IIT Indore Develops Secure Technology for ECG Devices

The breakthrough, which combines advancements in VLSI semiconductors and biomedical engineering, has been recognized by the Indian Patent Office and published in the prestigious journal Nature Scientific Reports.

IIT Indore has developed a patented technology aimed at improving the safety and reliability of electrocardiogram (ECG) devices and cardiac pacemakers.

The breakthrough, which combines advancements in VLSI semiconductors and biomedical engineering, has been recognized by the Indian Patent Office and published in the prestigious journal Nature Scientific Reports.

The innovation, spearheaded by Principal Investigator Prof Anirban Sengupta and Ph.D. student Aditya Anshul, focuses on creating secure chips for ECG devices and pacemakers.

A key feature of the technology is its ability to differentiate between authentic and counterfeit ECG detector chips before they are manufactured or integrated into devices, significantly enhancing reliability and reducing risks of misdiagnosis.

Addressing Reliability Concerns

Current ECG devices and pacemakers often face reliability issues that can lead to diagnostic errors, impacting patient outcomes.

According to reports, this new technology addresses these challenges by ensuring that devices are equipped with authentic chips marked by a unique fingerprint hallmark.

Prof Suhas Joshi, Director, IIT Indore, said “Nowadays accurate detection of cardiovascular diseases and conditions is more critical than ever. ECG devices, which are fundamental for monitoring heart conditions, function by capturing the heart's electrical signals through electrodes. These signals are then interpreted by healthcare professionals to evaluate heart health.’’

Prof Joshi also highlighted that ECG detectors are integral components of cardiac pacemakers, which help regulate heart rhythms in patients. Hence, the reliability of ECG readings is vital.

Elaborating on the technology, Prof Sengupta said “This technology not only secures the chips used in ECG devices but also guarantees that these devices contain authentic chips marked with a unique fingerprint hallmark. Such innovations can revolutionize the medical sector by enabling the development of secure and trustworthy ECG devices. Advancements in technology hold the potential to transform cardiovascular health monitoring by delivering more reliable ECG devices and cardiac pacemakers. The ultimate aim is to address existing limitations in the diagnostic process, ensuring patients receive accurate and effective medical care while improving overall outcomes.”

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