Real-time heart mapping system revolutionizes cardiac diagnosis and treatment

Tuesday 04 March 2025 - 14:37

By: Zahouani Ilham

Real-time heart mapping system revolutionizes cardiac diagnosis and treatment

A new system developed at the Gregorio Marañón Hospital in Madrid allows real-time heart mapping without invasive procedures. This technology, patented by the hospital, enables healthcare professionals to diagnose arrhythmias, identify problem areas, and enhance pacemaker surgeries. The system works with a vest containing around 30 electrodes, which are placed on the patient’s chest to record the heart's electrical activity. Using artificial intelligence, it generates a 3D image of the heart, helping doctors pinpoint abnormal regions and monitor the effectiveness of treatments in just 10 minutes.

Approximately 30% of adults will experience some form of arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia, increasing the risk of mortality and complications like stroke or heart failure. The new mapping system allows for faster diagnosis and treatment, improving clinical decision-making. It can be used for both inpatient and outpatient care, marking a significant milestone in Madrid's healthcare innovation.

The system has been developed by the hospital’s cardiology team, which has spent 20 years researching the technology in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Valencia. After receiving the CE certification, the technology is now available for commercialization in other countries.

Previously, obtaining heart mapping information required the insertion of a catheter, a time-consuming and risky procedure. Other methods, like CT scans and MRIs, were less effective and involved complex radiological systems. With the new mapping system, doctors can directly observe arrhythmias and treat them more precisely, reducing the need for repeat interventions.

During pacemaker surgeries, the system provides real-time heart data, ensuring that the device is correctly placed. This innovation allows doctors to observe the heart's condition as they perform the procedure, improving patient outcomes. The technology also reduces the cost of interventions by eliminating the need for catheter-based heart evaluations.