Post #16

FDA has approved the first AI smart stethoscope developed by digital health startup Eko. Heartbeat data collected by doctors using Eko's is analyzed by EMAS cloud-based software which helps to detect heart murmurs. "The software uses signal processing, such as waveform filtering, as well as algorithms derived from machine learning, to analyze the acquired data and generate clinical decision support output for clinicians," Eko’s spokesperson told. Recognizing an unusual sound or pattern could be tricky and subjective. It requires careful listening and high qualification of health care professionals. That means valvular heart disease is frequently misdiagnosed or missed entirely. EMAS system proves better than primary care doctors at recognizing signs of heart trouble. Eko claims its EMAS tool can identify the disease with 85 percent accuracy. For comparison, general practitioners using traditional stethoscopes have accuracy within range from 44 to 69 percent. EMAS is the first of its kind to receive FDA approval. #AI