Plans for the next three years
As part of the project work, mgr inż. Maciej Ślot and Prof. Ilona Zasada plan to build prototypes of systems for detecting heart failure and will also develop the foundations for a new method of diagnosing reduced muscle tone, which may find application in paediatric rehabilitation.
What is so unique about the solution developed by researchers from the University of Lodz?
Microwave spectroscopy is a research method based on the analysis of the transmission and reflection of a microwave signal from a measured sample. It allows for non-invasive measurements of the tested object in a fraction of a second.
The method has found application in fields such as construction (measuring humidity in walls) or agriculture (controlling the freshness of fruit). However, for several years now, there have been reports in a few scientific publications related to attempts to use microwave spectroscopy in heart failure studies, and more precisely in assessing the amount of fluid accumulation in the alveoli.
Previous work on prototype solutions
The work carried out as part of the project "Badanie przenikalności dielektrycznej płynu przesiękowego" led to the design and construction of a prototype of a cardiology sensor operating on the basis of microwave spectroscopy. The result of the work is a system that is currently located at the Polish Mother's Health Center Institute in Łódź. A medical experiment was conducted using it on 154 patients, during which a correlation between increased absorption of microwave radiation and exacerbation of heart failure was confirmed. In connection with this, the device has already been patented in the Polish Patent Office under the number Pat. 24598. Further development work is currently being carried out to increase the accuracy and prepare the device for future medical certification.
Learn more directly from the lecture by mgr inż. Maciej Ślot
Radio and microwave waves have been present in technology for over 120 years. Currently, we are observing a dynamic development of radio and microwave technologies, which is reflected in the progress in the field of telecommunications, such as WiFi and 5G technologies. The aim of the lecture is to introduce the audience to the basics of radio techniques and to present research on a radio sensor for heart failure diagnostics, developed at the University of Lodz. We encourage you to watch the lecture, which will be an opportunity to expand your knowledge about the beginnings of research and modern solutions in this field.
Source: mgr inż. Maciej Ślot, Department of Solid State Physics, Faculty of Physics and Applied Informatics, University of Lodz
Edit: Michał Gruda (Centre for External Relations and Social Responsibility of the University, University of Lodz)