In the not too distant future, keeping an eye on the health of your heart may be as easy as driving through a tollbooth, according to cardiologists. Researchers are currently testing a microchip that can be implanted into the wall of blood vessels were it can determines the blood pressure within the heart or major arteries. The chip, which was originally designed to be used in jet engines, uses microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, which is similar to that used in electronic toll-collection systems on highways. It is thought that the chip will be of great benefit to patients with aneurysms or congestive heart failure, where monitoring blood pressure is vital. Dr. Barry Katzen, medical director of the Miami Cardiac and Vascular Institute, described the chip as, “an early warning system in patients we know have significant problems.” Human trials of the chip are set to begin early this year.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by www.ABCNEWS.com on the 24th January 2002
