AliveCor, developer of the highly-anticipated-but-yet-to-be-released iPhone-ECG attachment, has released a veterinary version ahead of the one for humans. The Veterinary Heart Monitor is intended for obtaining single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythms from dogs, cats, and horses. It has been designed for the iPhone 4 and 4S, and consists of a plastic case that snaps on the back of the phone and has two large metal electrodes on its back. The case wirelessly communicates with the app on the phone.
The corresponding AliveECG Vet app can be downloaded for free from iTunes. It displays the ECG waveform and recording can be performed continuously or for a set period of time. Acquired ECG’s can be annotated and are automatically stored in the cloud. ECG rhythm data can be shared over the web through AliveCor’s servers, or by printing or emailing a PDF.
As the demonstration video below shows, even for hairy animals shaving is often not necessary, and generously applying alcohol to the fur and conductive gel to the device’s electrodes results in adequate ECG’s. AliveCor is working on an attachment for other Apple and Android devices, although this is hampered by the breadth of different devices available (Apple’s legal department is currently working with Samsung on a unified solution). The vet device is now available for sale in the U.S. for $199 (iPhone not included) and is intended to be used by pet owners and licensed veterinary professionals. The human version meanwhile is still awaiting FDA approval.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NsN1f0vXjE
Flashbacks: ECG Attachment for Your iPhone; iCard ECG Turns Any iPhone/iPad Into a Powerful Electrocardiograph; Interview with AliveCor Founder Dr. Dave Albert; Inventor Dr. Dave Albert Demonstrates AliveCor iPhone ECG; AliveCor Takes Heart in Initial Findings of iPhone ECG Study
Homepage: AliveCor Veterinary Heart Monitor…; iTunes: AliveECG Vet…