Innovative Wearable Device Revolutionizes Heart and Lung Monitoring

Researchers have introduced a groundbreaking wearable technology that functions similarly to a computed tomography (CT) scanner, enabling continuous and real-time imaging of the heart and lungs for hospitalized patients. This innovative device, developed by scientists at the University of Bath in collaboration with Polish tech firm Netrix, offers a significant advancement in patient monitoring and diagnosis.

The device resembles a belt that patients wear around their chest. Utilizing advanced ultrasound computed tomography techniques, it produces high-resolution, dynamic images of internal organs without the need for repeated radiological scans or exposure to ionizing radiation. Unlike traditional imaging, which provides only snapshot views, this belt continuously tracks changes in the heart and lung function over hours or days, offering healthcare professionals deeper insights into patient health.

Published in the IEEE Transactions on Instrumentation and Measurement, the research highlights how this soft, flexible sensor array can be placed directly on a patient's chest, generating real-time images that reflect ongoing changes within the organs. This capability could transform the management of conditions like heart failure, pneumonia, and respiratory distress by enabling bedside, non-invasive monitoring and reducing the dependence on conventional imaging methods.

Professor Manuch Soleimani, the lead researcher, emphasizes the potential impact, stating that this technology could be particularly valuable in critical care and post-surgical settings. It provides a comprehensive view of organ behavior, aiding in diagnosis and treatment planning, including ventilator management. The device’s comfort, wireless data transmission, and capacity for integration with hospital systems make it highly adaptable for long-term monitoring.

Future developments may incorporate artificial intelligence to analyze imaging data, allowing for early warning signals and further diagnostic support. The research team is preparing for clinical trials, aiming to validate effectiveness across diverse patient groups, including females and individuals with various lung and heart conditions. Beyond hospitals, this technology holds promise for remote patient monitoring at home, especially for elderly or chronically ill patients, potentially reducing hospital admissions and improving early intervention.

This innovation represents a promising step toward safer, more efficient, and more comprehensive monitoring technology in healthcare, with potential applications extending beyond cardiopulmonary care to stroke and brain injury monitoring in emergency and ambulance settings.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-wearable-device-mimics-ct-scans.html