Atrial fibrillation detection using the ECG signal in the left in ear region: validation study on patients electively admitted for DC cardioversion

FUNDING ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: Type of funding sources: None. Early detection of atrial fibrillation is a major opportunity for mobile health, as portable devices nowadays available can detect multiple-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). The study aims to validate the in-ear region as a new anatomical site for ECG signal detection in patients (pts) affected by atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: We performed the ECG using KardiaMobile 6L device on 40 patients affected by AF and admitted to our hospital for elective electrical cardioversion. All the digital ECGs were detected in a modified modality or using the left in-ear region instead of the right hand. All the recorded ECGs were analyzed by the device and the results checked by two cardiologists. RESULTS: We successfully collected all 40 modified digital ECGs performed on the group of 40 pts: age 69.4 ± 9.4 years; male 28 (70)%; medium HR 95±25.4bpm; 26 (65%) affected by hypertension; 2 (5%) affected by diabetes mellitus; 37 (92,5%) in NOACs. In all cases, the KardiaMobile 6L automatic diagnosis of the ECG detected by this modified modality was correct in 100% of cases. CONCLUSION: The in-ear region could be a reliable novel anatomical site for ECG signal detection in patients affected by atrial fibrillation. These data could support the development of new portable mobile ECG devices using the left in ear region and so leaving at least one hand free. [Figure: see text]