This week CBS news featured a new life-saving system, designed by Designit, Transoma and RTX Healthcare, currently being used in the US.

The remote, implantable wireless system captures data for diagnosing unexplained fainting and heartbeat problems, otherwise known as cardiac arrythmia. It monitors a patient’s heart rhythm and rate so any problems can be detected instantly.

Thanks to the wireless technology, patients can be monitored out of hospital while they go about their daily lives.

Designit was responsible for the product design and user interface design of the Personal Diagnostic Manager (PDM), a crucial link in this life-saving chain.

The PDM, which the patient carries in a pocket or purse, receives data from the implanted monitor when the patient triggers the device after a symptom. The PDM transmits this data to a base station in the patient’s home, which sends it to a monitoring centre. Here the information is analysed and sent to physicians.

The CBS news item tells the story of one man who suffered heart problems and is now using the new technology. Health professionals hope the new system can improve and save the lives of millions of people across the US.

To watch the CBS news item, click this link and fast forward to 0:50