Pune firm makes heart-smart device

A technological innovation by an IT firm in Pune will now make a cardiologist’s mobile phone an invaluable tool as it will enable him to receive electro cardiogram (ECG) reports sent from a handheld device. Currently, ECG reports are sent in a cumbersome way, by fax.

Pune-based IT firm, Sofomo Embedded Solutions, has designed the path-breaking handheld ‘Lifeplot CCD1’, which is able to receive and transmit 12-lead ECGs using wireless technology
direct to the cardiologist’s mobile phone.

Priced at Rs1.25 lakh, this device, which is under patent processing, uses embedded software technology. The first customer for the device is N M Wadia Institute of Cardiology, Pune, which has ordered it for one of its ambulances. A small diagnostic centre at Phusegaon town in Satara, has also placed an order.

Speaking to DNA, Sofomo’s managing director Gautam Morey pointed out how ECG reports were presently being sent by fax to cardiologists. “Often these are unclear and could lead to wrong information being transmitted to the doctor. There was an urgent need for a product like this,” Morey, 30, said.

An expert in embedded technology and medical instrumentation, Morey decided to piggy back on the increasing use of mobile technology by the masses.

“We worked for nearly 18 months on this product with some crucial financial support from two angel investors. Our emphasis was always on manufacturing a user-friendly product,” Morey said.
Stressing on the universality of their product, Morey said, “No special or high-end mobile phone is required to receive and view ECG reports. The reports can be transmitted to all types of mobile phones.”

Morey said that care had been taken not to reinvent the wheel. “We are riding on the existing, telecom infrastructure that currently covers all urban, semi-urban and almost 30 per cent of rural India,” Morey said.

Sofomo director (business development) Nitin Khalate said Lifeplot CCD1 can be fitted in ambulances, remote primary health centres, small rural nursing homes and all types of hospitals. “Any nurse or paramedic can easily transmit the ECG reports from our Lifeplot device directly to the cardiologist’s mobile phone.

“An ECG interpreted by a qualified doctor at the right time can actually make the difference between life and death,” Khalate said.