Revolutionary ECG Enhancement Developed by NIT Rourkela Researchers

Breakthrough in Cardiac Monitoring Technology

Rourkela: A team of researchers at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (NITR) has made significant advancements in electrocardiography (ECG), a key method for monitoring heart function. Their innovative system enhances the detection of subtle electrical signals from the heart's upper chambers, which are often challenging to discern in conventional ECG readings. These signals, particularly the P-waves, are vital for identifying irregular heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation, a condition that can greatly elevate stroke risk. Atrial arrhythmias, which are irregular heartbeats originating in the atria, are prevalent among hospitalized patients. Timely detection is crucial for initiating appropriate treatment and avoiding complications.

Dr. J Sivaraman, the lead researcher and assistant professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Medical Engineering at NIT Rourkela, stated, "P-waves are usually faint and can be masked by electrical noise or stronger signals from other heart areas. We have implemented innovative electrode placements that significantly enhance the visibility of atrial activity in ECG readings. This improved signal clarity facilitates faster analysis and better clinical decision-making." The research team has introduced a new electrode configuration called the Atrial Lead System (ALS).

In ECG diagnostics, 'leads' refer to specific arrangements of electrodes placed on the body to capture the heart's electrical activity. The ALS employs a modified lead setup to improve atrial signal capture, particularly enhancing the clarity of the P-wave. This advancement not only benefits clinicians but also boosts the efficacy of computer-based diagnostic tools. A major advantage of this system is that it requires no alterations to existing ECG machines; the innovation lies solely in the positioning of the electrodes, making it easily accessible for both public and private healthcare facilities without incurring additional costs.

Dr. R Pradeep Kumar, a senior interventional cardiologist at MIOT International in Chennai, highlighted the clinical significance of the system: "A clearly visible P-wave in the ECG offers essential insights for diagnosing atrial conditions. To differentiate atrial fibrillation from other supraventricular arrhythmias, the morphology of the P-wave must be accurately interpreted." The research team comprised Dr. J Sivaraman, Dr. N Bala Chakravarthy, and Prof. Kunal Pal, along with research scholars Prasanna Venkatesh and Arya Bhardwaj, all affiliated with NIT Rourkela.

Clinical validation and collaboration were provided by Dr. Pradeep Kumar, who also serves as a visiting consultant at Jaiprakash Hospital and Research Centre in Rourkela. Their findings have been published in various international journals, including Biomedical Signal Processing & Control, Medical Hypotheses, and Physical & Engineering Sciences in Medicine. A patent application for the Atrial Lead System (Application No. 202431094709) has been submitted. This project is supported by funding from the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), Government of India. This collaborative effort between NIT Rourkela, MIOT International, and Jaiprakash Hospital exemplifies the strength of academia-clinical partnerships and marks a significant advancement in cardiac diagnostics and patient care both in India and worldwide.