Local scientists have developed a portable
electrocardiograph machine that can transmit
highly detailed data on heart activity to
physicians by mobile phone.
The CardioSen'C is considered an advance in
portable heart-monitoring devices because it uses
many more electrodes to measure heart activity
and is equipped to communicate the results
instantaneously to a cardiologist.
SHL, the Israeli company behind the CardioSen'C,
says its machine can dramatically reduce deaths
from heart attacks through early diagnosis of
patients who might otherwise hesitate before
calling a doctor.
Patients using CardioSen'C attach 12 electrodes
to their chest and upper body and strap the
battery-powered unit on the front of their chest.
Automatic digital transmission allows the
electrocardiograph results to be transmitted at
the highest quality available and at a high speed
to the patient's cardiologist for instant
diagnosis.
The machine is so small that readings can be
taken anywhere, even while traveling. The unit is
automatically connected via digital cell phone to
a dedicated medical control center.
Erez Alroy, co-chief executive officer of SHL,
which specializes in telemedicine technology,
said patients who don't feel well could use the
machine to measure their heart activity and
consult instantaneously with physicians reading
the data in real time.
"When people don't feel well, it can take time to
make the decision to go to a physician or a
clinic. Maybe they put it off until the next day.
This is a crucial time, when there can be
irreversible damage to the heart," said Alroy.
"We have customers who are transmitting their ECG
from any part of the world you can imagine," said
Alroy. "Most people hesitate before going to a
local doctor abroad. They are worried about
problems with the language, about the lack of
medical history. We find that people prefer to
call ... back home, where they can speak their
own language and then take instructions. People
on holiday find it a very useful tool."
Alroy said the unit would make taking an ECG no
more trouble than taking your temperature. "We
believe in the future more and more people will
have various medical measuring devices at home,"
he said.
SHL plans to market the CardioSen'C first in
Israel, where the company already has more than
70,000 cardiac patient subscribers, and then in
Europe. The company plans to market the unit
later in the United States, where it is expected
to cost several hundred dollars.
The company's first ECG machine developed for
patient use has already been approved for use in
the United States. Its CardioBeeper 12/12 is a
handheld ECG transmitter capable of sending a
full ECG reading to the monitor center in 12
seconds via a standard phone line.
Mobile ECG machines that transmit data by phone
to physicians are already available in the United
States, but SHL said the CardioSen'C has several
advantages over the existing services.
Optium to acquire Israeli optical chip developer
Optical subsystems specialist Optium Corporation
is to acquire Israeli developer of 40Gbit/s
transmission devices Kailight Photonics in a deal
valued at up to $40 million.
The deal includes a $35 million up-front payment in cash.
Venture capital investors in Kailight (Nes Ziona,
Israel) include Lucent Venture Partners, Hyperion
Venture Partners, Ofer Brothers High-Tech Group
and Yozma Venture Capital. The company was
founded in 2001 and is believed to have raised
about $12 million in venture founding.
The acquired business is expected to contribute
to earnings early in calendar year 2008 according
to Optium, and to close within the next 45 days,
subject to customary closing conditions and
regulatory approvals.