See-through vest for heart failure patients

A HIGH-TECH vest that ‘sees through’ the chest could revolutionise treatment for heart failure.

When the heart doesn’t beat properly, fluid can build up in the lungs.

The SensiVest, which is worn over clothing, uses radar technology developed for the military to see through walls. It emits radiowaves from the front of the vest which travel through the chest onto a receptor on the back.

The manner in which they pass through is detected by a bedside machine and reflects the level of fluid in the lungs. A six-month trial will involve 380 u.S. patients who will wear the vest for 90 minutes a day. The hope is it will reduce hospital admissions.