BioSig's Universal Notch Filter Technology Receives US Patent

  BioSig Technologies, Inc., an innovative company in the field of electrophysiology, has recently announced that it has received a US patent for its universal notch filter technology. This technology is a key component of BioSig's PURE EP™ System, a novel device that enables the real-time acquisition and analysis of raw cardiac signal data. In this article, we will explore what this technology does, how it benefits physicians and patients, and what it means for the future of cardiac arrhythmia treatment.

What is the universal notch filter technology?

A notch filter is a type of filter that attenuates or removes a narrow band of frequencies from a signal, while leaving the rest of the signal intact. A universal notch filter is a notch filter that can be applied to any fixed frequency interfering signal, such as power line noise or pacemaker pulses, that may contaminate the original signal of interest.

BioSig's universal notch filter technology is based on a patent that describes and claims systems, methods, and computer program product embodiments of the PURE EP™ System for removing any fixed frequency interfering signal from an input signal without introducing artifacts that are not part of the original signal of interest. This means that the universal notch filter can preserve the critical intracardiac data that is essential for diagnosing and treating cardiac arrhythmias.


How does the universal notch filter technology benefit physicians and patients?

The universal notch filter technology is designed to enhance the performance of BioSig's PURE EP™ System, which is a computerized system that acquires, digitizes, amplifies, filters, measures, calculates, displays, records and stores electrocardiographic and intracardiac signals for patients undergoing electrophysiology (EP) procedures in an EP laboratory.

EP procedures are used to diagnose and treat various types of cardiac arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms that can cause symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath. Some arrhythmias can also increase the risk of stroke, heart failure or sudden cardiac death.

By using the universal notch filter technology, the PURE EP™ System can remove any fixed frequency interfering signal from the input signal without introducing artifacts that are not part of the original signal of interest. This can improve the signal quality and confidence in signal interpretation, leading to better clinical decision-making and outcomes for patients with cardiac arrhythmias.

For example, the universal notch filter technology can eliminate environmental noise such as power line noise or pacemaker pulses that may obscure or distort the intracardiac signals. It can also preserve the complex fractionated signals that are often associated with ventricular arrhythmias, which are challenging to treat and can be life-threatening.

The universal notch filter technology can also optimize the information through precise digital filtering and noise cancellation, allowing physicians to easily isolate the signals that matter most while preserving a high signal-to-noise ratio. This can facilitate personalized patient care and innovations in the field of electrophysiology.

What are the future prospects of the universal notch filter technology?

The universal notch filter technology is a breakthrough innovation that has the potential to transform the field of electrophysiology and improve the lives of millions of people with cardiac arrhythmias. By enabling the PURE EP™ System to deliver unprecedented accuracy and precision to intracardiac signal visualization, the universal notch filter technology can help physicians perform more effective and efficient cardiac ablation procedures.

Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat or cold energy to create scars in the heart tissue that block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm. Cardiac ablation is often used to treat atrial fibrillation (AFib), which is the most common type of arrhythmia that affects about 33 million people worldwide.

However, cardiac ablation is not always successful, and some patients may require multiple procedures or medications to control their arrhythmias. One of the main challenges of cardiac ablation is to accurately identify and target the sources of arrhythmias in the complex anatomy of the heart. This requires high-quality intracardiac signals that can reveal subtle details and variations in the electrical activity of the heart.

The universal notch filter technology can enhance the quality and clarity of intracardiac signals by removing any fixed frequency interfering signal from an input signal without introducing artifacts that are not part of the original signal of interest. This can help physicians to better locate and eliminate the arrhythmogenic tissue and achieve more durable outcomes.

The universal notch filter technology can also facilitate the development and adoption of new technologies and techniques in electrophysiology, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, mapping systems, and novel ablation catheters. These technologies and techniques can leverage the high-fidelity intracardiac signals provided by the PURE EP™ System to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.

The universal notch filter technology is one of the 56 worldwide fundamental granted/allowed patents that BioSig Technologies holds in the field of digital signal processing. The company also has 11 pending U.S. patent applications, seven European/PCT applications, and 13 pending patent applications in Asia covering its advanced signal processing technology. The company is committed to developing technology that protects elaborate cardiac signals and furthers the field of electrophysiology.

FAQs about cardiac arrhythmias

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about cardiac arrhythmias and their answers:

1- What are the symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias?

Some common symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias include:
  1. Palpitations: a sensation of skipped heart beats, thumping, fluttering pulse, or “flip flops”
  2. Dizziness or light-headedness
  3. Fainting or a near-fainting/swooning sensation
  4. Chest discomfort or pain
  5. Difficulty breathing
  6. Weakness or tiredness
  7. Anxiety or nervousness
However, some people with cardiac arrhythmias may not have any symptoms at all.

2- What are the causes of cardiac arrhythmias?


Cardiac arrhythmias can be caused by various factors, such as:
  1. Heart disease or damage, such as coronary artery disease, heart valve disease, heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or congenital heart defects
  2. High blood pressure or cholesterol levels
  3. Diabetes or thyroid disorders
  4. Electrolyte imbalances or dehydration
  5. Smoking, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, or drug abuse
  6. Stress or emotional trauma
  7. Medications or supplements that affect the heart rhythm
  8. Genetic factors or family history of arrhythmias

2- How are cardiac arrhythmias diagnosed?

To diagnose a cardiac arrhythmia, the doctor will usually do a physical exam and ask questions about your medical history and symptoms. Tests may be done to confirm an irregular heartbeat and look for conditions that can cause arrhythmias, such as heart disease or thyroid disease. Tests to diagnose heart arrhythmias may include:
  1. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG): a test that records the electrical activity of the heart using sensors attached to the chest and sometimes to the arms or legs
  2. Holter monitor: a portable ECG device that can be worn for a day or more to record the heart's activity as you go about your routine
  3. Event recorder: a wearable ECG device that is used to detect sporadic arrhythmias; you press a button when symptoms occur
  4. Echocardiogram: a test that uses sound waves to produce images of the heart's size, structure and motion
  5. Implantable loop recorder: a device that may be implanted under the skin in the chest area to continually record the heart's electrical activity and detect irregular heart rhythms
  6. Stress test: a test that monitors the heart's activity while you exercise or take a drug that simulates exercise
  7. Tilt table test: a test that monitors your heart rate and blood pressure as you lie flat on a table and then tilt as if you were standing up
  8. Electrophysiological testing and mapping: a test that uses thin, flexible tubes (catheters) tipped with electrodes to map the spread of electrical impulses through the heart and stimulate the heart to beat at rates that may trigger or stop an arrhythmia

3- How are cardiac arrhythmias treated?


Treatment for cardiac arrhythmias may include medications, therapies such as vagal maneuvers, cardioversion, catheter procedures or heart surgery to control or eliminate fast, slow or irregular heartbeats. The treatment goals are to prevent blood clots from forming to reduce stroke risk, control your heart rate within a normal range, restore a normal heart rhythm if possible, treat any underlying heart condition that may be causing the arrhythmia, and reduce other risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Some examples of treatments for cardiac arrhythmias are:
  1. Antiarrhythmic drugs: medications that can help regulate the heartbeat by affecting the electrical signals in the heart
  2. Anticoagulants: medications that can prevent blood clots from forming and reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation (AFib)
  3. Beta blockers: medications that can slow down the heartbeat by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart
  4. Calcium channel blockers: medications that can relax the blood vessels and slow down the heartbeat by affecting calcium levels in the heart cells
  5. Vagal maneuvers: simple physical actions that can affect the vagus nerve and slow down some types of fast heartbeats; examples include coughing, bearing down as if you are having a bowel movement, putting an ice pack on your face, or dipping your face in cold water
  6. Cardioversion: a procedure that uses an electric shock or medication to restore a normal heart rhythm in people with certain types of fast or irregular heartbeats

3- How can cardiac arrhythmias be prevented?

Some cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented by adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle and managing the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Some of the preventive measures include:

  1. Eating a balanced diet that is low in salt, sodium, fat, and cholesterol, and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding obesity
  3. Exercising regularly and staying physically active
  4. Quitting smoking and avoiding exposure to secondhand smoke
  5. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding binge drinking
  6. Avoiding or reducing caffeine intake and other stimulants
  7. Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques
  8. Getting enough sleep and treating any sleep disorders such as sleep apnea
  9. Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels and taking medications as prescribed
  10. Following up with your doctor regularly and reporting any symptoms or changes in your condition
  11. Taking medications as prescribed for your arrhythmia or any underlying heart condition
  12. Avoiding or minimizing exposure to substances that can trigger or worsen arrhythmias, such as illegal drugs, certain medications, supplements, or herbal remedies

4- When should you see a doctor for cardiac arrhythmias?


You should see a doctor for cardiac arrhythmias if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

  1. Palpitations that are frequent, persistent, or bothersome
  2. Dizziness or light-headedness that occurs with or without palpitations
  3. Fainting or near-fainting episodes that occur with or without palpitations
  4. Chest pain or discomfort that occurs with or without palpitations
  5. Shortness of breath that occurs with or without palpitations
  6. Weakness or fatigue that occurs with or without palpitations
  7. Anxiety or nervousness that occurs with or without palpitations

You should seek emergency medical attention for cardiac arrhythmias if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

  1. Severe chest pain or discomfort that radiates to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or abdomen
  2. Difficulty breathing or gasping for air
  3. Loss of consciousness or unresponsiveness
  4. Sudden collapse or fall
  5. Severe sweating or clamminess
  6. Nausea or vomiting

These signs and symptoms may indicate a life-threatening condition such as a heart attack, cardiac arrest, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Prompt treatment can save your life and prevent permanent damage to your heart, brain, or other organs.


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