Newly developed magnetocardiographic system for diagnosing heart disease

Overview: An innovative system based on SQUIDs (superconducting quantum interference devices) for multi-point measurement of ultra-weak magnetic fields emitted from the heart (magnetocardiograph) has been developed, which permits the measurement of cardio magnetic fields across a wide age spectrum from fetus to mature adult. A range of different techniques for mapping the cardio magnetic fields permits noninvasive visualization of electrophysiological activity in the heart and direct readouts with little or no experience. In conjunction with clinical research, these new analytical methods also lay the groundwork for an array of analytical tools that can be used to support the diagnosis of arrhythmia, ischemic heart disease, and other heart disease. It is widely anticipated that these technologies developed by Hitachi, Ltd. will open the way to a range of powerful diagnostic techniques that can be applied easily, quickly and accurately to anyone for the early detection and assessment of a wide range of abnormal heart conditions and diseases.