Eko Continues to Reimagine the Stethoscope with AI

The digital health company now has FDA clearance for an algorithm to identify structural heart murmurs using a smart stethoscope.

Omar Ford

July 13, 2022

2 Min Read
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Image courtesy of Africa Studio / Alamy Stock Photo

The stethoscope just got a little bit stronger thanks to Eko obtaining a new FDA clearance. The Oakland, CA-based company said its Eko Murmur Analysis Software (EMAS) for detecting and characterizing murmurs found in adults and pediatric patients is now ready for the market.

“This clearance gives us the ability to commercialize and get into market a novel heart disease detection AI algorithm that allows physicians to use their stethoscope with more confidence and be able to detect signs of cardiovascular disease like valvular heart disease,” Connor Landgraf, Co-founder & CEO of Eko, told MD+DI.

Valvular heart disease is a life-threatening condition diagnosed in more than 8 million Americans and is often first identified with a stethoscope. While early detection is critical, millions of patients are expected to be undiagnosed, with as much as 57% of clinically significant valvular heart disease missed.

The company said the EMAS algorithm greatly improves the performance of healthcare professionals to accurately and consistently identify valvular heart disease, with an overall sensitivity of 85.6% and specificity of 84.4%. Further analysis showed that among adults 18 years and older, the EMAS algorithm identified structural murmurs with a sensitivity of 90.2% and specificity of 90.6%. 

When using traditional stethoscopes to detect significant valvular heart disease, general practitioners (GPs) were found to have a sensitivity of 44% and specificity of 69%.

“Combining pathologic murmur detection with the stethoscope, a tool already deeply embedded in the practice of medicine, will allow for more accurate and efficient screening of heart valve disease in the community,” said Dr. Patrick McCarthy, Executive Director of the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Northwestern Medicine. “Eko's platform will help uncover early valvular heart disease in millions of people worldwide who may otherwise be missed, and make a significant impact on our ability to treat patients with life-saving interventions.”

 

 

About the Author

Omar Ford

Omar Ford is a veteran reporter in the field of medical technology and healthcare journalism. As Editor-in-Chief of MD+DI (Medical Device and Diagnostics Industry), a leading publication in the industry, Ford has established himself as an authoritative voice and a trusted source of information.

Ford, who has a bachelor's degree in print journalism from the University of South Carolina, has dedicated his career to reporting on the latest advancements and trends in the medical device and diagnostic sector.

During his tenure at MD+DI, Ford has covered a wide range of topics, including emerging medical technologies, regulatory developments, market trends, and the rise of artificial intelligence. He has interviewed influential leaders and key opinion leaders in the field, providing readers with valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

 

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