New Multipurpose Medical Catheter can Monitor Heart Function

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new multipurpose medical catheter using stretchable or flexible electronics which can be used to monitor heart function and also perform corrections on heart tissue during surgery.

The device, developed by researchers at McCormick School of Engineering, will be the first surgical equipment used for cardiac ablation that makes use of flexible electronics.

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The researchers said that the device can lead to simpler surgeries for arrhythmia and other heart conditions.

Lead researcher Yonggang Huang said that surgeries could be simpler and faster using their device as it replaces three different devices needed for cardiac ablation therapy. “Our catheter replaces all three devices previously needed for cardiac ablation therapy, making the surgery faster, simpler, and with a lower risk of complication”, he said.

Source-Medindia

Heart Attack - Overview
Heart attack is the death of the heart muscle due to loss of blood supply. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Other names for heart attack include acute myocardial infarction, coronary thrombosis, and coronary occlusion.

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The heart pumps blood constantly providing the power to sustain life.

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Heart attack can cause symptoms such as Chest pain or discomfort, Shortness of breath and pain in neck, back, arm, or shoulder and is due to blockage of blood supply to the heart muscles