BATH: Scientists at the University of Bath, along with Polish tech company Netrix, have created a new wearable device that can continuously scan a patient’s heart and lungs. This soft, belt-like device offers a safer and more comfortable way to monitor patients without using radiation, unlike traditional CT scans.
The device wraps around the chest and uses ultrasound technology to create clear, moving images of the heart, lungs, and other organs. Instead of taking just one picture like a normal scan, it shows changes in real time over hours or even days. This helps doctors understand how a patient’s condition is changing.
It’s especially useful for people with heart problems, lung disease, or breathing difficulties. These patients usually need many scans that can be tiring and uncomfortable. The new device can stay on the patient and work while they rest, without needing to be moved.
Made from soft, skin-friendly material, the device is designed for long-term wear. It also sends information wirelessly to hospital systems, allowing doctors to keep an eye on the patient without disturbing them. In the future, the team hopes to add AI features that can spot problems even before doctors can see them.
This wearable scanner may also be used at home in the future, especially for older people or those with long-term illnesses. It could help doctors act early and avoid hospital stays, making healthcare easier and more efficient.
