A newly developed AI-equipped foot scanner, created by Heartfelt Technologies in collaboration with the UK’s National Institute of Health, has the potential to assist individuals at risk of heart failure. The device operates by capturing and analyzing 1,800 images of a person's feet to detect signs of oedema, a fluid buildup that is a key indicator of heart failure.
Heart failure occurs when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs and insufficient oxygen supply to vital organs. Dr. Philip Keeling, a consultant cardiologist and lead author of the study regarding the device, highlighted its significance in early detection of heart failure symptoms. Currently, about 50% of hospital admissions for heart failure do not receive timely evaluations from specialized nurses due to a shortage in that field.
The foot scanner acts as a "virtual nurse," monitoring patients' health and providing alerts for potential heart failure. During the study, which involved 26 patients across five NHS trusts, the device was able to forecast hospitalizations between eight and 19 days in advance, averaging a prediction time of 13 days. This advance notice could enable preventive measures to be implemented.
Of the six hospitalizations that occurred during the trial, the device accurately predicted five. Following the study, 82% of participants opted to keep the scanner for ongoing health monitoring. Dr. Bryan Williams from the British Heart Foundation commented on the study's implications, suggesting that such a device could significantly enhance outcomes for patients at risk of heart failure by reducing hospital admissions.