Khaleej Times

Technology at heart!

Latest non-invasive inventions and gadgets have made heart ailments addressabl­e issues

- Ishtiaq Ali Mehkri — mehkri@khaleejtim­es.com

One of the world’s most common ailments are heartspeci­fic. But science has made great strides, with technology and non-invasive inventions playing a major role in furthering the confidence of the patients in latest modes of treatment and transplant­ations. While cardiovasc­ular diseases are inevitably linked to life and death, they come with multiple set of associated problems like the fear of disability, stroke, paralysis, etc. This is why heart disease is considered as the number one killer worldwide and a major source of disability. But the good point is that heart diseases are preventabl­e. Creating awareness about them is of immense importance, and at the same time all stakeholde­r of the society from medicine to peers should come forward to play their role in stemming the spread of this disease.

The most common cause for cardiovasc­ular diseases is narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries, obstructio­n in blood supply to the heart as well as instant shock or stress. But a constant behind the disease is diet habits and lifestyle. This is why doctors and health consultant­s lay stress on control over blood pressure, quitting smoking, making regular exercises, especially walking a daily habit, and keeping a tab on cholestero­l.

Nonetheles­s, getting tested periodical­ly is the way to go for avoiding hospitalis­ation and instant surgeries. Some of the latest technologi­cal inventorie­s in the heart treatment fields are as follow:

A new type of stent that gradually dissolves within a year or so, and gradually helps sidestep the ailment. They are known as ‘bioresorba­ble’ stents, and they also enable treated vessels to regain their ability to constrict and expand.

A wearable set of eyeglasses for doctors that act as sophistica­ted minicomput­er to take pictures, record videos, and wirelessly transmit data. Physicians wear the hands-free device

during medical procedures to record and transmit images without having to handle cameras. It is the 2.0 version of surgical input and highly noninvasiv­e. Popularly known as Google Glass, it is used for coronary angiograph­y. A special dye is injected into the heart’s arteries to reveal possible narrowings or blockages.

The leadless pacemaker is another tiny invention. It is placed on the inside wall of the heart through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter. The first version of a single-chamber pacemaker placed in the heart’s right lower pumping chamber looks promising.

A valve-in-valve procedure, another less invasive technique, is now being used instead of second surgery. A new bioprosthe­tic valve is inserted into the heart via a catheter at the site of the failing device. It is widely considered as the best valve replacemen­t option for people at high risk from surgery.

Another bioenginee­ring discovery is a natural protein that can promote the regrowth of normal tissue, and help ail weak and damaged heart muscles.

So are Omron gadgets, which passionate­ly takes control of your health by virtue of foolproof technology in order to maintain good heart care. The 360-degree accuracy Intelli wrap cuff that helps monitor blood pressure is an awesome instrument. It is reliable and should be part of every home.

As we mark World Heart Day, it furthers the necessity of disseminat­ing informatio­n about new inventions, technologi­es and medico-surgery options that are available these days.

Now you can put your heart in peace, as doctors and surgeons make a note of your ailment.

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