Toray Launches Multi-Institutional Study on ECG Testing Service
Toray Industries, Inc. has announced the initiation of a comprehensive multi-institutional observational study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of its electrocardiogram (ECG) testing service. Led by Professor Yasuo Okumura, the head of the Division of Cardiology at Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, this study focuses on the role of wearable ECG monitoring in improving patient care, particularly in diagnosing conditions like atrial fibrillation (AF).
Addressing the Growing Concern of Atrial Fibrillation
Atrial fibrillation, a condition characterized by an irregular heartbeat, is becoming increasingly prevalent, particularly among the aging population in Japan. As the country’s population continues to age, the incidence of atrial fibrillation is expected to rise, bringing with it an elevated risk of complications such as stroke and heart failure. With its known association with these severe health issues, early detection and continuous monitoring of AF are crucial for preventing adverse outcomes.
Toray’s Wearable ECG System: Revolutionizing Heart Health Monitoring
Toray Industries has developed an advanced wearable ECG system designed to facilitate long-term monitoring of heart activity. This system incorporates dry electrodes, utilizing Toray’s cutting-edge fiber technology to create a device that is gentle on the skin. Unlike traditional ECG devices that require adhesive patches, Toray’s wearable system can be worn without adhesives, making it more comfortable and less invasive for patients. The device is user-friendly, allowing patients to wear it on their own and ensuring accurate positioning for reliable ECG monitoring.
This wearable system is particularly valuable in the detection of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, a form of AF that occurs intermittently. By enabling continuous monitoring over extended periods, the system allows for the detection of irregular heartbeats that may not be caught during a standard doctor’s visit.
The hitoe™ BK ECG Testing Service: Convenient and Accessible
Toray Medical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Toray Industries, offers the hitoe™ BK ECG Testing Service, which utilizes the wearable ECG system. This service aims to enhance patient access to heart health monitoring by providing ECG testing kits directly to patients’ homes. With the service, patients can easily wear the monitoring device themselves, record their heart activity over a specified period, and return the kit for data analysis.
The process begins when a healthcare provider orders an ECG test. Toray Medical then ships the monitoring kit directly to the patient. The patient follows the provided instructions to wear the device, recording their daily heart activity. Once the monitoring period is complete, the patient returns the kit to Toray Medical, which then analyzes the ECG data and generates a detailed report on atrial fibrillation for the healthcare provider. This approach eliminates the need for patients to purchase an ECG monitor and reduces the frequency of hospital visits, saving both time and money.
The Multi-Institutional Study: Aiming for Better Heart Health
The new observational study, which is being conducted across several medical institutions, including Nihon University Itabashi Hospital, will evaluate the effectiveness of the hitoe™ BK ECG Testing Service. Healthcare providers at these institutions will identify patients in need of ECG monitoring during routine medical checks, offering them the option to participate in the study.
One of the primary goals of the study is to assess how well the wearable ECG system performs in real-world conditions. Specifically, the study will evaluate how much analyzable ECG data is captured during the monitoring periods and how the service can contribute to more accurate and timely detection of atrial fibrillation. The study is set to run until October 31, 2026, with the aim of improving the long-term monitoring of heart health in patients.
Toray’s Commitment to Healthcare and Sustainability
This study aligns with Toray Group’s broader Sustainability Vision, which emphasizes improving public health and advancing medical care through innovation. By leveraging advanced materials and state-of-the-art technologies, Toray aims to create a future where everyone enjoys better health and hygiene. The company’s efforts to improve ECG testing accessibility are just one example of how it is contributing to healthcare advancements worldwide.
Toray’s wearable ECG system and its hitoe™ BK ECG Testing Service represent a significant step toward enhancing heart health monitoring, especially for patients at risk of atrial fibrillation. Through this study, Toray hopes to demonstrate the value of continuous ECG monitoring in daily life, paving the way for broader adoption of such technologies in medical practice.
