Doctors have developed an artificial intelligence-led stethoscope that can detect three major heart conditions in just 15 seconds. The upgraded device, created by researchers at Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, diagnoses heart failure, heart valve disease, and abnormal heart rhythms almost instantly.
The traditional stethoscope, invented in 1816, has been a vital medical tool for over two centuries. The new AI version analyses subtle differences in heartbeat and blood flow undetectable to the human ear, while simultaneously taking a rapid ECG. The device, manufactured by California company Eko Health, is about the size of a playing card and sends data to the cloud for AI analysis.
A study involving approximately 12,000 patients from 200 GP surgeries in the UK found that those examined with the AI stethoscope were twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart failure, three times more likely to be diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, and almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with heart valve disease, compared to similar patients not using the technology.
Dr Patrik Bächtiger of Imperial College London said: 'The design of the stethoscope has been unchanged for 200 years – until now. It is incredible that a smart stethoscope can be used for a 15-second examination, and then AI can quickly deliver a test result.' The researchers stressed the tool should be used for symptomatic patients, not routine checks, due to a risk of false positives.
Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan of the British Heart Foundation, which part-funded the research, said: 'Given an earlier diagnosis, people can access the treatment they need to help them live well for longer.' The findings were presented at the European Society of Cardiology annual congress in Madrid.
