NAMSR News: Technology can identify atrial fibrillation

ARLINGTON, Va. - Sept. 2, 2014 - PRLog -- Now, with the assistance of a web camera and software algorithms, the face can also reveal whether or not an individual is experiencing atrial fibrillation, a treatable but potentially dangerous heart condition.

A pilot project, the results of which were published online in the journal Heart Rhythm, demonstrates that subtle changes in skin color can be used to detect the uneven blood flow caused by atrial fibrillation. The technology was developed in a partnership between the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and Xerox.

"This technology holds the potential to identify and diagnosis cardiac disease using contactless video monitoring," Jean-Philippe Couderc, Ph.D., with the University of Rochester's Heart Research Follow-up Program. "This is a very simple concept, but one that could enable more people with atrial fibrillation to get the care the care they need."

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular or sometimes rapid heart rate that commonly causes poor blood flow to the body. This occurs when erratic cardiac electrical activity causes the upper and lower chambers of the heart to beat out of sync. More than three million Americans suffer from the disease.

The technology described in the study employs a software algorithm developed by Xerox that scans the face and can detect changes in skin color that are imperceptible to the naked eye. All this requires is that the subject remain still for 15 seconds.

Sensors in digital cameras are designed to record three colors: red, green, and blue. Hemoglobin - a component of blood - "absorbs" more of the green spectrum of light and this subtle change can be detected by the camera's sensor. In turns out that the face is the ideal place to detect this phenomenon, because the skin is thinner than other parts of the body and blood vessels are closer to the surface.

The study participants were simultaneously hooked up to an electrocardiogram (ECG) so results from the facial scan could be compared to the actual electrical activity of the heart.

The researchers found that the color changes detected by video monitoring corresponded with an individual's heart rate as detected on an ECG. Essentially, the irregular electrical activity of the heart found in people with atrial fibrillation could be identified by "observing" the pulses of blood flowing through the veins on the face as it absorbed or reflected green light with each heartbeat.

While the pilot study was only conducted on 11 people and intended to demonstrate that the technology was feasible, the researchers are now in the process of evaluating the technology on a larger study population, including those without atrial fibrillation.

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RMSR® Medical Sales Certification offered by the National Association of Medical Sales Representatives is designed for entry level medical device sales reps. The course covers a wide array of topics pertaining to industry knowledge that candidates need to acquire before applying to medical sales positions.

The course and training helps to develop the industry skills, maximizing the candidates’ potential and goals, as well as making them feel valued and stimulated in their role when communicating with members of the medical community. By an applicant acquiring medical sales training and a RMSR Certification, it puts him/her in a position of strength and qualifies them for medical sales jobs. Medical knowledge is key in this industry and when communicating with doctors, surgeons, and nurses etc.

It is extremely important for representatives to use key terminology pertaining to the medical product he/she will be promoting. The only way to succeed in this industry is to garner actual sales. Doctors and Surgeons will not acknowledge a Sales Rep who is not proficient in essential medical terminology, knowledgeable of medical devices/equipment and the anatomy. For those lacking a solid sales background the RMSR course covers knowledge of medical selling techniques and regulation such as Effective Territory Management, Effective Networking, Medical Sales Ethical & Regulatory Guidelines and more.

The National Association of Medical Sales Representative™ (NAMSR) is the largest professional association in the world for Medical Sales Representatives. Through our numerous members, the NAMSR™ provides accredited training, continuing education, information about the industry, up-to-date news, programs to assist medical sales reps in their work, training programs to assist candidates who want to break into the industry and initiatives to improve communication with the medical sales field.

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