Introduction to the IPN Team and Their Innovation
Young researchers from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) have created a digital stethoscope using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to detect heart damage. The team, consisting of Dr. Diana Bueno Hernández, Dr. José Alberto Zamora, and Víctor Manuel Arena Cantoran (who will soon obtain his degree in Biomedical Engineering), has developed a device with 96% accuracy in identifying damage to the heart valves.
Relevance of the IPN Team
The IPN team’s innovation is significant because it aims to provide a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac conditions. The system has been trained using neural networks to classify heart sounds and identify potential damage.
How the Digital Stethoscope Works
Unlike traditional stethoscopes that rely on mechanical vibrations and movements transmitted from the diaphragm to the ears, this new device incorporates a microphone, a microprocessor that captures, processes, and classifies heart sounds, and displays them on a 240×320 pixel Thin Film Transistor (TFT) screen.
- The device is portable and self-contained, not requiring a PC or mobile device for operation.
- It features a rechargeable 5V battery and a USB charging port.
- The casing of the stethoscope is 3D-printed using PLA (poly lactic acid) polymer to ensure proper assembly of internal components.
Current Capabilities and Future Improvements
The current version of this medical tool can identify cardiac sounds such as S3 and S4, abnormal components of the cardiac cycle and indicators of heart failure, commonly known as murmurs.
- S3 is generated by rapid blood entry into the ventricle and can be detected in the mitral (left ventricle) or tricuspid (right ventricle) valve regions.
- S4 occurs during atrial contraction.
The IPN researchers are considering enhancing the prototype to contribute to the prediagnosis of other heart conditions. They emphasize that their goal is not to replace a specialist’s diagnosis but to provide an accurate detection tool.
- The device’s diaphragm size can be adjusted for pediatric examinations.
- The screen could display specific disease classifications along with the signals.
Global Context and Patent Registration
Globally, there are AI-based tools using Machine Learning and Deep Learning for heart sound classification. However, no fully autonomous (embedded) technologies currently exist.
The IPN team plans to initiate the patent registration process shortly, aiming to bring this innovative digital stethoscope to healthcare providers worldwide.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of the digital stethoscope developed by the IPN team? The primary goal is to provide a valuable tool for diagnosing cardiac conditions by accurately detecting heart damage using AI algorithms.
- How does the digital stethoscope differ from traditional stethoscopes? Unlike conventional stethoscopes that rely on mechanical vibrations, the digital stethoscope uses a microphone and microprocessor to capture, process, and classify heart sounds displayed on a screen.
- What are the current capabilities of this digital stethoscope? It can identify cardiac sounds such as S3 and S4, which are indicators of heart failure.
- What future improvements are planned for this technology? The IPN team aims to adjust the diaphragm size for pediatric examinations and incorporate specific disease classifications on the screen.
- Why is patent registration important for this innovation? Registering a patent will protect the technology and facilitate its global distribution to healthcare providers.
