Digital casts

British scientists have developed a special cast to monitor heart health.

Digital casts act as a disposable device and can collect important information when affixed to the patient's chest. This is the result of eight years of research by Professor Chris Toumazou and colleagues at the Royal University of London.

Digital casts will make heart surgery more successful - Photo: Reuters

According to the researchers, the cast is just a cell phone, lightweight and low power. Inside the tape are silicon chips, including electrocardiographs, thermometers and motion sensors. These devices allow the collection of data from the patient's body, such as heart rate, body temperature, and respiration. The doctor can download this information with a mobile phone and advise the patient based on the changes they have detected. This is a tool to quickly detect abnormal symptoms and promote the treatment immediately.

The most important thing is that the doctor can monitor the patient 24 hours a day without fear of missing out on extremely important data. The data obtained can also be automatically integrated into the patient's electronic patient records. This tool will allow patients after surgery to be treated at home. In addition, it also helps doctors orientate the lifestyle of heart patients.

Digital casts are currently being tested at St Mary's Hospital, west London. "We think this cast will revolutionize health care. Hopefully it will improve the health of a wide range of patients, from hospitalized patients to chronically ill people who want to be monitored at home. It will also help doctors do not need to check many machines and keep up with their patients, " said Professor Toumazou.