Diagnostics as a service: stroke prevention with the dpv-ritmo system

Atrial Fibrillation is the most common type of persistent heart arrhythmia, affecting around half a million Germans alone. People with atrial fibrillation have a greater risk for ischemic stroke, making early and effective treatment critical to prevent serious complications. Unfortunately, many patients don’t even know they have atrial Fibrillation.

Artificial intelligence (AI) can help detect atrial fibrillation. At the MEDICA TECH FORUM, Dr. Stephan Kranz gave a presentation on how AI can support stroke prevention. Hamburg-based dpv-analytics GmbH is the manufacturer of a long-term ECG monitoring concept. In this MEDICA.de interview, he explains how the company's dpv-ritmo screening system works.

Dr. Kranz, how is AI used in the early detection and prevention of stroke today?

Dr. Stephan Kranz: Well-known factors that increase your risk of stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, and excess weight, but there are other causes of stroke. Many people are unaware of these risk factors and must be diagnosed. They are living with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and don't know they have it. It is estimated that nearly half a million Germans suffer from the heart disease without their knowledge, which is why we pursue a large-scale, long-term ECG screening test. This creates large amounts of data, which requires optimal big data analytics using artificial intelligence.

What is dpv-ritmo and how does the system work?

Kranz: Dpv-ritmo is a complete concept that facilitates comprehensive long-term ECG monitoring. It comprises a tiny, matchbox-sized ECG recorder that records data for up to 12 days. The system is applied wirelessly to the chest and requires no additional user operation. The measurements start automatically after the device detects the heartbeat. The recording also stops automatically if the system is removed, making it easy and convenient to use. The recorded data is subsequently uploaded to our analysis center and analyzed for heart arrhythmia using artificial intelligence. The result is validated by a cardiologist, enabling immediate onsite treatment if necessary.

Is dpv-ritmo designed for personal use or hospital application?

Kranz: dpv-ritmo supports all healthcare sectors, including medical practices, hospitals, or care facilities. The device can also be directly returned to dpv, which makes it ideally suited for cross-sectional diagnostics. It can be applied at the hospital, while the measurements continue even after the patient has been discharged.

You can also order the service directly at our myritmo.de website. Options range from simple heart rhythm analysis to a complete service package with an explanation of the medical findings by a physician.

How can patients and physicians benefit from this system?

Kranz: The technology offers physicians the opportunity to expand the range of their diagnostic services. It also saves time since they no longer have to personally analyze the data and handle device logistics. We call this "diagnostics as a service".

Since our system makes an otherwise time-consuming and uncomfortable exam scalable, more people can be checked for uneven heart rhythm to start treatment at an early stage and prevent secondary complications such as a stroke.

All experts believe the point of care will more and more move to the home. It’s an important shift, especially since healthcare access in rural communities is worsening, and upcoming big demographic changes means more people will receive services in care facilities. In this setting, it is easier to organize on-site care nationwide, besides making things more pleasant for the patients. Apart from these factors, an increasing number of people are taking more of their healthcare into their own hands, wanting to avoid long wait times for doctor’s appointments. The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a bright light on the opportunities of digital communication and hopefully the dpv-ritmo device will be regarded as an essential element of modern healthcare in the future.