Envisioning a Smarter Stethoscope

“Take a deep breath.”

Using a high-precision accelerometer, StethX’s acoustic sensor functions provides more accurate and accessible data than a traditional stethoscope. (Image: Etactics Inc/Unsplash) 

You have probably heard those four words at every doctor’s appointment you have attended with a stethoscope pressed to your chest. But what if a low-cost, micro-sized patch could provide more accurate and accessible data by capturing acoustic fingerprints of the heart and lungs? StethX Microsystems, co-founded by Georgia Tech professor Farrokh Ayazi and entrepreneur Chris Heaton, is revolutionizing hardware for medical device solutions such as wearables. The company's cutting-edge concept promises real-time management of chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases based on research that began at Georgia Tech’s Integrated MEMS Laboratory, a preeminent lab renowned for exploring micro and nano electro-mechanical systems (MEMs and NEMS).

The Technology:

StethX’s acoustic sensor is a high-precision accelerometer that measures changes in seismocardiography vibrations of the heart and lungs. Imagine a patch that works as a smart stethoscope, picking up acceleration data and using AI or machine learning to detect disease or impending events. Although not much bigger than your fingertip, the technology is transforming three industries. First, the product can be used commercially and at home in the pet and bovine market to monitor animal disease and respiration. StethX helps wirelessly monitor vitals and diseases like valvular heart disease and pneumonia in the medical market. Finally, in the defense market, the sensor monitors the cardiopulmonary health of soldiers.

Image: StethX

The Team:

While StethX comprises a cross-disciplinary team of researchers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, Vice President Of Business Development Chris Heaton also sees being part of Tech Square as a benefit to the company. According to Heaton, seven of StethX’s current employees have graduated from Georgia Tech programs. Additionally, Heaton says being housed at Georgia Tech’s ATDC  promotes collaboration with other professionals, including interns, researchers, and potential investors. Events such as ATDC Entrepreneur’s Night have allowed them to network with other ATDC entrepreneurs and meet potential vendors.

Tomorrow:

The future remains wide open for StethX, which envisions a range of hardware possibilities. Most recently, they have collaborated with researchers at Georgia Tech and Emory to address the early detection and management of asthma and COPD, both underdiagnosed pulmonary diseases. In the future, they aim for their acoustic patch to detect abnormal airflow sounds, such as wheezes and crackles, resulting in earlier diagnoses and patients to breathe more easily. With an accessible way to detect asthma and COPD, the number of intense episodes experienced by patients could decrease.