IP Requirements:
- Private Hospital IP
Experience Requirements:
- Wearables
- Human factors
- Circuits
- Mechanical design
Problem Description
Sudden Cardiac arrest is one of the most common causes of mortality worldwide. It is most commonly caused by coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction (heart attack). Acute presentations of myocardial infarction are treated or revascularized with coronary stent or bypass surgery. If patients delay coming to the hospital, patients can suffer significant cardiac muscle damage, thereby causing reduction in left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF). This is called cardiomyopathy.
If LVEF is < 35%, patients are deemed to be at high risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). If LVEF remains < 35% three months after revascularization, Automatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator (AICD) is recommended for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). However, some protection is needed for patients during the three months when patients do not qualify for AICD. In appropriate patients, an external defibrillator of life vest made by Zoll company is used. While this device offers protection, most patients report non-compliance with this device because of discomfort. The goal of this project will be to design a wearable that eliminates the shortcomings of the current products and be more acceptable and comfortable to patients.
