

Every year, 30 million people in the U.S. are at risk for cardiac arrhythmias. Early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of arrhythmias are critical— and can prevent severe outcomes like stroke or death. Today, doctors still use Holter monitors to detect arrhythmias — wired, clunky devices introduced in the 1960’s worn for only 24-48 hours. Clinical studies have shown that longer monitoring times are needed to detect most clinical arrhythmias because some people could go days or weeks without an episode. For patients who need the right treatment right away, the difference between knowing and not knowing can be life-saving.
To create an effective long-term monitoring solution, adhesion and patient comfort are crucial. Holter monitors and other devices are cumbersome and require frequent adhesive changes. Enter iRhythm’s Zio® monitor to solve this unmet need in cardiac monitoring.
The next-generation Zio® monitor significantly improved its form factor to be 23% thinner, 62% lighter, and 72% smaller – making it the smallest long-term cardiac monitor on the market. This innovation is designed to enhance patient wearability by focusing on electronics miniaturization, efficient power use with a smaller battery, and an asymmetrical adhesive design for better skin adherence.
One of the unique design features compared with other wearables — is the introduction of a dermal adhesive structure that is asymmetric. One side is adhered upward while the other is adhered downward. This strategic thinking considered where gravitational forces would pull over time and where it was more powerful to put in adhesive capabilities and surface area.
Another pain-point the new device addressed is the challenge of moisture absorption with wearable adhesive-based devices in humid climates. Zio monitor introduced a unique set of perforations within its hydrocolloid adhesive to allow moisture to transpire. Moving that sweat away from the patient prevents the carboxymethyl cellulose in the adhesive from absorbing the moisture, which changes the geometry of the adhesive and how it adheres to the patient.
By incorporating features for potential connectivity and considering sustainability initiatives like reusable components, the Zio monitor is designed to adapt to future healthcare landscapes. This cutting-edge wearable technology sets a new standard for patient-centered care, offering a promising future for the early detection and management of heart arrhythmias.
Category:MedicalYear:2024Designers:iRhythm Design Team, iRhythm, San Francisco, California, USAManufacturer:iRhythm, San Francisco, California, USA