The people behind TeltoHeart Watch 1: M.D. Justinas Bacevi?ius

As we edge closer to the release of ground-breaking TeltoHeart Watch 1, we invite you to get to know the people at Teltonika Telemedic working on this significant project.

?In 2020, Teltonika Telemedic announced plans to design and manufacture the first-ever wearable device that would combine photoplethysmography(PPG)-based algorithm with a 6-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) and accurately detect atrial fibrillation. My Health application, which works with the smartwatch, is now undergoing medical certification procedures, as the release was estimated in the second part of 2022.

?One of the key people undertaking the development of the ECG and PPG algorithms is a clinical researcher and medical doctor Justinas Bacevi?ius. Being a cardiologist-electrophysiologist at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics, he performs modern interventional catheter ablation procedures for patients with arrhythmias to help them to return to ordinary life in a few days.

“Since I started my career as a cardiologist-electrophysiologist, I‘ve become very interested in the progressive technologies of wearable devices. It got my interest, as I was looking for a convenient and reliable device to help with the diagnostic procedures of my patients. Soon my interest transformed into scientific projects and PhD studies, while I also found like-minded colleagues. That‘s how the multidisciplinary scientific team of doctors and researchers (from Vilnius University and Kaunas University of Technology), focused on technology adoption in medicine, was born“, - says J. Bacevi?ius.

The young scientist was the first to come up with the idea of recording 6-lead ECG from wireless smartwatch electrodes. What followed later is a collective work with KTU researchers in designing and patenting a prototypical smartwatch. As Justinas explains, “the discovery was a highly-accurate detection of atrial fibrillation in transient recordings. In comparison with a common method of 1-lead ECG recording, 6-lead ECG is a significant diagnostical advantage. After such a result, naturally, next steps would be the commercialization of a smartwatch working with such algorithm and making it available to the society”.

The creative work in developing a smartwatch involves technological engineers, programmers, medical scientists and marketing representatives. Justinas, in his own words, executes the role of a switch to make medicine and technologies work together.

“In the team responsible for medical certification I am now in charge of detailed documentation as an expert of clinical evaluation. I use my knowledge gained in the process of developing technologies, clinical cardiology and general medical competencies to solve complex issues that require wider expertise to link the technology and medicine. To simply put, I have been involved in the process since the creation of an idea to the certification and final design of the product”, - says Justinas.

?The researcher admits he feels special being part of the team creating a one-of-a-kind medical product: “It brings a lot of inspiration. I believe in the aims I’ve set up for myself, and I feel satisfied and appreciate the trusting culture in our team. Most importantly, I feel motivated to fulfil the vision to the fullest – a truly exceptional product that would help an everyday person”.

Stay with us and hear first-hand information about the development of TeltoHeart Watch 1 project!

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