Cellphone to Act as Mobile ICCU

If we look at the recent history, not many devices have received the kind of research attention as the mobile phone. From being a mere tool of communication, the mobile phone is now all set to turn into a life-saver, particularly for heart patients, with the development of a data transmission device which would virtually function as a pocket Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) and would communicate between the patient and a doctor at a time when it is most urgently required. The device, being developed by an Austrian-based research consortium and costing Rs 1,200, would transmit data on ECG, blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation level via the patient's mobile phone to the doctor's mobile. "The development of the small device will take cardiac care to a new high and will certainly revolutionize patient care. This is quite beneficial to those having rapid cardiac problems, now they can feel comfortable even while sitting at their residence as the doctor will be able to monitor their condition and act appropriately through this devise," said a senior consultant cardiologist with Hyderabad based Care Hospital. 

All that the patient has to do is to place the device on his or her chest above the chest valve and call the doctor on his mobile. The device acquires vital data and transmits it into the patient's mobile, which is then fed into the doctor's mobile. The cardiologist can then make a proper diagnosis and relay advice and medication to the patient. The latest advances in cell phone technology make it possible to improve emergency cardiac care. This facility will now enable Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) paramedics out in the field to receive vital information about their patients even when a patient is sitting at his home. This technology allows Emergency Department physicians to read a patient's transmitted details on a mobile devise and then direct the on-site paramedic accordingly.

"In some cases, if the patient is having a heart attack, the patient is usually transported to the closest hospital, and the patient's private physician is contacted. This is particularly helpful if patients are unconscious or unable to tell the paramedics what medications they are taking," the doctor added.

Zia Askari

(CNS)