Researchers from MediCAS-Lab at Trinity College Dublin have achieved a major milestone with the publication of their first conference paper in collaboration with the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBS). The study, now available on IEEE Xplore, introduces a promising new approach to monitoring heart health that could change how clinicians manage heart failure.
Heart failure is a progressive condition that affects millions worldwide and often leads to repeated hospital admissions when symptoms worsen. Detecting early signs of deterioration is critical, yet current monitoring methods are limited. This research demonstrates that continuous, sensor-based tracking of cardiac motion can reveal subtle changes before clinical decline, enabling earlier intervention and helping patients remain stable at home.
The innovation lies in the Future Cardia sensor (Houston, TX, USA) - a small, removable subcutaneous device that combines electrocardiogram (ECG) data with readings from a three-axis accelerometer. The MediCAS-Lab processed the complex data in a novel way to create intuitive motion-trajectory visuals of the heart’s activity. When heart function begins to deteriorate, these trajectories shrink noticeably, providing a clear and measurable warning sign.
Unlike intravascular sensors, which are invasive and currently the most reliable option, this subcutaneous device offers a less intrusive alternative. It automatically collects data while the patient is at rest during the night, reducing the need for active participation and improving comfort. Early findings suggest that reconstructing chest motion could serve as a comprehensive marker for congestive heart failure, offering clinicians a new tool for proactive care.
This emerging metric has the potential to strengthen remote monitoring programmes, support personalised treatment plans, and reduce hospitalisations. By identifying deterioration earlier, healthcare providers can adjust medication or treatment strategies before symptoms escalate, improving quality of life for patients and reducing strain on healthcare systems.
About MediCAS-Lab
MediCAS-Lab (Medical Circuits and Systems Laboratory) is part of the Discipline of Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the School of Engineering, at Trinity College Dublin.
The lab focuses on developing innovative biomedical devices and signal processing techniques that bridge engineering and medicine. Its work spans wearable and implantable technologies, aiming to improve diagnostics, monitoring, and treatment for patients worldwide.
The research was led by Prof Friedrich Wetterling, Assistant Professor for Biomedical Circuits and Systems at Trinity College Dublin and Principal Investigator for MediCAS-Lab. Prof Wetterling’s team combines expertise in electronics, biomedical engineering, and data analytics to create solutions that are practical, patient-friendly, and clinically impactful.
Prof Friedrich Wetterling commented:
“The development of novel means to process subcutaneous sensor data through Future Cardia’s innovative platform represents a significant step forward in how we approach remote monitoring. Chronic conditions such as congestive heart failure demand transformative solutions, and this collaboration between Future Cardia and Trinity College Dublin exemplifies the kind of research that can truly change lives. By combining cutting-edge sensor technology with advanced data processing, we are not only pushing the boundaries of science but also ensuring that our work translates into meaningful impact for patients and their families. We are delighted to partner with Future Cardia on this front to deliver solutions that matter.”
For those interested in the technical details and methodology, the full publication is available on IEEE Xplore, authored by Bartlomiej Fryc, Ilaria Facchi, Dr. Maja Cikes, Dr. Ante Anic, Dr. Petr Neuzil, Dr. Vivek Reddy, Dr. Marat Fudim, Deb Kridner, Jaeson Bang, and Dr. Friedrich Wetterling.