differentiating between an acute heart attack and reperfusion, which is the restoration of blood flow, or damage and takes less blood than existing diagnostic methods. The sensor has been patented, and the researchers are collaborating with Notre Dame’s IDEA Center to develop a start-up firm to manufacture the sensor device.
According to Hsueh-Chia Chang from the University of Notre Dame, the new technology is highly beneficial. He said, “The technology developed for this sensor showcases the advantage of using miRNA compared to protein-based biomarkers, the traditional diagnostic target”. He noted the other benefits. He said, “Additionally, the portability and cost efficiency of this device demonstrates the potential for it to improve how heart attacks and related issues are diagnosed in clinical settings and in developing countries”.
According to the research, which was published in the journal Lab on a Chip, medical experts currently spend hours in detecting a heart attack. While the first findings of an echocardiogram can rapidly reveal signs of heart illness, a blood test and analysis are necessary to discover that a patient is suffering a heart attack. It may take up to eight hours to receive those findings.
Chief author Pinar Zorlutuna from the university highlighted the benefits of the new technology over the traditional methods he said, “The current methods used to diagnose a heart attack are not only time-intensive, but they also have to be applied within a certain window of time to get accurate results”.
