Study: HeartBeam’s AI Algorithms, Vectorcardiography Improves Atrial Flutter Detection

HeartBeam Inc. is promoting new data showing its artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, combined with vectorcardiography (VCG), considerably improved detection of atrial flutter over single-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) and performed similarly to 12-lead ECGs, the standard for diagnosing atrial flutter.

In the study, HeartBeam AI with VCG demonstrated a 28% improvement over single-lead ECG in detecting atrial flutter cases (sensitivity of 91% for VCG vs. 71.2% for single-lead ECG) without sacrificing the ability to identify those individuals without atrial flutter (98.7% specificity for VCG vs. 96.9% for single-lead ECG). Additional details about the study can be found here.
 
Smartwatches have become increasingly popular for detecting and monitoring abnormalities in heartbeat timing or pattern but only offer a single-lead ECG, which significantly limits their ability to detect a broad range of cardiac irregularities. Atrial flutter is a common irregularity, or arrhythmia, that typically requires a healthcare professional to administer a 12-lead ECG in a medical setting, which is not always practical or even possible during a cardiac event.
 
HeartBeam’s core vectorelectrocardiography (3D VECG) technology captures the heart’s signals in three projections (X, Y, Z), similar to VCG, and synthesizes a 12-lead ECG. The technology is designed to be used in HeartBeam’s small, portable, devices that allow for remote cardiac monitoring. The company’s first planned application of the 3D VECG platform technology is the HeartBeam AIMIGo, a credit card-sized device for patient use at home or anywhere, which is currently under U.S. Food and Drug Administration review.
 
“The study presented shows that HeartBeam AI combined with VCG delivers equivalent performance to a 12-lead ECG and greatly improves detection of atrial flutter over a single-lead ECG, underscoring the limitations of current wearable technologies. This presents an opportunity for a VCG-based algorithm that offers arrhythmia detection capabilities beyond what is available today and to fill gaps in healthcare inequality when obtaining a 12-lead ECG is challenging,” said Vivek Reddy, M.D., director of Cardiac Arrhythmia Services at The Mount Sinai Hospital (New York, N.Y.).
 
The HeartBeam technology gathers far more data than a single-lead ECG. By leveraging AI to analyze these data-rich signals, HeartBeam believes it can improve diagnostic accuracy and the technology has the potential to extract unique information that could go beyond current 12-lead ECGs as data of great diagnostic value is gathered from the same patients using the device over time. HeartBeam believes this presents a unique opportunity to create a comprehensive repository of data that could unlock personalized AI-driven insights to improve cardiac care.
 
“The intent of our AI program is to leverage our VECG platform to unlock detection and prediction capabilities currently limited to healthcare facilities and make them readily accessible and available to the patient, and this new data is a clear example of what we can accomplish,” HeartBeam Founder/CEO Branislav Vajdic, Ph.D., said. “As we continue to expand our artificial intelligence capabilities, we look forward to demonstrating how the combination of our data-rich 3D VECG platform with HeartBeam AI has the potential to transform how cardiac health is managed in the future.”
 
HeartBeam Inc. is dedicated to transforming cardiac care through the power of personalized insights. The company’s proprietary vectorelectrocardiography (VECG) technology collects 3D signals of the heart’s electrical activity and converts them into a 12-lead ECG. This platform technology is designed to be used on portable, patient-friendly devices such as a credit-card sized monitor, watch or patch. Physicians will be able to identify cardiac health trends and acute conditions and direct patients to the appropriate care—all outside of a medical facility.