The 'S-Patch Cardio' obtains ECG data by attaching a patch around the heart and provides it to healthcare professionals after analysis.

Arrhythmia is a condition where the heart does not beat normally. Rapid or irregular heartbeat is a typical symptom, which can be life-threatening as it can lead to conditions like stroke or heart failure. However, arrhythmia symptoms often appear suddenly and disappear without warning. Continuous measurement of ECG to accurately detect irregularities in heart rhythm is crucial for diagnosis. This has led to increased attention to wearable ECG monitors capable of long-term continuous monitoring.

'S-Patch Cardio' is one of the most notable wearable ECG analysis solutions recently. Developed by Wellysis, a digital health startup spun off from Samsung SDS in May 2019, it combines Samsung Electronics' hardware competitiveness, Samsung SDS' software capabilities, and Samsung Hospital's medical expertise. Samjin Pharmaceuticals partnered with Wellysis in October last year and launched S-Patch Cardio in domestic market.

Medical Professionals - ECG Interpretation and Diagnosis Anytime, Anywhere 

S-Patch Cardio consists of a wearable patch-type ECG monitoring device and cloud-based ECG analysis software. By attaching a lightweight wearable ECG measuring device (S-Patch) around the chest, it utilizes Samsung's bio-processor, specialized for biosignal collection, to collect ECG data.

Real-time collected ECG data is transmitted to the cloud server for data analysis via a smartphone application, and the results are provided to medical professionals after AI-based analysis. In-Ju Jeon, Director of Samjin Pharmaceuticals' Healthcare Team, explained, "S-Patch Cardio helps detect irregularities in heart rhythm," and added, "It can be widely used not only for the diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias in patients showing symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness but also for general health check-up services and rehabilitation services for discharged cardiac patients."

ECG records the electrical activity of the heart through electrodes attached to the skin. Arrhythmia phenomena are often not recorded when patients visit hospitals, leading to frequent use of 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, known as Holter monitoring. However, conventional Holter monitoring devices are inconvenient to wear due to multiple electrodes and wires, and their large size and weight make it difficult to measure during daily activities. Moreover, it was cumbersome for patients to visit hospitals again to check the test results after returning the Holter device.

However, S-Patch Cardio is a lightweight wearable patch weighing only 8g, making it easy to wear with minimal discomfort. Its inconspicuous appearance when worn under clothing also facilitates privacy protection. After the test is completed, the data is transmitted via mobile, allowing for rapid communication of test results to patients without the need for them to visit the hospital.

Furthermore, using cloud-based analysis software allows medical professionals to interpret ECG results more efficiently without physical constraints. After AI-based initial interpretation, the results are transmitted to medical professionals, aiding in more efficient and accurate diagnosis.

It also differs from traditional event monitoring devices worn such as smartwatches. Watch-type ECG monitors can measure ECG for about 30 seconds when the patient is aware. However, arrhythmia symptoms often occur intermittently or without symptoms. Jongwoo Kim, Director of Strategy at Wellysis, emphasized, "By attaching S-Patch Cardio around the heart where electrical signals are generated, more accurate ECG data can be collected," and added, "Long-term continuous measurement enables higher arrhythmia detection rates." Indeed, S-Patch Cardio has proven its usability and accuracy through equivalence comparison with traditional Holter testing in clinical studies conducted in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Singapore, India and Korea.

Exported to New Zealand, Greece, Italy and Thailand 

S-Patch Cardio has obtained medical device certifications in countries including Europe, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, including the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). FDA certification in the United States is scheduled for the first half of next year. In Korea, it has started to be used for arrhythmia diagnosis and screening from tertiary hospitals to primary care clinics, as it is recognized for reimbursement. Overseas, it is already being exported to and used in cardiac specialty hospitals and cardiac rehabilitation centers in New Zealand, Greece, Italy, Thailand, and other countries.

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic worldwide, S-Patch Cardio is establishing itself as a leading remote monitoring technology. There is a high potential for growth in the medical solution market utilizing AI wearable devices. The CEO Juhn stated, "With S-Patch Cardio, unprecedented ECG data can be collected," and added, "We will actively support the evolution into a solution that can predict heart diseases by analyzing various biosignals beyond monitoring heart diseases."