ALBAWABA - A game changing AI powered stethoscope is revolutionizing the detection of heart diseases by enabling early and efficient detection at a much lower cost compared to traditional methods. This breakthrough innovation has the potential to save the lives of countless individuals.
According to a report published by the British newspaper "Financial Times", health authorities in the UK have distributed this AI powered stethoscope to over 200 clinics across the country. After obtaining necessary approvals and undergoing rigorous testing, it is now possible to examine patients' hearts in small clinics without need for costly referrals to hospitals or specialized medical centers.
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This innovative device, which closely resembles traditional stethoscopes that have remained largely unchanged for around 200 years, uses artificial intelligence technology to detect heart diseases instantly. Medical regulatory bodies have approved the tool for use, making it the first AI product that can prescribe life-saving medications without requiring specialized review first.
The implementation of AI diagnostics will transform healthcare services in the UK, which are under immense pressure due to increasingly high demand. The country's health authorities anticipate facing one of the most challenging winters in its history as non-emergency appointments reached a record high of approximately 7.7 million last October.
If properly developed and tested, the AI powered stethoscope could provide immediate results, be cost-effective for large-scale deployment, aid in prioritizing patients, reduce waiting lists, and prevent thousands of deaths.
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The aim of the AI-supported stethoscope, designed by Eko, a subsidiary of the American Mayo Clinic, is to bridge these gaps and save the lives of heart patients who may eventually require emergency care.
The traditional process for diagnosing heart conditions is often slow, with general practitioners using standard stethoscopes and relying on clinical judgment for the initial diagnosis. Currently, the average wait time to see a cardiologist in the UK is eight to twelve months, even though a diagnosis is supposed to be made within six to eight weeks.
Kilshekar highlights the gravity of the situation, with approximately 30000 deaths occurring each year while patients are on waiting lists for these crucial tests. This bottleneck prevents timely intervention, resulting in unnecessary loss of lives. The AI powered stethoscope aims to address this critical issue and transform the way heart patients are diagnosed and treated.
