The Future of Mobile Cardiac Telemetry: Advancements and Emerging Applications

Posted on December 20, 2023

Mobile Cardiac telemetry has come to the forefront of modern cardiac care. It is revolutionizing patient outcomes and transforming healthcare in many ways that we never imagined possible since it burst onto the scene in 1957. Today, the mobile cardiac telemetry market is growing rapidly at a 12.45% CAGR, which makes it on course to surpass $2.4 billion by 2030. As the evolution of technology continues to provide new twists and turns, we can expect that MCT will keep on changing. In fact, the changes have started taking root, and, in this article, we’ll be discussing some of its biggest emerging applications and advancements to get you up to speed.

Extended cardiac monitoring MCT technology

For the most part, traditional mobile cardiac telemetrytechnologies are designed to provide relatively long periods of monitoring compared to traditional ECG solutions such as event monitors which provide up to 48 hours of heart monitoring.

Usually, traditional durations of MCT devices span between 7 and 14 days. However, we’re now entering an age where such devices are enabling even more extended periods of monitoring, surpassing the 1-month traditional ceiling.
By adopting modern battery technologies, such as lithium-sulfur batteries, we’re noticing more longevity and portability with MCT devices. In fact, some of these devices are now providing monitoring for up to 45 days before needing recharging.

Mobile Cardiac Telemetry for fitness cardiology

In the olden age, mobile cardiac telemetry technology was viewed largely in the sense that it was a tool for diagnosing arrhythmias and other heart problems. However, today, the technology serves more purposes for fitness and sports enthusiasts.

For example, some athletes such as runners are using MCT technology to keep an eye on their heart rate and, by extension, their fitness levels. In doing so, they are able to pick out the right intensity of exercises, which has resulted in the following benefits:

Lower muscle overuse injuries
Lower feelings of muscle soreness
Optimal muscle growth and so on.
Beyond fitness, sports teams are also using MCT technology to monitor certain types of arrhythmias that are triggered by exercise to ensure the overall well-being of players.

Multiple patented mounting MCT options

Traditionally, mobile cardiac telemetry devices had long wires and were majorly won as chest straps. Over time, this can create discomfort for the patients which makes it unideal for long-term monitoring.

To remedy these challenges, the experts here at Cardiac Rhythm have worked on multiple patented mounting options. This means that patients have a variety of options with regard to the placement of the MCT device.

For instance, besides chest straps, our one-of-a-kind Faros 180 biosensor can also be worn like an armband around either wrist. With multiple mounting options, this helps to keep our patients comfortable during long periods of cardiac monitoring to improve diagnostic adherence and lower the margin for diagnostic errors.

Cloud-based MCT technologies

In the past, mobile cardiac telemetry devices would record a patient’s heart activity for a certain period. After that period elapses, the physician would examine the device to be able to make a diagnosis. However, the problem with this system was the inability to provide medical data and intervention in real-time.

It is for this reason that mobile cardiac technologies have embraced cloud data storage and access. Now, modern MCT devices record the patient’s heart data and relay this information to the cloud, giving technicians real-time access to critical information via a browser portal.

Overall, this integration of cloud and MCT technologies has realized the following benefits:
Generation of near real-time ECG reports
Zero variability analysis to lower diagnostic errors
An ability to process large volumes of data from multiple patients
More cost-effectiveness due to fewer needs for on-premise IT infrastructure

Here at Cardiac Rhythm, our biosensors are linked to the cloud to enable more efficient and effective remote cardiac monitoring.

Classification engines that help diagnose arrhythmia

Due to being able to monitor cardiac activities for long periods, this naturally leads to a huge volume of data for ECG technicians to work with. And, of course, with large data processing, the likelihood of human error increases due to fatigue.

That’s where artificial intelligence comes to the rescue. Modern MCT technologies are imbued with intelligent arrhythmia classification engines, which help human physicians quickly sift through the data and make an accurate diagnosis.

Using ECG signals and metadata to power deep learning algorithms that provide suggestions for distinct arrhythmia classifications, AI-driven MCT systems are proving a lifesaver for hospitals.

Our technology at Cardiac Rhythm, for instance, goes even further with automatic summary reports, specific to each patient. This saves you time and makes your clinical workflow even more productive.

Use of MCT devices for stress and depression

Can a heart monitor detect depression? Yes, and this is why MCT devices are also being put to work. In fact, according to a study published on Neurosciencenews.com, this technology can help to diagnose and predict depression with a 90% accuracy.

People suffering from depression tend to exhibit lower heart rate variability and fluctuations, which is something that MCT devices can quickly pick up and bring to a physician’s attention.

Overall, for people struggling with symptoms of depression or stress, MCT technology can be helpful in the following ways:
Promoting more personalized care for patients
Increased diagnostic consistency and quality of care
Better symptom management for a higher quality of life

Additionally, MCT devices, coupled with a physician’s guidance, can help people living with depression to understand their health situations better, more so when it comes to identifying and avoiding hidden triggers.

Conclusion

Mobile cardiac telemetry has evolved and transformed in many important ways since the 1950s when it was invented. Today, it is finding purpose way beyond the realms of traditional cardiac care. Additionally, as the gears of technological change keep turning, we are also noticing even more exciting MCT upgrades, including the use of AI for arrhythmia detection, longer battery power for extended monitoring, and even more patient mounting options enabled by intuitive and wireless modern designs. In the coming years, we can expect even more exciting disruptions, and you can trust that Cardiac Rhythm will always keep you in the know.