The British NHS is to test the use of biosensor patches to detect atrial fibrillation, it was announced today.
The biosensors will be available for up to three years while the technology is evaluated, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence said.
The waterproof patches can be worn for up to 14 days and their output is analysed using artificial intelligence software.
The technology is already being tested at 12 hospital trusts in England.
NICE deputy chief executive Meindert Boysen said: “This easy to use and innovative technology can aid the detection of cardiac arrhythmias with continuous monitoring for up to 14 days while allowing the patient to get on with their everyday life.
“The diagnostic accuracy of the artificial intelligence led algorithm looked to perform well in recognising arrhythmias.
“Our committee has requested further data must be collected to allow us to fully understand its impact on NHS resources and the long-term consequences of its use.”
Dr Mickey Jachuk, a cardiologist at South Tyneside & Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, said: “While monitoring has been around for many years and has been the first-choice investigation for assessing patients with suspected AF, it does have limitations in terms of compliance and technical quality. Leads can fall off resulting in loss of data collection, and the patient is very restricted whilst wearing the monitor in terms of the activities they can and cannot do.
“The patch offers high-quality, continuous ambulatory ECG monitoring for up to two-weeks and is much less restrictive than monitoring. The process is very simple, and the data capture is much more complete and less prone to technical issues. Results are processed swiftly and accurately, and the diagnostic yield is much greater in comparison with conventional investigations.”
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