseases and it will significantly impact the current known methodstechnologiestreatmentsand address critical barriers to progress in the field