Innovative Integrated System for Post-Stroke Monitoring Developed by Lithuanian Researchers

A groundbreaking system designed for the integrated monitoring of post-stroke patients has been unveiled by researchers from Lithuania. Stroke continues to be a significant global health challenge, recognized as a leading cause of long-term disabilities. According to the World Health Organization, around 15 million individuals worldwide experience a stroke annually, resulting in approximately 5 million fatalities and another 5 million individuals suffering permanent disabilities.

Timeliness is critical when a stroke occurs; every minute is vital for preserving brain tissue. Following emergency treatment, ongoing monitoring becomes essential for patients embarking on a complex recovery journey. Experts emphasize that while immediate diagnosis is crucial, continuous post-stroke monitoring is equally vital since a patient's condition can deteriorate.

In response to this pressing need, Lithuanian scientists have developed an innovative system that simultaneously tracks heart activity, pulse propagation, physical movement, and variations in cerebral blood flow. This sophisticated technology generates synchronized signals to provide insights into stroke-related circulatory dynamics.

One of the standout features of this system is its capability to record multiple physiological signals concurrently, encapsulating the entire circulatory system's activity. Although the prediction of strokes remains a complex challenge, the integration of data concerning cardiac electrical activity, vascular biomechanics, and cerebral blood flow offers a comprehensive view of circulatory processes following a stroke.

The system employs an electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor cardiac activity, a photoplethysmogram (FPG) for assessing blood pulse propagation, and an inertial sensor to track physical movement. Additionally, changes in cerebral blood flow are evaluated through bioimpedance measurements. This multifaceted approach allows for a thorough assessment of a patient's condition during recovery.

Bioimpedance serves as a critical indicator of tissue resistance to electrical currents. The principle underlying this measurement is straightforward; more blood in the tissue corresponds to lower resistance, while less blood leads to higher resistance. This method of assessment allows the system to analyze blood flow distribution in the brain, which can be disrupted during a stroke.

Although the system is not yet capable of reliably predicting strokes, it plays a significant role in monitoring changes in patient conditions and identifying potential risks. Researchers acknowledge that while the device cannot currently detect recurrent strokes or other severe events, it holds significant potential for future applications.

This system has been designed for versatile use in various clinical settings, accommodating both short-term and long-term monitoring needs, particularly during rehabilitation. The primary components of the system--cardiovascular and cerebral bioimpedance monitoring--can operate independently, but their integration yields synchronized and comprehensive physiological data.

Data collected through the system is processed using a hybrid approach: certain analyses, such as derivative parameters derived from ECG and FPG, are conducted directly on the device, while more complex calculations, like the spatial distribution of bioimpedance across the scalp, are managed by an external computer or remote server.

This innovative technology is protected under a European patent, held jointly by Kaunas University of Technology, the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, and Gruppo Fos Lithuania. The researchers are optimistic that this advancement may not only enhance post-stroke monitoring but could also be beneficial in managing other neurological and cardiovascular conditions.